Doug Franklin begins 4th term as Mayor of Warren

The City of Warren's Mayor Doug Franklin began another 4 years in the position Friday evening, as he was sworn in for his fourth term.

21 News caught up with Mayor Franklin about what he says have been his biggest accomplishments and hardships during his time leading the city and what his next goals are moving forward.

"It's more of an honor to be able to serve specifically under Mayor William Doug Franklin," said Eddie Colbert, Warren's Director of Public Safety and Service.

Since 2011, Doug Franklin has led Warren as the City's 35th Mayor. As he retains his seat following this year's election, Franklin says he's staying focused as he begins his fourth term. Public safety is his top priority.

"Making sure our public safety forces are the best trained and best-equipped departments in our city, along with infrastructure improvements," Mayor Franklin said to 21 News.

With the latest news of the purchase of a former steel mill property in town plus ongoing downtown expansion, Mayor Franklin said there is plenty of economic development opportunities coming to town.

"Transformational investment for our Valley,' Franklin explained. "Probably nothing as big as that investment since General Motors in the 60s."

Franklin has seen plenty of highs and lows in the city. His greatest challenges included losing WCI, the GE Lamp Plant and Delphi.

"We had to weather all of those storms and stay fiscally sound," he added. "With the help of our city council and auditors office, we were able to do that. Which is huge."

"To be able to call on some of his guidance, wisdom and stability, specifically going through COVID-19," explained Colbert. "It's not something you can just look up the books to see how to deal with it. Being able to lean on his guidance and leadership helped me in this position going through some uncharted territories."

Colbert explained it's been an honor working alongside Franklin, emphasizing the importance of his leadership through financial struggles and the pandemic.

"Mayor Franklin, under his leadership and understanding, has done an excellent job and I just look forward to the next four years," Colbert said. 

Several council members and city leaders came to support Franklin as he was sworn in for his next term at City Hall. 

Mayor Franklin wants to thank his family as he balances leading the city and being a family man.