Thank you for the nomination
Rep. Roy was pleased to receive the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District at the primary election on September 9, 2014. His name will appear on the general election ballot in November.
"It has been a great honor to represent Franklin and Medway in the House of Representatives and I am looking forward to to a second term," said Roy. "We had a very productive legislative session, but there is more work to be done for the citizens of Massachusetts. I will continue to fight hard to make Franklin and Medway great places to work, live and raise a family."
The complete primary results for the election can be viewed by clicking here.
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Ballot question book talk
Rep. Roy introduced author Jeff Clements who spoke about his new book Corporations are not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations. The talk offered a public forum for residents of the 10th Norfolk District to gather information on the public policy question which will appear on the November 4, 2014 state election ballot.
The ballot question asks essentially whether your State Representative, should be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling for an amendment to the United States Constitution, stating that corporations are not people. The actual language the ballot question can be viewed by clicking here. This would be in response to the Citizens United decision, a U.S. constitutional law case dealing with the regulation of campaign spending by corporations.
The talk by Clements offered background on the question posed and an introduction to his book on the topic. In his book, Clements explores the Citizens United decision, where the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations, as virtual persons, have the same free speech rights as living, breathing persons. He describes the history of the Citizens United ruling, its ongoing effects on democracy, and the growing movement to reverse it.
Under Article XIX of the Massachusetts Constitution, Part I, the people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble to consult upon the common good; give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by the way of addresses, petitions, or remonstrances, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer. Over the summer, residents of the 10th Norfolk District signed petitions, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 53, section 19, asking that the ballot question on corporate person-hood be submitted to the voters.
It is hoped that this forum was the first of many that will take place to help residents make up their mind about the ballot question.
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Sculpture Park opens in Franklin
Franklin's new sculpture park opened this month before a crowd of about 100 in attendance.
The crowd, consisting of town officials, police, artists, school children but most importantly, dozens of community members, enjoyed this new addition to Franklin.
Rep Roy spoke at the event and had the opportunity to discuss the meaning and motivation behind the works with the artists who created them. In his remarks, Rep. Roy suggested to the crowd "that next time you hear someone talk about STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education, tell them you want to hear more about STEAM; include art."
You can read the Milford Daily News report on the park opening by clicking here.
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Plainridge casino ceremony
Rep. Roy participated in the Plainridge Race Course & Slot Parlor "topping out" ceremony. The topping out ceremony is the formal process of placing the last structural beam during a construction project.
The event, which was hosted by Penn National Gaming, gave Rep. Roy, fellow legislators, union workers and citizens of the Plainville area the opportunity to sign the beam before it was hoisted and connected permanently to the structure.
The construction of Massachusetts' sole slot parlor in nearby Plainville will ultimately lead to thousands of new jobs in construction, hospitality, gaming and horse farming, as will the partnerships with local communities like Franklin with its nearby hotels and restaurants.
More information on the benefits of these jobs to our community can be found by clicking here.
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Sunday liquor sale hours changed
Sunday, Oct. 26, will be the first Sunday when state package stores will be allowed to open two hours earlier after Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill into law in July.
The law moves the earliest hour liquor stores can open from 12 p.m. to 10 a.m.
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Franklin featured in WGBH video
Downtown living doesn't always require being a resident of a big city. Even in the outer suburbs, there's growing demand for small living spaces, a vibrant restaurant scene, and easy access to public transportation. This high-density approach is catching on, despite running counter to the manicured lawns and three car garages that define many bedroom communities.
In its ongoing focus on development, WGBH News reporter Stephanie Leydon showed how Franklin is embracing "smart growth" to revitalize its town center.
Click here or on the image above to view the video.
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New FHS opens
The new Franklin High School dedication ceremony went off with flying colors, complete with tours, a commemorative concert, and a speaking program in the new courtyard.
Rep. Roy was pleased to join his legislative colleagues in congratulating the community on the addition of this flagship building.
In his remarks, Rep. Roy noted that the 80% yes vote by the citizens of Franklin was a big piece of the project's success. He thanked the hundreds of volunteers who gave up their time and energy to make this all possible.
In addition he noted that today, "we stand proud together to dedicate the flagship building which is a crowing jewel for education in Franklin. We have some of the greatest educational facilities from early childhood, to elementary, to middle, and now to high school. While many communities are playing catch-up, Franklin continues to lead the way."
He also observed that Franklin's own Horace Mann would be proud of the work done on this facility. "We are all proud and we look forward to seeing this structure endure as a center for learning whose cost will be returned a thousand fold in the love of study and the improvement of our city, our Commonwealth and our country," said Roy.
Pictures from the opening ceremonies can be viewed by clicking here.
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Summer interns aid in legislative process
We celebrated another successful summer with our interns who worked hard to assist in the legislative process on Beacon Hill.
Stefan Herlitz from Franklin and Adriana Salvas from Medway provided great service and support for the 10th Norfolk District and we enjoyed a "thank you" lunch last month. Maxwell Morrongiello of Franklin has also been a wonderful intern in our office, but was not available for the photo.
Thank you Stefan, Adriana, and Max for the richness of your ideas and the enthusiasm you demonstrated for the political process.
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Ladybugs debut on Town Common
The Franklin Cultural Council unveiled their ladybugs on the Town Common. The unveiling was part of a year long Public Art Event honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Massachusetts State Bug, born in the town of Franklin.
Rep. Roy was delighted to greet for the first time the artistic creation which was part of a joint venture with Senators Spilka and Ross, the other members of the Franklin delegation at the State House.
The delegation's ladybug featured the State seal, a copy of the original ladybug bill from 1974, ladybug images, and a note of thanks to Franklin's founders.
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