Franklin TV: Ken Norman - In Memoriam

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/07/2025

2012. A lovely ‘greening’ day in April. A good day to show off the best of any town. Ken drove me (the new guy) all around Franklin. Nothing desultory about his pitch. I had just been hired as the Executive Director for what would become Franklin.TV. Although I hadn’t officially started yet, I was up for the tour. Ken didn’t disappoint. As Board President of FCCA, Inc., dba Franklin.TV, Ken was all about getting me settled in and fully engaged. He brought enthusiasm for the Town and lots of rich detail and backstory to help me know the community firsthand – to welcome me. Yes, I felt welcomed. Vested. Sold!

A week later. Tuesday. My second ‘official’ day on the job. Ken came to our studio at 13 Main that morning to see if I was okay. He instinctively knew that I had a hill to climb. Humbly, sheepishly, he asked. ‘Did I mind him stopping by? He didn’t want to intrude – get in the way or disrupt anything.’

“Are you kiddin’ me? Gladaseeya! Gladahavya! Anytime. Stop by all you want. Whenever. Sit. Let’s talk.” I welcomed him. He felt welcomed. Vested. Sold.

Thus, a deep abiding partnership was born. Partners in crime. Brothers in arms. Call it what you will, but Ken signed on to the ‘grand vision’ – all of it. Truth be told, he owns as much of any ‘grand vision’ as I do. That Summer we stumped around town looking for a new studio home. We visited other PEG studios. We discussed all manner of issues, opportunities, goals. We cobbled plans. Ken came by 3-4 times every week. Gabfests. More plans. More progress. More vision. More victories.

Ken Norman getting recognized for his services
by State Rep Jeff Roy at the Town Council Mtg 12/20/2023

This was our normal – right up until COVID, when our studio was closed – for 2 years. Together, we adapted. We soldiered on. COVID had its hidden costs for many of us. By 2023 Ken was no longer as spry. Getting around town became more challenging. Over time, I saw less of my partner in crime.

There are many business books on managing, but few on leadership. Visionary leadership is rare. There is leadership – and there is cheerleadership. Ken was a cheerleader – for me, for us, for Franklin. Every vision needs a spark. Ken passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon at The Maples in Wrentham. I miss his spark.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

Download a copy of the Ken Norman retrospective

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rzx2-fzT61w218Bpn4h1enlurPP-6EBR/view?usp=sharing

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Live reporting - opening items

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008, October 15, 2008
approved 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

(will update later from recording)

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

(none)

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Ken Norman raised an objection to the music being played in the background on Channel 11. He finds it difficult to try and follow what is going on with the music distracting and objectionable. Can the administrator find another alternative?

E. APPOINTMENTS
Design Review Commission
Council on Aging

(will add names from recording later)

FINCOM: Ken Norman

After the 5 minute break, the Franklin Finance Committee returns to business missing two members. Ken Norman opens the discussion on the override with his statement calling for a multi-year plan.

Time: 2 minutes, 24 seconds



MP3 File

in the News - FINCOM Meeting - 2 articles

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:30 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

Despite support from most individual members of the Finance Committee, last night the group collectively decided against recommending an override to Town Council because they did not have enough time to properly plan.

After School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy requested the board discuss putting an override question to the public to prevent 45 layoffs in the schools, Finance Committee members spoke in favor of a tax hike.

Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche made a motion to ask the Town Council to place a $1.5 million override question on the ballot to support the school, police, and fire departments. No one seconded his motion.

Read the full article here

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

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:46 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

After a lengthy presentation from school officials advocating for a $58.6 million budget, the Finance Committee last night voted to recommend the $55.4 million budget proposed by Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.

Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche said he wanted to be clear that the school budget is not being cut, "it's just not getting increased by as much" as officials say is necessary to maintain teachers, other staff and programs in schools. Nutting's recommended budget represents a 1.5 percent increase, or about $800,000 over this year's $54.6 million budget.

Even if the School Department gets the $58.6 million it is seeking, schools will not be able to hire new teachers, Superintendent Wayne Ogden said.

Read the full article here

FINCOM: Technology Budget FY 09 (audio)

From the Finance Committee meeting on 4/9/08, the discussion on the Technology budget for FY 09. Jeff Nutting, Tim Raposa, Ken Norman, Jim Roche amongst others.

Time: 12 minutes, 16 seconds



MP3 File

FINCOM: Comptroller Budget FY 09 (audio)

From the Finance Committee meeting on 4/9/08, the discussion on the Comptroller budget for FY 2009. Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Ken Norman, Rebecca Cameron, and Jim Roche participate.

TIme: 12 minutes, 44 seconds



MP3 File

The proposed Town budget can be found here (PDF).

Tax Hearing Citizens Comment 8

Ken Norman comments

Time: 1 minute, 14 seconds



MP3 File

Tax Hearing Q&A - 2

Councilor Mason's question on the reasoning for the single tax rate and not the split tax rate. DiBaggis and Norman reply.

Time: 4 minutes, 6 seconds



MP3 File