Tuesday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session in Franklin, TN included a spirited 45-minute discussion on the city’s flag ordinance.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tuesday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session in Franklin included a spirited 45-minute discussion on the city’s flag ordinance.
News 2 has followed the conversation, speaking with several residents who were cited for flying more than three American flags on their properties. Those residents were told they could face hefty fines if they didn’t comply.
On Tuesday, the city’s legal team weighed in, telling Franklin leaders that the ordinance was within the city’s legal rights because it regulated the time, place, and manner of flag displays without trying to control the content of the flags. The legal team also reviewed other city flag ordinances, including comparing it to those in cities as far as Texas.
The board heard from a resident who held a petition in her hand she had more than 300 signatures.
“People are not passionate about other things that I know of, they’re passionate about this,” resident Nancy Laxton said, holding up a small American flag.
Area Gold Star Mom, Joyce Mount, also spoke before the board.
“Are you telling me, this Gold Star Mom, that [on] Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day etcetera — as I always have — I cannot fly American flags down the sides of my sidewalk, in honor of my son, my hero?” Mount said.
Several aldermen, including Patrick Baggett and Beverly Burger, were interested in looking at ways to allow residents to display more American flags, including a discussion about allowing more flags during set times, such as holidays.
Mayor Ken Moore wrapped up the discussion due to time constraints, with alderman At-Large Clyde Barnhill joking perhaps the board should waive the white flag for the evening.
The mayor asked that the discussion be continued at a later date.