Filing for the 2020 municipal election opened on July 5 at noon and is already shaping up to be an interesting election season for both Highlands and Franklin.
There are three seats open on the Highlands Town Board on the ballot this year – those of John Dotson, Eric Pierson, and Brian Stiehler – all are 4-year terms.
Though candidates have until Friday, July 19 at noon to file for office, several new faces have already thrown their name into the hat. As of noon on Tuesday, July 9, newcomer Marc Hehn and local landscape architect Hank Ross have filed for the open seats on the board. Incumbent Eric Pierson has also filed to retain his seat on the Highlands Board.
The Highlands mayor seat is a four-year term, but in Franklin the mayor’s term is two years which puts Mayor Bob Scott up for election this November; he’s already filed.
Franklin Town Council Member Barbara McRae who was just re-elected to the town council has filed for mayor, challenging Mayor Scott. Councilmember Joe Collins has also filed for re-election. Seats occupied by Adam Kimsey and Brandon McMahan will be on the ballot this November as will the seat held by Dinah Mashburn. Mashburn was appointed to her seat after her husband Billy Mashburn passed away during his re-election to the board. Mashburn was appointed to take his seat but will have to be elected in November in order to retain it.
The deadline to register to vote for this year’s election is October 11 and the election will be held on Tuesday, November 5 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
By Brittney Lofthouse