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Provisional ballots and more were still yet to be counted in the city of Franklin as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, but the winners of all four local races were clear on the evening of Election Day.

All results cited in this story are from the Virginia Department of Elections website as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, and were still considered unofficial.

FRANKLIN MAYOR

Paul E. Kaplan was unopposed on the ballot and received 2,538 votes (80.83% of the overall vote). There were at least two write-in campaigns announced, including one by Ward 4 Councilman Dr. Linwood W. Johnson III, and there were 602 total write-in votes cast, equaling 19.17% of the vote.

“I’m very excited to be able to serve the city I love,” Kaplan said Tuesday evening, Nov. 5. “I look forward to two good, strong years for City Council and working with the schools and the economic development and the local businesses and the city staff to make things happen in Franklin.”

Kaplan, who is 70, noted in response to a candidate questionnaire that he is a retired Southampton County deputy sheriff and Franklin police officer. For the last 24 years, he has owned Paul Kaplan Insurance Sales, providing AFLAC benefits to employees of payroll accounts in Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan and Arkansas.

He has also been involved in local government for most of his life.

“I’ve been an election officer for many years, both in the polling locations and working part time directly with the registrar, helping with logistics around each election,” he stated in response to the candidate questionnaire. “I served as a D.A.R.E./school resource officer for many years where I worked with Frank Davis at Parks and Rec to establish summer programs for Franklin’s youth. As an insurance agent working with employee benefits, I’ve served numerous local and state government agencies, allowing me to work closely with government administrations, giving me insight to how many things are done in various places.”

FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL 

WARD 1

Incumbent Mark R. Kitchen ran unopposed and received 754 votes (96.67%). There were 26 write-in votes (3.33%).

WARD 2

Richard S. “Ricky” Grizzard ran unopposed and received 650 votes (97.60%). There were 16 write-in votes (2.40%).

WARD 4

Incumbent Dr. Linwood W. Johnson III ran unopposed and received 420 votes (96.55%). There were 15 write-in votes (3.45%).