Franklin council deadlocks on interim school-board pick; reopens nominations, sets Nov. 10 revote

Franklin City Council failed to select an interim Ward 6 representative to the school board on Oct. 27, leaving the vacancy unresolved and scheduling a revote for the council’s next meeting.

The council considered multiple nominations and a substitute motion. A substitute motion to appoint John Olsbrook was voted on first and failed. A separate motion to appoint Dr. Alvin Harris likewise failed to secure a majority, producing a stalemate. The mayor presided over the proceedings and called for votes after members expressed divergent preferences.

Several council members urged reopening the selection process rather than forcing a contested pick. One member said only one candidate had reached out personally for support and signaled preference for a nomination process that yields a consensual choice. Another councilor said the ward representative’s endorsement traditionally carries weight but acknowledged that practice has not been consistent in recent appointments.

Council discussion also touched on alternatives if the council remained deadlocked, including asking the circuit court to make an interim appointment. The mayor and others noted that past circuit-court appointments applied to elected bodies and might not be available for this situation; the mayor said he would research the matter and report back.

After debate and a substitute motion to reopen nominations, the council voted to reopen nominations and to hold a revote on Nov. 10. No interim appointment was made during the Oct. 27 meeting.

The appointment process is now reset: nominations will be reopened and the council will take another vote at its Nov. 10 meeting.