The Franklin Ethics Commission determined that Alderman Gabrielle Hanson had violated two provisions of the city’s ethics code and recommended that she be censured at a hearing on Thursday.
The Commission’s decision was unanimous.
The hearing centered on an email Hanson sent to Nashville International Airport (BNA) President Doug Kreulen on June 5th. In that email, she identified herself as a Franklin alderman and asked the airport to withdraw financial support from a Juneteenth festival put on by the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition — an organization she characterized as “radical” and anti-police — or send an equal donation to the African American Heritage Society.
If not, she wrote, citizens would retaliate against the Airport Authority Board’s members by posting about the issue, “so that the public will know that the board of BNA is financially supporting, and in agreement with, radical social justice agenda’s in towns where they literally should have no voice.”
Based on this email, the Commission found that Hanson used her position as an elected official to attempt to solicit gifts and secure privileges for the African American Heritage Society, violating sections I-805 and I-808 of the Franklin Municipal Code.
Rose Gilbert WPLN News Members of the public watch on as the commission deliberated.
This is only the second ethics hearing held in Franklin in recent memory. Hanson did not attend.
The Commission’s decision came after testimony from three complainants and several members of the public.
Tara Blue, an organizer of the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition Juneteenth event, said that Hanson’s email “tainted” the organization’s reputation and drove away other sponsors.
Dr. Chris Williamson, senior pastor of Strong Tower Bible Church, called Hanson’s email “dastardly and divisive.”
“Those with authority are also under authority,” he said.
The Franklin Ethics Commission are sending their findings to the Board of the Mayor and Aldermen with a recommendation that they censure Hanson.
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