Caucus set to replace two on Franklin City Council

Two seats on Franklin City Council are up for a caucus next month.

Both council members Danny Blankenship and Chris Rynerson announced their resignation from the council on Oct. 18. Blankenship’s resignation was effective on Oct. 18 and Rynerson will continue to serve until the end of the month.

Blankenship, who represents District 1, has resigned for health reasons. Rynerson, who represents District 5, resigned due to a move out of Franklin. Both said the decision to leave their office was tough, but it is ultimately the best decision for the city and themselves.

Republicans who live in those districts may file to run for the seat by 72 hours before the caucus, which is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 18.

Eligible candidates for the District 1 must live within Franklin city limits in Franklin Township precincts 2, 5, 6, 7, 11 or 12. Eligible candidates for the District 5 must live within Franklin city limits in Franklin Township precincts 6, 15, 19, 20 and Pleasant Township 34. Maps of the districts are available on the Franklin City Council page of the city website.

Candidates should be able to serve the remainder of Blankenship’s and Rynerson’s terms, which both end on Dec. 31, 2023.

Those wishing to run must submit a notarized CEB-5 form to Beth Boyce, the Johnson County Republican Party chair. Forms should be mailed or delivered to 845 Richert Lane, Greenwood, Ind. 46142 by 7 p.m. Nov. 15.

The CEB-5 forms can be downloaded from the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or a paper copy can be obtained from the Johnson County Clerk’s Office.

Precinct committee members from within the districts will gather on Nov. 18 to pick the next city council members. Both new members will be chosen on the same night.