There’s no way around it – doing your research on candidates, especially the lesser-known local ones, takes time. Many of us simply don’t have the time to allocate to the effort, and yet…the decision on who to vote for is a crucial one. As we found out the hard way in Williamson County, the leaders who hold local office impact our lives in far more myriad ways than those sitting in Washington DC.
Truly, there is no better way to get to know the candidates than to watch them answer questions in real-time and under a little bit of pressure – in other words, a debate! In Williamson County, we use “forums,” which is a little gentler, but no less effective, medium.
The Williamson County Republican Party hosted a Franklin Board of Mayor and Alderman (BOMA – think city council if you’re not from around here) Forum on September 21st. It lasted two hours, and for those candidates that attended (incumbents Ken Moore and Brandy Blanton skipped), it really told the average voter all he or she needed to know. But I also understand the challenge of carving out 2 hours to do so. In that case, we can help with that, too. What you’ll find below is a summary and side-by-side comparisons of what was said that Thursday night.
Watch the forum here: https://youtu.be/Navhqh0651I?si=biRotYkMQAFArWga
The Candidates:
Mayor of Franklin:
Gabrielle Hanson – Present
Ken Moore (16 year Incumbent) – Absent
Alderman-At-Large A
Incumbent Clyde Barnhill is uncontested – thus absent.
Alderman-At-Large B:
Gary Moore – Present
Brandy Blanton (12 year Incumbent) – Absent
Alderman-At-Large C:
Patrick George – Present
B.K. Muvvala – Present
Greg Caesar – Present
Alderman-At-Large D:
Jeff Feldman – Present
Ann Petersen (30 year Incumbent) – Present
WCRP Chairman Tracy Miller opened the debate with a heartfelt introduction, saying that this forum is not only a chance for the voters to get to know what’s on the hearts of the candidates, but what is said is also a contract of sorts with the voters. In other words, no “campaign promises,” but real promises. It was also refreshing to hear the WCRP speak of partnering with grassroots conservative groups such as Tennessee Stands, Moms for Liberty, and yes, Williamson Families. At last, we are united! Right? Well, not quite, according to Candidate Greg Caesar…
I reviewed the livestream multiple times in order to summarize answers to put into side-by-side comparisons for the candidates, according to the office they’re competing for. Two hours is a lot of talking! So instead of writing my conclusions at the end of the blog (where only a few might read it – though I hope all do!), I will write them here.
Gabrielle Hanson answered the questions well, and in some cases, clearly with her heart. She loves Franklin and truly believes she is fighting for its future. Her knowledge on the issues was excellent.
Gary Moore kept the audience laughing to the point that people started to look forward to his one minute for whatever one-liner he was going to say next. His knowledge on the issues was good, considering he has not held public office before. He’s very big on Franklin water usage and infrastructure. He’s also unapologetically Christian and stands against the cultural agendas descending upon Franklin.
Patrick George was a little stiff, but completely understandable if this is his first debate (and it was). Sometimes he was very articulate, and other times a little clunky. He repeatedly stated his Christian worldview, his experience as a businessman, and his passion for being a husband and father. His knowledge of the issues was good, considering he has not held public office before.
Jeff Feldman was at some points, a little too relaxed. He definitely tripped up by getting ahead of himself and misspeaking a few times, but that is to be expected of a new, unpolished citizen candidate. He drew upon his experiences with city councils in other states, his experience as an entrepreneur, and his faith in Jesus.
B.K. (Bhavani) Muvvala, was delightful. He was very endearing as he referred to his “Franklin family,” and spoke of liberty, freedom, fiscal responsibility, and community decency. Williamson Families might have done him a disservice by not engaging with him more than from afar. However, we assessed early on Patrick George to be the stronger candidate, and focused our efforts there. That said, we will be reaching out to B.K. for future efforts, as much of what he said was in lockstep with our values.
Ann Petersen “does her homework.” She wants you to know that, as she said it multiple times: “I read my emails, and this former teacher does her homework.” It just didn’t seem very convincing. Reading emails is one thing – what about responding? She seemed very stiff. While she did vote against the Middle 8, despite taking developer money for her campaign, she seems tone deaf on every other conservative issue, including mask mandates and sexual themed events on city property. From a packed audience of generally cheerful people, there of her answers received ZERO audience applause (you could hear a pin drop). That means tone deaf.
Greg Caesar… the wolf in sheep’s clothing. With a voice meant for radio, he loves to take swipes at conservatives. He used his opening statement to take a swing at Williamson Families, accusing us of announcing our endorsements without vetting him (more on that below**). He took a swipe at Gabrielle Hanson for not having her whole life on the internet (I think it actually is, along with a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with her life). He took a swing at the WCRP for being divided (more on that in a moment, too*). And then he used his closing statements to swipe once again at conservative groups for being “divisive.” In the same breath, he said this position was nonpartisan and that he would straddle both Democrat/Republican and Left/Right agendas.
Folks, that whole “this position is nonpartisan” line went out the window years ago when we discovered our “nonpartisan” school boards forcing leftist agendas down our children’s throats. And that, boys and girls, is why school board races are now partisan. Believing that line about “we all need to just stand in the middle” is how we all got sleepy and permitted our country to be hijacked by the radical left. Now we must stand in the gap. And we need leaders who will stand with us and for us.
A few other notes about Caesar that came out in the Lightning Rounds: he has taken developer money, he would vote for the Middle 8, and he will vote for more Pride Festivals in Franklin. Under Greg Caesar, you can bet on that Pride Parade rounding the traffic circle and coming down Main Street. Pride has already coopted our Christmas Parade.
*To follow up on my note about division in the county Republican Party. Well, as you know (or maybe you didn’t) actual conservative Republicans had about enough of the RINO leadership of the WCRP and voted out the entire board last April. The new board, calling themselves the Vision 2023 Slate, is friendly to grassroots conservatives and seeks to bring them into the fold, rather than alienate as “not one of us.” The vote totals weren’t even close – the conservative candidates swept the RINOs by nearly 2 to 1 in a massive referendum on where Williamson County truly stands on these issues. (Now, imagine if we could actually close the primaries).
Following the turnover, a small pocket of the “Establishment Elite” who voted for the old board splintered off and formed their own group under the TN Faith and Freedom Coalition (https://tnffcoalition.com) chaired by another angry RINO named Aaron Spradlin (why are they all so angry all the time?). Their website sounds nice and conservative enough, but then again, so did Jack Johnson’s mailers. While the current WCRP holds their well-attended monthly Mix-and-Mingles at different locations around the county, the Establishment (rebranded as the TNFFC) continues to meet in their little corner at the Cool Springs Marriott. WCRP leadership tries repeatedly to bring them into the fold, but they repeatedly refuse and want nothing to do with actual conservatives (“the unwashed masses.”)
Bet you twenty bucks Greg Caesar has been hanging out at the Marriott, because he sure hasn’t been seen at WCRP mixers. Keep all this in mind when he takes angry swipes at the WCRP and grassroots conservatives for being “divisive.” Hello, Pot… Kettle Calling.
Of all the candidates present, Greg Caesar is probably the most dangerous one. Literally the wolf in conservative clothing with a smooth voice meant to lull you to applause. Incidentally, there were several of his answers that did not receive the applause he thought he deserved and his last statement of the entire forum was “If that doesn’t get you to clap, I don’t know what will.” The forum audience saw right through the smooth voice and the plastered smile, and that’s great. But what about the thousands that weren’t there and won’t watch it before heading to the polls? That is cause for concern indeed.
Folks, you have to look under the hood before you buy the car. Greg Caesar may be sleek and shiny, but he’s not traveling conservative roads.
**One more aside… As I was exiting the forum, I could not avoid passing by Mr. Caesar in relatively close proximity, close enough for me to hear him giving someone a sob story about his lack of Williamson Families endorsement. It seemed like the appointed time to set the record straight. So I stopped and held out my hand, “Hi I’m Robin Steenman, chair of Williamson Families.” He shook it. I continued, with a smile, of course: “You were vetted. We didn’t overlook you. Our vetters were present at some of your early events, heard your platform, and no further research was necessary. So you were absolutely vetted.” He was somewhat flummoxed by my direct approach with a smile and replied, “Well, uh, thanks for vetting me.”
Anytime. That’s our job.
So without further ado, the side-by-side comparisons of candidate answers:
OPENING INTRODUCTIONS (1:00):
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
“I’m Gary Moore not Ken Moore” (audience laughs). From College Grove. 1974 graduate from College Grove HS. Grew up on a farm as a sharecropper on Cox Road. Grew tobacco corn, wheat, soy, cattle and hogs. Went on to get a degree and worked for USDA. Then went to work protecting farms. Then TN Dept of Ag as a plant inspectore. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Devoted Christian, married 18 years, father to 1, chaplain, businessman, constitutional conservative. 25 years in executive leadership. Lead successful IPO in 2012 and lead personally for his people to thrive in their own lives. Biblical worldview. | Lived in franklin since 2007. Husband, father to 4. Angry at Williamson Families for not endorsing him (more on this below). Lifelong Republican who has lived here for 16 years. | B.K. is short for Bhavani. Married 32 years with two sons. Entrepreneur and businessman who has lived in different countries the world. Wants to work for the people of franklin who is his family. He wants to give a good working place, safe neighborhoods, parks and recreation, individual liberty, protection, fiscal responsibility and decency code. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Born and raised in Chicago. Moved around the country to achieve dreams – lived in Las Vegas, Beerly Hills and Laguna Beach. Moved here for freedom and Jesus. He’s 51, is married to wife Natalie. Cancer survivor, overcomer of speech problem. Wants to give Franklin residents their voice back. | Alderman-At-Large for 16 years. Taught Math at Columbia State Community College, and on the planning commission before that. The main thing she wants to say is that she as a Former school teacher, does her homework, by reading her materials. Says she is the “citizens voice.” |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
She’s been an Alderman-At-Large for 2 years. Daughter Ashton, Husband Tom. Spoke of protecting traditional values in Franklin. Keep city family friendly. | Absent. |
QUESTION 1: What differentiates you from your opponent? (1:00)
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Thanks Blanton for her service, but disagrees with her. The gist being Pride permits, that we do not need in Franklin. The Middle 8 Development was rushed along and he is not in favor of that. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Lead global and domestica organizations for 25 years. Also owned small businesses. Understands that decisions affect not only the company, but the families of those employed by it. Servant Leader with Biblical Worldview. | I have been here since 2016. I understand the heart of franklin. Invest myself in church former member of parish pastoral council. Citizens Leadership Academy, Franklin citizens government academy, board member of zoning appeals commission, active member of Brett Weir foundation, “My Friends House”. I am balanced in our community with activity and involvement. | My opponents are my friends. I have run twice before. I have been on nonprofit boards, president of nonprofit organizations, financial committee for church, volunteering across the city, county and area. I am with Franklin citizens at grassroots level. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Has a wider breadth of experience and fresh approach to bring to Franklin after serving on city councils and committees in other cities. Has been a part of myriad different companies, built and sold companies, fresh perspective. | People know me. They have seen me. They see how much I “study my materials.” |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Will represent the voice of average citizens who are not part of the good-old-boys club. Fiercely protective of traditional values and family friendly environment and will do anything to protect that. | Absent. |
QUESTION 2: What new ideas do you have to save taxpayer dollars? (1:00)
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Look at the plans for the new city hall, possibly moving it to Columbia Pike near jail. Reopen the mall and incentivize small businesses to move back to downtown. Reexamine city hall, cut the pork. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C: Not asked this question.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Put City Hall next to police department, as is common in other cities. Increasing revenue through tourist taxes if we use the current city space for small businesses, restaurants, etc. | The largest revenue maker in city budget is sales tax. “WE have so much sales tax coming in.” from residents and tourists and locals outside city. We have lowest property tax rate bc of our sales tax. (Did not answer the question with any new ideas) |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Will represent the voice of average citizens who are not part of the good-old-boys club. Fiercely protective of traditional values and family friendly environment and will do anything to protect that. | Absent. |
QUESTION 3: What are your alternative ideas if the new city hall doesn’t go forward? (1:00)
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B: Not asked this question.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C:
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
$100M city call costs every citizen (man, woman, and child) 1250. Current proposal is absurd. Alternative: do more homework on this issue. Build on Columbia next to police station and start building up Columbia pike. | Ran for alderman before and this was an issue in the past. Maybe we should have people work from home. | We could rent space and save the money, we could build next to police department. Believes strongly we need a new city hall. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D:
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Put City Hall next to police department, as is common in other cities. Increasing revenue through tourist taxes if we use the current city space for small businesses, restaurants, etc. | The largest revenue maker in city budget is sales tax. “WE have so much sales tax coming in.” from residents and tourists and locals outside city. We have lowest property tax rate bc of our sales tax. (Did not answer the question with any new ideas) |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN: Not asked this question.
QUESTION 4: Is it fair for one business to receive a tax abatement and not another? (implied reference In-N-Out burger tax deal)
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B: not asked this question
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Franklin’s a great place to live. We don’t need to rollout the red carpet for corporations and then foot the bill. I would rather invest in small businesses that shape and form our downtown. | We need diversity in our community. People that aren’t only the top 1% that can afford the million-dollar home. While I don’t support using city taxpayer dollars, it doesn’t mean I don’t support finding ways to provide housing. | Very unfair to give to one business and not give it to another. Government should not play any role in giving tax exemptions to businesses. If they want to come to Franklin, they will come. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D: Not asked this question.
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Many businesses came here after 2020. I love having businesses relocate here, but incentives need to be a public decision, made by citizens. No more back door deals, no more quiet programs dropped in Alderman’s laps at last minute to say yes. | Absent. |
QUESTION 5: Where could the city use more transparency.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
The urban growth boundary. We see Franklin city limits seeping out into the county. We need to figure out infrastructure, cable water gase electric internet before we expand city limits. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
In business, when we want to attract high-performing talent, we interview applicants to find best one. That’s not currently happening, and we are attracting unqualified applicants to step into roles for zoning and planning, which is crazy. Involve entire board in the selection of committees. | Government required to notify populace. It’s on the people in this room. People should attend these meetings and participate more. Allow committees to be nominated by someone other than mayor. Vet people differently Takes a tongue-in-cheek swipe at Gabrielle Hanson for not having her whole life on the internet. Encourages people to look him up and vote for him because his whole life is there. | Appointments to committee. Applied to committee in the past, was interviewed by mayor, and then nothing. No communication, no feedback. Upon follow-up, was told the position was filled. Lack of information and transparency points to favoritism. It’s not right, whatever is happening. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
In other cities, you applied to committee seats, interviewed with city council members, presented at city meetings. Big ticket items such as city hall should be voted on by the citizens via referendum. | People can apply to any committee. We have public meetings…work session, BOMA meetings, committee meetings… all online. I do not feel that there is not already a great deal of transparency. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Appointemnts to committees. Let the public know who’s applied, see the application. | Absent. |
QUESTION: Do you support spending city taxpayer funds on affordable housing?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
No. I grew up in a 12×50 trailer on cox road and five of us lived there. But that’s what we could afford. We must learn to live at or below our means. People don’t need half million or million dollar homes. Let’s work with contractors and builders and discuss. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
No. The catchy slogan is “providing for service industry,” but it’s not the city’s responsibility to subsidize housing. It’s private enterprise. Franklin is a tough market and have to be realistic about that. Other entities such as housing authority and [federal] government aid should be involved in that. | No. Leverage local nonprofits. I don’t get applause for giving time back? | No, government shouldn’t spend taxpayer dollars on affordable housing. Could consider incentives of some sort. But city of Franklin has Franklin Housing Authority. Incetnives come from federal dollars and not taxpayer dollars. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
No. city has no right to interfere in free market, and it’s actually illegal. The buzzqord “affordable housing” for firefighters, police officers, etc. Most do not want to live in the city they serve. People should live below and not above their means. | Franklin Housing Authority has built nice, affordable housing across from public library. Other nonprofits also working with people to build/buy homes. But FHA gets federal money and is the biggest. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Not for Section 8 or Subsidized housing, but could support incentives or gap coverage. Hill Haven or the Hills… 32 homes for people who can’t quite get there. Ok with subsidizing those in order to change 32 families through deed-restricted homes thorough community housing and other charitable organizations. | Absent. |
QUESTION: WHAT AREA OF CURRENT BUDGET NEED CUTTING AND WHY?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Wants across the board 3% reduction in spending due to inflationary concerns and global instability. Our budget has gone up from 52 million with 66,000 people in 2012 to 200 million with 88,000 people currently. Costs have gone up nearly 3x on an expense basis per person. | Absent. |
QUESTION: In what condition would a mask or vaccine mandate be constitutional under the TN or US constitutions?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
I’m not going to wear a mask anymore and I don’t expect you to if you don’t want to. The masks do not work. It should be a choice. We cannot go through another round of shutting down businesses and schools. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
It’s not constitutional at all. “Safety and protection” do not supersede individual liberties. “If we get fooled again on this issue, that is a big problem…We can use our common sense to stand up and say ‘No More.’” | It comes to “what do the people want?” I can decide for me and my family whether or not to wear a mask. (No comment on constitutionality of mandates.) | It is not the government’s choice to mandate mask or vaccine. It is up the individual. It is a matter of liberty and choice of the individual. You should also be cautious in group settings in public. Do not use your freedom and liberty to negatively impact someone else. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
I did not participate in the plandemic, and I will not participate in a future plandemic and I don’t expect you to, either. Seeing people still wearing masks despite the evidence that they do not work is a mental health issue. | “Well I don’t know that I would say that uh mask of our mandate would be uh, needed in a way…” (what?? No idea, folks). She then went on to rant about unmasked people at a state dinner that she blames for giving her COVID. …”So I’m just saying, think about not only yourself, but the people around you.” {Audience silence. You could have heard a pin drop. } “Oh I wouldn’t say that there needed to be a mandate, no….but I’m just saying though that that happened to me…” {Again, total silence. No applause.} |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Mask mandates and vaccine mandates are not constitutional on any level. Those decisions are up to you and your family. There will be no businesses closed, no mandates, we will not comply with any of these government orders or Agenda 2030 policies meant to restrain our decisions. | Absent. |
(MODERATOR SKIPPED QUESTIONS 11 & 12)
QUESTION 13: Many during the pandemic were forced to accept a course of treatment or lose their jobs. How would you respond with regards to city employees?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B – Not asked this question
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
I am a Christian and I don’t walk in fear. Can’t believe that this topic is coming up again. Would not support any type of pressuring to city employees. Further, we should stand up and say no more. | Not asked this question. | Neither city nor federal government can require that. Not aware that happened in franklin. It is individual choice, freedom, liberty. It is none of the government’s business. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Hard no. It’s a personal decision. If people were fired or forced to quit, we should consider some kind of retroactive action for lost pay or a bonus. | I don’t remember about people required to be treated or lose their job. I know they were not able to come to work, but I don’t know that people were fired. So I don’t know that that happened before.” {No audience applause whatsoever.} |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
I would rather lose federal funding than force my employees into doing something they don’t believe in. | Absent. |
QUESTION 14: (Ann and Jeff only) Do you support changing municipal code so that all city committee members are residents of Franklin?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B: Not asked this question.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C: Not asked this question.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D:
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
You should absolutely be a resident of Franklin in order to sit in a position of leadership. (This is currently happening on the Battlefield Commission and defended by current Mayor – more to follow on this in separate article) | Not aware this is happening. Expects that committee members are citizens of Franklin. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN: Not asked this question
QUESTION 15: When running against an incumbent, you are facing an uphill battle. Name two things that inspired you to take on this challenge.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Permits come and go, and we are too lax with our permits. One being that the citizens of this town spoke quite frankly one night about the LGBTQ-EVIL, and it needed to be voted out. It wasn’t. We need to get these permits under control. Middle 8 is another one. Brandy Blanton said she would vote against it, but then turned and voted for it. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C: Not asked this question.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
When I moved here, I met with the mayor, city manager, and a lot of the Alderman. I found that the city was not exactly what I though tI was moving to. I attended some BOMA meetings and saw that not everyone’s voices were being considered. Leaders were making personal decisions, which is wrong. Leaders are the voice of the people and their personal beliefs should not factor into it. | Every BOMA meeting, they are required to have public comment. We often do get a great deal of comments. Not sure what he means about not everyone’s voice being heard. Cites Middle 8 project that she voted against. Just because a lot of people are talking does not mean it is the right thing to do. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Blatant disregard for citizens’ wishes and desires. Saw so many voices ignored because they weren’t part of the Franklin elite. Wants everybody to have a voice. | Absent. |
QUESTION 16: Name two campaign promises you are making to this audience today.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
#1, I will not vote for a Pride Fest permit. If we don’t defeat future permits, we will see a Pride Parade on Main Street. #2, Water – become a huge issue and vows to address it. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
#1, Safeguard our children. Cites Pride Event. #2, Remember what we stand for. Stand for our children, and their children. | #1, Protect constitutional rights. #2, Work to rebuild our divided city. Goes on a rant about divided nation, city and Party. Note: He just took a swipe at the WCRP for being divided. | #1, Need to have a vibrant and growing city so we all can live happily. #2, Individual freedom and liberty. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
#1, Will care about what you have to say. #2, Be very careful steward of taxpayer money. #3, No more festivals that are sexual in nature on city grounds. I don’t want to live in West Hollywood, and I can promise none of you do, too. | #1, I promise to read my materials and do my homework, because that is what I do. #2, Make good decisions for all the people in this city. {Maybe one person clapped?} |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
#1, Will open city hall for an afternoon once per month for Q&A with no gavel, no time limits, snacks and drinks. #2, Fiercely protect Franklin against any national or global agendas that destroy our traditional values. | Absent. |
QUESTION 17: How do you plan on communicating to your constituents on a regular basis?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
I have been door knocking. (see Gary’s One-Liners!). Not big on social media. He prefers conversation. Would like to form committees of community members. Wants people to call him. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
By being out in the community and not hiding in an office. Hold town halls. | Cites Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart. The key is walking around, being involved in community. | I would like to be like Brandy Blanton. She seems to know everyone’s names, their families, etc. Trying to say that one-on-one interaction matters. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Only 10% engagement on social media. There’s a lot of ways to get in touch. I like Town Halls. I’m available any time, happy to meet. Asks that people get in touch when they have a concern or a problem. | People email me, and I read all of them, but I don’t always respond. With 80K in this town, you’re not going to know everyone. I read all the emails. I like to go to events to meet people – like tonight. (Answer seemed very tone deaf and there was no applause at all) |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
This is not a fiefdom. The doors are open, come on in. Offer free food and people will come and engage. Phone call system, Texting system, Email system. Get more people engaged and involved. | Absent. |
QUESTION 18: What is your position on Hand-Marked Paper Ballots (HMPB) vs. Ballot-Marking Devices (BMDs)?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
(See Gary’s one-liners). Let’s go back to hand ballots and be done with it. Can also have an electronic ballot simultaneously and prove or disprove efficacy. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Not asked this question. | I have faith in our electoral process. If HMPB will get more people to vote, then do it, but doesn’t think that will solve anything. We can offer options to voters. | Not asked this question. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D: Not asked this question
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Two years ago, I experienced the “Tennessee Error” which has been as case history in Georgia and Arizona. Prefer less expensive and more accurate HMPB. | Absent. |
QUESTION 19: Would you be willing to support the City of Franklin assisting the county with the educational impact fees due to the excess growth in Franklin?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Not asked this question.. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
I have a daughter and we looked at the public school system. It’s easy to say we have a great school system and everything, but it’s not. Doesn’t think Franklin should pour more money into that, but should save money. City ultimately doesn’t have anything to do with the county schools. | Not asked this question. | Not asked this question. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
City has no input on schools here. As far as assisting the county, I would say no. I know a lot of people that are very upset with the school system here. We could ask Pfizer if they would be willing to cover some of the impact fees on schools. Maybe we can expand corporate sponsorship of our schools. (Note: this a tongue-in-cheek reference to the James O’Keefe video earlier in the week that exposed Pfizer’s presence on the Williamson County School Board, and earned raucous laughter from the audience). | City of Franklin has nothing to do with either WCS or FSSD. City has no connection to schools in that sense. There was a past referendum on adding sales tax to give to Williamson County Schools. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Not asked this question. | Absent. |
QUESTION 20: Where do our rights and freedoms come from?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
We all have fathers. We also have a heavenly father. When you take our heavenly father and mix Him with our forefathers that founded our country, we have perfection. Christian civic duty is what this is all about. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
God. | As a practicing Catholic, which is a Christian, (nobody laughed) I believe that my rights come from my God, but also tells me to obey the laws and rules of elected officials. Proud to pray for them. Founders put into framing documents to protect from religious oppression. (Note: this was strange…and strangely received. What kind of religious oppression, exactly?) | The Constitution. God gives you the right to live on the earth. Lawful rights come from the constitution. Balance rights/freedoms. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
God. Our forefathers also wrote the constitution that has protections for us here on earth. 2nd amendment protects all the other amendments. | Says she joined Franklin Presbyterian Church when she moved here – members there. Rights and Freedoms come from the constitution. (No applause whatsoever) |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Our Creator God. | Absent. |
LIGHTNING ROUND – YES OR NO ANSWERS.
LIGHTNING QUESTION 1: Do you support term limits for Franklin BOMA?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
YES | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
YES | NO | NO |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
YES | NO |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
YES | Absent. |
FOLLOW UP: If you said Yes, how many years?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
8 years, skip a term and can run again | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
8 years | N/A | N/A |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
8 years, skip a term and run again. Two terms MAX. | N/A. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Two terms, with two terms off and ability to run again. | Absent. |
LIGHTNING QUESTION 2: Have you ever run your own business?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
YES | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
YES | YES | YES |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
YES | NO |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
YES | Absent. |
LIGHTNING QUESTION 3: Will you accept or have you accepted any contributions from builders or developers that stand to make financial gain?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
NO | YES | NO |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
NO | YES |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
LIGHTNING QUESTION 4: Would you have voted for the Middle 8 Project?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
NO | YES (seemed irritated at the question) | NO |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
NO | NO |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
LIGHTNING QUESTION 5: Would you have voted yes or no on the Franklin Pride Event?
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
NO | YES | NO |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
NO | YES |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
NO | Absent. |
LIGHTNING QUESTION 6: Provide a one-word answer that defines your campaign.
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Christian | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Devoted | Involved | Leadership |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
Truth | Hard Work |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
Fresh | Absent. |
CLOSING STATEMENTS:
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE B
Gary Moore | Brandy Blanton (Incumbent) |
Do not let this election be about 500-1000 votes, win or lose. Let’s see thousands of votes: 15-20-25k votes. Please go vote and bring people with you. | Absent. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE C
Patrick George | Greg Caesar | BK Muvvala |
Imagine Franklin as a “15 minute city” – a city not for the people, but for the government. A city so far pushed down the road by special interests that it’s unrecognizable. Have to draw a line in the sand for the preservation of our community and identity. Realities of how to safeguard our children, support small businesses on Main St, Infrastructure, cultural issues that drain our community morally and physically. | All of our community needs to be represented. I speak to lots of people. Traffic is a problem in our city, and we need to fix it. Requires engaging with the state. This is a nonpartisan position, and he’ll straddle democrat/republican, left/right. We can’t continue down this path of division – takes another swipe at conservative Republicans. Makes a veiled reference to stripping Franklin Pride of their “constitutional rights.” Apologizes for his “passion” (i.e. temper) on the matter. {tepid audience response}. “If you don’t clap for that, I don’t know what to do.” (did he really just say that?) | I want to work with my Franklin Family. Work opportunities, growth, progress, safe neighborhoods, parks, individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, decency codes. Would like to work with builders to not spend taxpayer dollars, and to maintain fabric and culture of Franklin. Wants to maintain decency in the public and the schools, and to also respect everyone’s freedom. Remediate flood issues. Support affordable housing without using taxpayer money. |
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE D
Jeff Feldman | Ann Petersen (Incumbent) |
The reason why I decided to run is that I really don’t agree with or like the direction that the city is headed. The whole country and our city is headed down a path that most of us don’t agree with. We need a fresh approach, new ideas, transparency, honesty, need to end the “small town feeling,” (Note: I believe he misspoke and the comment was more directed to the “good old boy” network, as evidenced with further comments and past comments) the city making [bad] decisions that impact everyone. Feel called to stand up. I offer truth, integrity, and their voice back. | Thank you for the chance to meet people and to ask for your vote. This election is going to mean a lot to the city. Going to keep working for citizens of Franklin. I believe in spending money responsibly. More people need to vote. |
MAYOR OF FRANKLIN
Gabrielle Hanson | Ken Moore (Incumbent) |
This is one of the most pivotal elections Franklin has ever scene. It’s the largest battle since the Battle of Franklin. We are facing spiritual warfare. We cannot go another 4 years on the current trajectory. | Absent. |
We at Williamson Families spend hundreds of hours vetting candidates. We do this in service to our community, investing our time to truly get to know the candidates so that when we endorse a candidate, you know we’ve done our due diligence. Note: you can expect our endorsements to often go “against the grain” of the local mainstream media, and you should take heart in that. Realize that if the Williamson Herald and hatchet-man Phil Williams embraced all of our candidates, then we would, by definition, be the establishment. And look how well that’s been working for our community over the last ten years.
The work we put into our vetting process and resulting endorsements are done out of love, patriotism, and stewardship for Williamson County.
Vote your values, not the headlines.