Saturday, June 25, 2022

Attention: Road repaving work starting July 5 - sections of King St, Beaver St, Union St, & East Central

On my transits this week, I noticed covers being put on the storm drains along King St. Something was coming. With the DPW confirmation yesterday, the repaving work is going to being after the 4th of July.

Work areas 

  • King St from Union to East Central 
  • East Central from Ruggles to Lewis St 
  • Union St from Beaver to School
  • Beaver St from the railroad tracks to i495 


Road repaving work starting July 5
Road repaving work starting July 5

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) - Hydrogen Pipe Dreams

Executive Summary

Fossil fuel companies are advocating blending hydrogen with “natural” gas (methane) for cooking and space and water heating. They claim this will generate heat while lowering the carbon footprint of the methane gas system. In fact, it will not. Most hydrogen gas is derived from methane or coal, both of which are major sources of greenhouse gasses, so utilizing hydrogen will actually increase greenhouse gas emissions. And using hydrogen to blend with methane increases the demand for and prolongs our dependence on methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, it distracts from the uptake of renewable energy sources and cost-effective, efficient electric technologies proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the window closing to address the climate crisis, we cannot afford this false solution.

Who are Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)
Working for over 50 years to create a healthy, just, and peaceful world for both present and future generations, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) uses medical and public health expertise to educate and advocate on urgent issues that threaten human health and survival. Our goals are to slow and eventually reverse climate change and to abolish nuclear weapons. 
Read the full report here (PDF) 



Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) - Hydrogen Pipe Dreams
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) - Hydrogen Pipe Dreams

Town Council Quarterbacking - with Tom Mercer; the insights and brief recap of the Town Council meeting June 22 (audio)

FM #821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 821 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 22.


·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


4.     PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a.     Proclamation and Performance: Electric Youth

b.     Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Recognition

 

5.     APPOINTMENTS

a.     Richard Salve - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

b.     Timothy Sweeney - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

 

c.     Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees  

  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c_appointments.pdf

 

d.     Tri-County School Committee Appointment – Jennifer D’Angelo

  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5d.pdf

 

9.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.     Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf

b.     Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf

c.     Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf

 

d.     Resolution 22-40: Appropriation Transfers FY22 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-40 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d.pdf

 

e.     Resolution 22-41: Authority for Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e.pdf

 

f.      Resolution 22-42: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,960) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f.pdf



The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-821-town-council-quarterbacking-06-23-22

--------------


Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_june_22_2022.pdf


My notes taken via Twitter are captured in this PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfMfgMowj-Vh04MroSUgrEwK1qzVTLWm/view?usp=sharing


My photos taken during the meeting are in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/h52SdtFSfb6gxofZA 


YouTube video of meeting ->  https://youtu.be/J0rn18f6aiM   


Keep up with events in Franklin vai the Community Calendar

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html 


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, an approved project for CPA funds
cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, an approved project for CPA funds

Senate President Spilka & Senator Rausch Respond Roe vs. Wade decision

Please find a statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):

 

"Today is an extremely dark day for America, as we face what can only be called a ‘nightmare scenario’ for women and those who can get pregnant across this nation. It is important to stress that abortion remains and will remain legal in Massachusetts. This fundamental right to health care is here to stay in the Commonwealth, and I will fight every day to strengthen and protect it.

 

In its Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the Senate included language protecting access to reproductive health care, and today, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order which aligns very closely with this language. There is increased urgency to codify these provisions so that we can ensure the safety and continued protections of our residents. I remain grateful that the Commonwealth stands united to safeguard these protections."


-------------


SENATOR RAUSCH STATEMENT ON DOBBS V. JACKSON RULING

"The Dobbs v. Jackson decision is a disaster of epic proportions that deeply stains our nation's history and jurisprudence. It erases decades of progress on reproductive justice and paves a clear path for dismantling droves of basic civil rights interpreted into the Constitution, including contraception, marriage equality, consensual private sex, forced sterilization, and more, and destroying access to massive swaths of reproductive health care, including not only abortion but also birth control, assisted reproductive technology, and miscarriage treatment. State legislatures, including Massachusetts, must act immediately to enact laws that preserve these rights. Absent robust state action, families will be torn apart, and pregnant and birthing people will die in numbers not seen in half a century.

Abortion is still legal in Massachusetts because of actions my colleagues and I took, together with organizational and grassroots advocates, in anticipation of this solemn day. But the work is far from over. We must ensure abortions are accessible to all who seek them in Massachusetts by vesting reproductive rights in people whose bodies and lives are on the line, ensuring reproductive care is provided regardless of who might be on call in an emergency room, and clearing away restrictions and roadblocks with no basis in medicine like excessive costs and provider deserts. Further, we must do everything we can within the confines of the Constitution, even as the Court tosses its language and precedent aside, to protect people from other states' egregious anti-abortion laws, both civil and criminal.

The Court today engages in drastic, unprecedented judicial activism that moves this country decades back in time. State governments are our last line of defense, and I will forever and always be a champion in this critical fight for our fundamental rights."

MA Legislators statements
MA Legislators statements

Dan Rather: Echo Chamber of Extremism


A legitimacy in tatters  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Thank you for joining the Steady community. A gentle reminder that paid subscribers help fund our effort, allowing us to produce more content freely available to all.


Echo Chamber of Extremism

A legitimacy in tatters

Dan Rather: Echo Chamber of Extremism
Photo: Douglas Rissing

A day at the Supreme Court that shakes America to its core.

What to say that hasn't been said but needs to be said again, and again, and again: This is not a court of humble jurists who are bound in any way by fidelity to precedent, the law, or common sense. There is nothing "conservative" about these damaging decisions, or the men and woman who have imposed their extreme views upon the American populace. 

Right-wing politicians decry "elitism," but what is more elitist than unelected and unaccountable activists using the language of legal argumentation as a fig leaf for their naked exercise of power?

There is no way that these decisions would pass a vote of the American public. Indeed, a majority of the justices were installed by presidents who lost the popular vote. And the polling on the issues these rulings tear asunder suggests that what these justices are doing is unpopular — in many cases, very unpopular.

But they sneer from their echo chamber of extremism. They are emboldened by a system that has been fixed, with the complicity of Mitch McConnell and others, to advantage minority viewpoints by leveraging a branch of government not designed to be a political actors' stage in order to circumvent the legislative and executive branches.

Where to begin, and where will it end?

The Supreme Court has further cemented its role as a reactionary force in American life.

Today it was abortion, on top of recent decisions on gun regulations, public funding for religious schools, and Miranda rights. Soon they will likely gut environmental regulations, and we can guess at what comes next — gay marriage? Contraception? 

We can't let this moment pass without recognizing what a horrific decision today's is, and how it will relegate women to second-class status in decision-making over their own bodies. This will lead to a host of suffering and likely death. It will imprison women where control will be imposed by the state. It is the opposite of freedom. It is a right that existed — and still should. 

The Supreme Court depends on its legitimacy, and today that is as tattered as the constitutional rights on which it has trampled. The Roberts court will be marked as a cabal of intemperance that made America far less safe and far less free. It will be noted for its zealotry and its cynical embrace of the ends justifying the means. 

But as with all chapters of history, how our present is ultimately viewed depends on what comes next. Will these rulings lead to outrage-fueled activism that upends the political system, or apathy and defeatism? Will the majority mobilize? Will there be reforms? Will there be a recalibration of the current balance of power? 

One of the few things I have learned with any certainty over the course of my life is not to attempt to predict the future. I have seen unimaginable change come about. I have seen long odds overcome. 

I leave you today with the words of Sherrilyn Ifill, civil rights lawyer and president and director-counsel emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She has experienced the fight from the trenches of justice, and her perspective mirrors my own. I could not have expressed it better. 

Share

Leave a comment

LikeCommentCommentShareShare

You're on the free list for Steady. For those who are able, please consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our efforts.

© 2022 Dan Rather
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104

More Perfect Union: 053 - Responsible Gun Ownership and Legislation - Part 1 (audio)

In this episode, the group sit down with firearms trainers and educators Michael Cox, and Robert and Stavroula MacQuarrie, to discuss responsible firearm ownership, the future of firearm legislation in Congress, the importance of education and proper firearm safety.

Michael Cox is a firearm safety and training coordinator at Safe Insight. You can learn more about Michael and the work Safe Insight does at their website:  https://www.safeinsight.net/home

Stavroula hosts an informational YouTube channel discussing concealed carry, firearm instruction and personal safety called "She Equips Herself".

You can learn more here:  www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself

Episode audio -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f8351b7c-9b20-42c6-8ea7-03d25dd05bde

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)
Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

Friday, June 24, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: June 24, 2022 to July 1, 2022

Farmers Market and Library book sale kick off the weekend. Electric Youth provide their bon voyage concerts at THE BLACK BOX, Music and entertainment at La Cantina and 67 Degrees complete the options for the Friday and Saturday schedule.

Sunday is the first Pride Celebration on the Town Common with art, food trucks, music and entertainment. It will be a good time.

Next week we can look forward to the 4th of July Celebration; 5 days of music and entertainment starting Thursday June 30 with the fireworks returning Sat July 2. The Farmers Market is not happening July 1. It will return on July 8.

Friday, June 24
1:00pm - Franklin Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)
2:00pm - Acoustic Feel - live music (Farmers Market)
5:00pm - Franklin Youth Football Fundraiser (LaCantina Winery)
6:00pm - Steve Angellis - live music (67 Degrees Brewing)
7:30pm - Electric Youth 2022 Bon Voyage Concert (THE BLACK BOX, ticketed event)

Saturday, June 25
9:00am - Franklin Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Franklin Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm - Community Potluck Lunch (Franklin Public Library)
4:00pm - Patrick Durkin - live music (LaCantina Winery)
6:00pm - The Forgetful Ones - live music (67 Degrees Brewing)
7:30pm - Electric Youth 2022 Bon Voyage Concert (THE BLACK BOX, ticketed event)

Sunday, June 26
12:00pm - Celebrate With PRIDE (Franklin Town Common)
1:00pm - Temple Etz Chaim fund raiser (LaCantina Winery)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
5:00pm - Michael Rivelis - live music (LaCantina Winery)

Tuesday, June 28

7:00pm - Franklin Public Library Book Club

Thursday, June 30 6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 6-10) 7:00pm - 4th July: Mo Bounce (Boston's uncut Funk, Soul and R&B party band)

-------------------

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26


Community Calendar
Community Calendar