Absentee Ballot can be voted in the Town Clerk's office up to noon on Monday, Nov 6

ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE

TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.

BIENNIAL TOWN ELECTION NOTICE

DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

TIME: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ON OAK STREET

*ALL PRECINCTS*

Absentee Ballot Information: 

 Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to the following reasons may vote absentee in the Town Clerk’s Office up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 6, 2017

• absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
• physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
• Religious belief.

To request an Absentee Ballot:

• Email: tburr@franklinma.gov to request an absentee ballot form
• Visit the Town Clerk’s website at franklinma.gov to print out an Absentee Ballot request form and either email or fax (508)520-4913.

If you have any questions, please contact Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk at (508)520-4900 or
Email tburr@franklinma.gov

 Absentee Ballot can be voted in the Town Clerk's office up to noon on Monday, Nov 6

FHS girls soccer win to advance in playoffs

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Friday, Nov 3.


Football – Non Playoffs = Franklin, 13 @ Braintree, 33 – Final

1st Quarter: (B) Braintree 69-yard rush, XP failed.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 20-yard pass to Jake Noviello, XP no good; (B) Braintree 6-yard pass, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (B) Braintree 19-yard pass, XP good; (F) J. Noviello 4-yard pass to Sean Leonard, Matt Zucco XP good.
4th Quarter: (B) Braintree 16-yard rush, XP good; (B) Braintree 38-yard rush, XP failed.


Girls Soccer= D1 South = #14 Franklin, 4 vs. #19 Brockton, 2 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:

"It only took three and a half minutes for #14 Franklin to get its first goal on Friday night at Pisini Field, and the Panthers never looked back en route to a 4-2 win over #19 Brockton in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. 

Following a miscue by the Brockton goalie, the ball ended up at the feet of Miranda Smith and she capitalized, putting it in the back of the net to give Franklin a 1-0 lad. Ten minutes later, Anna Balkus scored off a feed from Molly Duncan to give the Panthers a 2-0 advantage. 

“The first half when the first group was in there, they moved the ball really well, and they had the defense moving and they made their own breaks,” Franklin head coach Tom Geysen said about Franklin’s quick start. 

In the 28th minute, Brockton saw their first scoring chance of the game, but their shot off a free kick was saved by Cat Robbins, who had seven saves on the night for the Panthers."

Continue reading the article online 
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-doubles-up-on-brockton-to-advance-in-playoffs/

For the other results around the Hockomcok League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-110317/

FHS Panthers

"Research into cannabis is still preliminary"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As Massachusetts moves closer to a date when marijuana can be sold in stores, two acronyms are dominating the discussion of merchandise – THC and CBD. 

Both are chemical compounds found in cannabis. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive chemical compound in marijuana – it’s what makes you high when you smoke, eat, or otherwise take a dose. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is not psychoactive, but proponents say it has a lot of the same medical benefits. 

“If you don’t want to feel any psychoactive effects, definitely look into CBD,” said Andover-based Healing Rose co-founder Zach McInnis. The Healing Rose sells CBD-infused products."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171103/some-marijuana-products-have-nothing-to-do-with-getting-high

Senator Ross: Mid - Fall 2017 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, October 2017 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, As the leaves change, I am preparing for a busy fall on Beacon Hill, and I look forward to facing head-on the many important and diverse issues of our commonwealth and my district. This season, we will once again be addressing healthcare reform where I have co-sponsored legislation to address rising costs, negligent caretakers, and risky insurance practices. The fight against opioid addiction continues. As a member of the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security I am working with my colleagues to assist Governor Baker's efforts to increase efforts to combat this problem. Throughout the summer and early fall months, the legislature has taken up various pieces of my legislation concerning higher education, elder affairs and administrative and budgetary transparency. I am pleased with how the fall session is going however there is much more work to be done. Better late than never, as they say. There are still finishing touches to be made on the FY18 budget. The Senate is considering Governor Baker's vetoes very carefully after the House chose to restore all $320 million worth of spending cuts out of $40.2 billion. So far, the Senate has restored $75.8 million and I  have voted to sustain ____ of the governors vetoes. Since tax revenues are down $749 million, it is critical to be fiscally responsible and spend within our means. We hope to be done later in the fall. It is a pleasure to serve as the State Senator for Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. As your Legislator, I send out these updates to keep you informed on the many issues being debated on Beacon Hill, as well as some of the events happening in the district.  As always, I appreciate hearing from you on the things that matter to our district and our Commonwealth. It is an honor to serve as your voice at the State House. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at Richard.Ross@masenate.gov or contact my office at 617-722-1555   Thank you for taking the time to read this update on what I have been working on over the past month. If there is someone you know who would like to receive my State House Update, please share this newsletter and invite them to sign up for our mailing list today! Additionally, feel free to contact my office regarding any questions or concerns you may have. You may also check my website for the most up-to-date information on Beacon Hill. It is my pleasure and honor to continue serving you as State Senator, and I look forward to providing you with the newest updates next month. Copyright © 2017 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA This email was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents from Senator Ross View this link in your browser

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Creating Miniature Succulent Terrarium

Deb DeGrazia, treasurer of the Franklin Garden Club, will lead members in creating a small succulent terrarium at the Tuesday, November 7, Club meeting that will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00p.m. 

All plants and other required supplies will be provided. Members will leave with a complete terrarium and instructions on how they can replicate it for making additional terrariums that can be used in their homes or given as gifts to others. 

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. 

Franklin Garden Club

"not everyone wants the sound of silence"

Fox25 has an article and video segment on the train signals in Franklin.

"The arrival of the commuter rail train in Franklin is signaled by a loud whistle, but that’s causing a commotion and some are pushing to silence it.

“Many, many blasts on the horn late at night, it wakes people up very late in the evening or first thing in the morning,” town council candidate Eamon McCarthy Earls explained. 

Representative Jeffrey Roy is one lawmaker pushing for a quiet zone in Franklin. He told Boston 25 News as loud as they are, train whistles are not the solution when it comes to safety."

Continue reading the article and view the video segment online
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/safety-vs-silence-franklin-residents-battle-over-train-whistles/637202477

MBTA commuter rail crossing at Unions St one of the five street level crossing in Franklin

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/3/17 - THU 11/9/17

FRIDAY 11/3/17
10am   Medicare Open Enrollment Meeting @ Senior Center
7pm   Comedy Fundraiser to benefit Franklin Girls Basketball @ Crystal Room, Milford
7:30-10pm   BeatleMania Stage Show @ FHS
8pm   Local Artist Series: Jazz Vocalist Brenda Padula @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 11/4/17
9am-12pm   SNETT Rail Trail Fall Clean Up @ Grove Street Trailhead (bring gloves and good shoes)
9am-3pm   Franklin Newcomers Craft Fair @ Tri-County RVTHS
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Franklin and Its Monuments @ Franklin Historical Museum
4-7pm   Beer Extravaganza @ Pour Richard’s
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Eric Schwartz @ FUSF
8pm   James Montgomery Band @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 11/5/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
12:30-5pm   Franklin Public Library GRAND RE-OPENING @ Franklin Public Library,  118 Main Street
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
4pm   Rhythm Future Quartet @ The Black Box

MONDAY 11/6/17
10:30am   Move Along (ages 0-5) @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Book Discussion Group @ Franklin Senior Center
6:30pm   Transformative Power of 10 Minutes with author Dr. Beth Kurland @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 11/7/17
6am-8pm   Biennial Town Election @ Franklin High School
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 11/8/17
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (ages 18months to 3 years old) @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction! @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Middle School Parent Forum with Superintendent Ahern @ Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Hops from the Vine to the Glass Seminar @ Pour Richard’s
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Monthly Meeting @ 3 Restaurant
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today - Laughter Yoga @ FUSF
7:30pm   LubDub Theatre Co. presents The Doubtful Guest @ The Black Box

THURSDAY 11/9/17
9:30am   Middle School Parent Forum with Superintendent Ahern @ Horace Mann MS
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3 to 6) @ Franklin Public Library
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
6pm   Beginners Chess for ALL Ages @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-8:30pm   First Universalist Society Fundraiser @ Pour Richard’s
6:45-8:45pm   Grade 8 OpenHouse @ Tri-County RVTHS
7pm   Book Signing: Kim Rezendes @ The Black Box
7pm   Exploring the French Wines @ Franklin Liquors
7pm   FHS Chamber Concert @ FHS
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

What will Franklin be like in 2028?

What should Franklin look like in 2028?

Why 2028? 

That would be the 250 year anniversary of the creation of Franklin separating from Wrentham. You likely recall the story that it was originally to be called Exeter but on the way to Boston, they changed the name to Franklin to honor the work of Benjamin Franklin. When the founding fathers asked Ben for a bell to toll in his name, he responded with a bunch of books and hence our library, the first public library in the nation was formed.

We have this legacy to live with and keep up. 

2028 is only 10 years away. It will be here before we know it. Hence, there is no time like the present to start thinking about what the town should look like. How it should operate?

The new school superintendent, Sara Ahern is embarking on a process to update the mission, vision and strategic plan for the schools. The Town or municipal side should do the same thing.

We have a current Master Plan. We have a current Open Space Plan, We also have budget challenges. 
How are we going to deal with our OPEB obligation? 
How are we going to repair our roads? 
How are we going to maintain or advance our fire, police, and DPW services?
How are we going to provide services to our growing community? 
And of course, how are we going to fund the schools to give our children the best they can get to prepare them for the world of 2028 and beyond?

We can do something now. The biennial Town Election is coming up November 7, we should make sure to select those with the vision and or the willingness to work on where we need to be in 2028.

The Fiscal Year budget for 2019 is supposed to be a challenge. That should give us all the more reason to select the proper folks to lead us forward. Starting now.

Talk to the candidates. They are your neighbors. Find out what they want to do. Find out how they are going to get us to 2028.

And then vote on November 7. 
It is the one thing you need to do right now!


Steve Sherlock, volunteer Community Information Director, Franklin Matters

an empty sign is a missed opportunity

#Franklin2028

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Opioid Crisis Forum to be held at the Bellingham Library Nov. 14, 7-9PM

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Bellingham Police Department, in conjunction with the S.A.F.E. Coalition, will be presenting a public forum on the opioid crisis affecting Norfolk County, as well as the rest of Massachusetts and the country. 

This past year, in Norfolk County alone, over 200 mostly adolescent and youthful citizens have died from this epidemic. Many more, of course, have been impacted - their families, their children, the justice and health systems.

The forum will present diverse and developing treatment and support factors that influence addicts and their families with the focus on Bellingham and Norfolk County.

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

FHS volleyball and field hockey win to advance in playoffs

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports playoff results on Thursday, Nov 2.


Volleyball = D1 Central West
#6 Franklin, 3 vs. #11 Wachusett, 0 – Final
– Franklin took care of business in its opening game of the state tournament, sweeping Wachusett (25-21, 25-15, 25-23). Junior setter Lauren McGrath had a balanced game with 31 assists while adding six digs and a pair of aces. Maggie Doyle (one block) had nine kills while fellow middle Meaghan Maguire (one block) finished with eight kills. FHS coach Kate Horsmann noted Riley Marino, Shannon Gray, and Lauren Bissanti all played well defensively and in serve receive.


Field Hockey = D1 South
#18 Franklin, 7 @ #15 Westwood, 3 – Final

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter provides the game recap

"Playing on the road is no easy feat, especially in the playoffs. 

The Franklin girls field hockey team started strong, survived a comeback attempt and finished with a comfortable 7-3 victory over #15 Westwood in the preliminary round of the MIAA D1 South State Tournament. 

Just 19 seconds into the game, Franklin got their first corner opportunity, and while they were unable to convert, they would get two others before two minutes would tick down on the clock. On their third attempt, Cassi Ronan saw her aerial just got over the top of the net, but seconds later, on Franklin’s fourth corner of the first half, Ronan was able to find the back of the net to put the Panthers up 1-0. 

Franklin earned two more corners at the 23:50 and the 23:17 marks, but stout defense and play from Westwood goalie Megan Brown would keep the Franklin lead at 1-0. However, on their sixth corner of the first half, Victoria Quinn would find the back of the net, and the Panthers led 2-0."

Continue reading the recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/strong-start-helps-franklin-field-hockey-land-big-win-at-westwood/

Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Franklin-Westwood-Field-Hockey-11-02-17/

For the other results around the Hockomcok League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-110217/

Franklin’s Cassi Ronan (left) carries possession past a Westwood defender in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Candidate for Board of Health: Bridget Sweet

Bridget Sweet (BS) and I (FM) sat down at Panera Bread to talk about her candidacy for the Franklin (MA) Board of Health in the election scheduled for November 7, 2017.


FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

I am originally from Dorchester but we moved here from Brockton about 4.5 years ago. I attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and graduated with my degree in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, where I also met my husband. We have four children Timothy, Devin, Cameron and Dillon. Lived in Brockton for over 10 years and moved to Franklin. Some of the challenges associated with living in an urban area began to outweigh the benefits and Franklin was the perfect fit. It was a feasible commute for Kevin in Maynard, who at the time was interviewing as the Town Administrator. He has been in Maynard for over 8 years, and the Town Administrator for over four.

The sense of community and neighborhood that we encountered here has been amazing. My kids are at Jefferson, Remington, and Franklin High. I can’t say enough about the Remington/Jefferson communities, it has been great. With four kids, we have been pretty involved with sports. The younger three have been in lacrosse and one also plays football with the Chargers. The majority of my interactions are through school or sports events.

This may have been your typical city to Franklin move. At first I couldn’t fall asleep at night as it was too quiet. It has been a learning curve but it definitely has been amazing. It has been really good for the kids, the weekend after we moved to town we had our first ever block party. The Recreation program that Franklin has is unbelievable compared to other communities, they offer a wide array of options that are fee based yet affordable.

The location of course is also key. When I traveled for Whole Foods, my base was at the Bellingham store but I could get to all the other MA stores and back within the day. This was ideal for my family life; not having to leave the kids for an extended overnight stay. Now that my kids are older, my youngest is eight,  I have some spare time … I guess more available time is the better way to say it. This past year I joined the Franklin Chargers Board. It was a good experience to support the program as they support the children in the community.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

I’ve wanted to run for the Board of Health (BoH)since we moved here. I figure it may be a shot in the dark but if I don’t try, I may regret it. Public health is a challenging field to assess outcomes within, especially when there is a lack of understanding with what the department is tasked with. I think an additional challenge within Franklin is that the meetings are held during the work day. It is hard to engage community involvement as well as support local businesses if the meetings are held during the day. I believe that a potential challenge within the Franklin BoH will be how to handle the recreational marijuana and how this will impact public health, access, and food safety.

I believe that education and transparency are required to help guide public health within the community. Massachusetts is moving towards a more proactive model, not just relying on enforcement/regulatory actions to spur compliance. Massachusetts is in the midst of adopting updates to various regulations that directly impact the health department. Updates in the food regulation, housing regulation, camp regulation and pool regulation are imminent and it is imperative that the staff be up to speed on these changes so that they can educate and support local business to strive for compliance. I am a firm believer that the answer should not always be “NO”, but “how can we do this safely.”

I think that is the challenge coming into a Board like this. I don’t know everything. I don’t know what’s best. The first several months would be “What do I need to learn? How can I help?” I have all these ideas that are great on paper but until you’re there, they may not be transferable. That’s ok. I don’t have an ego, I just want to work to support the community and local public health.


FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

Franklin is fortunate to have a well-qualified staff. As a former local public health official, I understand the dynamic between the Board and the staff. I’d like to offer some innovative and alternative solutions so the Health Dept would still be meeting their minimum required standards but to also be stewards of the community. There is a wealth of expertise in this department that should be showcased. I bring various credentials to the table, and a wide variety of previous experience but I am cautious to lean too heavily on these. 

My role would not be that of the Health Director or Health Agent, but to serve on the Board in a support capacity. I bring my passion and my knowledge to help review policies and to support the staff as they continue to protect public health. I am well versed in the policy role having served on various task forces within the State of Rhode Island, as well as previously serving on the Massachusetts Health Officer Association Executive Board.

I really am excited about the opportunity to support the community in a field that I am so passionate about. I simply ask that when you cast your ballots next week you consider my name. I don’t have a specific reason as to why, but simply a general “why not”?

To follow up with Bridget directly you can reach her via email at 
blsweet9@gmail.com

You can also find out more about her campaign at her Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/sweetforboh/

Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 

Election Collection - 2017

Franklin Public Library: The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes - Nov 6

Join clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Beth Kurland, at the Franklin Public Library Monday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. as she shares strategies from her new book The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes: An Eight Week Guide to Reducing Stress and Cultivating Well-Being. 

Discover how setting aside just ten minutes a day, and bringing simple tools such as mindfulness into the course of your day, can help you reduce stress and develop a deeper sense of well-being. The book was awarded Finalist in the Health and Wellness category by Next Genertion Indie Book Awards. 

Dr. Kurland has an outpatient practice in Norwood, MA where she specializes in mindfulness and mind-body strategies to help her patients achieve whole person health and wellness. Free audio and video meditations can be found on her website at BethKurland.com.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/142163

Franklin Public Library: The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes - Nov 6

In the News: Library set to reopen Sunday; Taste of Bellingham begins Nov 8

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After almost seven months of construction, the Franklin Public Library will be ready for its re-opening on Monday. 

The $10.5 million renovation of the Main Street building includes a large addition which expanded the children’s and teens area, added a new computer lab, a new circulation desk, and hundreds of new books. Even the older part of the building had a facelift; the scagliola in the main reading room has been refurbished and looks brand new. 

Starting Monday, all scheduled programming will resume, including Tummy Time for babies on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., and scheduled storytime, while new programs will take hold, such as Construction Junction every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Children of all ages will spend the hour letting their imaginations go wild with Legos, Lincoln Logs, and other building toys."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171102/franklin-library-to-re-open-monday

the entrance from Main St was re-done re-purposing some of the red granite

"The Bellingham Business Association is opening its 10th “Taste of Bellingham” event to the public, giving residents the chance to sample dishes from local restaurants. 

The event - set to run on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Frank Webb Home on South Main Street - is shaping up well, with a good number of local businesses taking part, said association President John Orthman. 

“We pretty much invite all restaurants in town to participate,” he said. “If they do take part, we waive their membership fees for the association.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171103/sample-taste-of-bellingham-next-week

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Mickey Whitmore

This interview with Mickey Whitmore (MW), candidate for Franklin Town Council, was collaborated on via email.

FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

MW: My name is Mickey Whitmore, but my friends call me Mick. I grew up in a very small town in North East PA., but relocated to Massachusetts when I was 19. I bought a great fixer upper here in town in my early 20’s and went about giving it an overhaul. My neighbor invited me to a Memorial day barbecue at their house where I spotted a pretty red head. 

 Many years of marriage and three children later we are still here, and are quite taken with this community. Our youngest children are five years old and just started kindergarten, and our oldest is in the fourth grade. They are all currently attending public school here in town.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

MW: I am a Data Center Consultant by trade. It is my responsibility to ensure that confidential and proprietary information is securely stored for our clients. Imagine if the building where you do your banking were to have a fire, and some computers were damaged. The information from the computer is stored (sent electronically) elsewhere, to a Data center. This is what I design. I create and translate business requirements into Data Center architectural designs and solutions. I’m able to I analyze and project what the future outcomes.

I think what I bring to the table is that I have zero agenda. I am not in real estate, I don’t own a local business, I am not self-employed. Simply put, I am willing to volunteer my time, and I think I have the ability to review all issues and options that are presented to the town council with care.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

MW: I’m concerned about the building in Franklin, in particular in the residential areas. Franklin pays their bills with money brought in from taxes, state funding, and some receipts from things like excise tax, or pulling a permit. However, each year what we need to spend on expenses, exceeds the amount of money coming in. Add to the deficit new group dwellings filled with new occupants, and we have a recipe for putting further strain on our schools, and town resources. We are just adding fuel to the fire.

I support commercial and industrial development in their respective zones. This type of real estate will bring in tax revenue without further burdening our resources and finances. My interest is in preservation. Preservation of what small town charm we have left, and our preserving our budget.

The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:

"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"

MW: I’m really excited about the prospect of Franklin having an official Cultural District designation. Not only do my wife and I appreciate the arts, but anything that could potentially promote jobs and new business in our community is a plus. I would plan to support this initiative to the fullest. Potentially keeping and reusing our old buildings would further preserve our towns history, and maintain some of the character.


To follow up with Mickey send him an email at mickeywhitmore@gmail.com
Visit his campaign page on Facebook
 https://www.facebook.com/vote4mickey

Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 

Election Collection - 2017