video link -> https://youtu.be/NDFpuQoKBpg
Visit BEN 4 Franklin's website to learn more about the group. Sign up for the newsletter, join the monthly meetings (3rd Thursday at 7 PM at Franklin TV Studio)
Showing posts with label biennial election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biennial election. Show all posts
Saturday, November 1, 2025
2025 Biennial Election: Planning Board Candidate Discussion with BEN4Franklin (video)
Hosted by members of BEN 4 Franklin: Cobi Frongillo, Kimberly Mu-Chow, Gino Carlucci, Ndoumbe Ndoye, & Maxwell Morrongiello
Planning Board candidates: Mark Mucciarone, Erik Steltzer
Planning Board Associate candidate: William Lee, IV
Recorded, edited by Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio
Scott Mason shares his insights on the work of a Town Councilor (audio)
FM #1563 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1563 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason, 3 x former Town Councilor and twice Chair of the Town Council. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Our conversation covers
Learning curve of a Councilor
Functioning with other councilors
only 1 of 9, takes 5 or 6 to get something passed
Scott Mason Handling the myth of ‘found money’
Impact and scope of decisions
The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1563-scott-mason-shares-town-council-insights-10-29-25/--------------
Scott’s contact info -> mailto:smason2@comcast.net
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Audio recordings of the Board of Heath Write-In Candidates: Mucciarone, Daddario
FM #1561 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1561 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Board of Health write-in candidate Christine Mucciarone. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1561-board-of-health-write-in-candidate-christine-mucciarone-10-20-25/Christine Mucciarone
87 Hill Ave
Email -> mailto:Mrsmooch829@verizon.net
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLPckZEuvdE
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FM #1562 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1562 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Board of Health write-in candidate Diane Daddario. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 27, 2025.
The conversation runs about 18 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1562-board-of-health-write-in-candidate-diane-daddario-1-27-25/--------------
Diane Daddario
142 Lincoln Street
Email -> mailto:diane.daddario@bmc.org
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_Xb_MOVkY
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2025 Franklin Election Collection ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html
Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul
Friday, October 31, 2025
Prepared Statement from Town Council candidate Brian Bosley
Town Council candidate Brian Bosley sent in this prepared statement to share in advance of the election Nov 4, 2025.
You can read the embedded copy here or use this link to download the PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RKAvydMXfRHXOfWjpxkVP8BNgMTL7od4/view?usp=sharing
Note: He had originally scheduled an interview like many of the other candidates then canceled the session explaining via email that " I am suspending my candidacy for town council. Unfortunately family and work commitments have prevented me from putting in the time required to serve the residents of Franklin fairly." That was October 8, 2025.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Voices of Franklin: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4
It is important to vote in the upcoming town election, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools.
I read Mr. Steve Sherlock’s recent (10/25/25) editorial in Franklin Matters Weekly, titled, “80% of the Franklin registered voters don’t care” (Franklin MAtters Weekly: 80% of the Franklin (MA) registered voters don’t care), describing the general lack of interest in town elections in Franklin. It’s disappointing that so many residents don’t vote in local elections. Using data provided by Mr. Sherlock (with permission), the average voter turnout for all town elections since 2003 is about 18% (range 12.0-23.5). This suggests that many in Franklin are content to let a small group make decisions for everyone. Really? One could argue that town elections have relatively more direct impact on the daily lives of Franklinites than the State and Presidential elections that have greater voter turnout.
Why is it important to vote in town elections, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools (FPS)? The upcoming election on November 4th will be consequential for the future of your children, especially given the dire financial forecasts for the town and schools. If you don’t vote, you’re letting a small number of people decide how your schools are funded. The people elected to the Town Council and School Committee on Tuesday will decide any future cuts in school funding and programs. Previous cuts to FPS over the past 20 years resulted in FPS families paying more for less via increasing fees; this trend will continue if more cuts are proposed. These cuts weaken our schools, and increased fees deepen income-based educational inequalities in Franklin. So much for a “free public education” in the birthplace of Horace Mann.
So, for those of you who have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools, the importance of voting for your kids in the upcoming town election cannot be overstated. Every vote counts, especially in local elections. If you are out at your kids’ events this weekend, ask around to see who is voting, and plead with those who aren’t to do so. The election is November 4th with numerous options to vote by alternative methods if you can’t make it to the polls on that date. Details may be found on the Town Clerk’s website (Town Clerk / Elections Division | Franklin, MA).
Voting in this election isn’t just a civic duty — it’s a vote for your children’s future.
Kit Brady
Franklin resident
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
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| Voices of Franklin: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4 |
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
2025 Biennial Election - Board of Health - write in candidate Diane Daddario (video)
Diane Daddario, write in candidate for Board of Health, is the last in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.
Early voting began Oct 17 and continues through Oct 31 in the Town Clerk office during business hours.
Video link -> https://youtu.be/FR_Xb_MOVkY
Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences"
In June, Town officials told us all very clearly that if the override failed, we’d be looking at cuts that would take away services, personnel, and some of the things that contribute to the character of our community. After much debate, voters decided those cuts were an acceptable loss and voted against the override. But now that the cuts are rearing their ugly heads, these same “no” voters are feigning shock and claiming the cuts are political and punitive.
Absolutely no one should be surprised that the reductions they were told were coming are now here. That’s why it’s ridiculous and more than a little hypocritical that some people in town—including Town Council hopeful Jane Callaway-Tripp who came in last in a field of 12 when she last ran—are trying to shirk responsibility for the cuts they voted for going into effect.
This is what “no” voters chose. These are the consequences of their votes. When people like Callaway-Tripp write that town officials need more accountability, I have to wonder why she’s not looking in the mirror. The people who voted for this need to be accountable for their decisions, not falsely playing the victim and accusing everyone else of some sort of conspiracy theory when, in reality, they’re getting exactly what they chose.
I don’t believe for a second that the officers and employees of the Franklin Police Department are using the children of Franklin as political pawns to prove a point. That Halloween party has existed for decades and I believe the department loves putting it on and giving parents and kids a beloved tradition. I’m positive it hurt them to have to cancel this year’s festivities, and they very clearly explained exactly why it happened. They wrote:
“Following the results of the proposition 2.5 override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.”
But, according to Callaway-Tripp, they should’ve given townspeople a chance to reach into their own pockets and fund this themselves. Except her claim ignores the fact that voters had that precise opportunity in June and decided to do the exact opposite.
I hear a lot of talk about the need for audits and accountability if certain folks are elected to the town’s top board, but apparently that accountability is reserved for everyone else who disagrees with them and not themselves. Which tells me all I need to know when casting a vote on Nov. 4.
Please choose your candidates wisely because, even though they don’t want to take responsibility for them now, votes have very real consequences.
Aaron Gouveia
Franklin resident
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
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| Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences" |
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy encourages "vote for stability, experience, and continued progress"
Political power shapes almost every aspect of our lives—and this upcoming election will once again determine the direction of our community. Every election is ultimately about values and the kind of town we want to build together. As someone who has been on the ballot 21 times, I'd like to share a perspective grounded in experience.
I've noticed a small but vocal group calling for a complete overhaul of our Town Council. While change is a healthy part of democracy, a wholesale reset would be short-sighted—and an invitation to instability. If you prefer the kind of chaos and division we've seen too often on the national stage, that's your choice. But if, like me, you value consistency, continuity, and proven leadership, I urge you to support and return the incumbents to the Council.
Politics is, at its heart, a relationship business. I have worked closely with all the current members of our Town Council. They are thoughtful, dedicated, and deeply committed to Franklin's success. Their experience and institutional knowledge have guided this community through challenging times—and their steady leadership continues to serve us well.
With three current members choosing not to seek re-election, there will already be fresh voices joining the Council. That's healthy. But we should balance that new energy with the wisdom of those who know our town's history, its priorities, and its people.
In my role as your State Representative, I depend on strong local partners who understand our shared goals and have the courage and judgment to make tough decisions. I will always welcome and collaborate with new councilors, but I know firsthand the value of having experienced leaders at the table.
Some have suggested that our community is divided. I see something different. I see a town that works together to navigate complex financial realities with prudence and care. I see councilors who listen to their constituents and make decisions rooted in service, not politics. And I see a democratic process that continues to reflect the best of Franklin—balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking.
On November 4th, I encourage you to vote for stability, experience, and continued progress. Support the incumbents who have shown their dedication to this community and are ready to keep Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Politics is, at its heart, a relationship business. I have worked closely with all the current members of our Town Council. They are thoughtful, dedicated, and deeply committed to Franklin's success. Their experience and institutional knowledge have guided this community through challenging times—and their steady leadership continues to serve us well.
With three current members choosing not to seek re-election, there will already be fresh voices joining the Council. That's healthy. But we should balance that new energy with the wisdom of those who know our town's history, its priorities, and its people.
In my role as your State Representative, I depend on strong local partners who understand our shared goals and have the courage and judgment to make tough decisions. I will always welcome and collaborate with new councilors, but I know firsthand the value of having experienced leaders at the table.
Some have suggested that our community is divided. I see something different. I see a town that works together to navigate complex financial realities with prudence and care. I see councilors who listen to their constituents and make decisions rooted in service, not politics. And I see a democratic process that continues to reflect the best of Franklin—balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking.
On November 4th, I encourage you to vote for stability, experience, and continued progress. Support the incumbents who have shown their dedication to this community and are ready to keep Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Jeff Roy
State Representative
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
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| Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy encourages "vote for stability, experience, and continued progress" |
Monday, October 27, 2025
Franklin TV broadcast schedule for Biennial Election Candidate Interviews - Oct 27 to Nov 1
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel
(Comcast 6, Verizon 26)
MONDAY
5:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Jane Callaway-Tripp
5:30 pm Election 2025: School Committee - David Callaghan
6:00 pm Election 2025: Planning Board - Mark Mucciarone
6:30 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Nadia Mausolf
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Ken Ojukwu
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Joe McGann
TUESDAY
10:00 am Frank Presents: Ken Ojukwu
10:30 am Frank Presents: Joe McGann
3:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Kenneth Ojukwu
4:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Henry Reis Hansen
4:30 pm Election 2025: Planning Board - Mark Mucciarone
5:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Stephen Karunakaran
5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Glenn Jones
6:02 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Patrick Sheridan
6:30 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Paul Griffith
WEDNESDAY
5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Michael LeBlanc
6:08 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Max Morrongiello
6:30 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Al Charles
THURSDAY
4:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Stephen Malloy
4:32 pm Election 2025: School Committee - KP Sompally
5:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Gene Grella
5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Robert Dellorco
6:30 pm Election 2025: Planning Board - William Lee IV
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Ken Ojukwu
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Joe McGann
FRIDAY
6:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Ted Cormier-Leger
6:38 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Tom Mercer
7:07 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Caroline Griffith
8:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Ruthann O'Sullivan
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Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel
SATURDAY 11-01
4:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Al Charles
4:28 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Stephen Malloy
5:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Gene Grella
5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Caroline Griffith
6:12 pm Election 2025: School Committee - KP Sompally
6:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Tom Mercer
7:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Ted Cormier-Leger
8:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Ruthann O'Sullivan
9:00 pm Election 2025: Planning Board - William Lee IV
9:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Glenn Jones
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