Voice of Franklin: Should Norfolk County be continued as a government agency?

May 21, 2026

Dear Norfolk County Residents,

It is that time of the year when local budgets in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County get voted on.  If your town is like my town these are tough budget times.  Communities are trying to wrestle with funding budget priorities.

The 28 towns and city that make up Norfolk County are paying almost 8 million dollars to the Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County Government in a yearly tax assessment sent from Norfolk County.  It is time for the communities of Norfolk County to examine whether this 8 million dollar county tax is better kept in the local towns to fund their budget priorities.

There has been wasteful costs to the taxpayers as these elected and appointed Norfolk County officials try to justify and defend their illegal and unlawful actions in a number of Massachusetts courts.  In Fiscal Year 2024 over $200,000.00 was spent by the Norfolk County Commissioners on legal fees.  Just this Fiscal Year 2026 over $159,913.00 has been spent by the Norfolk County Commissioners in legal fees through March 31, 2026 with 3 months to go in the fiscal year.  County Director John J. Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners have voted and received an additional $50,000.00 for legal monies with their vote on December 10, 2025 and another separate $50,000.00 for legal monies on top of this with their vote on May 6, 2026.  Is it time the 28 communities investigate wasteful spending and see what the Norfolk County Commissioners are doing and spending the taxpayers’ money on?  After all each of the 28 towns and city of Norfolk County are potentially liable for the debts and liabilities of this Norfolk County Government.

The Norfolk County Commissioners accepted in 2023 10 million dollars for selling the Quincy District Court House.  Could your community use any of this 10 (ten) million dollars?  After all it was the communities of Norfolk County that built this court house and maintained all these years this court house.  Yet the Norfolk County Government did not even ask or offer the local communities to share in this 10 million dollars.

There have been negative findings by independent auditors who have examined Norfolk County’s financial books.  On December 15, 2021 Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. Certified Public Accountants wrote “…the County funded mandate was deficient in the range of $197,000.00 to $282,000.00 for fiscal year 2020”.  Would your town allow such deficiencies? 

The independent auditor Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. Certified Public Accountants reported another audit finding on August 21, 2023 “For the current fiscal year this leaves a potential range of misstatements within the County’s financial statements between $645,000.00 and $2.3 million between respective fund balances (General Fund and Deeds Excise Fund).”  Would your town tolerate any such misstatements within your town’s financial statements?

Norfolk County did not like what the certified public accountants Lynch Marini found and reported.  However, even the new auditor brought in by the Norfolk County Commissioners, Powers and Sullivan LLC CPAs and Advisors on May 3, 2024 reported a material weakness when they wrote “These large fluctuations indicate that this is a systemic problem in how the accounts are being used and not a one-time error”.  Would your town tolerate systemic problems in town financial accounts as well as a material weakness audit finding?

It is well documented the various poor decisions the Norfolk County Commissioners and their County Director John J. Cronin have made when it comes to interfering with the Registry of Deeds and its operations. There has been unsound management by Norfolk County General Government that in this day and age should be striving to be efficient, effective and relevant.

The Norfolk County Commissioners and the County Director John J. Cronin have lost in a number of different courts in litigation involving the Registry of Deeds including a loss in the highest state court in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court.  Norfolk County Government has violated a number of Massachusetts state laws by unlawfully interfering with Registry operations and misappropriating taxpayer public monies designated by state law for Registry use.  When elected and appointed officials that run Norfolk County General Government make poor decisions, abuse their power and break the law that should be a signal to the people who live in the communities of Norfolk County to take a closer look at this layer of government.

Sincerely yours,

Bill O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds

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: "New Arts Equipment? That’s Music to My Ears!"

Hello Franklin Community, 

As a Franklin High School student who has been active in our town's music and theater programs since middle school, I have seen the impact that budget cuts have had on these important programs throughout my time in the Franklin Public School system. But just as consistently, I have seen my classmates resiliently rise to the occasion. 

Over the years, Franklin music and theater students have been recognised across the state with awards and certificates, often while using equipment that is in desperate need of repair, or even replacement. Just imagine what they could accomplish if we joined together as a community to help them get the equipment they deserve! 

The Franklin High School Theater Company Boosters and Franklin Music Boosters have partnered together to launch a joint Capital Campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to upgrade Franklin Middle School and Franklin High School performing arts equipment. In a community with over 30,000 residents, even a small contribution can add up and help give our students the devices they need to create memorable theater and music productions the whole town can enjoy. 

Both the Franklin Middle School (FMS) and Franklin High School (FHS) auditoriums are high-traffic locations, used for assemblies, concerts, recitals, and even rented by outside organizations for large performances. In past years, the FMS auditorium has also been the home of the Franklin Middle School Footlighters, an after-school theater club. I have seen from first hand experience that Footlighters is about more than just performing - it offers an opportunity for kids to experience the magic of theater, connect with peers, embrace creativity in an inclusive environment, and make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. 

However, without a performance space that has functioning audio, lighting, and the basic necessities to bring a show to life, the theater programs at the Middle and High Schools face an uncertain future. 

I believe in our community. Even if someone you know is not currently involved in the music or theater departments, I believe that the residents and businesses of our great town understand the importance of these organizations - and that, if supported, they become assets that benefit the overall community. 

In fact, if just 5,000 of our friends and neighbors contributed $20 to our Capital Campaign, we would meet our goal! I encourage you to learn more about the fundraising initiative, and contribute if you are able by visiting our Give Butter donation link: https://givebutter.com/FPSCaptialCampaign2026

The current and future artists, actors, and musicians of Franklin appreciate your support!

Evangeline King, 

FHS Class of 2029

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: Jim Downs on "5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention"

As adults, one of our most important responsibilities is to protect our children, something that feels more urgent than ever in today’s world.

In support of that responsibility, the Hockomock Area YMCA, alongside YMCAs across Massachusetts and the nation, will participate in the Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, April 13–17. This campaign raises awareness and empowers adults to take an active role in protecting children from sexual abuse, with a focus this year on Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Space. We invite community members to visit any of our branches and pledge to act year-round.

Throughout the week, our YMCA will share resources to help adults prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse. The need is real: according to Praesidium and the CDC, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse—most often by someone they know and trust. These are not just statistics; they represent children whose lives are forever changed.

Prevention starts with awareness. Through the Know. See. Respond. framework, adults can better understand how abuse occurs, recognize warning signs, and take action. By working together, we can foster safer environments and stronger, more informed communities.

We are proud to partner with schools, municipalities, and human service organizations across our region to advance this work. In 2024, our YMCA earned Praesidium Accreditation®, becoming the first YMCA in Massachusetts to achieve this distinction, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards in child safety.

Every child deserves a safe, healthy childhood. Protecting that future is a shared responsibility—one we must all embrace.

Jim Downs

CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

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: Jim Downs on "5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention"

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally shares his resilient journey

Against All Odds: A Resilient Journey from Hyderabad, India to Boston  

What was meant to be a routine international journey turned into an extraordinary experience of endurance, uncertainty, and human connection. Traveling from Hyderabad, India to Boston, USA, I expected a fairly direct trip covering approximately 7,500 miles within 21 hours. Instead, the journey unfolded into a 20,000-mile, 38-hour odyssey across multiple countries and cultures.

Singapore Airport

The trip began in Hyderabad with high hopes and a simple itinerary. However, like many international travelers returning from vacation in recent times, I encountered unexpected disruptions that reshaped my entire travel route. Instead of a straightforward path, airlines rerouted the travel at nearly triple the one-way ticket price. My travel rerouted through Singapore, Taiwan, and Seattle before finally reaching Boston, Massachusetts.

Airports that once symbolized efficiency and connectivity are now witnessing unprecedented levels of congestion and unpredictability. Long layovers, sudden rescheduling, and extended waiting periods have become the new normal. What should have been a seamless transit became a test of patience and adaptability.

Despite the chaos, this journey offered a unique perspective on humanity. During extended layovers, I met fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds—students, families, professionals, and tourists—each carrying their own stories of delays, missed connections, and resilience. Conversations in crowded terminals turned strangers into companions, sharing not just travel updates but also encouragement and empathy.

Taipei Airport

The experience highlighted a broader reality: international travel today is no longer just about reaching a destination, but about navigating uncertainty. For travelers, especially those returning from vacations, preparation is key—staying informed, remaining flexible, and expecting the unexpected.

After 38 long hours, I finally arrived in Boston. Exhausted but grateful, the journey was a reminder that even in chaos, there are moments of connection, learning, and perseverance.

This is not just my story—it reflects the reality faced by countless international travelers today.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally

Franklin long time 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: KP Sompally shares his resilient journey

Voices of Franklin: Rich McNeil - Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

I am deeply grateful to Franklin DPW for their tireless efforts in snow removal and maintaining safe roadways.

As a longtime Franklin resident and MSW graduate student at Bridgewater State University, I want to sincerely thank the Franklin DPW for their tireless, around-the-clock snow removal efforts during recent storms; their work is often underappreciated. My purpose in writing is to express appreciation for their commitment to public safety work and highlight its equity impact.

On February 2, around 3:00 PM, at the new construction site on Alpine Place and Alpine Row, I observed a worker using a snowblower to clear snow from the new construction. I assumed the snow would stay on-site. At 5:00 PM, I headed out to do an errand. As it was getting dark, I was driving slowly. I unexpectedly encountered a 1–2-foot-high snowbank about 20 feet long and nearly got stuck. As this was creating a hazard at the intersection, I reported it to Franklin Police and DPW (after hours). By 8:00 AM the next day, I saw the DPW on its way to clear this hazard.

From a social work perspective, the DPW's efforts ensure public safety and equity for older adults, disabled residents, and low-income families who rely on clear roads for work, school, and medical care. Franklin's Town Bylaws (Chapter 155-21) prohibit snow deposits on roadways and support our community's perseverance.

Construction firms and residents must comply with bylaws prohibiting snow deposits in streets (up to $300/day fine) to ease DPW burden. I urge readers to contact the Franklin Town Council to strengthen enforcement—this promotes social justice by safeguarding vulnerable groups most affected by hazards, regardless of income or ability.

Sincerely, 

Rich McNeill

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: Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

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"