Frankfort mayoral hopefuls sound off

On the way in to Frankfort from State Road 28 drivers are greeted by the smiling face of 23-year-old Chris McBarnes on a large billboard. Just blocks later, they encounter the bright yellow sign that proclaims 'Vote for Greeno'. Both are hoping to be sitting as the mayor of Frankfort by January.

Republican hopeful McBarnes is a soon-to-be Butler graduate who lacks political experience, but hopes to make up for it with energy and a 'fresh start'.

"I think people are tired of the status quo. They're tired of business as usual. I get asked a lot,' You know Chris, does your lack of political experience, will it hurt you in this election?' If anything, I think it helps me," said McBarnes.

His challenger, Democrat Richard Greeno hopes his experience will help him win the race. He's owned a business in Frankfort for over thirty years, and served on several city boards. Greeno took NewsChannel 18 to an area of Frankfort he wants to change and clean-up.

"We're going to take it back. Take it back from the gangs, and the drug dealers and what have you," said Greeno.

Greeno believes that by cleaning up the city, creating more safe sidewalks, and enforcing snow removal from sidewalks and streets during the winter months, the city will become more attractive for businesses.

"The city has been on a steady decline, and it has had no direction. I want to put it in a direction, I want to give it a foundation," said Greeno.

Both McBarnes and Greeno agree economic development is key to keeping the city well. McBarnes has proposed a 100-day plan, complete with four cornerstone points aimed at making Frankfort an attractive place to live and work.

"The McBarnes100day plan, which is wrapped around economic development. Citizen voice and neighborhood revitalization, and communication to get Frankfort off it's feet and moving in the right direction," said McBarnes.

The candidate running as an Independent, Brett Todd, was contacted for this story, he did not return calls or email. Election day is Tuesday, November 8, both candidates strongly urge the public to get out and vote.