Voices of Franklin: Alan Earls "I heard the bells on Christmas Day..."

Wow, what a lot of pain there is around our town. Reading my neighbor, Aaron Gouveia’s recent post in this space about our mutual neighbor, Dashe Videira, I couldn’t help but feeling like something was getting lost in translation.  It is a fact (and perhaps symbolically rich) that our homes are on opposite sides of the Videira residence.

I was surprised several days ago when Aaron mined his private conversations and texts with Dashe to publicly excoriate her on Facebook – and now the campaign has moved to Franklin Matters. Free speech, and all that, it still seemed to be in poor taste and stingingly calculated to burn whatever social bridges remain on our street. And just when I was hoping we could heal.

My sadness in these events brought to mind the Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Hearing the beautiful pealing of church bells at Christmas even as the Civil War raged across the land, threw him into despondency. You don’t have to be Christian or celebrate Christmas to imagine the painful disconnect a man like Longfellow experienced in that moment.

And yet, for him, he also managed to discover hope in that moment.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

I am of that mind, with Longfellow. Leaving aside the specific religious connotations, I am sure we can find our better natures not yet out of reach and once again, rekindle neighborliness, kindness, and toleration and find peace on earth, or at least in Franklin.

I meet few who do not share this hope. So why not here, why not now, and why not in Franklin?

We will and we must disagree but we should recognize that people who actually intend harm to others are a rarity. To behave as if a young mother of four children, brimming with energy and kindness, is an existential threat to society, is at best a gross exaggeration. 

It is incumbent upon us to find out why and how those with whom we disagree came to their views and values. We can and we must understand that ideas – and civil societies – evolve and can do so peacefully when we occasionally hold our tongue and foreswear a cruel remark for the sake of sustaining a vital and meaningful conversation.

We have an opportunity to be large-hearted with each other, to imagine our similarities instead of alighting only on our differences.  Yes, there is a gulf between us on many issues but our job is to bridge the gulf and construct new edifices where we all can feel at home.

I plan to be at the polls on Tuesday, anxious to meet all my fellow citizens and candidates and hopeful that they will bring with them not just their list of candidates to vote for but also curiosity, warmth and a sense of humor. Afterall, at a bare minimum, we are all mortal and that fact should provide each of us with a starting point.

Alan Earls

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici advocates Support for Franklin United

In cities and towns across the nation there is a concerted effort by right-wing ideologues to infiltrate local governments, and if you think Franklin Massachusetts is exempt from that effort think again. Whether this is a state or national organized effort, I just couldn't say, your guess is as good as mine. But one thing is for sure, it's happening now in Franklin.

This is dangerous for our town. Just look what the former president has done. The division and hate that exist today is primarily caused by right-wing ideologues with policies and principles that have no place in Franklin Government. That's why it's important to elect local leaders that share the values of our community.

Do your homework before you vote, and make an informed decision. I have decided to support the Franklin United group of candidates. This is a moderate group of candidates with experience and common sense ideas. They are down to earth citizens concerned about the the future of Franklin. A low voter turn out could mean we end up electing right-wing ideologues. Be very concerned and vote on or before Nov 2. Check out all the candidates at franklinmaunited.com/home.

Raymond D Milici
Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici advocates Support for Franklin United

Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia for candidates that support diversity

Despite seeing much lower turnout, local elections impact citizens far more than presidential contests. To that end, I implore people to pay close attention to the folks we're electing to local office in the hopes that Franklin chooses to bypass extremism and fringe candidates who represent potential harm to this community.

On Oct. 15, School Committee candidate Dashe Videira held a "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion CRT" (taken directly from her website) event that included guest speaker Rev. Steven L. Craft. Following 30 seconds of searching on Google, I found a video Rev. Craft posted on his own YouTube channel featuring him as a guest on a New Jersey television show speaking about whether or not a transgender teacher should be allowed in the classroom. He says "homosexuality in all of its forms, along with other sexual deviations, are wrong." He also goes on to say "There is child abuse here when children are being brainwashed and being taught these deviant lifestyles and making them appear normal."

It is nothing short of horrific that a School Committee candidate aligns herself with a speaker who feels gay people are "wrong" and that it's "child abuse" for students to be taught be a transgender teacher. When I followed up with Dashe directly, she confirmed that she would not allow her children (none of whom attend Franklin Public Schools) to be instructed by a transgender teacher specifically because they are trans. She cited her faith as the determining factor in this decision.

Then, a week later, I read the opening statements of the School Committee candidates who couldn't be present at a candidates night. Four of them introduced themselves, stated why they wanted to run for office, and identified important issues and potential solutions. Dashe Videira's statement, however, was singularly focused on Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and why this classic should not be read by Franklin High School students. Because apparently the issue she felt to be of the highest priority is potentially banning a book by an African-American, Nobel Prize winning author.

Please do not vote for anyone who holds these archaic and damaging views regarding transgender people and whose priority is banning books instead of expanding the world view of our kids. There are gay students in Franklin. There are trans students in Franklin. There is even a trans School Committee candidate. I can't imagine how terrible it must feel for these folks to hear that a School Committee candidate thinks they are potentially harmful just because of who they are or how they identify. Or to know someone could soon hold office who would actively limit exposure to books that share the lived experiences of marginalized authors.

Unfortunately she is not the only one in this boat. Town Councilor Andrew Bissanti is up for reelection and was captured in a Milford Daily News photograph holding a sign this summer at a rally in Medway that read "Screw your critical race theory: Stop teaching racism and woke liberal politics in our schools."

First of all, Critical Race Theory (CRT) is something graduate students learn but it is not taught in our schools and there is no plan to do so. Which means Bissanti is opposed to something that isn't even happening in our schools. But more importantly, a sitting Town Councilor holding a sign that says "Screw CRT" and demeaning good faith efforts to examine how race and racism influence our laws, policies, and practices by terming them "woke liberal politics" is a monumental red flag. As is insinuating our hard-working teachers are in any way teaching racism in school. He told the paper "Parents don't want their children viewing the world through the lens of racism." But Bissanti certainly doesn't speak for all Franklin parents and I wonder if he thought about our non-white families who have no choice but to see racism on a daily basis when he made that statement.

This is not about condemning religious beliefs and this transcends left vs right or liberal vs conservative. People are free to worship however they choose and hold whatever views they want, but there's a different standard when that person's religious views and beliefs are going to be injected into policy that affects every child who attends public school in Franklin. And bigotry cloaked in religion is still bigotry.

Please don't vote for extremism and intolerance on Nov. 2 or for people who openly admit they won't separate church and state. Franklin deserves better than that because our community IS better than that. Thankfully we have a robust slate of diverse and qualified candidates, and I hope voters choose people who don't condone prejudice or align themselves with extremism.

Aaron Gouveia

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia for candidates that support diversity

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on what "partisan" means and doesn't mean

In his indignant article titled “Politics Sizzles” in The Franklin Observer (10/14/21) Alan Earls complains of—among other things--“one more departure from the traditional ‘non-partisan’ orientation of town elections” in Jennifer Williams’s use of “Act Blue, the national Democratic fundraising system, to gather funds for her candidacy.”

The nonpartisan description of Franklin elections has always puzzled me.  Section 5-1-1 of the Town Charter says 

"All elections of town officers and Town Council members shall be nonpartisan, and all election ballots shall be printed without any party mark or other political emblem."

What does that mean?  The term “nonpartisan” as applied to elections simply means that candidates do not run with partisan labels.  It means only that.  The candidate will not be identified with a party on the ballot.  Nothing more, nothing less. 

The more interesting question is what it does NOT mean.

It does NOT mean that candidates cannot belong to a political party.

It does NOT mean that candidates cannot be supported by a political party.

It does NOT mean that candidates cannot use a party’s national fundraising system.

It does NOT mean that candidates cannot be supported by a PAC.

It does NOT mean that candidates cannot espouse the values or policy positions of their party.

Apart from the restriction about party affiliations appearing on the ballot, the nonpartisan clause is merely aspirational.  It proscribes no actions beyond the ballot format.

Why does this discussion matter?  For two reasons:

First, it makes clear that Williams has done absolutely nothing to violate the Charter’s nonpartisan clause.

Second, it exposes the hypocrisy of “editor” Alan Earls in bemoaning the partisanship in this election when he is himself a candidate and when he is the chairman of the Franklin Republican Town Committee.

 

Colin Cass
Franklin Resident

Franklin Observer article link for reference ->  https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/45691/politics-sizzles

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on what "partisan" means and doesn't mean

Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca "Education is More Than Back to Basics"

At the October 14th Candidate’s Night, Franklin School Committee Candidate Mark Bisson stated that his platform is “back to the basics, Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.” This sounds very pragmatic, however, this has been in place for years and we, as educators, do a whole lot more.  Our schools have math specialists who meet and plan with the math teachers to bring high level lessons into the classrooms. Students collaboratively use math skills to solve problems and analyze their responses.  We also have reading specialists in every school who plan and collaborate with classroom teachers to bring high level literary instruction into our classrooms.  The district has implemented the MAP testing program which will allow educators to use data collected from math and English tests to better plan and instruct, as well as provide differentiated instruction to our students.  

Several years ago, our school system invested in a program called Three Keys to Literacy. Through this program, educators in all content areas have been trained in how to bring literacy instruction into the classroom.  This instruction includes building vocabulary skills through comprehension and categorization, comprehension strategies which include note taking and the process of persuasive argument writing.  Students also learn how to use question terms in order to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate and create. As an educator, I have found this program to be invaluable in my planning and instruction in order to help my students develop as 21st Century learners.  

“Return to the basics” is redundant.  The basics, and a whole lot more, as stated above, can be seen in every subject, classroom, and school.  To settle for the basics would be to sentence our students to a substandard future.  As educators, we do not settle for the basics as our students deserve so much more than that. 

Robert Vacca

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Robert Vacca "Education is More Than Back to Basics"

Voices of Franklin: Jayson Joyce on "politics and baseball"

October brings two things to mind: politics and baseball. 

One historic Franklinite embodies the best of America’s pastime and national service: Eddie Grant. Eddie played baseball for Franklin High School, Dean Junior College, Harvard College, and—eventually—for Major League Baseball (MLB). He even played in the 1913 World Series. 

When America entered the war, Grant answered the call to serve. He embodied courage, aptitude, and leadership in combat, and he was the first MLB player killed in WWI. His name is carved in stone on our Franklin Common. 

I was thinking about Eddie on August 30th as I crossed the Common to hear comments from Senator Elizabeth Warren. I was surprised when a large group of protestors, donned in blacked, arrived and began shouting her down. I was outraged when they continued chanting through a moment of silence for Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, the Lawrence Marine killed in Afghanistan. 

Some things should be beyond the tired left-right divide in this country. Surely those who have sacrificed everything for this country are first on that list. Maybe those hollering and heckling didn’t hear the call for silence, but that’s just the point. We have an important election coming up in Franklin. There are service-minded candidates running. They are Democrats, Republicans, and unenrolled. I may not agree with them on every policy position, but I’m voting for Democratic, Republican, and independent candidates for town council, school committee, planning board, and clerk. But there are also candidates who were clad in black that day in August—those who would shout down rather than join together in commemorative silence. 

It’s October. Let’s root, root, root for the Red Sox. Let’s do our research and intentionally select the candidates we support. Let’s VOTE on or before November 2nd. Let’s elect citizen representatives worthy of the legacy of Franklin’s past leaders—especially Eddie Grant. 

Jayson Joyce
Franklin resident 

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Jayson Joyce on "politics and baseball"

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on School Committee candidates

I attended a meeting of the Franklin School Committee a few weeks ago.

A number of parents spoke during citizens’ comments.  They included people running for school committee and other town offices.  They were very passionately opposed to having their children wear masks at school.

In effect, these parents were blaming the school committee for the fact that we’re living through a pandemic and that some unpleasant measures must be taken.

This sorry situation is not the fault of the school committee.  And as for masks as a remedy, it doesn’t follow that just because you dislike a medicine, you don’t need it.

We should elect people who understand that an undesired solution can be the right choice if the alternative is worse.  Such wisdom is especially needful on the school committee, which has the heavy responsibility of spending half the town’s entire budget and educating its children.

Colin Cass

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on School Committee candidates

Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca on School Committee candidates

When I began my teaching career in Franklin, in the fall of 1996, I quickly realized that Franklin was a town that I wanted to live in and make my home.  It was actually an obvious choice for me.  Franklin shared many of the values I was raised with.

I grew up in Rhode Island, in a town about a third of the size of Franklin. Education, factual knowledge and civility was valued in my family as well as in my community.  We respected teachers, police men and women, our fire department and one another.  We helped neighbors and practiced the golden rule.  We looked out for one another

As a teacher, I could not be more proud of what my colleagues have been able to do for our students throughout this pandemic.  As a resident, I am proud of the selfless acts of generosity and kindness I have witnessed from the many, but remain disturbed at the hatred and vile comments that are too often part of our general discourse from the few.  

In my twenty-two years of being a resident of Franklin, I have witnessed both the selfless acts of kindness and the darker side of incivility.  I cherish calling Franklin my home and where I am raising a child exposed to the positive values of kindness, respect and civility.  

There are candidates running for public office in November who also share these values.  They have a vision of what Franklin represents and what more it could be.  My vote will be cast for these candidates who value education, factual knowledge and have the vision for a town where values are cherished and civility rules the day.  

Robert Vacca

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca on School Committee candidates

Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre also on "For The People Act"

The former guy lost the 2020 election. Sadly, his absurd lies about his loss have spawned an attack on voting rights across the country that threatens the integrity of our democracy. No matter what your personal political beliefs are, we citizens must act now to preserve the American experiment.

Trump is a diminished figure. Nevertheless, his multiple, fantastical lies about the election have been used to justify grotesque voter suppression bills in many state legislatures.  These bills do not address 'policy' questions or make good faith efforts to ensure election integrity. They are blatant attempts to intimidate the kind of voter Republicans don't like. For example, in Georgia and Florida, it is now illegal to give food or drink to people forced to stand in hours-long lines waiting to vote.  (This begs the question: Why are people forced to stand in line for hours?)

We are moving to "Jim Crow, Esq." in the sophistication and reach of these efforts. The intent is clear--make it harder for those who may oppose GOP policies to cast a ballot. They are intended to guaranty the dominance of a single political party in the currently red states, and weaken other voices in the rest of the country. But  this is not 'just' an issue for certain minorities. These laws will impact everyone in the country, and everyone should be alarmed.

The effects of these proposed new laws are far reaching. If these voter suppression bills had been in place in November of 2020, the GOP would have manipulated the results and the now former guy would still be president. If the new batch of bills is left unchallenged now, the integrity of the 2022 and 2024 elections will be compromised. Remember, the Members of Congress elected in 2022 will vote to certify the winner of the 2024 Presidential election. Based on the performance of the GOP in (not) certifying the 2020 election on the day of the Insurrection on January 6, 2021, we can expect a coup-like power play in 2024.

The good news is that a path back to sanity exists. The US House has passed a bill called the "For The People Act."  It set a nationwide floor for voting rights, and would reverse most of the egregious voter suppression bills in consideration in state legislatures. The bill is now before the Senate, but the filibuster rule is being used to prevent passage.

The filibuster rule was adopted early in our history and infrequently used-except to block civil rights legislation. It is anti-democratic, with a small "d."  The filibuster requires a supermajority of 60 votes in order to pass legislation. Unfortunately, in recent years it has been weaponized by the GOP to block all action in the Senate. The important word is 'rule.' The Senate sets its own rules of procedure and can change them. The filibuster is a self-imposed rule. It is not in the Constitution. The Senate can simply vote to change that rule and allow a vote on the For The People Act.

Time is of the essence. If the bill does not pass this summer, there will not be enough time to implement its protective measures before the 2022 election. What can be done to get the For the People Act through the Senate? There are many ways to help, but the simplest is to call your US Senator. Here in Massachusetts, both Senators Warren and Markey are outspoken in support of the bill.  They need to know that you support passing the bill and that you encourage them to do whatever it takes to get it passed. It is easy to reach the Senators. A brief phone call to 202-224-3121 will suffice. Simply leave a message saying "My name is ___ and I live in Franklin. Please do everything you can to abolish the filibuster and pass the For the People Act.  I think Joe Biden should speak forcefully. The Senate should cancel its August recess.  The Senate must pass these bills."

Time is short. The action is easy. Your democracy is at stake. Please act.

Ted McIntyre Ph.D.
Franklin MA 

Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre also on "For The People Act"

Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre on "For The People Act"

The Insurrection of January 6th was an attempted coup, a brazen assault intended to interrupt the functioning of the American democracy. But the coup attempt did not end on January 6th. In fact it is ongoing. The GOP is even now laying the legal foundation for a second coup attempt, this one conducted under a pretense of respectability.
 
Voter suppression laws are being passed in states across the country. Those laws not only selectively suppress voting by people the GOP dislikes, but they also provide means to reject the result of an election in favor of one the GOP legislatures like better. For example, the state of Georgia is attempting to take responsibility for the certification of election results in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta's largely black population.
 
If these state level  laws are not preempted by Federal legislation, the GOP will have two different paths for a new coup attempt, this time under the cover of law. The first path is through the impeachment of Joe Biden. If the GOP retakes the House and Senate in 2022, they could elect Donald Trump Speaker of the House. While according to tradition, the Speaker is always a Member of Congress, the Constitution does not forbid Trump's selection. Given the cult like devotion already accorded the former guy, it is not implausible to think the GOP would make this choice. Once Trump is Speaker, he is third in line to the Presidency. The House could impeach both Biden and Harris- truth and evidence be damned- and make Trump President.
 
The second pathway for the GOP's 'legal' coup is through the Electoral College. The Supreme Court, in the infamous 'Bush v Gore' decision of 2000, said that- unless there is a Federal law preventing it- the state legislatures hold the power to determine the Electoral College members. This is a nightmare scenario, since legislators are right now giving themselves the authority to challenge election results on flimsy grounds and then override the voter’s choice by installing electors they prefer. Does anyone think, if given the opportunity in 2020, that the legislatures of GA, PA, WI and AZ would not have chosen Trump electors for  the Electoral College? In 2024, those state legislatures will have granted themselves that opportunity.
 
We should not think that the GOP is too high minded or patriotic to do these things. Five years ago, who would have thought that Trump's  contempt of norms  and open corruption would be accepted? The recent testimony of Trump’s complicit DOJ employees is chilling. Who would have thought the GOP could install a Supreme Court Justice just before an election? Who would have thought Members of Congress would support a violent assault on the Capitol? The scenarios outlined above are shocking and nearly unthinkable. But the time had come to think about the unthinkable. The GOP has forfeited its status as a legitimate participant in a democratic process, and now represents an authoritarian power grab threatening our very democracy. There is no bottom, no ‘bridge too far’ for them in pursuit of power.
 
It is essential that the Senate, now under Democratic control, passes the For The People Act to protect the election process from the GOP plans. Time is of the essence. If the bill does not pass this summer, there will not be enough time to implement its protective measures before the 2022 election. What can be done to get the For the People Act through the Senate? There are many ways to help, but the simplest is to call your US Senator. Here in Massachusetts, both Senators Warren and Markey are outspoken in support of the bill.  They need to know that you support passing the bill and that you encourage them to do whatever it takes to get it passed. It is easy to reach the Senators. A brief phone call to 202-224-3121 will suffice. Simply leave a message saying "My name is ___ and I live in Franklin. Please do everything you can to abolish the filibuster and pass the For the People Act.  I think Joe Biden should speak forcefully. The Senate should cancel its August recess.  The Senate must pass these bills.”

The time to act is now.

Ted McIntyre

Franklin resident

Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre on "For The People Act"

Voices of Franklin: Karen Landers questions zoning variance request

As an abutter, I received notification that there is to be a remote public hearing on Thursday, December 17th at 7:30 pm regarding an application that is requesting a variance to build a rather large 2-unit dwelling on a lot that is smaller than the zoning laws require. Instead of the required 35% impervious coverage, the builder wants to cover 50% of the lot.  This is so that the Project can be as profitable to him/them as possible.  

This dwelling will overpower the homes adjacent to it, among other things.  I thought this town was concerned with Storm water runoff.  Why do zoning laws exist if a variance request can be had without much concern to the neighbors Involved.  According to the annual town report, from 2008 to 2018, there were 315 requests for a variance for many reasons.  Only 23 were denied. 

 

While I have an appreciation for our town citizens serving on boards, giving of their time and effort, perhaps there are way too many town officials who are in the real estate business, and, therefore, may have a conflict of interest.   

If any Franklin resident is concerned about how variances are reviewed and want to get informed, go to the town website and sign up to get onto Zoom for this hearing.  We are all abutters!

Karen Landers

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: Paula & Herb Gross encourages vote for Frongillo

Democracy starts at the grassroots level, and this is what makes the Dec. 5th Special Election for Town Council so important for Franklin Citizens.

Cobi Frongillo deserves our support in his candidacy for Town Council.  He is a
homegrown Franklin resident who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to our town.  From his part in the founding of Soccer for Smiles Tournament at age 13, to completion of his graduate studies research project on the sustainable economic development of Downtown Franklin, Cobi has proven his dedication to seeing Franklin and its residents thrive.  Cobi’s professional experience as a research analyst for government and non-profit agencies makes him a valuable asset to local government.

We encourage all Franklin citizens to vote this Saturday for Cobi Frongillo for Town Council.

Paula & Herb Gross
Your Franklin Neighbors 

 

 

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: Alan R Earls - The most diverse slate of Town Council candidates?

I have heard it remarked by several people during the course of the current campaign for our lone open Town Council seat, that" it's nice to see some diversity among the candidates." The commentators have not said what they mean, but I think I know. And perhaps they are also referring to the fact that I believe two of us can claim a Latino identity! Of course, others may score us low on diversity, since all four candidates appear to self-identify as men.

Be that as it may, I really would prefer that people think in terms of the truer diversity our candidacies represent, namely diversity of experience, outlook, and ideas. We have a budding expert on government, an IT professional, a PhD researcher and entrepreneur, and a writer to choose from.  And, I suspect that short litany of characteristics doesn't begin to properly credit the diversity in thought that we represent.

Returning to the more conventional view of diversity and identity politics, I would have to say that my own "identity" as Latino is neither comfortable nor meaningful. My grandparents, from whom that identity springs, were grateful to leave "the old country" and never looked back. Not that they didn't carry a heritage with them but they viewed language and ethnicity as incidentals, which love of family and capacity for personal growth trumped entirely.

Their story was one of enthusiasm for a new national identity. They had found their promised land and spent a lifetime embracing it and loving it.  So, even though the experts in Washington call me Latino, I will continue to think of myself as the proud descendant of immigrants who voted for democracy over autocracy, and opportunity and economic freedom over autarky and a corporative dictatorship. They became American, and I am the proud heir of their choice.

--

Alan Earls

Candidate for Town Council
Independent Writer

 

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: Paul DeBaggis - Thoughts on the current election

While I love the give and take of Franklin politics, the current special town council election seems headed toward creating a thorny precedent. Can the town uphold its reputation as having a “nice, small-town atmosphere?”  Will an average gal or guy have the money needed to run for office, or to contribute to a candidate?  To me, these questions are as essential to our local character as our views on housing, water supply, or education.

The Cobi Frongillo campaign website advertises, that along with lesser amounts, it encourages donations of $250 and $500 or more. This seems to contradict that candidate’s talking points of service, caring, community, and vision. Communities shifting to big-time politics generally create an era in which party politics rather than individual merit become dominant. I, for one, frown on this.

Where is the caring or the service when a local election becomes a case of “to he or she with the most money goes the victory”? How does the average voter preserve an equal standing with the one who can easily drop a $500 check into a particular campaign coffer?

Next year, at the Franklin regular town election, will multiple candidates seek large, disproportionate campaign contributions? If so, big money campaigns and less recognition of the individual voter will inevitably follow. This election may set that stage. Elections for the privileged—that’s no future Franklin Dream.

Paul DeBaggis
100 Milliken Avenue 

 

 

Voices of Franklin: Dellorco Endorses Chiklis

On Saturday, December 5th, the Town of Franklin will be holding a special election to fill a vacant Town Council seat. I am impressed that we have four special candidates running for this seat.  While all of them have great qualities, there is one candidate, that stands out as a candidate that would be a great and vital addition to the Town Council.  

I would like to endorse Gregory Chiklis Ph.D. for the open Town Council seat.  Greg has been a Franklin resident and business owner for over 20 years.  Greg is an active member of the community, raising his family and participating in many community activities.  He volunteered many years as a coach in the Franklin Youth Baseball League.  Greg took a leadership role at the Franklin Rod and Gun Club, providing activities for for the youth in Franklin.  

It is in this past year that I have seen how committed Greg is to this community.  During the Pandemic, Greg has spent countless hours providing COVID testing to  Franklin Public Employees and anyone else that asked.  He also, just recently, tested several students coming home from College, to ensure the health and safety of the students, their families, and the community.  As a current business owner, he has vast experience with budgets and planning.  He has committed to working hard to bring new businesses to Franklin.  

I am asking you to consider voting for Gregory Chiklis on Saturday, December 5th at Franklin High School,   Greg has the commitment, compassion, and experience to get the job done! 

Thank you!

Robert Dellorco

Submitted by the candidate

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2782687022001306/

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally - Keep Franklin Beautiful

Several community members and I have been raising awareness to seek participation towards establishing an initiative surrounding the goal of keeping Franklin beautiful. Through our collective efforts, we as a community intend to maintain cleanliness throughout the town of Franklin during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. We intend to meet during the first Saturday of each month during these seasons and will work together to clean up public areas of our community. Due to the pandemic, we are currently working with a limited number of volunteers for general safety of our community.

The net impact brought upon by this initiative is heavily reliant on the collective effort of volunteers and the active participation of our residents. If interested in joining us in our mission to keep our community clean, please reach out via email at keepfranklinbeautiful@gmail.com, https://facebook.com/keepfranklinbeautiful, those who are interested will be periodically updated with the list of volunteers, progress and milestones accomplished during the cleaning process and the opportunity to reflect and develop our general shared goals and ideas. Join us and help us keep our community clean!!!

 

Keep Franklin Beautiful

Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

The CPA for Franklin Committee is both grateful and inspired by the vote to adopt the Community Preservation Act. Franklin is one of nine communities to pass the ballot issue, which will bring opportunities for historical preservation, set aside open space, enhance and build recreational areas, and create affordable housing.

 

Several steps will be taken in the coming year to implement Franklin’s CPA. The Town Council will enact a local bylaw and a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will be formed. The state mandates that a designated representative must come from five town boards: the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, the Housing Authority, the Conservation Commission, and the Board of Park Commissioners or other town recreation committee. 

 

In addition, four more members may be appointed from the public, local government, or other municipal boards or committees. The CPC will accept applications for review and recommendation. At least 10% of each year's fund must be set aside for historical preservation, open space/recreation and affordable housing. The remaining 70% can be designated for any eligible category under CPA.

 

We are confident that many in Franklin have the foresight and energy to propose projects that can be submitted to the CPC. Next year will be the beginning of welcome changes to Franklin.

 

Monique B. Doyle

Chair, CPA for Franklin

 

 

Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

Voices of Franklin: Barry Kassler responds to James Gianotti Jr on the Community Preservation Act

I’d like to respond to the letter from James Gianotti, Jr. regarding the Community Preservation Act, or CPA, in Franklin.
 
First, Mr. Gianotti is right when he says that these are difficult times.  What he may not be aware of is that many CPA communities have used their CPA funds to create emergency housing assistance programs for people in their communities who have lost jobs due to the pandemic.  That would not have been possible without the CPA.
 
Mr. Gianotti states that the CPA would cost Franklin residents “thousands of dollars” each.  That’s off by a factor of at least ten.  The average homeowner in Franklin would pay $105 per year, or $26 per quarter.  There is nothing “hidden” here.  It will appear on tax bills on its own line, beginning next year.  Residents who are low-income, or who are moderate-income seniors, can apply for an exemption from the CPA tax.
 
Mr. Gianotti states that those of us who support Question 3 “consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in. …This is probably going to be way off.”  In reality, the estimates of CPA revenue from the state have been conservative, and are realistic.  State CPA funding depends on money collected at the Registry of Deeds, and collections for this year have been consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
 
The CPA is a perfect way for a community to maintain and improve the quality of life for all of its residents.  Franklin is losing out on state funding which only goes to CPA communities.  We already pay into that fund, but get nothing back.  That will change when Franklin adopts the CPA.  Many of our neighboring towns have already done so, including Wrentham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Mendon.  In fact, over half of all Massachusetts cities and towns are now CPA communities.
 
I urge you to vote to adopt the CPA in Franklin by voting Yes on Question 3.
 
Barry Kassler
Franklin 

If you missed it, the Gianotti letter can be found here

https://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20201024/opinionletter-vote-no-on-cpa

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: James Gianotti Jr - "Just say NO to Question 3"

Who would honestly ask for more taxes in the middle of a pandemic?

Your Franklin's governing body would. It’s much more than just not right its downright shameful to be asking citizens at this time for more money. We all know someone in your family or your friends that are going through what might be the toughest times of their lives and having big challenges with their day-to-day bills. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment in the country and businesses are closing every day. What’s even worse there is no end in sight.

With that I am opposing the CPA for a few reasons. Remember, the CPA can only fund four kinds of things - historic preservation, affordable housing, open space, and parks and recreation projects.  These are all nice to have, but we need to focus on our MUST have list right now – namely schools, police, and fire departments and have compassion for our fellow citizens who don’t know when their next paycheck is coming, Lets also not forget, in addition, to talk about an override vote “soon” to raise town taxes, we are also facing increases to water and sewer costs and a completely new tax (cleverly described as a utility) to fund federally mandated stormwater treatment and mitigation – expected to total something like $50 million dollars over the next several years.

CPA is about “pet projects” not these critical projects that we absolutely must do.

In addition, CPA proponents consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in.  Given the condition of the state’s budget and the state, this is probably going to be way off.

So, if we pass CPA, we will be stuck with an additional burden, one that will hit many people when they can least afford it. Consider the example of a couple where both wage earners have been laid off. Maybe they need to downsize and hope the equity they have achieved in their home over the last few years will help them through. Guess what? That’s when CPA will hit them, to the tune of thousands of dollars!  That’s what’s called a hidden tax. You vote for it because it won’t affect you right away, but when it does, it’s a big hit!

Our town is economically diverse. While there may be some families that can easily afford CPA, for most, it could be devastating. Above all, 2020 is not the year to be gold plating town spending and hitting those who can least afford it.

I ask you all to have some compassion for those currently and those that will be fighting for their American Dream during the pandemic.

Just say NO to Question 3

James Gianotti Jr. 

Franklin

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: Raymond Milici -"Have You Noticed, l Have"

"Have You Noticed, l Have"

A recent letter to the editor published in the Milford Daily News accusing Matt Kelly of using misleading campaign tactics,  specifically, "a violation of copyright and campaign integrity," got me thinking about what's happening here in Franklin. It seems to be much of the same.

In Kelly's campaign mailings circulating throughout the district, you would get the impression that Jeffrey Roy. a Democrat. is endorsing Kelly. Representative Roy was asked and his answer was no. However photos of Kelly and Roy are prominently displayed on campaign mailings. This is an obvious attempt to attract Democrats to Kelly's campaign. This is not the person I would want representing me in the State Senate.

 

Link to article mentioned: www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20201015/opinionletter-violation-of-copyright-and-campaign-integrity


Raymond D Milici 

Franklin

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html