FRANKLIN
Andrea Hall-Leonard, who already serves as vice chairwoman on the Franklin City School Board, confirmed earlier this week that she is challenging incumbent Franklin City Councilman Greg McLemore for the seat to represent Ward 3.

“I really would like to serve the city,” Hall-Leonard gave as one of her reasons for seeking a new office. “I will read the policies and understand them to the best of my abilities.”

She also cited McLemore’s job performance as a motivation for challenging him.

“For the last eight years I have been very concerned by his representation and absenteeism,” said Hall-Leonard. “McLemore continues to be a concern to me.”

She said that a councilman needs to be knowledgeable, and “It appears to me he arrives uninformed [to meetings.”]

Hall-Leonard also sees him as what she called “argumentative rather than helpful.”

A council member must “provide real solutions and not give false hope or just show up [to voters] at election time.”

The residents of Ward 3, she added, “have not been served, but have had a disservice.”

Should Hall-Leonard win, she would have to give up her position on the school board.

“I would like to do both,” Hall-Leonard said with a smile. But, added that she would continue to attend school board meetings.

“I’m passionate about education,” said the candidate.