Voices of Franklin: Reflections upon a gift of conversations received from a friend called necessity*

*With apologies to John Tobias

During that autumn 

As the leaves started to 

Change color and fall

Creating a carpet of crunches

While the temperature remained summer like 

But without the thunder storms to 

Roll thru and break the heat

Even if momentarily 

While the drought monitors crept higher

And higher, inducing restrictions 

On outdoor water use

During that autumn

Which definitely was 

Created by the biennial election

There were multiple conversations 

And the conversations ruled

Schedules to coordinate

Times to agree upon,

Zoom info shared, then connecting

Sound check, 

Background check,

Lighting check,

Find the button and we're on

How to get at the questions

Folks wanted answers to

Without being so direct,

Abrupt, or unfriendly

We created the context,

The setting, neighbors 

Meeting neighbors

Some closer than others

Some we'd met before

Some we hadn't yet

Until there, virtually, we were

Together to get their story

Their point of view 

Recorded to share

Wind down to a close, 

Then editing, Cut this, 

Queue this, upload that, 

Send this, wait for their response

And when the recording 

Was approved, it was

Shared, some more widely than

Others, somehow that is always

The case, some candidates generated

More interest by being new

Less familiar than the

Incumbents whom folks seem

To know enough of

To not need anymore

When the recorded conversations 

Came to a close

Other conversations began

Folks following up with candidates

Candidates following up with

Each other, making the meet &

Greet circuit, making the rounds, 

To address all the questions,

Provide all the answers

On the website, the pages 

Are rich with links

To the conversations, 

Video and audio, 

Along with historical data, 

Info on what was done before

And may need to begin again

To further the conversation

And become closer neighbors

Than we were when 

The conversation started

When the biennial election is

Over, the results tallied,

Perhaps they'll be a new set

Of folks at the table

Now with the task of

Providing oversight

To our Town, our services

Which we need, some of which

Some of us

More than others

And so by necessity 

This autumn the conversations 

Continue, neighbors with neighbors 

To find the solutions

That can be possible

Steve Sherlock

Franklin resident

originally shared with the Senior Center Writers Group and posted to

https://www.quietpoet.com/2025/10/reflections-upon-gift-of-conversations.html

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: Reflections upon a gift of conversations received from a friend called necessity*

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp says "Thank you, Franklin"

Thank You, Franklin

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the residents of Franklin for the support, trust, and encouragement you've shown me throughout this election. Winning a seat on the Town Council is a humbling honor, and I am committed to serving every resident—whether you voted for me or not—with integrity, compassion, and fairness.

To those who placed your trust in me, thank you. I will continue to be the person you elected: someone who listens, advocates, and works hard to represent our shared values. To those who did not vote for me, I want you to know I am here for you too. I hope to earn your trust through my actions and dedication.

Regardless of outcome, I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote. Local elections are the foundation of good governance. If we are not strong locally, we cannot be strong at the state or federal level. True civic engagement begins at home—with each of us showing up, speaking out, and participating.

Congratulations to all who won seats on the Council. We may not agree on every issue, but we share a commitment to Franklin's future. Let's work together to preserve the character and spirit of the town we all love.

To the incumbents who were not re-elected: thank you for your service. We may have disagreed at times, but your years of dedication mattered. Public service is never easy, and your time, effort, and resilience deserve respect.

As we move forward, let's remember: our schools, buildings, and roads are just structures. It's the people who make Franklin what it is. At the end of the day, each and every one of us is Franklin.

With gratitude,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  

Franklin Town Councilor

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: Jane Callaway-Tripp says "Thank you, Franklin"

Voices of Franklin: Cass's offer "kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done"

We have made it our habit to attend the Town Council meetings for several years.  In doing so, we learned much about what it takes to govern a town.  

Last night we were reminded how fortunate the residents of Franklin have been to be governed by such a thoughtful, diligent, caring group of volunteers who gave countless hours in their mutual effort to provide steady leadership for us all.  In their final meeting, the councilors individually took the opportunity to reflect on the Council’s accomplishments over their two year term. The list was truly impressive.

We offer our kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done.  As Councilor Hamblen summarized in a quotation taken from scouting, the list made it clear that they were indeed “leaving [the town] better than when they arrived.”

Sue and Colin Cass

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: Cass's offer "kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done"

Voices of Franklin: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4

It is important to vote in the upcoming town election, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools.

I read Mr. Steve Sherlock’s recent (10/25/25) editorial in Franklin Matters Weekly, titled, “80% of the Franklin registered voters don’t care” (Franklin MAtters Weekly: 80% of the Franklin (MA) registered voters don’t care), describing the general lack of interest in town elections in Franklin. It’s disappointing that so many residents don’t vote in local elections. Using data provided by Mr. Sherlock (with permission), the average voter turnout for all town elections since 2003 is about 18% (range 12.0-23.5). This suggests that many in Franklin are content to let a small group make decisions for everyone. Really? One could argue that town elections have relatively more direct impact on the daily lives of Franklinites than the State and Presidential elections that have greater voter turnout.

Why is it important to vote in town elections, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools (FPS)? The upcoming election on November 4th will be consequential for the future of your children, especially given the dire financial forecasts for the town and schools. If you don’t vote, you’re letting a small number of people decide how your schools are funded. The people elected to the Town Council and School Committee on Tuesday will decide any future cuts in school funding and programs. Previous cuts to FPS over the past 20 years resulted in FPS families paying more for less via increasing fees; this trend will continue if more cuts are proposed. These cuts weaken our schools, and increased fees deepen income-based educational inequalities in Franklin. So much for a “free public education” in the birthplace of Horace Mann.

So, for those of you who have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools, the importance of voting for your kids in the upcoming town election cannot be overstated. Every vote counts, especially in local elections. If you are out at your kids’ events this weekend, ask around to see who is voting, and plead with those who aren’t to do so. The election is November 4th with numerous options to vote by alternative methods if you can’t make it to the polls on that date. Details may be found on the Town Clerk’s website (Town Clerk / Elections Division | Franklin, MA). 

Voting in this election isn’t just a civic duty — it’s a vote for your children’s future.

Kit Brady

Franklin resident

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: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4

Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences"

In June, Town officials told us all very clearly that if the override failed, we’d be looking at cuts that would take away services, personnel, and some of the things that contribute to the character of our community. After much debate, voters decided those cuts were an acceptable loss and voted against the override. But now that the cuts are rearing their ugly heads, these same “no” voters are feigning shock and claiming the cuts are political and punitive.

Absolutely no one should be surprised that the reductions they were told were coming are now here. That’s why it’s ridiculous and more than a little hypocritical that some people in town—including Town Council hopeful Jane Callaway-Tripp who came in last in a field of 12 when she last ran—are trying to shirk responsibility for the cuts they voted for going into effect.

This is what “no” voters chose. These are the consequences of their votes. When people like Callaway-Tripp write that town officials need more accountability, I have to wonder why she’s not looking in the mirror. The people who voted for this need to be accountable for their decisions, not falsely playing the victim and accusing everyone else of some sort of conspiracy theory when, in reality, they’re getting exactly what they chose.

I don’t believe for a second that the officers and employees of the Franklin Police Department are using the children of Franklin as political pawns to prove a point. That Halloween party has existed for decades and I believe the department loves putting it on and giving parents and kids a beloved tradition. I’m positive it hurt them to have to cancel this year’s festivities, and they very clearly explained exactly why it happened. They wrote:

“Following the results of the proposition 2.5 override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.”

But, according to Callaway-Tripp, they should’ve given townspeople a chance to reach into their own pockets and fund this themselves. Except her claim ignores the fact that voters had that precise opportunity in June and decided to do the exact opposite.

I hear a lot of talk about the need for audits and accountability if certain folks are elected to the town’s top board, but apparently that accountability is reserved for everyone else who disagrees with them and not themselves. Which tells me all I need to know when casting a vote on Nov. 4.

Please choose your candidates wisely because, even though they don’t want to take responsibility for them now, votes have very real consequences.

 

Aaron Gouveia
Franklin resident

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: "votes have very real consequences"

Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy encourages "vote for stability, experience, and continued progress"

Political power shapes almost every aspect of our lives—and this upcoming election will once again determine the direction of our community. Every election is ultimately about values and the kind of town we want to build together. As someone who has been on the ballot 21 times, I'd like to share a perspective grounded in experience. 

I've noticed a small but vocal group calling for a complete overhaul of our Town Council. While change is a healthy part of democracy, a wholesale reset would be short-sighted—and an invitation to instability. If you prefer the kind of chaos and division we've seen too often on the national stage, that's your choice. But if, like me, you value consistency, continuity, and proven leadership, I urge you to support and return the incumbents to the Council.

Politics is, at its heart, a relationship business. I have worked closely with all the current members of our Town Council. They are thoughtful, dedicated, and deeply committed to Franklin's success. Their experience and institutional knowledge have guided this community through challenging times—and their steady leadership continues to serve us well.

With three current members choosing not to seek re-election, there will already be fresh voices joining the Council. That's healthy. But we should balance that new energy with the wisdom of those who know our town's history, its priorities, and its people.

In my role as your State Representative, I depend on strong local partners who understand our shared goals and have the courage and judgment to make tough decisions. I will always welcome and collaborate with new councilors, but I know firsthand the value of having experienced leaders at the table.

Some have suggested that our community is divided. I see something different. I see a town that works together to navigate complex financial realities with prudence and care. I see councilors who listen to their constituents and make decisions rooted in service, not politics. And I see a democratic process that continues to reflect the best of Franklin—balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking.

On November 4th, I encourage you to vote for stability, experience, and continued progress. Support the incumbents who have shown their dedication to this community and are ready to keep Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Sincerely,

Jeff Roy
State Representative

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: State Rep Jeff Roy encourages "vote for stability, experience, and continued progress"

KP Sompally: "Why I'm seeking reelection to Franklin school Committee"

via KP Sompally: "Why I'm seeking reelection to Franklin school Committee" | Letter to the Editor

Read online -> https://t.co/CPKRkyU2An 

KP Sompally: "Why I'm seeking reelection to Franklin school Committee"

Or directly to Milford Daily News ->   https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/opinion/letters/2025/10/25/kp-somally-seeks-reelection-franklin-ma-school-committee-letter-to-the-editor/86839202007/

Voices of Franklin: Stephen Karunakaran encourages active engagement in the upcoming election

Dear Franklin Neighbors,

With the biennial election just weeks away, our Franklin community faces the important responsibility of selecting leaders for our Town Council and School Committee. These individuals will guide the direction of our town and schools, shaping our collective future. We are fortunate to have a range of candidates offering diverse perspectives for these critical roles.

As a committed member of the Franklin community and a candidate for the 2025 School Committee, I am writing to the "Voice of Franklin" to encourage our residents to actively engage in the upcoming election. The choices we make at the polls will shape the future of our schools and the opportunities we create for our children.

I urge voters to thoroughly assess each candidate’s vision, qualifications, and dedication to our community’s values. Look for those who will champion sufficient staffing, promote forward-thinking education policies that embrace technological trends, and ensure our students are well-equipped for higher education and beyond. These priorities require committed leadership.

Your vote is your voice. By participating, you support candidates who reflect your hopes for Franklin’s future. Let’s unite to make informed decisions that strengthen our schools and community.

Thank you for considering my message. I am confident that together, we can elect a Council that will guide Franklin toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Beyond casting my own vote, I aspire to serve our town with dedication and thoughtfulness if elected to the School Committee. 

If you’d like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out at stephenforschool2025@gmail.com. I’ll also be available for in-person conversations at the final Farmers Market of the season this Friday.

Stephen Karunakaran

Franklin candidate for School Committee

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: Stephen Karunakaran encourages active engagement in the upcoming election

Voices of Franklin: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

I spoke during Citizen Comments at the Town Council meeting, October 22, 2025. My comment was as follows:

"Please know who you are voting for and understand why you are voting for them

With many of the candidates help, I created 24 videos of our conversations to share with the community (soon to be 25).

They are on YouTube, available via podcast apps, Franklin TV has a schedule for broadcasting them on the Town Hall or Government Channel as well as on the All Access channel.

All you need to do now is gather the info to cast an informed ballot on or before Nov 4 at the High School

Let’s create a scenario: 

• candidate gets on the ballot
• stops actively campaigning
• voters cast enough votes to enable that candidate to be one of the 9 for Town Council
• the candidate in this scenario doesn’t step up to fulfill the commitment that they took when they turned in their signed papers

Realistically, this could happen with any of the top 9 should one of them not choose to fulfill their commitment 

Folks may think, oh, take the next one

Actually, per Town Charter, that circumstance would kick off a special election to be run within 90 days to fulfill the seat of the candidate who “technically” would have resigned

Elections cost money, and we have enough of a budget issue as it is, we don’t need to add to it with this circumstance

My one ask, please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them, are they going to serve our community"

Steve Sherlock

Volunteer Community Information Director

for Franklin Matters, Franklin Public Radio

Town Charter -> look for Article Two, Section 8 Vacancies -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1135/Town-Charter-PDF

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: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

Voices of Franklin: "elect a Council that will lead Franklin toward a more stable and prosperous future"

Dear my Franklin neighbors,

As we are now a couple weeks away from our biennial election, we are, collectively and individually, faced with the task of choosing who will be taking on the serious responsibility of making decisions about the direction of our town via the Town Council and School Committee. We are fortunate to have choices in our representation on both of these bodies.

At the same time, our town faces financial instability and rising costs that threaten to further destabilize us. While cuts to spending may provide temporary relief in the form of balanced budgets, this is not a long-term solution for stability: costs will continue to rise regardless of the number of cuts made.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to take advantage of what resources are available to look into the candidates for Town Council and carefully consider what each would bring to the table for the future of our town. Watch the candidate interviews through the town's YouTube channel. Read the interviews that have been published in the Observer. Reach out to the candidates directly – all candidate phone numbers and emails are public, and though I cannot speak for anyone but myself, I expect most would be eager to speak with voters.

As you investigate the candidates, I urge you to pay careful attention to what each candidate offers in the form of ideas that could lead Franklin to a more stable future. For me, I am encouraged by the candidates that openly share ideas and opportunities for finding new revenue. I am concerned by candidates that focus primarily on what they stand against but offer no ideas for financial stability other than more cuts to increasingly necessary services. I feel hopeful about candidates who demonstrate that they understand the challenges our town and home faces and a commitment to addressing these challenges head on. I am troubled by candidates that make statements that reveal a fundamental lack of understanding about the work that has already been done to address our financial issues, or worse, blatant falsehoods that seem intended to elicit fear.

Thank you for reading my plea and I trust that we can elect a Council that will lead Franklin toward a more stable and prosperous future. For my part, other than casting my own votes, I hope to have the privilege of providing thoughtful and committed service to Franklin if I am elected to the School Committee. If you'd like to connect, please drop me a line at schools@reishansen.com.

Sincerely and respectfully, 

(Henry) Reis Hansen

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: "elect a Council that will lead Franklin toward a more stable and prosperous future"