Candidate Guide - Franklin City Council - Robert Dale Lipps Jr

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Franklin High School, 2021; Sinclair Communty College, 2023; Wright State University, Expected 2025;

Current employment: Walmart/Student at Wright State

Office Sought: Franklin City Council

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

I am the best candidate suited for Franklin City Council because of my background, leadership experience, and connection to this community. I’ve lived in the Franklin area my entire life, attended Franklin City Schools K–12, and plan to build my future here. I want to ensure Franklin is a place where young people like me want to stay, families want to move to, businesses want to grow, and seniors can afford to remain.

Before running for this office, I held various leadership positions and served on boards. From being elected SkillsUSA Ohio’s State Vice President to promote career technical education statewide, to serving as the City of Franklin’s Representative to the Warren County Board of Health, to being elected as a Warren County GOP Central Committee member, I have consistently worked to serve others. I will bring fresh energy, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to standing up for Franklin residents.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

New Leadership for Franklin, Smart Growth and Development, and Public Safety and Infrastructure

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

For too long, the same people have been elected and reelected with little competition. I decided to run because, like many voters in our community, I was tired of seeing the same choices every election. This year, there are three seats up and only two incumbents. While a new council member will be elected, I believe I align most closely with our community’s values. As a young, conservative candidate, I pledge to be transparent, open-minded, and serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Franklin’s population has hovered around 11,000 since the 1990s, partly because young people aren’t staying. We need to attract new businesses and support business growth, but do so in a way that preserves our small-town character. We also need to continue to invest in our public parks and create an environment where young couples want to settle and raise a family.

A safe community and well-maintained infrastructure are essential. I will advocate for funding for emergency services, maintain roads and utilities efficiently, and prioritize projects that protect residents’ safety. I will also ensure spending on these services is transparent and fiscally responsible so Franklin remains a secure and thriving community.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is a challenger.

The biggest issue I see with the current City Council is that the same members keep being elected with little to no competition, and some have served for decades. I decided to run to give voters a fresh choice this November and bring new energy, accountability, and perspectives to the council. Change on council is important because it ensures residents’ voices are heard, encourages new ideas for growth and development, and helps the city adapt to the needs of young families, local businesses, and seniors. Together, we can ensure Franklin is a community that is Pro-Business, Pro-Family, and Pro-You.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

I am uniquely qualified to serve on Franklin City Council because of my lifelong connection to the community, leadership experience, and proven record of public service. I have lived in the Franklin area my entire life, attended Franklin City Schools K–12, and plan to raise my family here, giving me a personal stake in the city’s future. Throughout the years, I have held multiple leadership roles and served on boards that prepared me for this role, including being elected SkillsUSA Ohio’s State Vice President, serving as Franklin’s Representative to the Warren County Board of Health, and being elected to the Warren County GOP Central Committee. Combined with an engineering background, I’ve developed skills in governance, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and collaboration. These experiences equip me to make thoughtful decisions and advocate effectively for the needs and priorities of Franklin residents.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Property taxes are a major issue for the residents of Franklin. Families and seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the burden of rising costs, and it is important that government spending is responsible and efficient. Although much of the property tax system is determined at the state and school district level, the Franklin City Council can take steps to ease the impact on residents, including growing our tax base through smart growth and development by supporting small businesses, attracting new investment, and encouraging development that keeps young families in the community. Rising home assessments will still increase individual property tax bills, but a larger tax base that includes the new development can reduce the need for additional levies. Long-term reform will require advocating at the state level for changes to how education is funded in Ohio.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I’ve built personal and professional relationships with many local, county, and state leaders. Reflecting my relationships, I am the only Franklin City Council candidate endorsed by the Warren County Republican Party. I consider this endorsement not just a partisan title but also a vote of confidence from leaders across Warren County in my abilities to represent Franklin effectively. I am also proud to be endorsed by our State Representative, Michelle Teska. These relationships will help Franklin advocate for resources and priorities at every level of government.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

Served as Franklin’s representative to the Warren County Board of Health (July 2023 – Dec 2024); Volunteered in community service projects, including creek and trail cleanups at Franklin Community Park; Member of the Franklin Area Historical Society; Sponsor/Producer of Let's Talk Franklin Media

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates?

I am proud to be the only candidate in the Franklin City Council race endorsed by the Warren County Republican Party. While I am not running as part of a slate with other Franklin City Council candidates, I am running as part of the slate of Republican endorsed candidates across Warren County.

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

I am grateful for the support of so many in our community. If given the opportunity to serve, I will make every decision on council with Franklin’s long-term best interests in mind. Not only do I want this city to be my forever home, but also for my future children and grandchildren. Together, we can ensure Franklin is Pro-Business, Pro-Family, and Pro-You. I hope to earn your vote this November and help bring new leadership to the City of Franklin.