Franklin, Kentucky
Experience. Leadership. Results. A campaign built on straight answers, visible progress, and a City Hall that works for every neighborhood in Franklin.
Steady leadership. Practical results.
Franklin, Kentucky
Wendell Stewart understands the values that make Franklin strong: good jobs, quality housing, safe neighborhoods, and a community where families can build a future.
The son of a small farmer and factory worker and a mother who cared for their home and family, Wendell was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for service. Those values stayed with him as he became a husband and father and eventually chose to dedicate much of his life to serving the community that shaped him.
Wendell began his working life in a factory, saving until he was able to pursue his dream of owning a business. He opened Stewart's Barbershop, which has remained in the same location for more than forty years. Over the decades, the barbershop has become more than a business—it has become a familiar gathering place and a lasting part of the Franklin community.
After years of involvement in civic and community efforts, Wendell decided he could serve Franklin in another way. He ran for City Commission and was honored to earn the trust of Franklin voters.
As a City Commissioner, Wendell has worked to attract good-paying jobs, encourage responsible and well-managed economic growth, protect the availability of quality and affordable housing, and maintain the high standards Franklin residents expect from public safety and city services. His approach has been centered on steady leadership, practical results, and protecting the character of the community while preparing Franklin for the future.
Now, Wendell is running for Mayor because he believes Franklin's progress must continue without losing the civility, character, and sense of community that make the city special.
At a time when smaller communities face growing economic pressures and new challenges, Wendell believes experienced, proven leadership matters more than ever. As Mayor, his priorities will remain clear: creating and protecting good jobs, keeping housing attainable, maintaining safe streets and strong public services, keeping taxes responsible, supporting thoughtful growth, and ensuring City Hall remains accessible to every Franklin resident.
For Wendell, serving as Mayor is about more than managing a city. It is about protecting what generations of Franklin families have built while creating opportunities for the generations that will follow.
Decades of hands-on work and community leadership in Simpson County.
Bringing people to the same table to solve problems, not score points.
Measurable progress on streets, safety, and services — reported publicly.
Where Wendell stands, in his own words — the priorities that will guide every decision made in the Mayor's office.
Franklin and Simpson County are one community, and residents pay for it twice when their governments can't work together. Wendell will rebuild a working relationship with the Fiscal Court — starting with a durable agreement on joint planning and zoning — so growth decisions are made together instead of in court.
Large-scale projects like the proposed Steele Road data center deserve real scrutiny: what they cost us in water, power, and land, and what they actually return in jobs and revenue. Wendell will insist on clear standards, honest numbers, and public input before anything is approved.
Aging water lines, low water pressure, and fire-protection capacity are not someday problems. Wendell backs a published, prioritized schedule for water plant and line upgrades, streets, sidewalks, and drainage — so residents can see what's being fixed, when, and what it costs.
Support the small businesses on Main Street, recruit employers who pay a living wage, and partner with Franklin-Simpson schools and trade programs so our young people can build careers here at home.
Fully staffed and well-trained police, fire, and EMS, faster emergency response times, and community policing that builds trust in every neighborhood.
Encourage attainable housing for working families and seniors, address blighted properties, and invest in parks and sidewalks that make neighborhoods safe and walkable.
Plain-language budgets posted online, meetings that welcome public comment, and a mayor who returns the call. Your tax dollars, your right to see how they're spent.
After-school and summer programs, expanded senior services and transportation, and recreation facilities that give every generation a reason to stay in Franklin.
Publish a full audit of city finances and a public infrastructure repair list with dates attached.
Launch a small-business front door at City Hall — one office for permits, guidance, and grant help.
Break ground on prioritized street, drainage, and water projects funded without raising property taxes.
Quarterly town halls in every part of Franklin — reporting on progress in person, not just on paper.
Join Wendell in person. These are your chances to ask questions, share what's on your mind, and get to know the next Mayor of Franklin.
Sunday, August 31 · 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMSimpson County Historical Society and History Center207 N College St, Franklin, KY 42134
Come meet Wendell Stewart, ask questions, and get to know him and his vision for Franklin. Neighbors welcome — no RSVP required.
More events coming soon
Check back for town halls, neighborhood meetups, and volunteer opportunities.
Kentucky voters can register or check their registration online through the State Board of Elections at govote.ky.gov.
Confirm your polling location and sample ballot with the Simpson County Clerk's office before Election Day.
Kentucky offers no-excuse early in-person voting and absentee ballots for eligible voters. Deadlines are set by the county clerk.
Always confirm dates and deadlines with the Simpson County Clerk — official election information takes precedence over anything listed here.
This campaign runs on neighbors talking to neighbors. Host a meet-and-greet, put a sign in your yard, knock a few doors, or simply share what you've read here with someone who votes.
