The Republican field of candidates for the Indiana House District 65 seat recently doubled with the addition of a Bloomington property management director.

Jacob Franklin joins Mark Mathis of Bedford, who also is seeking the seat Bedford attorney Eric Koch plans to vacate at the end of this year.

Democrat Chris Woods of Mitchell also has filed a declaration of candidacy for the District 65 seat.

The primary election will be May 3.

The district encompasses all of Lawrence County, most of Brown, Pershing and Salt Creek townships in Jackson County and parts of Johnson and Monroe counties.

The filing period ends at noon Friday.

Franklin said he thinks the winning candidate must show they have diplomacy and can work with everyone.

Franklin said if elected, he will draw on his 13 years of experience within county and city governments in Monroe County.

He said he has firsthand experience regarding how new or updated laws affect everyone and has worked with residents and state, federal and local authorities in implementing and understanding the anticipated impacts of the laws.

“I understand hard work, dedication and how to accomplish goals,” Franklin said. “I will also bring diplomacy — the strongest asset a person can have when seeking or holding any legislative position.”

Franklin said he will work hard to gain and maintain a strong infrastructure and invest in schools, teachers, first responders, veterans and those who currently serve our country.

“I will put forth legislation that will encourage small businesses and corporations to keep investing in our district and Indiana,” he said.

Franklin was born and raised in Monroe County.

“I love this area and look forward to meeting and listening to the citizens within District 65,” he said. “Together, we can keep the great state of Indiana economically strong and fiscally responsible.”

In 2012, Franklin was presented a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Federal Investigative Services for the public service he provided throughout his years as a deputy clerk of Monroe Circuit Court. He was a deputy clerk in that office from 2003 to 2012, and he spent three years working with the city of Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development office.

Franklin currently holds an Indiana real estate brokers license and is director of property management for Choice Realty and Management in Bloomington.

Koch, who has held the House District 65 seat for 14 years, is pursuing the Senate District 44 seat Brent Steele will hold through the end of this year when he plans to retire.

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”The Jacob Franklin file” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

Name: Jacob Franklin

Age: 34

Residence: Bloomington

Hometown: Bloomington

Occupation: Property development manager

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