Ann Petersen wants another term as Franklin alderman. Here's why.

For more than a decade, Ann Petersen has come into aldermanic meetings armed with her iPad and lists of questions for Franklin staff. 

That is a routine she would like to continue as she begins her effort to campaign again for at-large alderman of the city. Four at-large seats are up for the taking along with the position of mayor.

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"There are lot of things that I am interested in that are going on right now," Petersen said. "I am always interested in public service. That is the story for me. It’s an honor to serve."

Petersen said she wanted to help usher in the city's new zoning ordinance, push forward an effort to retime traffic lights in high traffic areas and focus mental health initiatives in Franklin.

She said she would also like to continue to bolster resources for public safety in the community after reading comments from the latest citizen survey.  

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"I thought I knew a good bit because I had been on the planning commission," she said. "Being an alderman was a whole new education. I don’t care how much you know, but there are new things all the time. There are nuances that turn out to have consequences. I do my homework. That’s the teacher in me." 

About Petersen

Petersen and her husband, Jim, have lived in Franklin for more than 50 years. The couple has two children: Jim and Allen. 

Petersen earned both her master's and bachelor's degrees in math from the University of Mississippi. She later went on to teach at Columbia State Community College for 30 years. 

In 1978, Petersen became the first woman appointed to the Williamson County Regional Planning Commission. She was elected as alderman in 2007. 

She also served on the city planning commission from 1987 until 2006 and 2007 until today. Petersen is a member of the Franklin Lions Club and First Presbyterian Church.

About the election 

Those interested in running in the October race can pick up petitions at the Williamson County Election Commission until July 18.

To participate in the election, voters must be registered in the City of Franklin by Sept. 23

Election Day in Franklin is Oct. 22. Early voting will take place from Oct. 2 through Oct. 17.

Reach Emily West at erwest@tennessean.com; at 615-613-1380; or on Twitter at @emwest22.