To the Editor:

In Franklin City Ward 1, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to choose between two worthy candidates for councilman.

Our foremost need now is good financial management and planning.

Barry Cheatham is experienced in auditing, money and business management and planning.

He has lived in Franklin for nearly 20 years and his comments and answers in the recent candidates’ forum demonstrated his clear knowledge and understanding of the city’s budget situation.

With a debt of more than $20 million and paying about a million dollars a year in interest, the city has done little to save for a needed new high school.

Also, with the use of electrical department reserve funds for other purposes, there can only be continuously reduced emergency funds.

Clearly there must be better management and this requires the professional attention and council guidance that Cheatham, a certified public accountant, can give.

We, as citizens, need and deserve Cheatham and I will vote for him in the upcoming city balloting.

Joseph H. Stutts

Franklin