Two vie for town council in Franklin, no contested races
FRANKLIN — In the town of Franklin, there are two women running for two open seats on the town council.
Town Clerk Lauren LeFebvre is running for reelection unopposed. Town Supervisor Dot Brown, Justice Roger Symonds and Highway Superintendent Jacques Demars are also running unopposed. The Enterprise sent questionnaires to the candidates; the answers of those who responded are below.
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Gail Huston
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Age: 63
Position sought: Town councilor
Occupation: I am retired from 33 years in biomedical research (17 of those at Trudeau Institute) and most recently seven years as the head cheesemaker at Asgaard Farm and Dairy.
Q: Why are you running for election?
A: It is an opportunity to give back to my community.
Q: What are your qualifications?
A: I have a lot of experience troubleshooting problems and working as a team member to get the job done.
Q: What are your main goals?
A: To continue pursuing broadband coverage for the area and promote and expand recreational opportunities and programs, especially for kids.
Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in town, and how do you propose solving them?
A: I find this question a negative perspective rather than a positive one.
The lack of good broadband coverage is really the only “problem” I see. I would continue the work the Franklin Town Board has started and work with Franklin County to improve coverage. This is not a problem with a simple, quick solution.
There are certainly other issues that I hope to help improve, as discussed in my goals.
Q: Other comments to voters?
A: If elected, I hope to have an ongoing conversation with the residents of the town of Franklin so I can share their voices with the board and address issues they see.
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Rachelle Waters
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Age: 46
Position sought: Town council
Occupation: Technical writing and nonprofit communications
Q: Why are you running for election?
A: I’m running for council in the town of Franklin for the same reason I’m raising my family here — this community is amazing. I’m willing to put in the time and hard work to help our town thrive.
Q: What are your qualifications?
A: I have more than 20 years of experience in technical writing, donor engagement and strategic communications.
My skill set will serve the town well as we work together to strengthen our community.
Q: What are your main goals?
A: Top priorities for the town are to increase broadband access, continue road improvements, upgrade town communications and support our youth programs.
Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in town, and how do you propose solving them?
A: I’ll use my experience in technical writing and communications to help the town of Franklin secure additional funding — such as grants — for recreation, youth programs and other programs that are important to our community.
I’ll help to upgrade our communication channels, including the town’s website and social media, so community members can easily find the information they need.
I’ll join local and regional efforts to achieve equitable access to high-speed internet for our families and businesses.
Q: Other comments to voters:
A: This community has given so much to my family. Thank you for the opportunity to give back.
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Lauren LeFebvre
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Age: 54
Position sought: Town clerk
Q: Why are you running for reelection?
A: I love the job, I love the people and there is work to be done.
Q: What are your qualifications?
A: Town of Franklin tax collector 1998 to 2000; town clerk/tax collector, 2000 to 2004; deputy town clerk/tax collector, 2005 to 2011; town clerk/tax collector, 2012 to present, New York State Town Clerks Association district director, 2018 to 2021.
Q: What are your main goals?
A: My main goal for this term is to digitize as much information as possible and make it accessible online. As always, continue to be Lauren for all those “let’s ask Lauren” questions.
Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in town, and how do you propose solving them?
A: Lack of true high speed broadband throughout the entire town of Franklin times three. Current satellite options are not highspeed. Solving this? Invite the governor over to stream a movie at my house.
Q: Other comments to voters:
A: I’m so very thankful to all the voters in the town of Franklin for allowing me to continue work for them.



