CommonWealth Magazine: "Opposing camps evenly matched on millionaire tax fight"

"IT’S UNIONS VERSUS businesses in a high-stakes and so far evenly matched battle to raise the tax rate on high-income earners. 

This November, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to pass a constitutional amendment that would raise the tax rate by 4 percentage points on income over $1 million. If the initiative passes, the extra tax money would be earmarked for education and transportation. 

A coalition made up primarily of unions has raised nearly $10 million this year so far for its campaign to pass the amendment, while a group of mostly business people opposing the tax hike has raised over $9 million. 

According to campaign finance reports submitted to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance on Friday, the pro-tax committee Fair Share Massachusetts raised $9.9 million this year in cash with another $1.5 million worth of in-kind contributions. "

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/opposing-camps-evenly-matched-on-millionaire-tax-fight/

 

For more info on the proposed Fair Share Amendment ->

https://www.fairsharema.com/

CommonWealth Magazine:  "Opposing camps evenly matched on millionaire tax fight"

More Perfect Union: 050 - A Conversation With Obama Staffer & MA State Senator Eric Lesser (audio)

"In this episode, the group is joined by MA State Senator Eric Lesser to talk about his campaign for Lieutenant Governor, time as an MA state senator, working with the Obama administration and in the White House, and what he hopes to accomplish as the LT. Governor."

Episode audio link ->  https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/050-a-conversation-with-obama-staffer-ma-state-senator-eric-lesser

Note: The episode was recorded before the State Democratic Convention held June 3-4, 2022.  Lesser is one of three candidates qualified for the Democratic primary ballot in September 2022.

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

Milford Daily News: Franklin Food Pantry completes purchase of new home

"For decades, Edwin's gift store was a staple in Franklin, becoming a community landmark and the go-to place for unique gifts.

Now the former Edwin's will take on a new life, this time providing the staples -- and more -- to residents who find themselves struggling to put food on the table and pay the bills.

After sitting vacant for about four years, Edwin's will become the new home of the rapidly expanding Franklin Food Pantry. The 4,992-square-foot building at 341 W. Central St. was recently sold to the pantry by SVN Parsons Commercial Group, Boston for $950,000. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/country-gazette/2022/03/17/former-franklin-gift-shop-become-home-franklin-food-pantry/7048019001/

Disclosure: I volunteer for the Franklin Food Pantry Capital Campaign committee which will be coordinating efforts to raise funds to pay for the mortgage and establish support for ongoing operations of the Food Pantry to support our neighbors.

Communications Director Laura Often (left) and Executive Director Tina Powderly (right) in front of Edwin's the new home of the Food Pantry - specific timeline remains TBD (Heather McCarron photo)

OCPF Reports: Training Classes available for Town Candidates

Training Classes available for Town Candidates conducted by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

To attend, e-mail Jason at jtait@cpf.state.ma.us to request a Zoom invitation to the date of your choice:
Tuesday, Jan. 25, noon / Monday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. / Friday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.  Thursday, March 10, 6 p.m. / Friday, March 18, noon / Tuesday, April 5, noon #mapoli https://t.co/FITlQaOKHY

OCPF Reports: Training Classes available for Town Candidates

Mass News Items of Note: 'qualified immunity' sharply divides commission; Allen unveils a 'democracy agenda'

 

"A SHARPLY DIVIDED commission established to study qualified immunity – a controversial legal doctrine that shields police officers and other public employees from liability from civil lawsuits – is recommending that lawmakers not change the law for at least two years.  

But the commission did recommend two changes that could make it easier for people to bring civil lawsuits against public employees in state courts, even with the qualified immunity doctrine unchanged. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/commission-sharply-split-on-qualified-immunity-proposals/

"DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL candidate Danielle Allen unveiled a democracy agenda on Wednesday, outlining a host of initiatives to encourage greater voter participation and civic involvement and reduce the influence of money in politics.

Some of the proposals are part of the current debate on Beacon Hill — same-day voter registration, the establishment of Indigenous People’s Day as a state holiday, the creation of a new state flag, and allowing communities to embrace ranked-choice voting and a lower voting age without state approval."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/236839/ 

Allen led the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship to produce a report "Our Common Purpose "  https://www.amacad.org/ourcommonpurpose/report 

Her gubernatorial campaign -> https://allenforma.com/

Allen unveils a 'democracy agenda'

Franklin United campaign Launch - Oct 23, 10 AM

"AMAZING NEWS! Join Franklin United and two CHAMPIONS of strong governance on the Franklin Town Common THIS Saturday at 10AM!

Senate President Karen E. Spilka and State Rep Jeff Roy will join us to share the importance of voting in Town elections, engaging with local government and keeping involved in the happenings at the Franklin Town Hall!

Right after they speak, we will be asking volunteers to drop Franklin United Endorsed Candidate lists throughout town! Even if you cannot volunteer, come and be inspired! Your Voice, Your Community. Franklin United!"

 

Shared from Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/670245643891824

Franklin United campaign Launch - Oct 23, 10 AM

School Committee candidate campaign pages

Thanks to Denise Spencer for compiling this listing of School Committee candidates and campaign pages.

• Camille Bernstein: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430251844946562
• Mark Bisson: https://www.facebook.com/groups/993032414806154
• Dave Callaghan: https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Callaghan-for-School-Committee-105575838510215
• Al Charles: https://www.facebook.com/AlCharlesFSC
• Jennifer D'Angelo
• John McCormack: https://www.facebook.com/McCormack4SC
• Dave McNeill: https://www.facebook.com/DaveMcNeillforSC
• Mary Jane Scofield
• Denise Spencer: https://www.facebook.com/SpencerforSchoolCommittee
• Elise Stokes: https://www.facebook.com/GetStokes4Franklin
• Dashe Videira http://www.dasheforfreedom.com/
• Meghan Whitmore: https://www.facebook.com/Meghan-Whitmore-for-Franklin-School-Committee-106021458463361

updated 9/21/21 - 2 candidates withdrew, campaign page added

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/460474210785489/permalink/2054956901337204/

School Committee candidate campaign pages

State Rep Jeff Roy: Join me on September 8th!

View this email in your browser Hi Friend, I hope you've been enjoying your summer and are taking advantage of the warm weather. As we move towards fall, I'm hopeful that we can continue to enjoy the outdoors and get involved in our communities. I'm excited to invite you to my annual community gathering at La Cantina on Wednesday, September 8th from 5:30-7:30pm. More details are below. It'll be a fun time, with great wine, food, and company! I hope to see you there. Please register online by clicking here  (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jr_9_8_21) or RSVP directly to Kate at katem@reservoirstrategies.com or (617) 286-4757. Sincerely, Jeff RSVP and Register

State Rep Jeff Roy · State House Room 43 · Boston, MA 02133 · USA

"The current state of unpredictability has would-be candidates already feeling out plans"

A blockbuster showdown for governor. A wide-open race to be the state’s top prosecutor. A primary between a secretary of state on the verge of history and a fellow Democrat trying to unseat him.

As summer unofficially dawns, each scenario is possible as Massachusetts’s 2022 state election cycle quietly hums to life. It’s greased by uncertainty, and fueling the potential for a gamut of history-making races and possibly, widespread change at the top of state government.

The prospects depend heavily on the decisions of the six statewide constitutional officers. Five, including Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Secretary of State William F. Galvin, have not said whether they’ll run again, and many in office remain undecided on whether to seek reelection, according to advisers and the officeholder themselves.

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/31/metro/changing-guard-massachusettss-2022-election-cycle-could-be-primed-history-turnover/

MA State News: “The nature of the controversy could not be more public”

"A politically powerful Massachusetts couple is asking a judge to temporarily stop the state’s top campaign finance regulator from referring an investigation into them to state prosecutors, marking an extraordinary turn in what had been a private state probe.

The request from state Senator Ryan Fattman and Worcester County Register of Probate Stephanie Fattman, both Sutton Republicans, is an unusual one. The couple, as well as their family members and the Sutton Republican Town Committee, last week sued Michael Sullivan, the head of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, and sought an injunction against him. The move effectively pushed Sullivan’s probe — which would typically be kept under wraps at this stage — into public view."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/26/metro/state-officials-are-investigating-senator-wife-potential-campaign-finance-violations/

Commonwealth Magazine coverage   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/fattmans-challenge-ocpf-investigation-as-biased/

FM #440 Justin Bates - Empowering Candidates 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #440 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 440 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Justin Bates, one of the leaders of the Franklin Area Against Racism (FAAR) Group. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Justin.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVt0bVZS

 

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

INFORMATIONAL MEETING: SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 @ 3:00 PM

Follow the Facebook event for the connection info
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2587147061543240/permalink/2776472175944060/

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #440 Justin Bates - Empowering Candidates 01/13/21 (audio)

Can you identify signs of labor trafficking?

Mass. Municipal Assn (@massmunicipal) tweeted on Tue, Jan 19, 2021:

.@MassAGO @maura_healey's office launches new training video & digital toolkit to help people identify signs of labor trafficking & generate referrals to her office for potential investigation & prosecution.

MMA article to provide context for the new awareness campaign https://t.co/dMFDXPzpZx

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/massmunicipal/status/1351536119083528196
Video link = https://youtu.be/jKXNa824N9I

OCPF Reports: FAQ on campaign treasurer role (video)

via The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance  https://www.ocpf.us/

 

"FAQ: I'm running for office. Can a family member be my campaign treasurer? #mapoli "

Shared fromTwitter:https://twitter.com/OCPFReports/status/1334455154310049794?s=03

 

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/w0vkEUQgviQ

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 

 

 

MA Office of Campaign and Political Finance - local election reminder

Don't be the candidate who 'remembers' at 3:00 PM that a critical report is due at 5:00 PM. Yes, Franklin is one of the 300 communities with a local election in 2021. We'll be voting for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk and other elected boards and committees.
 

"There are nearly 300 towns in Massachusetts with municipal elections early next year. If you're thinking of running for town office, email us at OCPF@cpf.state.ma.us for educational materials. #mapoli "

 

Shared from The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance which administers the state's campaign finance law. https://t.co/lr6hJ9CZub

 
Video link = https://youtu.be/8ycnxkY4QMs

"I need to go do whatever I can"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Throughout the presidential campaign, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon often repeated a mantra from her collegiate softball days to rally staff on endless Zoom calls: We can do hard things.

Even for someone with an optimistic attitude, 2020 presented a particularly high number of “hard things” for the woman running Joe Biden’s campaign — a pandemic that turned traditional campaigning upside down, a polarized left that wasn’t thrilled about a three-time, middle-of-the-road presidential candidate, an unpredictable opponent who frequently said the election was rigged before any votes were cast.

But the mantra, however unflashy, turned out to be true.

“Once she commits to a goal, she’s going to grind it out,” said longtime friend Cloe Axelson, who played softball at Tufts with Dillon and worked on early campaigns with her. “She’s so tough, and she just does the work.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/12/nation/one-most-important-political-operative-youve-never-heard/

You may recall the Washington Post ran an article in August

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/washington-post-how-jennifer-omalley.html

The Milford Daily News picked up on the Post article in October

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/in-news-jennifer-omalley-dillon-is-from.html

 

The Washington Post and MDN had also run an article in March when she joined the campaign https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/bidens-new-campaign-manager-is-franklin.html

“She’s so tough, and she just does the work," a friend said of Jennifer O'Malley Dillon.Andre Chung/For The Washington Post

Franklin Food Pantry Names Capital Campaign Committee

Hires Local Architect Firm and Project Manager to Renovate Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry has announced members of its Capital Campaign Committee. The Capital Campaign Committee, led by Franklin Food Pantry Board member, Suzanne Gendreau, consists of local leaders and Pantry staff and will work to raise funds to renovate 138 East Central Street into a vibrant functioning Food Pantry. In April of 2020, The Pantry purchased the building to better serve its neighbors. In addition, The Pantry has hired Franklin-based Brad Chaffee of Camford Property Group as its project manager and Kuth Ranieri Architects as its architect to design the plans of the new Pantry.

Suzanne Gendreau

Along with Gendreau, the committee members include: Lynn Calling, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry; Kim Cooper, donor relations manager; Ingrid Cornetta, public relations professional; Jeff Ellis, CPA;  Glenn Jones, town council member; Susan Morrison, realtor; Donna O'Neill, food pantry volunteer; Laura Often, communications manager; Jeff Roy, state representative and Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters editor. For more information about the committee visit the Franklin Food Pantry website (https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/campaign/).

"We couldn't be happier with the group of people who have stepped up to help us raise the money we will need to make our dream of a new building a reality," said Lynn Calling, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "The Franklin Food Pantry is more than just a food pantry, it is a place to build community, provide resources and help our neighbors improve their quality of life. By moving into a larger building, we will be able to store more food and hold places for our neighbors to meet together to better share resources as well as offer a safer place for our neighbors, volunteers and staff."

The Pantry has also selected Camford Property Group's Brad Chaffee to project manage the build out and named Kuth Ranieri Architects as its architect. The Franklin Food Pantry has conducted focus groups with staff, volunteers and neighbors to learn what they are looking for in a Pantry and the designs will reflect those suggestions and ideas.  "Brad's leadership will ensure that the project is both cost-effective and organized. With Brad, we selected Kuth Ranieri Architects because of their experience with civic projects and dedication to improving communities," continued Calling. "They also bring a local connection to the project so we know they will take extra care in ensuring that the building reflects the values of The Pantry and the Franklin Community."

The Franklin Food Pantry will launch a public capital campaign later this year. In the meantime, donors can visit here to make a donation to the campaign or can set up their own fundraising page here. For more information visit: www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Between June 2019 and July 2020, 287,691, pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Local State races: Rausch and Roy win

For the two local State races

• Senator Becca Rausch beat Matt Kelly 61.1% to 38.9% 

via Boston Globe:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/elections/2020/massachusetts/state%20senate/norfolk%2C%20bristol%20%26%20middlesex/

• Representative Jeff Roy retains his seat running officially unopposed although there was a write in campaign.

via Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/elections/2020/massachusetts/state%20house/10th%20norfolk/

Representative Jeff Roy retains his seat running officially unopposed

The unofficial election results for Franklin, MA as released Tuesday, Nov 3, 2020 by the Town Clerk Nancy Danello

To download your copy

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sI-rdLmfxzXXdADdH5LGfdA66S9a4r8/view?usp=sharing

 

Cobi Frongillo Energizes His Base and Connects with Franklin Residents

Franklin special election Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo kept his campaign momentum rolling on Saturday, October 31st, with a rally held at the Franklin Town Common. Volunteers and interested citizens showed up to munch on Fairmount Farm’s cider donuts and hear Frongillo speak on a chilly Halloween morning. “It was great seeing so much energy for local politics,” said Cobi Frongillo. “We look forward to a great turnout in the special election on December 5th.”

After the gathering, volunteers took to the neighborhoods of Franklin to deliver Frongillo’s handwritten letters to residents, introducing Frongillo’s history in service and vision for the community. A core tenet of Frongillo’s vision is an expansion of local civic engagement.

 

 

Cobi Frongillo Energizes His Base

Frongillo spoke to the crowd about the importance of local government, especially in an age of political unrest. “Local government is the best way for citizens to affect change in their community. Local government is what opens schools, plows roads, and supports business in Franklin. We have an opportunity this December to ensure Franklin’s local government truly represents and engages all residents in it's political process,” said Frongillo at the Common.

Frongillo drew on his extensive experience volunteering in Franklin and his academic background in public policy, with his research efforts recently earning him acknowledgements in the 2020 book “Hometown Inequality: Race, Class, and Representation in American Local Politics.”

En route to receiving his Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst in 2019, Frongillo also authored reports on the sustainable economic development of Downtown Franklin and municipal energy aggregation programs like the one starting in Franklin this month.

 

rally held at the Franklin Town Common

 

You can learn more about Cobi Frongillo’s campaign and vision on his website (cobifrongillo.com), Facebook page (facebook.com/Frongillo4Franklin), and Twitter account (@FrongilloCobi).

 

Franklin Voters: Election 2020 reminders

The early voting period completed Friday (Oct 30) at noon time.

 
If you have not sent in your mail ballot, please drop it off at the Municipal Building in the drive through (from 8 AM to 8 PM) or leave it in the dropbox at the Municipal Building.

If you plan on voting in person, all precincts vote in one location: Franklin High School. Parking should be available. It is a professional development day for the district, teachers may be around but no students.

Poll hours are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. (Note: this is a change as most prior elections open at 6 AM but not this time. Plan accordingly.)

According to the Town Clerk, more than 50% of the registered Franklin voters have already cast their ballots (via mail or early vote) so while it will be busy (10,000 plus voters anticipated) it shouldn't be too crazy.

If you need information to prepare to cast an informed vote, the Franklin voters guide can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-community-voting-guide.html

Info on Ballot Question 3 - Community Preservation Act can be found here

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/

The "election collection" of all the posts from the Primary through today can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

If you want to "track your ballot"   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx

Drive through hours posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/extended-drive-thru-hours-begin-friday-october-9th

voting booths at FHS, taken during an observation period this weekend

If you do have vision problems, there is a special machine to help you. Check with one of the election workers as you enter the high school 

there is a special machine to help you if you have vision problems