Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3

Franklin is where we’ve chosen to build our lives. Some of you may have moved here for the strong school system or the convenience of the commuter rail. Others were drawn by the town’s reputation for safety, thanks to our outstanding police and fire departments. Perhaps it was Franklin’s excellent music programs, youth sports, recreational opportunities, and vibrant local dining that made you decide this was home. For some, Franklin has always been home.

If you rely on town water and sewer services, you understand how vital it is to invest in long-term infrastructure like the Beaver Street Interceptor project—a key to ensuring reliable services for the next century. No matter what brought you here, it’s easy to see why Franklin holds such a special place in your life.

But now, we face a critical decision.

The financial strain created by Proposition 2½—a law passed in 1982 that limits how much revenue our town can raise—has brought us to a tipping point. The recent Joint Budget Subcommittee listening tour made one thing clear: unless we increase support from residents, we will no longer be able to sustain the quality of services that make Franklin a great place to live.

It’s easy to assume everything is fine when you pass a school, a fire station, or the Town Clerk’s office. It’s easy to believe that students are learning just as they always have, that emergency help is always seconds away, or that town offices will be open when you need them. But without a YES vote on June 3, the reality will look very different.

Town offices will reduce hours. Class sizes will increase, and essential school programs will be scaled back. Our emergency services will be stretched thin—potentially requiring a third ambulance to come from a neighboring town during critical moments. The police department will face staffing cuts, losing experienced and dedicated officers who help keep us safe.

This vote is about more than just numbers—it’s about our values, our priorities, and our shared responsibility to each other and to the future of Franklin.

When you vote on Tuesday, June 3, I urge you to choose to invest in our town’s future. Early voting begins May 16 at the Town Clerk’s office, and the last day to register is May 24th.

Let’s work together to preserve the services, safety, community spirit and high quality of life  that make Franklin such a special place and wonderful community.   

Please vote YES. YES. YES.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally

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If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3