FRANKLIN
Frank Rabil won the mayoral election in the City of Franklin on Tuesday, winning in a landslide victory against his opponent and incumbent, who received several write-in votes. Another big victory went to Linwood Johnson, earning him the Ward 4 seat.

Rabil, who is the current Ward 6 representative, received 1,091 votes in the election, while his opponent Greg McLemore received 314.

“First of all I want to thank everybody who came out to vote. It’s one of the few privileges that we have,” Rabil said. “I look forward to supporting the City of Franklin. I will need input from everybody.

“It feels good to win,” he added.

McLemore, who will remain the Ward 3 representative on city council, said “I’d like to congratulate Councilman Rabil on his victory.”

The remaining votes in the election went to write -ins, with current Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn receiving 63 votes.

The election for the Ward 4 seat was close, with Johnson ultimately receiving 101 votes, while current Ward 4 seat-holder Mona Murphy received 76.

“It feels great to win,” Johnson said. “I would like to thank all of my supporters, those who came out in the rain to vote. It’s part of their civic duty. I would like to thank each and every one who worked on the team to help me to win. I would also like to thank my opponent for running a good race and for the service she’s done for the city.

“I would like to thank supporters for coming together, we have to come together to better the city,” he added.

McLemore also commented on Johnson’s win and said, “I’d also like to congratulate Mr. Johnson on his victory. I am thrilled!”

Current incumbents in Ward 1 and Ward 2, Barry Cheatham and Benny Burgess, were also elected to serve another term on council in non-contested elections.

With Rabil becoming the mayor as of July 1, council will have to appoint a new person to fill his ward’s seat. The Tidewater News will report on this when that decision has been made.