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"

Voices of Franklin: Why Are We Losing Candidates Night?

For the first time in recent memory, Franklin will not be holding a Candidates Night—and I have to ask, why?

This year, nine new candidates are running for Town Council, myself included. That's unprecedented. Candidates Night has long been a cornerstone of our democratic process, offering residents a chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent them. It was more than just a forum—it was a live, in-person opportunity for dialogue, challenge, and connection. it's a place where people are heard all at once making it easier for the community to hear. Because technically everyone can spend time watching people's interviews etc., but that's very time consuming. This is centrally located for residents to be a part of.

Incumbents have the benefit of visibility through their votes and public meetings. Their positions are known. But for new candidates, our values, priorities, and perspectives are not yet familiar to many residents. Candidates Night was the one venue where everyone—new and incumbent—stood on equal ground, answering the same questions, engaging with the same audience. It was a chance for voters to compare, reflect, and decide.

While I appreciate the Observer's published Q&A and the video interviews by Franklin Matters—both excellent resources—they cannot replace the energy and accessibility of a live forum. Candidates Night was a shared experience, a civic ritual that brought us together in real time. Its absence this year is deeply disappointing.

I participated in Candidates Night in 2021 when I first ran for Town Council. It was an experience that shaped me, and I believe every candidate deserves that same opportunity—especially in a year with so many new voices stepping forward.

I'll be attending the Meet & Greet this Wednesday night at Teddy Gallagher's because I believe residents deserve the chance to speak with us face-to-face. I hope all candidates will come—not just for the voters, but for each other. After all, nine of us will be working together come November. We owe it to the town, and to each other, to begin that relationship with openness and respect.

Let's not lose the traditions that connect us. Let's restore the spaces that allow every voice to be heard.

Sincerely,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  

Candidate for Franklin Town Council

* Editor's note: There was no candidate forum in 2023 either. 15 Candidates for Town Council in 2025 is a record. There were 14 in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2015.

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: Why Are We Losing Candidates Night?

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp calls for "Humanity First. Always."

Humanity First. Always.  

When we stop valuing life above politics, religion, or personal beliefs—we lose our humanity.  

We don't have to agree on everything. Opinions shift. Political views evolve. Beliefs change. But death is permanent. There's no undoing it. And the ones left behind are the ones who carry the pain, trying to make sense of the senseless.  

No one has the right to take another's life simply because they disagree. That's not strength. That's the absence of empathy.  

If it were your loved one—your child, your parent, your friend—would you still say their death wasn't worth mourning?  

We must be better. We must choose compassion over cruelty, dialogue over destruction. We can disagree and still walk away with dignity.  

Let's restore what it means to be human. Let's value life—every life—above all else.  

Jane Callaway-Tripp 

Candidate for Town Council

HumanityFirst #ValueLife #CompassionOverConflict 

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 "Humanity First. Always."

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: 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: 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: 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. 

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/329902/editorial-residency-realities

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: 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 "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: 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.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCFQJyEfQU

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)

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

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

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

• Joint Budget Listening Session “Watch, Listen, or Read” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html  

• Finance Committee Budget Hearing “Watch, Listen, or Read” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/finance-committee-fy-2026-budget.html

• Town Council budget hearings “Watch or Listen” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-fy-2026-budget-hearing-1-2.html 

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