Ben Franklin

Benson Franklin (August 15, 1942 – March 22, 2003) was a Canadian teacher and politician who served as mayor of the city of Nepean, Ontario from 1978 to 1997.

Early life

Franklin was born in Elgin, Ontario on August 15, 1942, one of three children. Franklin's mother was a school teacher and his father worked at a cheese factory before serving in the Second World War. The factory closed by the time his father returned and the family moved to Ottawa, living in the downtown area before moving to the west end. His father found work as a taxi driver and, later, became manager of the Red Line taxi fleet at the Ottawa Airport. He worked for the Ottawa Board of Education as a geography teacher – at both the elementary and high school level – from 1964 to 1978.

Political career

Franklin was first elected to the Nepean council in 1972 and he took office in January 1973. He continued working at as a teacher, as the council position was a part-time job.

Franklin was first elected mayor in the 1978 municipal election, defeating fellow councillor Robert C. Mitchell. Nepean became part of the city of Ottawa in 2001.

Electoral record