WARREN — Mayor Doug Franklin has announced his intent to seek re-election in 2023, but faces competition in the Democratic primary as Councilman-at-Large Ken MacPherson has confirmed he also plans to run for the office.
Franklin, who is in his 11th year as mayor, kicked off his campaign with a recent fundraiser at DeLucia’s banquet facility. He said that he wants to run again because there’s still work to be done in the city.
“We have a lot of momentum built that we want to build upon,” Franklin said, pointing to economic development as one such area.
Franklin said the city soon will unveil a master plan for Packard, Perkins and Burbank parks that has been worked on by local architect firm Baker, Bednar and Associates.
He also said a priority of his has long been dealing with the “eyesore” that is the old St. Joseph Riverside Hospital on the west side — asbestos removal there is nearly complete and Franklin expects the wrecking ball to begin its work in November.
There is no term limit for the office, so Franklin said he can continue to be mayor “as long as the public will let me.”
“We have no term limits, but that’s what elections are for — to really select who the community wants to lead them as mayor.”
MacPherson, who served as Warren’s 5th Ward councilman before winning an at-Large seat last November, said while he hasn’t filed the paperwork to run for mayor, he’s “committed 100 percent” to running for the office.
“I think Warren needs change and I think we need some new, fresh ideas,” MacPherson said.
MacPherson pointed to his experience in business leadership and technology as attributes that would make him a qualified leader for the city.
He said that most people agree local government is the level of government that most impacts their lives, from garbage, water and sewer to police and fire — “a lot of details that matter.” MacPherson said he’s spent his career diving into details.
He said a main focus would be implementing technology, such as programs that would allow residents to check the status of a problem through its completion.
MacPherson said he doesn’t plan to hold fundraisers, but wants to invite the public to meet him and talk.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
