A Conversation with Mayor Ken Moore

Nov 07, 2023 at 09:59 am by RMGadmin


By Johnny Birdsong | YOUR Southern Gentleman 

Hello everyone. It’s November, and with that, thoughts go to Thanksgiving. I have learned anytime I may feel a little agitated, I can stop and remind myself of ALL I have to be thankful for. My health, my wife, my kids and on and on…too many blessings to list. I quickly realize that I live a very abundant life. I am thankful that I can write to you and that we live in such an amazing community. Every month, I talk about the people making this a great place. NONE are more representative of that than our Franklin Mayor, Dr. Ken Moore – what a true Southern Gentleman.
 
“The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe”.
 
-John Walter Wayland

 

It is an honor to say this man is my friend, and I am sure thousands of you will say the same. I once said to him, “I can’t imagine you not being our Mayor.” It is a privilege to have him share with us in this issue a little more about himself, his vision for our city, and what motivates him.
JB: How long have you lived in Williamson County? What do you love about it?
 KM: Linda and I relocated to Franklin in 2004 when I retired from my orthopedic practice. I loved Linda’s stories of growing up in Franklin and how special it was. I love the history, the people, and the energy of the City and County.
 

JB: Aside from work and leading, what do you enjoy doing with your time?

 KM: I really enjoy my work as the Mayor but love to decompress with travel, fine dining, and GOLF!

 

JB: What initially motivated you to enter the political arena, especially considering your medical background?

 KM: A series of things happened to move me into the political world. I was approached to help with some bills with the Tennessee General Assembly, and Lamar Alexander asked me to raise money from doctors for his Presidential election.
 

JB: What is your vision for the city in the next four years, and how do you plan to make that vision a reality?

 KM: I want to keep Franklin that special place where people want to live, work, and raise their families. This means working on many aspects of what a city does, such as being a safe community that offers great services. I plan to continue focusing on our housing and transportation needs, updating our ten-year capital project plan and our strategic plan, including input from our board, staff, and citizens.
 

JB: What is the biggest challenge you thought you would have in your very first term as City Mayor versus this current term as City Mayor?

 KM: The biggest challenge of my first term was learning how to be Mayor and the tremendous learning curve. The current challenge is a bit different since I am focusing on balancing our growth and preserving our history and the challenges that they create.
 

JB: What do you feel has been your most impactful achievement, personally and professionally?

 KM: Personally, I have to give a lot of credit to my wife, Linda. She is a great partner and confidant. My career has been blessed with many opportunities and blessings, too numerous to list. I am proud of many things that I have been involved but really focus more on what is next rather than what has been.
 

JB: What motivates you every day?

 KM: I love learning and can’t wait to see the challenges for the day.

 

JB: Do you have a motto you live by?

 KM: What better rule than the Golden Rule? Every major religion has a similar statement in its doctrine.

 

JB: What advice would you give the younger generation today and what would you tell your younger self? 

 KM: My father told me when I went into practice to give back to the community where you are living. I hope he would be proud of my record of giving back. My message to our citizens is, “Get involved in some form or fashion.”

 

JB: What do you feel it is to be a gentleman, and what traits does a Southern Gentleman embrace? 

 KM: Manners and truthfulness.

 

Being a true gentleman is something I strive to be every day. I learned and continue to learn what makes a true gentleman from men who are role models for me and, hopefully, my sons. Thank you, Mr. Ken Moore, for being a role model for all who know you. I am thankful to know you and grateful for your commitment to leading our city.
 

Happy Thanksgiving!