Franklin City Council candidate Q&A: Mark Kitchen
Published 2:06 pm Thursday, August 8, 2024
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Name: Mark Kitchen
Age: 65
Family: Wife of 39 years, Susan Parsons Kitchen; two daughters, Kelly, 38, and Katie, 36; four grandkids, Juniper, 13, Savannah, 8, Bauer, 6, and Sullivan, 4
Career: Law enforcement in four separate countries for 42 years; currently employed by state of Virginia
Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Carolina Wesleyan University
1.) Why do you want to be reelected as the Ward 1 representative on the Franklin City Council?
I’m running for reelection to continue to support the citizens of Ward 1. I grew up in Hunterdale, went to college and returned to Hunterdale. Went overseas and came back to Hunterdale. I’ve often thought of my ward as a neighborhood to be proud of. We try to look out for one another, and I try to be the catalyst for the cooperation.
Four years ago, I wanted to build on what my predecessor started 12 years prior. We try and maintain an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. This is contingent on cooperation with City Hall.
Whether I’m on council six more months or four more years, I will never stop supporting my constituents.
2.) What would you list as your primary qualifications for this role?
Born and raised in the Hunterdale area. Working and living overseas for eight years has taught me how to deal with people of all cultures.
Four-plus years on City Council. Believe it or not, I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’ve tried to do my part to help the council “gel” and work together. I worked well with the former city manager as well as the current mayor and look forward to choosing a new city manager.
I try to represent my people and ensure we get equal resources and representation.
3.) What do you think are the city of Franklin’s greatest strengths?
At this point, the people. We have a diverse group of citizens who care for one another.
We also have professionals on city staff. They are devoted to the city and are a pleasure to deal with.
4.) What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the city of Franklin?
Economic growth: To keep up with financial challenges, we must add businesses to our city.
Equal representation: All neighborhoods must be treated equally. No more “squeaky wheel” theory.
Citizen involvement: Don’t bring us a problem. Help us with the solution.
5.) If reelected, what will be your leading priorities in your new term?
Continue and strive to improve the cohesiveness on council. We have the makings of a great group. We need to put our egos aside and work together better.
Work with the new city manager and help her maintain the city’s standing, both financially as well as our quality of life.
6.) Real property value is reassessed every two years in the city. Do you think this interval should be changed? Please explain your answer.
Property reassessments are probably the No. 1 topic of complaint. It would appear less traumatic to do it each year, but that would cost us more to pay the assessment team. Hiring a different assessment team is always an option.
7.) What, if any, key improvements do you think need to be made to the city’s public education system, and if reelected, what will you do to help ensure those needed key improvements are made?
I’m very impressed with (Franklin City Public Schools Superintendent) Dr. (Carlton) Carter’s strategic plan. I feel we have a great School Board.
I feel we have several awesome teachers and administrative personnel. One lives across the street from me.
At the same time, the teacher shortage concerns me. I don’t think it’s all about pay. I think we need to work on the disciplinary issues, although I realize it’s mostly state-mandated.
Teachers and students alike should feel safe in the classroom. I hear from both sides. Let’s show support for all our personnel.