Franklin Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Paul E.
Kaplan
Paul E. Kaplan, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Franklin in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Linwood W. Johnson.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Linwood W. Johnson
- 02Paul E. KaplanYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Mayor of Franklin, with a 37-year career as a local police officer and deputy sheriff.
On the record: Paul E. Kaplan
11 sourced01Schools1 sourced position
Named improving the school system as the city's top priority, calling it fundamental to attracting residents and businesses.
Promoting and improving our school system, which is fundamental to bringing new residents and businesses.”
Own statementThe Tidewater News · Oct 20, 2026Link
02Health care1 sourced position
Said he would work to keep the city's hospital, or ensure high-quality medical service if it closed.
I will work diligently to keep our hospital or make sure we have a high-quality medical service if the hospital were to close, which we hope never happens.”
Own statementThe Tidewater News · Oct 20, 2026Link
03Utilities Advisory Board1 sourced position
As reported by The Tidewater News
Said Utilities Advisory Board members should be utility customers who also have some knowledge of the subject.
I think we’ll be able to find people in every ward that meet those two categories — being a customer and having some knowledge”
Own statementThe Tidewater News · Jul 24, 2026Link
04City manager hiring4 sourced positions
Voted yes on a motion to accept Brian Thrower's signed contract as city manager (failed 3-4, February 2026).
Council voteFranklin City Council special called meeting minutes, February 4, 2026 · Feb 4, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Voted yes on asking former City Manager Rosylen Oglesby whether she would return to the job (passed 6-1, February 2026).
Council voteFranklin City Council special called meeting minutes, February 4, 2026 · Feb 4, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Voted no on a motion to discuss hiring procedures for city manager and city attorney before hiring (failed 2-5, January 2026).
Council voteFranklin City Council minutes, January 28, 2026 · Jan 28, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Said the council set its hiring procedure when it hired The Berkley Group to vet, pre-interview and check backgrounds of city manager candidates.
Own statementFranklin City Council minutes, January 28, 2026 · Jan 28, 2026Link
05School funding1 sourced position
Voted yes on a budget amendment appropriating about $421,000 in added grant funding for Franklin City Public Schools (passed 6-1, February 2026).
Council voteFranklin City Council minutes, February 23, 2026 · Feb 23, 2026LinkHow the council voted
06Taxes1 sourced position
Voted yes on raising the city meals and beverage tax to 8% (passed 5-0, June 2025; two members absent).
Council voteFranklin City Council minutes, June 9, 2025 · Jun 9, 2025LinkHow the council voted
07Utility rates1 sourced position
Voted yes on an ordinance to increase rates and fees for city electric service (passed 5-0, June 2025; two members absent).
Council voteFranklin City Council minutes, June 9, 2025 · Jun 9, 2025LinkHow the council voted
08City budget1 sourced position
Voted yes on appropriating $90,575,442 for city government in fiscal year 2026 (passed 5-0, June 2025; two members absent).
Council voteFranklin City Council minutes, June 9, 2025 · Jun 9, 2025LinkHow the council voted
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Paul E. Kaplan: their words and their votes on the same issue
Hiring process
In their words
Said the council set its hiring procedure when it hired The Berkley Group to vet, pre-interview and check backgrounds of city manager candidates.
Jan 28, 2026 ·Franklin City Council minutes, January 28, 2026 · Jan 28, 2026
On the record
Voted no on a motion to discuss hiring procedures for city manager and city attorney before hiring (failed 2-5, January 2026).
Jan 28, 2026 ·Franklin City Council minutes, January 28, 2026 · Jan 28, 2026
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