1 November 2007 Way to go Fourth Ward! 7093 voters participated in the recent local election, a lethargic 19% of the 37500 registered voters in the City of Franklin. This was a higher percentage than four years ago, but still a disappointing showing, considering the importance of local decisions made by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Here are the results by Ward: Ward 1 - 1235, Ward 2 - 1483, Ward 3 - 2016, and Ward 4 - 2359. As is usually the case, a greater number of voters in the Fourth Ward cast ballots, representing over 33% of the total votes cast in the election citywide. And this dynamic has nothing to do with population by ward.   The ward boundaries were adjusted in 2001 after the last census to assure that the population was equalized in each of the four wards. At that time, the Fourth Ward was the smallest by far because residential growth was occurring to the east and south. There just aren't many places for new development in the core of our city. Other than Westhaven, the east and south are still where most of the growth is happening. I'm sure the ward boundaries will require adjustment  after the next census, and I'll bet the Fourth Ward will once again be the smallest by population.   Mayor-elect John Schroer and Aldermen-elect Ken Moore, Ann Petersen and Clyde Barnhill are all residents of the Fourth Ward, and Alderman-elect Pearl Bransford is a Third Ward resident within walking distance of Main Street. This says volumes about the importance of each vote in our local elections, even in an at-large race where we elect citywide representatives. If you didn't vote, you can't complain about the results. Fourth Ward residents vote - it's really that simple. They speak their minds on issues of importance, loudly and consistently, and in the voting booth. And if it appears they have greater influence over local decisions, they should. The numbers don't lie. You have done us proud and I am honored to represent the citizens of the Fourth Ward.   Vote Online for Historic Franklin License Plate Franklin Tomorrow has selected three finalists in its license plate design contest, and now the public gets to select which design will appear on the new Historic Franklin specialty plates. Voting began this past Saturday at the downtown Pumpkinfest celebration and continues online at www.franklinplate.com. The first design showcases an artistic rendering of the Carnton Plantation and field of sunflowers. The second design features a sunrise over rolling hills and three majestic horses. The third design displays one of Franklin many famous slate fences in front of a green field and purple hills. The public can vote online until November 25 for the license plate design they feel best represents the charm, the people, and the history of Franklin. Franklin Tomorrow is a non-profit community organization that communicates a shared and evolving vision for the future of Franklin and focuses that vision through education advocacy, evaluation, implementation, and recognition of the vision's specific goals and strategies.   Transportation for Monday, 1/5 The Public Transportation Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, November 5, at 5:00. These and other items will be on the agenda: 1. Professional Services Agreement for engineering design of Jordan Road from Mallory Lane to Aspen Grove Drive 2. Agreement with CSX Railroad for signalization improvements at Mallory Station Road and General George Patton 3. Consideration of parking lot improvements at the rear of the Five Points Post Office Building 4. Status report on Hillsboro Road improvements and the signalization at Claude Yates Drive 5. Report on TDOT's response to the City's recommendation for the Long Lane crossing of I-65 6. Consideration of design revisions for signalization upgrades at the intersection of Murfreesboro Road and Royal Oaks Boulevard