Showing posts with label Voices of Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Voices of Franklin. Show all posts

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Voices of Franklin: ZBA term expired?

To the Editor:

As a longtime Franklin resident and engaged community member, I've been closely following the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. While I initially found the Chair's tone and treatment of residents to be troubling, what concerns me even more is the procedural lapse that has gone largely unaddressed.

The Chair's term expired on June 30th. Since then, he has neither stepped down nor been officially reappointed. This raises a serious question: if he has not been formally reappointed, how can he continue to vote on matters that affect our town's future? In my view, any vote cast since June 30th should be considered invalid. The legitimacy of these proceedings is compromised, and that should alarm every resident who values fair process and accountability.

Equally troubling is the silence from our Town Administrator, who is responsible for appointments. Why has this lapse been allowed to continue? Why hasn't the Town Council been asked to weigh in on the Chair's reappointment? These are not minor oversights—they speak to a broader issue of transparency and respect for the people of Franklin.

When residents see officials operating without proper authority, and when those in charge fail to correct it, trust erodes. We deserve better. We deserve leadership that respects the rules, honors the public's voice, and upholds the integrity of our town's governance.

Sincerely,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  
Franklin, MA


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: ZBA term expired?
Voices of Franklin: ZBA term expired?

Friday, August 15, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Residents Rally Against 444 East Central Street Project: Petition Drive This Friday at Farmers Market

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street has become a flashpoint in Franklin, sparking widespread concern among residents who feel their voices have been sidelined. Despite strong public opposition, the project remains under review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) — and the version currently before them is not the same project the Town Council originally approved.

What Changed?
- The original plan, which many residents urged the Council to reject, has since ballooned in scope.
- The number of requested waivers/variances has tripled, jumping from 18 to 30.
- The building height has increased from three stories to four, directly contradicting town guidelines and threatening the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Although the town had the opportunity to invoke Safe Harbor protections, it chose not to—leaving Franklin vulnerable to overdevelopment.

A Call to Action
This Friday at 1:00 PM, concerned residents Gene Grella and Jane Callaway-Tripp among others will be at the Franklin Farmers Market with a grassroots petition. This is a chance for every resident who cares about Franklin's future to make their voice heard.

> "If you're truly all set with the direction the town is building in, then please come to the Farmers Market and help us with your signature—your voice. There is power in numbers, and we all need to stand together."

Why Sign the Petition?
- To urge the ZBA to end this project—it no longer reflects the original proposal and disregards community concerns
- To reject the precedent of approving 30 waivers/ variances for a single development
- To preserve Franklin's identity and prevent it from becoming another overbuilt suburb

Franklin's Future Is in Our Hands

This is not just about one building—it's about the kind of town we want Franklin to be. Do we want to protect our small-town charm, or watch it erode under unchecked development?

"This is our town, and it's time we stand up for what we want our town to be."

Join us Friday. Sign the petition. Speak up. Because Franklin belongs to all of us.

Jane Callaway-Tripp  
Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council


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: Petition Drive This Friday  (8/15/25) at Farmers Market
Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday  (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp calls for potential candidates for School Committee

Franklin needs you.

As we approach the upcoming election, two seats on our School Committee remain open—and not enough candidates have stepped forward to run. This is more than a vacancy on a ballot. It's a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of public education and the importance of community leadership.

Our boards and committees are only as strong as the people who serve on them. Without full participation, we lose the diverse voices, thoughtful oversight, and collaborative spirit that make Franklin work. The School Committee plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools, supporting students and families, and ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.

If you've ever felt the urge to make a difference, now is the time. Please consider running. Be a voice. Be part of the change. Help guide the decisions that will impact our children, our educators, and our town for years to come.

Franklin's future is built by those who show up. Let's make sure we do.

Sincerely,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  
Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council


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 calls for potential candidates for School Committee
Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp calls for potential candidates for School Committee

Friday, August 8, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen calls out misinformation

Dear Editors of the Franklin Observer and Franklin Matters,

I usually do not get caught up in the misinformation that is being spread around Facebook (as you both know I am no longer on it) but I was made aware of a post that I feel compelled to comment on.

Last March I received an email asking me if I still lived in Franklin, after getting over feeling stunned and insulted, I replied to April Davenport that yes, indeed I do, and I couldn't be on the Town Council if I did not live in Franklin. She responded respectfully with thanks and I thought that was the end of it.

It has come to my attention that this misinformed conspiracy has returned and is being spread by a former Town Councilor and a person I used to respect, Judy Pfeffer. She posted and I quote 
"Word on the street is that there are 2 current council members who no longer live in Franklin. The honorable thing to do is for them to make this known to the residents".
This type of vague subterfuge leads only to division and distrust.

This statement is also insulting on many levels. To the members in question, the Town Council as a whole, and to the community. We all deserve better.

1: Ms. Pfeffer and the other former Councilor who liked her post know full well that (and I quote from the town charter): "Any registered voter of the Town shall be eligible for election to Town Council membership " Does this mean that these people do not trust the Town Clerk to ratify voting registrations? (I should note here that there is nothing in the charter that stipulates a percentage of the year that you have to physically be in Franklin).

2. Why not just state the 2 members' names so they can defend themselves? So the community can fact check? Better yet why not just call them up and ask? It seems that this is an attempt to make it seem that the members are being secretive and hiding something and are being untrustworthy. These are elected volunteers that are being maligned.

3. Do you really think that I or anyone else would sit in the Council chambers and take these insults to our characters if we did not live in and love serving Franklin?

We have had many people come before the Town Council upset and rightfully so, with the division in the town. They have asked us what can be done about it.
 
Here is the one thing you can do - Please stop spreading rumors like this and do not continue to allow this type of misinformation to spread. Call out the person who is trying to spread divisiveness and distrust.

There is no place for these conspiracy theories in a united Franklin.

Thank you for your time, 
Melanie J Hamblen
Franklin resident and 4 term Town Councilor


Alan Earls at the Franklin Observer provides additional info in an editorial. 


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: Melanie Hamblen calls out misinformation
Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen calls out misinformation

Friday, June 6, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "Where do we go from here?"

Franklin residents have spoken—twice. The second attempt at passing an override has failed, leaving our town facing significant financial cuts. The question now is not what happened, but where do we go from here?

Do we take the opportunity to bridge the divide, listening and learning from one another? Or do we succumb to finger-pointing, playing the blame game between YES and NO voters?

Less than 24 hours after the results were announced, frustration spilled onto social media. Comments emerged—“I hope you're happy! You caused over $4 million in cuts!” “You hurt our children. I hope you're proud.” Even at the polls, tensions ran high. One voter walked by and told opponents they should be embarrassed. At last night’s council meeting, department heads outlined the necessary cuts—yet even as that happened, YES voters took to Facebook, claiming that town officials were "reaming NO voters.”

Cuts were inevitable. Franklin’s financial challenges are not new, nor are they the fault of those who voted against the override. Some decisions, however, raise questions. For example, the town has stressed the need for more revenue—yet one of the cuts includes removing the third ambulance, a service that actually generates income. If revenue is the concern, why eliminate a funding source? That decision feels less like fiscal responsibility and more like a statement—one that many, YES and NO voters alike, perceive as a punishment.

Blaming voters—on either side—oversimplifies a complex issue. YES voters argue that NO voters caused harm to services. But had the override passed, struggling families would have faced rising costs, possibly forcing them out of Franklin altogether. Does that mean YES voters would have been responsible for that hardship? The truth is, this was a lose-lose vote, with consequences no matter the outcome.

Franklin’s financial struggles stem from more than inflation alone. Past decisions have played a role, and while some missteps are irreversible, acknowledging them is vital. Respect must remain at the core of this conversation—disagreeing does not mean dishonoring the dedication of town leaders or the sacrifices of residents.

At this moment, we as a town have a choice. We can cling to division—YES vs. NO, red vs. blue, town vs. schools—or we can rise above it. We can reject name-calling and vote-shaming, choosing instead to work together toward solutions.

No single person has all the answers. But one truth is clear: if Franklin continues to fight itself, we will never heal. We will never find lasting solutions. And we will watch our town falter.

Kindness does not belong only to those who share our views. It belongs to everyone. It is the foundation upon which Franklin must rebuild—not in spite of disagreement, but through it.

The future of Franklin depends on it.


Jane Callaway-Tripp 
Franklin Voter


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  "Where do we go from here?"
Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp  "Where do we go from here?"

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads"

Franklin is more than streets, buildings, and budget line items. It is history, families, and generations woven into a fabric that once felt unbreakable. It is the town where neighbors looked out for each other, where voices carried weight, where integrity mattered. But something has shifted. The foundation is cracking, and the people who call this town home are standing at a crossroads—one that demands hard truths and honest conversations.

Decisions are being made that do not match the words spoken to justify them. A fiscal cliff, they say. Yet raises far beyond the standard cost-of-living adjustment are handed out—without hesitation, without sustainable planning. How does that add up? Strip away the rhetoric, take away the partisan noise, and one question remains: Is this responsible?

Too often, dissent is met not with discussion but with cruelty. Franklin has shown, time and time again, that politics is not just about governance—it is about power. It is about who gets to speak, whose voice is drowned out, who faces ridicule for daring to stand alone. In an ideal world, people would disagree with respect, with a willingness to listen, with an understanding that opposition is not the enemy—it is balance. But that is not what is happening here.

Mockery replaces debate. Personal attacks replace understanding. State representatives endorse a full panel of candidates in a local nonpartisan election—making it clear that the system is anything but neutral. And as people watch this unfold, they wonder: Where do we go from here? I ask you how Can we remove partisanship when it is prevalently clear it is staring us in the face every day?

The Weight of a Dollar

It is easy to say, “It’s only $300 a year.” But to who? Not everyone lives in comfort. Not everyone has an extra $10 a month. There are people—good, hard-working people—who see their bank accounts already at zero, who know the weight of an unpaid bill sitting in the back of their mind. And yet, they are told to tighten their belts once more, told to make sacrifices for decisions they had no hand in making.

And what happens when someone speaks up, when they say no? They are labeled cheap, claims that a NO voter is nothing more than a “Professional Againsters”, would it then be fair to say a YES voters are nothing more than “Professional Yesman”? Neither is a fair statement and quite insulting to either side. They are dismissed as obstacles in the way of progress. But fiscal responsibility is not selfishness—it is survival. It is about trust, and trust cannot exist where accountability is lacking.

The Numbers Do Not Lie

For years, residents have heard the same argument: We need more people, more development, more revenue. They have watched the approval of apartment projects, the bending of zoning regulations, the granting of variances and waivers that reshaped Franklin’s landscape. But there was an opportunity—a rare moment where the town could have stood up for its people. A 40B project that could have been rejected, with legal justification under safe harbor, but instead? Silence. Indifference. A clear message: Your voices do not matter.

Breaking the Pattern

Franklin’s residents are exhausted—not just by taxes and budget concerns, but division has replaced community. It does not have to be this way. It should not be.

Maybe the solution is not another override. Maybe it is not another fight over partisan alliances or social media insults. Maybe, just maybe, the answer lies in listening. In remembering that the town does not belong to politicians and those who run it—it belongs to the people.

We will not all agree. We are not supposed to. But if Franklin is to stand strong, if its future is to be more than just a history written by those in power, then residents must demand better.

Because the Foundation of Franklin is cracked, we as residents are that foundation remember without the people, there is no Town of Franklin.

Independent voter
Jane Callaway-Tripp 


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 "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads"
Voices of Franklin:  Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads"

Voices of Franklin: Town Councilor Glenn Jones says "get out to vote June 3" (video)

Voting for the special election on June 3, 2025 is from 6 AM to 8 PM at Franklin High School.




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: Town Councilor Glenn Jones says "get out to vote June 3" (video)
Voices of Franklin: Town Councilor Glenn Jones says "get out to vote June 3" (video)

Monday, June 2, 2025

Special Election June 3, 2025 - Collection of info on the FY 2026 Override

6 to 3 to 2 to 1, finally

One can pick and choose when it started, there are a number of key points along this budget journey for the Town of Franklin. Go back to the first successful override in 2007. Or to the failed overrides in 2008 and 2010. 

To the failed dedicated override for road repairs for $1M that folks chose not to accept in 2014.  Yes, even after hearing that the Town needed to confirm that money for the override would be spent for a specific item, the voters chose not to fund needed road repairs.  


Whether you call it the “fiscal cliff” or the “structural deficit”, it really comes down to a math problem. More money required to fund existing services than is scheduled to come in due to the 2 ½ override restrictions. You can try to ignore it but inflation is the major driver. Councilor Jones calculated the inflation impact of Prop 2 ½ since 1983 during the override discussions in the run up to the June 2024 failed attempt.


It is so much easier to blame someone else for the problem. That avoids the harsh reality of the situation our community faces. It seems there are a number of relatives of Rodney Dangerfield (“I get no respect”) who live here. They attempt to dominate or divert the conversation from facing reality. It gets a chuckle, laughed off, and the tragedy remains in front of us.


So the Town took on a massive effort with 

  • 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions 

  • 3 Finance Committee budget hearings

  • 2 Town Council budget hearings

In the run up to the special election Tuesday, June 3 at Franklin High School gymnasium from 6 AM to 8 PM.


Of the 25,865 registered Franklin voters, 2431 ballots have been cast by early and absentee voters (through 5/30/25 close of business) for this election per Town Clerk Nancy Danello. 


The questions that remain?

  1. How many of the remaining voters will turn out on Tuesday? 

  2. Will they be Rodney’s relatives? Or will they fund the current services our community needs? 


When will we get an answer?

  • We’ll find out by about 9 PM Tuesday evening.


** Town of Franklin FY 2026 override page

Special Election June 3, 2025 - Collection of info on the FY 2026 Override
Special Election June 3, 2025 - Collection of info on the FY 2026 Override


In addition to the trusted source of info (above) we provide the following:

** Election prep resources



The More Perfect Union radio show has resumed with an episode on the Special Election June 3

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/more-perfect-union-wfpr-98-june-3rd.html 


The most recent Town Council Quarterbacking session summarizes the Council budget hearings and the all alcohol license transactions they approved in the May 22 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tom-mercer-i-condense-2-budget-hearings.html 



** Campaign Reports

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/campaign-finance-reports-for-special.html


** Voices of Franklin


Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/voices-of-franklin-jane-callaway-tripp.html Voices of Franklin: Town Councilor Glenn Jones says "get out to vote June 3" (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/voices-of-franklin-town-councilor-glenn.html


Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - 3 Reasons to Vote Yes https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-arielle-shearer-3.html Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia on keeping Franklin "safe and educated" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-aaron-gouveia-on.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-ted.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-melanie.html Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-mark-minnichelli.html Voices of Franklin: Rep Jeff Roy on voting Yes for the override (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-rep-jeff-roy-on.html Voices of Franklin: Cobi Frongillo for the FY 2026 Override (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-cobi-frongillo-for.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Jones advocates for the Override June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-jones.html Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-roberta-trahan.html Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-kp-sompally-urges.html Voices of Franklin: Donna Grady outlines the reasons for voting "Yes" on or before June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-donna-grady-outlines.html Voices of Franklin: One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-one-franklin-shared.html Voices of Franklin: Watch "Franklin Together" on YouTube https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-watch-franklin.html Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen supporting the June 3 Override to save town services https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-melanie-hamblen.html Voices of Franklin: Selena Cousin's statement at the Joint Budget Listening Session - Mar 12, 2025 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-selena-cousins.html Voices of Franklin: O'Sullivan - Why I voted 'No' Wednesday night https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-osullivan-why-i.html Voices of Franklin: Time for Listening Sessions https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-time-for-listening.html

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - 3 Reasons to Vote Yes

There’s been a lot of discussion about the override — and understandably so. People care about this town, its services, its taxes, and its future. But somewhere along the way, a few misconceptions have taken on lives of their own, and discussions meant to be productive have sometimes turned... well, let's just say they've become about as fun as untangling old holiday lights or trying to find that one missing sock. But here we are. It's important that these things get talked about, though. Not just because there’s a vote coming, but because decisions like this shape what kind of town we live in — and what kind of town our kids, neighbors, and future residents will inherit. It deserves clear information, honest reflection, and yes, some tough conversations. So, in that spirit, here are some key considerations for your vote: BENEFITS OF VOTING “YES” 1. Investing now helps stabilize our community’s financial future and can mitigate future increases. A crucial way to stabilize the taxes families pay over time is through responsible growth that contributes more in taxes than it costs the town in services. For example, homes that contribute to our tax base with minimal immediate impact on services can help balance our financial needs. Investing in maintaining and improving our community, including well-funded public schools, can attract growth that strengthens our overall tax base and supports property values. 2. Financial stability provides greater control over future development. When our town is financially stable, we have stronger leverage to ensure that new development aligns with our community's vision and needs. This means we can thoughtfully guide growth, ensuring it contributes positively to our town without disproportionately increasing municipal costs. Strong finances allow us to insist on development that fits our community’s character and long-term sustainability. 3. Delaying necessary investments leads to greater costs and challenges in the long run. Inflation on large items, like essential town equipment, has been significant in recent years. Postponing purchases doesn't save money; it often results in higher costs later due to inflation and increased repair/maintenance needs as equipment ages. For example, delaying a $100,000 purchase could increase its cost by $5,000 to $11,000 within a year, while our standard tax revenue growth may not keep pace. Furthermore, delaying maintenance or replacing aging equipment can lead to more frequent breakdowns, more expensive repairs (as parts become scarce), and even increased safety risks for our public safety and public works personnel. Using outdated or inefficient tools ultimately costs more in terms of labor and productivity. Proactive investment helps maintain efficient operations and ensures our town services can operate effectively. CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR VOTE Addressing affordability and fixed incomes:
The concern about affordability and the impact of taxes on those with fixed incomes is a genuine and serious issue that our community must address. It’s important to understand that property taxes can still rise significantly even without an override, primarily due to increasing property valuations. For instance, a homeowner with a $350,000 assessed home could see their annual tax bill climb by nearly $600 over two years simply due to rising assessed values, even without an override. A financially stable town is in a much better position to explore and implement assistance programs for residents facing financial hardship. A town that is struggling to maintain essential services may lack the resources and capacity to adequately develop and offer such crucial support programs. While every dollar matters, a stable town can build the foundation for real, systemic solutions to help our neighbors. Understanding shared community investment:
It’s true that property taxes fund a wide range of services, and individuals may not directly use every single one—whether it’s schools, libraries, senior centers, or public safety.This is a fundamental aspect of living in a community: we collectively contribute to services that benefit the whole, even if our personal use varies. We support schools to prepare the next generation, recognizing their future role in our community. We care for our seniors, building a community that values and supports all its residents. Choosing to live in a community means accepting a shared responsibility for its well-being. This collective investment provides the infrastructure, safety, and quality of life that often attract people to our town in the first place and keep them here. Being part of a community involves contributing beyond what we or our immediate family directly use, fostering a place where everyone can thrive. Impact of leadership concerns on critical services:
It’s important to address concerns about current town leadership, and these should be addressed through appropriate channels, such as elections. However, refusing to fund essential services as a response can cause cumulative harm to the entire town. Based on publicly available audits and our strong bond rating, there is no evidence of financial impropriety that would suggest a reason to fear disastrous spending in the next few months if your goal is to voice a need for change in the November elections. Delaying critical investments due to leadership concerns only increases costs over time, as seen with our large equipment needs. While some may view a "no" vote as sending a message, it’s crucial to consider the practical consequences of underfunding essential services like public safety, education, and public works. These problems will continue to grow, becoming more expensive and challenging to fix, regardless of who is in leadership. It’s important to maintain respectful dialogue and address concerns constructively. Our town needs continued investment to maintain vital services and protect our future. Addressing immediate fiscal needs through this override allows us to then focus on longer-term solutions and improvements for our community MOVING FORWARD Yes, there are problems to fix, and those conversations must continue. But we can’t wait any longer. This override is critical to keep essential services running and protect the future of our town. Delaying only makes everything harder and more expensive. Nobody really wants an override, and nobody wants taxes to go up. It's kind of like needing a plunger. You're never thrilled to pull it out, but you use it when necessary. And once the immediate problem is fixed, you then work to prevent needing it again, whether that means being more careful or fixing the plumbing. Refusing to unclog a toilet because plungers are "gross" or because it "might clog again anyway" only worsens the problem, risking damage, health concerns, and even more costly cleanup down the line. We know some residents worry that approving this override might mean we'll face requests for more overrides in the future. It’s a valid concern, and the fear of a recurring cycle of increased costs would unsettle anyone. The goal with this override is to stabilize our town's finances and ensure we have the foundation to proactively plan and manage our resources. This will help us minimize the need for such measures in the future and work toward long-term financial stability. Only then can we change our focus to how to prevent needing a plug—an override—in the future.

Arielle Shearer
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: Arielle Shearer - "3 Reasons to Vote Yes"
Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - "3 Reasons to Vote Yes"

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia on keeping Franklin "safe and educated"

If you could pay $300 to keep your community safe and educated, would you?
When you strip away all the rhetoric and misinformation and extraneous partisan noise from the override issue, that's the question at the heart of everything.
Either you think it's worth it to pay an extra $300 to maintain the level of public safety and education we currently have in Franklin, or you don't and you're willing to cut both in order to avoid increased taxes.
For the record, I am an unenrolled voter who doesn't belong to either party and I've only been in Franklin eight years. I'm not a townie, I'm not connected, and I'm not lifelong friends with the public officials here.
So when opponents of the override started talking about the town not managing its finances well, I started poking around.
Let's be clear, a system built by humans run by humans and composed of humans will ALWAYS have human error and some stuff that doesn't pass the bs sniff test. Franklin is no exception in this regard.
But override opponents (many of them falling into the "Professional Againsters" category because they say no to everything as a default) want you to believe these isolated incidents are widespread conspiracies, and that if we just cleaned things up we'd have enough to bridge the financial gap created when revenue can't keep up with rising expenses.
This is not the case. And I don't say that as a matter of opinion, I say it as fact.
S&P Global Ratings gave Franklin a AAA bond rating for the third straight year. Think of them as a company that gives a credit score, but for municipalities instead of individuals. This is the highest possible score a city or town can achieve, and denotes sound financial practices and a commitment to long-term financial stability.
Simply put, if Franklin officials were mismanaging funds as badly as the "No" contingent says, we would absolutely not hold the highest possible bond rating.
"But what about the revenue from the apartments???"
I'm glad you asked. The revenue is there, but it's not enough. Why? Because for every dollar of property tax revenue generated by an apartment complex, you create even more money in expenses.
The people who live in those apartments have to be educated, drive on roads, consume water, require public safety calls, rely on social service programs, etc. So the increased property tax revenue that comes in is already spent paying for the people who will reside on that property.
Now, you want to talk about the wisdom of building so many apartments? I'm with you. It seems pretty excessive here in Franklin, especially since we're above our 10% affordable housing threshold. But to me, that's a separate issue from the override and should be dealt with at the ballot box (if you can get apathetic voters to show up for local elections).
Meanwhile, teachers are in unions that have contractually obligated raises and are entitled to cost of living increases, at the very least. Same with police, fire, and other municipal workers. Not to mention the ever-increasing cost of health insurance. So even though you don't add anything new to last year's budget, it's going to cost you even more just to get the same level of services.
This isn't due to mismanagement or ineptitude, it's just the world in which we live.
A world, I might add, that has seen all manner of cuts and death by a thousand papercuts since the last successful Prop 2-1/2 override in 2007.
A world in which middle school bands were conspicuously absent in this year's Memorial Day parade because we cut the band teachers last year. A world in which art and music are dangerously close to the chopping block. A world in which it will now cost parents $1,000 to play certain sports, and hundreds just to ride the bus. A world with fewer AP courses and a degraded public education experience. A world where fewer officers and firefighters (and one fewer ambulance) means less safety for residents.
I don't want to live in that world. While I certainly don't want to pay more in taxes (who does??), I think $300 is a small price to pay to make sure we don't backslide any further.
When all is said and done, a "no" vote on June 3 constitutes intentionally making Franklin a worse place to live. So I hope you'll join me in voting yes because, despite all signs pointing to a continued divide, I like to think we can all agree that quality education and ample public safety resources represent common ground.

Aaron Gouveia 
Franklin resident

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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: Aaron Gouveia on keeping Franklin "safe and educated"
Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia on keeping Franklin "safe and educated"

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes (video)

Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes on the FY 2026 ballot question on or before June 3, 2025.




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: Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes (video)
Voices of Franklin: Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes (video)

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video)


Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen share her plea for Franklin folks to "be better" and for civil discourse.







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: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video)
Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video)