Voices of Franklin: Ed Hurley - President, Hockomock Area YMCA

At the Hockomock Area YMCA we are proud of our cause driven mission to enhance the quality of life of our members and enrich the communities we serve through partnership and collaboration. Our doors are open to everyone in the 15 communities we serve regardless of ability to pay and at our core we are about kids and families.

From November 20th – November 26th YMCAs across the country will recognize and celebrate National Family Week. At all of the branches of our Hockomock Area YMCA we will be acknowledging and celebrate not only the families that are members of our Y, but any family who would like to experience what our Y has to offer.

During this week all families in our service area are invited to come to our Y at no charge and enjoy a sense of belonging, and the benefits of membership. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a place where cause meets community, where family moments matter, where camaraderie thrives, where inclusion is welcome, and where you belong.

Please visit our website hockymca.org to see the schedule of special family week offerings at all our branches. All families are welcome.

So from November 17th through November 26th let our family be part of your family. For more information and to enjoy this free week of membership, visit the member service desk of any of our branches in North Attleboro, Foxboro and Franklin.

Ed Hurley
President
Hockomock Area YMCA

Voices of Franklin: Vanessa Bilello

Dear Town of Franklin voters-

Community members may not realize the incredible time commitment that all who hold local, elected positions on School Committee or Town Council make to our town. Workshops, subcommittees, and other responsibilities extend far beyond an every other week meeting in Council Chambers. 

Being an active, engaged member requires not only passion for the issues, but also a willingness to balance professional and personal needs with intense demands of public service volunteer work. Several months ago, with elections quickly approaching, I announced my decision to not seek re-election for the Franklin School Committee. The demands were too much given my hectic life as a new public school principal and mom to two middle schoolers. 

In the Town of Franklin, all seven seats on School Committee (and Town Council) roll over every election. For this reason, I urge voters of Franklin to re-elect Mrs. Denise Schultz and Dr. Anne Bergen to the Franklin School Committee, so that they can continue the efforts that they began two years ago and serve as leaders for the newly-formed Committee.

I'm incredibly proud of the hard work and accomplishments during the last two years through the collaboration of our Franklin School Committee and the educators in our schools. Strong District and School Improvement Plans, successful labor negotiations and most critically, the hiring of our new Superintendent, Dr. Sara Ahern are highlights. 

I’m also especially proud of the addition of our active Community Relations subcommittee, which has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the community and school leaders on a variety of issues. A huge “thank you” must go out to Denise Schultz and Anne Bergen- for initiating and setting up avenues to engage with the citizens of Franklin through regular coffees and conversations around our town. 

Two-way dialogue is going to be key moving forward in the challenging budget times that Franklin is facing. Anne and Denise- through their dedication, outreach and partnership with other groups, such as the Joint PCCs and MASC, are models for integrated collaboration.

As a School Committee, we’ve established a new liaison role- to promote dialogue with state leadership, which will be critical moving ahead with the challenges of public school funding in our state. Denise Schultz has been instrumental in opening these avenues up and I do believe that while local involvement and budgeting are essential, partnering with area towns and state officials are paramount as we face the growing budgetary challenges of Massachusetts public schools. 

Additionally- improvements to several key policies. Denise has also played a huge role in ensuring that our Policy Sub-Committee tackled such issues as dress code, handbooks, school vacations, and homework. Her dedication and passion for these issues (as well as school start times, social-emotional welfare of our students, and nutrition in schools) make her an ideal choice to continue on the Committee.

I’d like to say thank you to the Franklin educators- teachers, administrators and staff of our district. Having been a colleague of theirs for years as a special educator, I know how incredibly hard they work to give our children the high quality education they benefit from. Despite being in the bottom 30 or so school districts across MA for funding, the education they provide our children is top notch. However, they are asked to do too much with too little. 

Increasing mandates upon our schools along with other budgetary demands, especially combined with the approximately $4.1 million we lose yearly to our area charter have resulted in cut after painful cut - foreign language, music, librarians, kindergarten support aides, so many more. These were not nice to haves- they were needs- and we’ve lost them. 

Mandates are not all bad as people think- they include new technology standards, more rigorous science standards, required mental health screenings, wellness curriculum and improvements to educator evaluation and supervision. I could go on and on. Many of these mandates require more time- and more money. Teaching digital learning and digital citizenship, for example, are expensive- and critical for our children entering the workforce of the future.

As an elementary school principal I can tell you two things we never have enough of- money and time. I would love to have foreign language for fourth graders- or more even just time to immerse students in lessons about kindness - but what do we give up in our packed schedules. And where do we find the money- there is not a growing pot to pull for these increasing needs.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Franklin Schools- please stay active and informed! Our schools need an active community behind them. I look forward to encouraging my fellow current School committee as they continue this critical work with proven leaders like Mrs. Schultz and Dr. Bergen. 

Alongside some new, incoming members and district leadership I know that they will create a strategic plan to set goals for our district and manage these budgetary constraints. Creative fixes are valiant, but the reality is our schools need more if we want to continue to provide high quality education for all our students- from the highest performing students in need of enrichment and extension, to the most challenged student who so greatly benefit from the various specialized support programs within our district. 

We cannot address the needs of our schools without a commitment to do whatever it takes to provide that to our children. The plight of our public schools here in Franklin are not unique. But given how low we are in terms of funding make these challenges especially alarming. 

So I implore my fellow Franklin citizens- get involved, learn about the needs of our schools and support our talented and dedicated educators in the public schools- with your support and commitment- through most importantly, with your pocketbooks, but also involvement, activism and engagement. 

It is essential that everyone who cares about the future of our town- and especially our children sitting in Franklin Public Schools, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7th.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Bilello
Outgoing Member of the Franklin School Committee

Voices of Franklin: Ed Hurley on Child Abuse Prevention month

April is Child Abuse Prevention month. And once again YMCAs in Massachusetts and across the country are engaged in raising awareness and education in a campaign called Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention.

From April 24 – April 28, our Y will highlight information, resources, and methods on how to prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse.

Research reveals that 1 in every 10 children in the United States will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.

Sadly, in more than 90% of the cases reported, this abuse happens by someone the child knows and trusts. This threat to children represents a health risk that can only be described as an epidemic based on the disturbing prevalence of abuse that exists in all elements of our society.

Equally disturbing is that it doesn’t have to happen. Child sexual abuse can be prevented through community wide efforts and vigilance. A predator seeks three things for abuse to occur. Access, privacy and control. With proper policies, procedures and protocols, all youth serving organizations can minimize the risk and deny an offender the access to harm children.

For the past five years our YMCA is proud to have partnered and collaborated with school systems, municipalities and other human service organizations throughout our service area to help bring awareness, education and training regarding this issue to the forefront. We remain committed to this collaborative cause and our effort to be part of a community based prevention movement. 

Please join us.

While we place a special emphasis on this topic during the month of April, child safety and child protection remains our Y’s number one priority every single day of the year. For more information, please visit our website for resources, training and how you can become involved at www.hockymca.org.

At our branches next week, we will be asking members, staff and volunteers to sign pledges to protect children. We will be displaying these signed pledges throughout our branches during the week to promote and emphasize the importance of community based prevention.

The safety of children is the responsibility of all adults. Children represent our hope for a bright and promising future. Let’s work together to protect our kids and help ensure that promising future and protect their only childhood.

Ed Hurley
President and CEO
Hockomock Area YMCA

Voices of Franklin: Sarah Mabardy on the proposal for Summer St rezoning

Dear Town Council,

As a Franklin resident, I am reaching out to express my opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Summer Street property. While I appreciate a private land owner's desire to maximize personal gain from privately owned land, it is my opinion that the Franklin Town Council and Planning Board should not be complicit in making opportunistic changes that directly contradict the Franklin Master Plan and compromise Franklin's finite resources and infrastructure.

As outlined in Jeff Nutting's letter to council in October 2016 in response to this very subject, there are over 800+ units proposed in Franklin in the not so distant future. Administrator Nutting asks "Does the Town Council want to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?" I would amend this question to ask 'Does the Town Council represent the residents of Franklin in their desire to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?'

Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to serving the entire Franklin community in your role as an elected Town Councilor.

Thank you sincerely for your service and for your commitment to our city.

Sarah Mabardy
resident


The Jeff Nutting letter referred to:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html

Sarah's letter was shared from Facebook with her permission
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1864863610450323/


The recap of the Residential 7 zoning was covered in a 5 part Special Series published earlier this year

Part 1

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-1-residential-vii-area-on-summer.html

Part 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-2-residential-vii-proposal-for.html

Part 3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-3-residential-vii-processing.html


Part 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-4-following-residential-vii-bylaw.html

Part 5
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Cook's Farm is being built  on RT 140 as the first Residential VII development in Franklin

Voices of Franklin: Jim Hill - "Pipe Dreams"

Pipe Dreams

When I was a child in the 1950s my parents and grandparents bought new homes with gas heat. Since then I’ve lived in several other homes with gas. Like most of my generation natural gas has been part of our lives for a long time. So what’s wrong with that? 

Well the more I learn the more it concerns me. The very word “natural” implies that it must be good for us, but arsenic is natural too. Even the commercials look beautiful and squeaky clean, so it must be good. Right? 

But, if we dig deeper, the truth is revealed. The commercials are so effective that I sometimes forget that natural gas (NG) is a fossil fuel and that it’s really methane and that when leaked increases global warming. Or that most domestic gas is extracted by fracking, a method that uses high pressure chemical infused water to fracture shale polluting air, water, and linked to earthquakes. 

The natural gas industry tells us that fracking is safe and that it’s producing all the gas we could possibly need. They’re excited. This could produce immense profits especially when it’s exported. But what will it cost us and is there really a NG shortage due to a lack of more pipelines? Why did we have a shortage in 2014 but not in 2015. After all 2015 was colder. 

Carol Churchill at Distrigas, the company that ships liquefied natural gas into Boston, told me that her company can supply all the gas New England needs during peak demand winter days without adding pipelines. She also says the problem in 2014 was that electric utilities didn’t have enough contracts for LNG to cover peak times and in 2015 they did. 

Electric companies now imply that that the sky will fall without a pipeline. Another obscure issue is that the new pipelines will be used to export fracked gas from Nova Scotia. Spectra Energy of Houston, the pipeline builder, denies this, but here’s the evidence. Fracking is really big in Pennsylvania, home of the Marcellus shale fields. To get the fracked gas to Nova Scotia it would travel through an 889 mile pipeline that runs from Dracut through Maine. 

The proposed pipeline through Franklin and eight other towns would dramatically increase NG that would travel under Boston Harbor to Beverly on to Dracut. Spectra has already received permission to reverse the direction from Dracut to reach the Maritime Provinces. 

The following excerpt was posted by Sutherland LNG on Feb 9, 2016. 

“Bear Head LNG and Pieridae Energy each announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted them separate authority to export as LNG gas imported from the United States to each company’s proposed liquefaction and LNG export terminal in Nova Scotia, Canada. DOE’s orders authorize Bear Head LNG and Pieridae Energy to export the LNG produced from gas imported into Canada from the United States via pipeline to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.” 

Once the pipeline gas hits the world market where prices are much higher our costs will rise negating any implied savings. In addition, Eversource and National Grid expect electric rate payers to pay a $3 billion tariff on their electric bills to pay for the project. 

Eversouce has a 40% interest in the project and National Grid has a 20% interest. Basically they want to sell their gas to themselves and have us pay for it. Sweet deal for them and their shareholders. They get the profit, we assume the risk. 

According to Representative Roy, if 17% of the worst of the 20,000+ Massachusetts leaks were repaired we could save 40% of escaped gas reducing our bills and decreasing global warming. Isn’t this a better idea? 

But these companies have no motivation to fix leaks because consumers pay for the escaped gas. Yes, demand for electricity will increase, but fortunately offshore wind, solar and Quebec hydroelectricity are renewable options that will easily satisfy our future needs. 

According to the Attorney General’s independent study there’s no need for additional pipelines if we increase conservation efforts and improve demand response. Yes, we can save money and the planet without more NG. So why would we want to pay for the pipeline and more for fracked gas? This gas may be natural but so is arsenic.

James F Hill, Franklin

No Spectra gas pipeline sign on a Franklin lawn

“Voices of Franklin” - update

We are only a few days away from Nov 3rd when we will determine who will sit and decide for us on the Town Council, School Committee, Board of Health, and serve in the Town Clerk's office to mention just the contested elections.

While the newspapers offer a “letters to the editor”, Franklin Matters has “Voices of Franklin”. If you would like to express your thoughts on a hot topic, or what it is like to live in Franklin, this is for you. Perhaps on the way things were, or the way things should be. There are any number of topics that matter to Franklin. 

You do the writing and we can help you can share your story here.

Franklin Matters

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


If you

• have time to write a couple of paragraphs
• access to email
• your voice can be published here in a new “Voices of Franklin” section. 

Your written submission will need to abide by the editorial guidelines found below. You'll also need to be aware that anything published on Franklin Matters is subject to the Creative Commons License 3.0 for USA. Specifically, what is published can be shared with attribution but not for profit.

More information about the editorial guidelines and creative commons license are found in the links below. If you would like to clarify something before sending your writing in, you can reach out to me (shersteve at gmail dot com).

Email address to send to shersteve.FMn3ws@blogger.com 

Editorial/comment guidelines
 http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2007/12/comment-policy.html 

Creative Commons http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ 

Voices of Franklin: Sean Slater on a Tax Override Question

Hello fellow Franklin residents 

My name is Sean Patrick Slater and I am running as a 1st time candidate for the Town Council. There has been a couple of hot topics that have come up recently in the social media forums. While collecting signatures I was asked if I would support an override. Given the informal discussions around this issue you would think it would be a complicated issue. It is not, it is simple. 

There is no such thing as an “unexpected” or “emergency” expense. A tax increase request in the form of an override is an admission to an unbalanced budget. Proper planning eliminates the need to ask for more money due to unscheduled expenses. I believe citizens, including myself, recognize that managing a budget for 33,000 residents is a massive responsibility. I also believe those involved with the budget process start out with nothing but the best intentions. That being said, the size of the budget and the unmet demand for services should not be used as override rhetoric. 

If you hear we need an override to pay for road repairs and/or to help fund a $93M OPEB unfunded obligation, I would follow that up with a question; with a budget of approximately $113M, where specifically were these dollars allocated? Trust then verify. If we are saying $113M is not enough to run this town then I would humbly ask to validate each line item in the town budget that looks questionable. There is a reason overrides have been repeatedly voted down, Franklin residents are intelligent enough to use common sense. 

The other question I was asked was “if the question does surprisingly make the ballot, would the outcome of the vote change how you would conduct business on behalf of the town? Regardless of an override outcome, our priority is always to be as fiscally responsible as necessary in carrying out the will of the people. We do not change our approach or behavior based on a vote. The way we allocate or prioritize may change in respect to budget items. 

However, we, as a Council, should not be using the results of a vote to compromise our commitment to fiscal discipline. Both scenarios will require an open and honest communication among the Council, Town Administrator, finance committee and department heads. A collaborative and common sense approach is the best way to move forward with an issue that is this controversial. 

Chalk it up to my experience in corporate America but in my current job, if I know I am unable to keep the project on budget they will find somebody else who can. If I ask my SVP for more money without any legitimate evidence to validate that request then he would tell me to take some time off after laughing me out of his office. In the private sector this is known as the chicken little defense. The sky is not falling just because we are not receiving more funds, rather the confidence is falling because we are abandoning reason and logic in asking for those funds. 

Thank you for your time. 

Thanks
Sean P. Slater, PMP

Sean's email address =  seanp.slater_pmp@yahoo.com

Franklin Matters - Voices of Franklin

Guidelines for submission to "Voices of Franklin" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Tara Gurge For Board of Health

Franklin’s Dr. Ronald Gurge says the candidate would work to improve health in Franklin. 

I am writing in support of candidate Tara Gurge for a position on the Franklin Board of Health. Mrs. Gurge is a creative problem-solver who is passionate about public health. She offers a wealth of experience on a variety of health-related issues and possesses the skills and abilities to facilitate health-related improvements in our community. 

Mrs. Gurge earned a Masters of Science degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has more than fifteen years’ experience working full-time as the public health agent for the Town of Needham and has a registered sanitarian license. She has been a resident of Franklin for 14 years, along with her family and three children. 

With a solid background in the field of public health, Tara has long had a very serious interest in local health issues. She endorses a proposal for more substance abuse prevention and education, would offer a unique perspective and help offer and share successful public health prevention measures/resources that have been proven successful in her current position. She would work to provide more smoking cessation and drug and alcohol rehabilitation center access to the Franklin community, and also strive to provide more childhood obesity prevention programs, and would use her resources to identify alternative sources of funding for health initiatives. 

Tara would bring a fresh perspective and creative solutions to the Board of Health and work to enhance the well-being of all Franklin residents. I highly recommend Mrs. Gurge for this position and I urge all Franklin voters to support her. 

Please support Tara Gurge when you vote in our town elections on November 3 — she will be a great asset to our community.

Franklin Matters

Dr. Ronald Gurge

you can reach Dr Ronald Gurge via email at Gurgefmly@gmail.com



Guidelines for submitting a "Voices of Franklin" entry can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Pamela McIntyre - Consider running for School Committee

In the midst of our vacations and summer plans, please keep in mind that once again there will be elections this Fall for School Committee. If you love education and the town of Franklin, please consider serving your community in this very important and rewarding way. This is your chance to better understand how decisions are made and be an integral part of shaping education here in Franklin. 

I served on the School Committee for two years. It was definitely an education for me, to witness the care and thoughtful consideration that goes into every choice that is made for our children. It had a sacred quality to it- it was an honor to serve with these very conscientious and caring members of this committee.

In general, our work included meeting every other Tuesday with additional sub- committee responsibilities. Although I expected the work to be intense, it was less demanding than I imagined. It is a commitment, no question, but also rewarding in the tangible results that we achieved.

When I served, I remember having a conversation with someone who had concerns about an issue and kept saying “ they do this, they do that,” and my response was “There is no they, I am they.” It is a convenient myth to think that someone “out there” is doing something to us. Whatever administrative body you think is running things, it is us- our neighbors, our friends, people like you and me who are volunteering, who are trying to do the right thing for our children and our town. We do it because we want to walk the talk, because education is a priority and we are willing to take the time to give back to our community in this way.

It’s time to step up, Franklin, and show up and participate! We can’t complain about who gets voted in or what’s being done if we have a chance to take part, and we don’t. Two years ago, there was no competition for the two open seats on the School Committee- seven people ran for seven seats. Apathy. Let’s not do that again. It is embarrassing for our town. Care enough about the education in this town to take part. Please. 

Nomination papers will be available for pick up at the Town Clerk’s office the first week in August. At that point you will receive more detailed information. Papers are due back around mid-September.

Enjoy this last month of summer and please consider this transformative experience of serving the schools and your community here in Franklin.

Pamela McIntyre
508-520-4033
pamelamcintyre@comcast.net

Franklin Town Common

Guidelines for the "Voices of Franklin" series can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Franklin Voices Weigh in on Question in the Globe West edition

Should the state adopt a single-payer health care system?

Yes

John May of Franklin, a member of Progressive Massachusetts

Did you know that we have lower-cost easily accessible single-payer health care here in Massachusetts? It’s true! It’s called Medicare. Why not expand what we already have in place? 

I am 60 years old and wonder: “If Medicare is good for me in five years, why is it not good for me now?”

No

David G. Tuerck of Franklin, is executive director of the Beacon Hill Institute and Professor of Economics at Suffolk University.

The continued unpopularity of Obamacare has led to renewed interest in the idea of a single-payer health care system, under which government would both finance and dispense health care and do so without charge and without regard to ability to pay. Advocates claim that, by eliminating the health insurance companies, single payer would lower health care costs. 

However, no one believes that we could reduce the cost of car repair by eliminating the automobile insurance companies. That’s because those companies keep down costs by requiring deductibles and by adjusting rates according to the risks of providing insurance.

Continue reading their full arguments here (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/04/04/should-state-adopt-single-payer-health-care-system/vKzuNNcqla3yRjLENITE1I/story.html 


If you would like ot have your say on a Franklin topic you can do so. There is a series called "Voices of Franklin" that runs when needed. Details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Bill Callahan - Proposed Memorial Policy

Proposed Memorial at the Franklin High School

It is always a tragedy when someone loses someone close them, especially if that someone is a child. Our hearts are with the family. This letter is not directly about that loss, of which I'm sure everyone has the deepest sympathy. This letter is about why we have a policy against personal memorials on school grounds and how we decide and change school policies. 

The current policy in Franklin does not allow a memorial to an individual on school grounds. This policy was not created in a vacuum. It was decided upon after consulting a person with expertise in grief counseling, and then was voted on by the school committee and put into place based on the professional opinion that this is what would be best for the students of the school. That's fitting, since that is the primary responsibility of both the school and the school committee. 

Now the committee is considering changing this rule. Why is that? Is it because new knowledge is available that says that individual memorials are good for the students, or at least not detrimental? Is it because the expert may have been wrong, and that memorials have no effect either way. If so, it might be good to check the latest research, or to look at the policies of other schools similar to Franklin High School, and see which policies worked out the best. 

In fact, neither of these reasons is why the policy change is under consideration. The proposed policy change precipitated directly from the offer to donate a high profile memorial to a single student on public property because the family of that student has the means and desire to do so. 

One commenter implied that kids are different, that some deserve nice privately funded memorials and some don't, and those that disagree with his view are naive. I respectfully disagree. Franklin is the birthplace of Horace Mann, the father of public education. His argument for it was that in a democracy, everyone has the right to vote, so it behooves us to make sure that everyone who is voting has the education needed to make wise decisions about candidates and policies, and that the way to ensure that is to have public schools, free to all children, regardless of means. Schools, in Mann's view, are central to a working democracy, where everyone needs to be educated. Public education, should be the great equalizer, where a child can reach his or her potential no matter how rich or powerful that child's parents are. 

I know that not all schools provide the same education, that people pick school districts based on the quality of the schools, and that the quality of the schools depends on the tax base, and thus the general wealth of the families in the district. But that doesn't mean that we should throw away rules based on science, psychology and fairness because someone of money or power feels that they are entitled to change the rules that they don't like. 

I reiterate that I don't wish any ill on the family who has lost a child. In fact, I think the idea of a personal memorial is a good one. It just should not be placed at the school. Alternatively, perhaps the memorial could be placed at the school, but dedicated to all students have lost their lives, rather than just a single individual. The memorial proposed is of a panther, the school's mascot, which represents all the students. My hope is that we can reach an agreement on this that will satisfy the family and keep to our ideal of the inherent worth and dignity of every student who has passed away, whether their parents can afford a memorial or not.

Bill Callahan

​Franklin Resident​

billca42@gmail.com

the proposed Kristin Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

Other 'Voices of Franklin' entries on this topic

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/voices-of-franklin-michael-brady-on.html

Note: If you would like to add your viewpoint to "Voices of Franklin" the guidelines can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Michael Brady on the proposed Monument Policy

Trevor Clement,
Franklin School Committee

RE: Statement regarding Franklin Public School Policy on Monuments

Dear Mr. Clement,

I am writing in response to your recent statement regarding the Franklin Public School policy on memorials. I am a Franklin resident and the father of three children, the eldest of which will be entering the school system next year. My family is in the beginning stages of the long fulfilling journey as yours was and for similar reasons, we chose Franklin as our home. 

I have been following this debate through posts and articles on blogs like Franklin Matters and groups like Friends in Franklin. I have not participated in the debate to this point because it does seem to be quite a sensitive issue, as you stated, and I don’t have a child in the system at this time. However, it won’t be long before my children are enrolled and I am very concerned by your statement. (and even more so, the spirit in which it was written.) 

I would like to start by saying that I honestly do believe your views regarding the policy are genuine and heartfelt. I would also like to say your general point that “every life matters” is certainly something I agree with. Notwithstanding, your statement contained many comments that I found troubling coming from an influential decision maker on the School Committee. 

You state that “the scope and nature of the memorials should be the same for everyone” and “everyone should be given the same honor and recognition.” This is a very naive view and absolutely should not shape policy for an institution that is so vital to preparing our children for the challenges life will certainly bring. I agree that an individual’s recognition should not be based on their “means or influence”, but to say that everyone is the same is wrong. Should a Franklin Public School student who goes on to develop a clean and renewable energy source or product be honored and recognized the same as an FPS student who chooses a life of crime? Regardless of your personal opinion, the reality is, no. While it can be difficult for a child to deal with not getting the recognition he or she feels they deserve, it is devastating for a person to believe that, no matter their accomplishments, their greatness will never be recognized. A “same for everyone” vision should be strictly applied to an individual's rights. On the other hand, a "same for everyone" vision left unchecked has the potential to crush the human spirit. I do realize that a policy regarding a monument at a public school is not going keep men like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg from changing the world, but a systematic view that we are all the same, will. 

You wrote that “School is where we teach our children how we want the world to be.” I find this to be the most unsettling statement you made. School, particularly public school, is not meant to be an institution that promotes some individual’s view of “how the world should be.” There will never be universal agreement on world views, nor should there be. Every school policy should be rooted in preparing a child for the challenges of life and how to reach their fullest potential. Schools should prepare students to create, recognize and take the avenue of opportunity. A school that tells its students that they will all just simply get the same opportunity is not being true to its students nor is it fulfilling its obligation to the community to which it serves.
Personally, I do not agree with the current policy regarding memorials. Schools have always honored and continue to honor individuals for their scholastic achievement. Whether it's through academics, athletics, arts and music, or community involvement, schools have rightfully recognized these students as examples of what to strive for. A family who makes the most of an unbelievably tragic event by turning it into an inspiration to many people for years to come should be celebrated. To view a memorial as recognition of someone's "means and influence" is missing the point. The school system and community has failed the student who views a memorial in that manner. 

I respectfully ask you and the other Franklin School Committee members to reflect on your responsibility to the community. While this memorial policy may be insignificant in the grand scheme, the influence of your decision making is not. Please recognize and understand the purpose of your position. Review your vision and mission statement. Ask yourself if you are truly fostering students’ knowledge and cultivating each student's potential, or are you imposing your personal world view on an institution meant to promote unlimited opportunity?

Sincerely,
Michael Brady
Franklin Resident


From the Franklin School Committee home page:

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.



Trevor's statement can be found here (including other background links)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/let-us-say-with-our-actions-that-every.html

the proposed Kristin Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

Note: If you would like to add your viewpoint to "Voices of Franklin" the guidelines can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Carla Lievano - Vote Yes on Question 4 - Earned Sick Time for Employees

From Carla Lievano: 

This proposal would entitle Massachusetts employees to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions. Employees would earn one hour of sick time per every 30 hours worked. Employers with 11 or more employees would give paid sick time and those under 11 employees would give unpaid sick time. There are minimal exceptions mostly regarding certain city or town employees. This would not replace better sick time benefits an employee may already have. 

Nationwide a big majority — 87 percent — enjoy sick time benefits among the top 25 percent of top earners. Only 34 percent of those in the bottom 25 percent have the same privilege, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Part-time workers are usually out of luck. 

In Massachusetts about one third of all employees do not earn sick time, and are mostly in low wage jobs. To not lose a day of pay, which they can ill-afford, an employee will come in to their job (like restaurant servers and home health workers that are very likely to not have paid sick time and to have much public contact) and spread their germs. They may also may send their child to school sick and again potentially spread illnesses. 

If passed this would allow families, especially low-income families to meet their needs financially and health wise. A single Mom would not have to make the awful choice to send her child to school sick or stay home and lose much needed income and in some cases potentially lose their job. I personally know of a single Mother (at the company two years and a very good employee as far as I am aware) that was fired for the bad luck of having her child be sick a few times over a short period and day-care would not take her child so she stayed home with her child and ended up getting fired. This was at a call-center and was in another state but she had no other options. Hopefully if this measure is passed no single Mom would have to lose her job like that! 

The Institute for Women's Policy Research estimates the economic benefits of paid sick time outweigh the costs and I agree. If this passes we will be the third state (besides Connecticut and California) to enlarge the peoples rights. Question #4 in Massachusetts broadens the scope of these rights and just like we led the nation on Reforming Health Care and standing up to the Defense of Marriage Act let us lead again. 

Join me in standing up for the people and vote YES on Earned Sick Time! It is the right thing to do!

bandstand on the Franklin Town Common

You can find all the details on the ballot questions for this election in the 2014 Election Collection  here:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/november-4th-election-collection.html

If you are a Franklin resident and would like to share a position on one of the ballot questions, send me an email (shersteve @ gmail dot com)

Voices of Franklin: Sean Slater - Vote YES Ballot Question 1

From Sean P Slater:

Vote YES on question 1. This should pass because all it requires is the ability to use common sense, something that unfortunately is in short supply on Beacon Hill. Any rational citizen of this Commonwealth understands that this bill in its purest form, is taxation without representation. We pay about 27 cents per gallon, the 3rd highest in the nation. Our legislators do not pay out of their own pocket for gas, we buy their gas. They now want to impose a gas tax which will be permanently tied to inflation, and they want to do this every year without a vote. If you want to introduce new taxes you should have to vote on it, period. If this does not pass think of the precedent it would set. There would be no accountability on how are future tax dollars are allocated and the automatic increase process would be repeated to include our property, excise and income taxes. 

We have had a surplus in this state for the last two years to the tune of about $625 - $690 million. This state spent about $675K last year on highway maintenance, while the national average was about $160K. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. The TV ads and articles might be trying to deploy scare tactics by crying poor mouth but the facts contradict that message completely. The last time the gas tax was raised, how many of those dollars, as a percentage do you think went to road and bridge repair? Twenty percent? Fifteen percent? If we give these elected officials a free pass to ignore the will of the people on voting, do you honestly think there will be any accountability on where these dollars are spent? 

Vote for common sense and We The People. Vote YES on Question 1.

bandstand on the Franklin Town Common

You can find all the details on the ballot questions for this election in the 2014 Election Collection  here:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/november-4th-election-collection.html

If you are a Franklin resident and would like to share a position on one of the ballot questions, send me an email (shersteve @ gmail dot com)

Voices of Franklin: Rich Aucoin - Franklin Town Council Stands Down

From Rich Aucoin

Town Council's Broken Oath to Constitutions Betrays our Military Veterans, Endangers Public Safety

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

-- Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963

I, _________, promise to uphold and defend Constitutional governance.-- Oath made by every Franklin Town Councilor, November 13, 2013 (officially broken March 18, 2014)

Why Are Local Officials Required to Swear an Oath to Uphold and Defend Constitutional Governance?

A vital part of the Oath sworn by local officials here in the U.S. is their pledge to uphold and defend our Constitutions. The Founders mandated that the Constitutional Oath be administered even to local office holders because they knew that federal and state legislators were only human and would sometimes make laws that violate our most basic, inalienable rights. In such cases, local officials would be duty-bound to step up and restore the nullified rights within their jurisdictional authority. This bottom-up system of Constitution enforcement is what made America different and special in the world; it ensured that we the people would always retain the power.

A Cradle of Liberty

Massachusetts has a proud history of enforcing basic rights. Five years after the U.S. Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act requiring states to kidnap and ship escaped slaves back to their "rightful owners," Beacon Hill passed the Personal Liberty Act, making it a crime to kidnap slaves in Massachusetts. Even a subsequent Supreme Court ruling upholding the federal law was ignored by our state legislature and kidnapping remained illegal here.

Modern-day kidnapping in the name of 'fighting terrorism'

Today's equivalent of the Fugitive Slave Act is the dangerously vague 2012 NDAA, which authorizes kidnappings of anyone merely suspected of terrorism, including U.S. citizens. No right to counsel. No right to face her accuser. No trial by jury. Just prison.

Fortunately, a national movement of concerned citizens is banning NDAA kidnappings at the state, county and local levels. Successes are piling up, including in the nearby towns of Webster and Oxford, while the City of Albany has become the nation's first Capital City to ban NDAA indefinite detentions.

Franklin Town Council: Cradle of Cowardice

But sadly, despite their public promise last November to stand up for our Constitutions, the Franklin Town Council is choosing to stand down. On March 18th a proposed resolution to ban NDAA kidnappings in the Town of Franklin was blocked by Chairman Bob Vallee. According to Council rules, a majority of members can override the chair to uphold the rights of the people, but to date no council member has been willing.

Returning Veterans Most at Risk

In 2011 the Department of Homeland Security listed returning veterans a domestic terror threat. And with a second Fort Hood tragedy now haunting the nation, the Franklin Town Council and other NDAA followers will more easily be able to justify their targeting of our returning veterans.

To those who will say NDAA kidnappings could never happen here, tell that to the people of Watertown, MA, who, one year ago would never have imagined full-on martial law descending on their city, complete with a paramilitary lockdown and Iraq-style house-to-house warrantless searches featuring entire families rousted out of their homes at gunpoint. The sobering reality is that the expanding post-9/11 militarized police state has put us all one incident away from legal chaos, where our Constitutions and Bill of Rights will no longer protect us, unless our local officials keep their promise to serve as our last line of legal defense.

   

   Irony of Ironies

Benjamin Franklin's famous counsel against trading essential liberty for false security has played a key role in passing every successful anti-NDAA resolution in the U.S. Yet, here in the town that so proudly bears his name, Franklin's wisdom is shamefully discarded, hidden away like some cheap pair of shoes beneath a council chair and eight broken promises.

Bob Vallee: (508) 528-1936
vallee480@aol.com

Matt Kelly: (508) 528-1036
matt@TeamKelly.net

Judith Pond Pfeffer: (508) 528-0428

judpfeffer@verizon.net

Andy Bissanti: (508) 528-7111

Andrew@bissantirealty.com

Glenn Jones: (508) 520-0069

gf_jones@verizon.net

Tom Mercer: (508) 528-9084

tdmercer@verizon.net

Peter Padula: (508) 528-9744

votepadula@gmail.com

Steve Williams (508) 528-6013

stw611@gmail.com

Franklin Voices: Property on Corner of Emmons Street

Hello everyone -

I am writing you because, in the past, you have been kind enough to be open to information on various issues in the Town.  Currently, the Town Council is considering what to do with the old Town Hall, which now houses the Rec department, at the corner of Emmons and 140.  This building is next to Davis Thayer, Dean College and is truly the "front door" to downtown.

There are basically two options: sell the property now or wait.  The attached petition from the  Franklin Downtwon Partnership makes a compelling argument for waiting, including the need to gather community input into what ultimately sits on this important piece of land as well as considering the needs of downtown businesses during the upcoming construction.

Please read the following petition and sign it electronically if you agree with the message. This petition is necessary because at both public meetings and in news interviews, a few members of the Council have indicated that they will move forward with commercial development despite protest from the community, concerns from businesses in the downtown, and other Councilors who expressed issues with rushing into commercial development without further research.

Please take a moment to support this message to the Town Council. 

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/open-letter-to-the-franklin-town-council-regarding

Thank you.

Tina Powderly

150 Emmons St, the building under discussion