Benson says, "The main thing I want people to know is we've got good public servants in this area and these are the exceptions, anyone that breaks the law."

But will the public be so easy to convince of that fact?

Courtney Wingate and Megan Washburn just moved to Chattanooga from Michigan.

Hearing the news of Councilman Franklin's arrest was not surprising and they say nothing compared to the latest happening in Detroit with a public official there.

Wingate says, "Our Mayor of Detroit is involved in a sex scandal and it's pretty much taking over the media."

But although Wingate says the news is not good for the city, it's not enough to make her move back.

Wingate laughs, "We're totally use to this!"

Longtime resident Kevin Bartolomucci also isn't surprised by the news.

He does find it interesting that the arrest of Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long and now Franklin's arrest have happened so close together.

Bartolomucci adds, "They're given access to good thing and they're given access to bad things and unfortunately some of them take advantage of bad things. Many of them geniuely want to help but some are there for their own gains and a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel."

Council members say they'll look to Franklin to be proactive in his next step as a council person.

If he resigns, they have two options: 1) Keep the seat vacant until the next general election in August, 2) appoint an interim council person for district 5.