You sent over 1000 emails and then showed up en masse at the Franklin BOMA work session and meeting - standing room only! There were over 30 public comment speakers and the room was still packed at 7:45 PM for the vote. Way to go, Franklin!

Here's the rundown on what followed...

Click here to watch public comment.

Public comment at BOMA work session.

5:00 PM Work Session

(with Public Comment)

More than 30 citizens engaged in public comment; each were given one minute to speak. The vast majority spoke against the approval of Pride at Harlinsdale Farm (~30 against, ~5 in favor). Speakers #9 and #10 were our own chapter chair, Robin Steenman, and the TN chair of Gays Against Groomers, Miki Cutler, who did an exceptional job.

Click here to watch BOMA Meeting.

Pride fest is at ~46 mins mark.

Ward 4 Alderman Patrick Baggett

7:00 PM BOMA Meeting

At the 46 minute mark, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) arrives at the Pride permit approval on the agenda.

Ward 3 Alderman Jason Potts immediately motions to defer the vote by two weeks in order to first address "Item 13," which is Alderman Burger's Resolution 2023-25 on Community Decency.

Ward 4 Alderman Patrick Baggett was quick to second the motion (no surprise there). Ward 2 Alderman Matt Brown expressed a preference to stop stalling and just get on with it (here, here!).

Ward 1 Alderman Bev Burger conceded some validity to both sides. Alderman At Large Brandy Blanton expressed a desire to go ahead and vote. Alderman at Large Clyde Barnhill expressed an understanding for deferment. Aldermen Gabrielle Hanson and Ann Petersen did not comment on the motion.

A vote was taken on the motion to defer:

Potts - Yes

Baggett - Yes

Brown - Yes

Burger - No

Peterson - Yes

Hanson - No

Blanton - No

Barnhill - Yes

Motion to Defer Passed 5-3

Most in the room groaned at this outcome and interpreted it as a dodge.

So now what?

Answer:

We'll see you April 11th at 5:00 PM

We're standing up for the youngest in our community -

don't let a deferment throw you off that mission.

What is Item 13?

It is a "Resolution Adopting a Community Decency Policy," which proposes stricter punishments for those committing "indecent behavior" in a public space.  

Currently, the penalty for breaking city ordinance is a mere $50 fine, which does little to deter such behavior. This resolution claims to enforce standards to the fullest extent of State law.

It defines "Indecent Behavior" as "any act or conduct that does not align with generally accepted community standards of behavior and conduct, including but not limited to nudity, lewd or sexually suggestive behavior, indecent exposure, sexual acts, excessive and offensive intimate public displays of affection. Any behavior that violates state and local laws or regulations."

We will have more on this as April 11th approaches.

In the meantime, let our Franlin BOMA hear your thoughts about tonight's events:

Franklin Mayor – Ken Moore - ken.moore@franklintn.gov

Ward 1 Alderman – Bev Burger - bev@aldermanburger.com

Ward 2 Alderman – Matt Brown - matt.brown@franklintn.gov

Ward 3 Alderman – Jason Potts - alderman.potts@franklintn.gov

Ward 4 Alderman – Patrick Baggett - patrick.baggett@franklintn.gov

Alderman At Large – Ann Petersen - annpetersen@comcast.net

Alderman At Large – Clyde Barnhill - clyde.barnhill@franklintn.gov

Alderman At Large – Brandy Blanton - brandy.blanton@franklintn.gov

Alderman At Large – Gabrielle Hanson - gabrielle.hanson@franklintn.gov

City Administrator – Eric Stuckey - eric.stuckey@franklintn.gov

Or copy and paste into an email header:

annpetersen@comcast.net, ann.petersen@franklintn.gov, clyde.barnhill@franklintn.gov, brandy.blanton@franklintn.gov, alderman.potts@franklintn.gov, Patrick.baggett@franklintn.gov, Matt.brown@franklintn.gov, Gabrielle.hanson@franklintn.gov, bev@aldermanburger.com, Beverly.burger@franklintn.gov, Ken.moore@franklintn.gov, Eric.stuckey@franklintn.gov

So what's at stake for Franklin and Williamson County?

Review the slides and listen to a local mom's testimony.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday next, as we hear from featured speaker State Rep Gino Bulso (District 61). We have been watching him at the capital this year, and he's consistently on the right side of the issues!

Also at this meeting: chapter elections for not only the chair position, but also 1st and 2nd vice chairs. If you are interested in running or would like more information, contact Secretary@momsforlibertyWC.org.

The deadline to let us know you're running for chapter office is THIS FRIDAY, March 31st!