Franklin resident Erinn Watkins, a military veteran, today announced the kick-off event for her campaign for Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) Alderman in Ward 2 which will be held Aug. 18 from 7-9 pm at VFW Post 4893, 101 Eddy Lane in Franklin. The public is invited to attend.
“My campaign is focused on applying what I learned in the Army to address key issues facing Franklin, such as the urgent need for disciplined spending, responsible growth and infrastructure that is put in place upfront to support our growth rather than as an afterthought,” she said.
After a 29-year career in the military, Watkins retired with the rank of Army Master Sergeant. She is one of the first women in the military to become an Army Pathfinder, which is a soldier who goes into battle ahead of the command unit and handles arrangements for receiving incoming troops and equipment.
She relocated to Franklin in 2020, where she is active in the Williamson County Republican Party and serves as a veteran mentor for the Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court.
Watkins also is an author, a dance instructor and choreographer with a YouTube channel that has garnered more than 2.1 million views and more than 3,200 subscribers.
Her son, Eric, is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and currently resides in Florida.
“My reason for joining the military was to fly jets; instead, I ended up flying helicopters and jumping out of planes as a paratrooper. Sometimes life doesn’t work out exactly as we plan, but I am grateful for all I learned in the Army, especially the importance of honor, the necessity of discipline, and how perseverance and a positive attitude can help us overcome many of life’s challenges,” Watkins said.
As she began a new phase of life as a civilian, Watkins decided to get involved in local politics in order to get a better understanding of what was happening in her community. She attended a number of Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings to become educated about the issues affecting the community and possible solutions to the challenges Franklin is facing.
The most surprising thing she learned was that many people feel they aren’t being respected or listened to by a number of those elected to serve them. In the military, she had a reputation for being approachable, a good listener and solutions-oriented.
“As someone who is committed to being a servant leader, I saw the need for an Alderman in Ward 2 who better represents the wishes of constituents and looks out for the interests of those who already call Franklin their home. An Alderman who takes a disciplined approach to growth and spending, and who will be a responsible steward of taxpayers’ money. And a leader who is trustworthy and respectful of other points of view,” Watkins said.
“The Army prepared me for such leadership,” she continued. “I decided the time was right to step up to this challenge and run for Alderman in Ward 2. If elected, I will represent the interests of the people in my ward over those of the developers and special interests.”
Ward 2 in Franklin covers north of New Highway 96, Fieldstone Farms and Cool Springs areas. The election will be held on Oct. 28. For more information about Watkins’ campaign visit erinn4Franklin.com.
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