10/19/2025
‘Sounding the alarm on MAGA-inspired efforts happening across the country—including “book bans on titles like The Diary of Anne Frank, attempts to rewrite or erase parts of American history, and rollbacks of programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” according to the release.
“We’re not politicians—we’re parents who want to protect our public schools from being turned into political battlegrounds,” Welch said in the release.
“We’re running because we love this town, we are committed to this town, and we believe in our kids,” Rafiq said in the release.
“As moms, we know what it’s like to juggle work, homework, and everything in between, and we want to support parents in those challenges,” Wilson said in the release.
The three are running “as a united team to bring fresh energy, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to our kids’ success,” according to the release.
“Their priorities reflect what Franklin families are talking about at kitchen tables, school pick-up lines, and community gatherings: Expand free Pre-K to reach all 3- and 4-year-olds, raise academic achievement and enrichment opportunities for every student, reduce class sizes for more individual attention, support our dedicated teachers and staff in meeting students’ needs, and keep school boards focused on education—not national political agendas,” according to the release.’
Franklin Reporter & Advocate, your source for online hometown Franklin Township news.
