Jason Poulos explains his stand on key issues (video & audio)

FM #1789 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1789 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jason Poulos, candidate for the 4th Congressional District in the September Democratic Primary. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, July 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Jason’s background and reason to run

We cover issues like

• AI and jobs

• Data center control measures

• Voting rights

• Medicare for all

• Increasing affordable housing

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1789-jason-poulos-candidate-4th-congressional-district-07-27-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/9OEsOWF0GkQ

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Jason’s campaign page https://poulos.house/ 

Jason’s position on many issues https://poulos.house/#issues 

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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 out. 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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Need info for the District Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor's Council? (video)

Franklin TV's Frank Falvey spent time with Tamisha Civil and Muriel Kramer to help us understand their candidacy for the Governor's Council in District 2.

Video link -> Tamisha Civil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4HSeNgBP0E

Video link -> Tamisha Civil

Video link -> Muriel Kramer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpJyOikNhrU

Video link -> Muriel Kramer

The debate for the three candidates held in August at the Norfolk Library was previously shared here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/norfolk-cable-presents-district-2.html   The video replay is available via YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guijl9Ya-u8

(L-r) Civil, Kramer, & Reservitz

More Perfect Union - wfpr.fm: 82 - Trump On CNN (audio)

In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent airing of Trump at Town Hall from CNN; why it was a blunder for the network, how other Republicans play into this, how it impacts the upcoming election, the Democrats response, and more...

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/more-perfect-union-82-trump-on-cnn

wfpr.fm: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass - "Democrats for Dooley" half true

We received a letter in Franklin this week titled “Democrats for Dooley” and signed—“sincerely”—by two people, Dan Fallon and Daniel Ranieri.

Ranieri may be for Dooley, but he’s not a Democrat.  He’s a registered Republican.

Ooops.  I’m sure he’s sorry if he confused anyone.

When you claim to be a Democrat and you’re actually a Republican, this is called LYING.

Colin Cass

Franklin, MA 02038

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 - "Democrats for Dooley" half true

Voices of Franklin: Maria Lucier for Senator Becca Rausch

I’ve been thinking about Becca Rausch, the incumbent state senator from the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, which includes the part of Franklin where I live.

I’m a registered Democrat, so I was inclined to vote for Rausch because she’s the Democrat in the race.  But I realized that I was being a little unfair to Becca Rausch, so I thought about the times I’ve met her.

I met her at Franklin’s Harvest Festival and at the Strawberry Festival with her kids.

I met her at the Black Lives Matter demonstration on the Franklin Common.

I met her at three different sessions of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, some in person, virtual.

I met her at the Democrats’ holiday party.

I met her at Franklin High when she spoke about higher education.

I watched her when she defended her legislation on vaccinations.

I realized that this state senator of mine has been a very hard-working office holder.  She really puts in the time.

I have a friend who complains that she can never get her own senator to answer her letters.  Becca Rausch, on the other hand, never fails to reply.  That means something.

I read Rausch’s on-line bio.  She seems focused mostly on issues that matter to me—elder affairs;  problems of children, families, and people with disabilities; issues in social justice, equality before the law, election reform.

And no one can fail to see a great deal of competent work, done in the public interest, in the long series of COVID bulletins that Rausch has published.

Clearly, this is a hard-working, accessible, and capable woman.  

So I’m glad I thought about her.  Turns out, I have better reasons to vote for her than I realized.

Maria Lucier, Franklin 

If you have something to submit for Voices of Franklin, follow the guidelines published here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

State Senate Candidates Debate Oct 6, 2020 (YouTube video)

The State Senate candidates for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District participated in a debate broadcast by the North Attleboro cable TV station and available via YouTube.

Senator Becca Rausch is running for re-election as the Democratic candidate and current Franklin Town Councilor Matt Kelly is running as the Republican candidate.

Candidate webpages:

• Rausch - https://www.beccarausch.com/
• Kelly - https://mattkellyforsenate.com/

Video link = https://youtu.be/0Nj5584lkqE

 

 

Staiti Qualifies for Ballot for Norfolk County Commissioner

Atty. Richard R Staiti of Canton has officially qualified for the Democratic Primary race for Norfolk County Commissioner to be held September 1.

Despite the challenges presented by the novel coronavirus, Staiti and his supporters gathered over 1000 signatures (over twice the reduced requirement of 500) to qualify for the Democratic ballot.

A lifelong resident of Canton, Atty. Staiti currently serves as the Town Moderator. Prior to serving as Moderator, Staiti served nine years as a member of the Board of Selectmen (newly renamed the Select Board), being elected Chairman three times. Staiti represents Canton on the Norfolk County Advisory Board which oversees all county finances and spending. He is the longest serving member of the board and has been elected Chairman of this financial board three times.
 

Atty. Richard R Staiti

“The role of County Commissioner is to oversee the operation and expenditures of various county operations including but not limited to the maintenance of the Court system, the Norfolk County Agricultural School, the President's Golf Course, county roads and layouts, engineering and other agencies under their supervision."

“As an attorney and with my education and experience as a selectmen, town moderator and long time member of the county advisory board, I feel this skillset will enable me to deal effectively and professionally with the many issues confronting county government in the decade ahead", Staiti said.

Staiti added that his many years of service in education and first hand knowledge as a classroom teacher as well as Director of Science and Technology at Canton High School will be invaluable in providing leadership to maintain and improve upon the programs of study at the Norfolk County Agricultural school. The County School is the jewel of the county. "We need to improve and maintain high standards for the students, staff and parents."

"The pandemic has changed our life and forced us to rethink things the way they are at present. With the economic issues caused by the pandemic, and as revenues dwindle we need to investigate and explore new ways of producing revenue without increasing taxes."

Staiti is a proponent for clean energy. “We need to expand the use of clean renewable energy in the county to preserve our environment and increase sources of revenue to the county operation. As an attorney I permitted one of the largest solar fields east of the Mississippi. The revenue from that project will provide a steady stream of income over a 20 year period. In addition the town (Canton) derives energy credits on the utility bill. Clean and reusable energy is something that we need to act upon now, not in five years."

"We should also collaborate and expand regional services to help local cities and towns especially in light of the impending fiscal crisis. With the help of the county and local chiefs, a grant was obtained to establish a regional dispatch operation that serves several towns in the county." Staiti worked closely with the fire chiefs and director to make this regional service a reality. "As smaller communities struggle with budget shortfalls, the county can play a larger role in managing and providing regional services."

"Like any municipal entity, the county should have a well planned, long term capital program to repair and maintain our courts and buildings. We need to set aside funds in a stabilization account that should be used only for capital improvements."

The son of working class parents, Staiti has been endorsed by unions such as New England Regional Council of Carpenters Local 346. He has been an avid participant in and supporter of numerous Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) vigils, canvassing and other related social justice actions.

The father of five children, Staiti is also a member of the Board of Directors on the Canton Association of Business and Industry, (CABI) as well as Trustee of the Salah Foundation.

“Change is needed now at the county and in all phases of government, help make change happen now! I respectfully ask for your vote for Richard Staiti as your new County Commissioner on election day September 1."

For more information about the campaign, please visit : www.votestaiticommissioner.com

voters in both parties “not only disagree over plans and policies, but also cannot agree on the basic facts”

We need to do something about this. If we, fellow residents and neighbors within Franklin, can not conduct a civil conversation, we are all in trouble. 

Where do we start? 
 

"Three years ago, Pew Research Center found that the 2016 presidential campaign was “unfolding against a backdrop of intense partisan division and animosity.” Today, the level of division and animosity – including negative sentiments among partisans toward the members of the opposing party – has only deepened.

...

For the most part, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to ascribe negative characteristics to people in the opposing party, with one exception: 75% of Democrats say Republicans are “more closed-minded” than other Americans, while 64% of Republicans say the same about Democrats.

Most partisans view the other side as ‘closed-minded’; Republicans see Democrats as ‘unpatriotic’ Yet Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to view members of the opposing party as unpatriotic. A 63% majority of Republicans say that, compared with other Americans, Democrats are “more unpatriotic.” Just 23% of Democrats say the same about Republicans.

The survey also finds that partisan hostility extends beyond politics. Fewer than half of Democrats (45%) and just 38% of Republicans say that while members of the other party feel differently about politics, they share many of their other values and goals. Majorities in both parties say those in the opposing party do not share their nonpolitical values and goals."

Continue reading the article at the Pew Research Center page
https://www.people-press.org/2019/10/10/partisan-antipathy-more-intense-more-personal/

voters in both parties “not only disagree over plans and policies, but also cannot agree on the basic facts”

Franklin Demonstration - Saturday, Oct 19

The Franklin Democrats are planning to demonstrate against the Trump administration again on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 to 12:00 o'clock. They will meet in front of Piezoni's Restaurant, 150 Emmons Street, at the intersection of Emmons and West Central.

As before, participants can make signs or just show up.

Franklin Democrats plan a similar protest on Nov 16. 

Franklin Democrats schedule demonstrations

The Franklin Democrats are planning to demonstrate against the Trump administration again on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 o’clock.

They will meet in front of Piezoni’s Restaurant, 150 Emmons Street, at the intersection of Emmons and West Central.

As before, participants can make signs or just show up.

This month’s protest will be in solidarity with the We the People March, scheduled to occur at the same time in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.

Franklin Democrats plan similar protests on Oct 19 and Nov 16. 

 

We the People March

Franklin Democratic Town Committee - public demonstration - Aug 24

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee has organized a public demonstration to protest the Trump administration’s lawlessness.

Demonstrators will gather across from the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street, Franklin, between 10:00 AM and noon on Saturday, August 24.

Participants from neighboring towns are expected. People can make signs or just show up.

demonstration on Saturday, June 15 (courtesy photo)

 

Franklin Democrats organized protest

If you drove through the center of Franklin on Saturday morning (June 15), the day after Trumps birthday, you likely noticed more than 40 participants with signs that ranged from "IMPEACH TRUMP" to "STOP THE COVER-UP". 

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee organized the event, and participated in a nation wide protest with MOVEON.org, along with a number of cities and towns across the nation calling for the impeachment of Trump now. 

Organizers said, there was so much enthusiasm for the event, they may plan another in the near future.

Franklin Democrats organized protest

Franklin Democrats to Caucus May 18

Registered Democrats in Franklin will be holding a caucus at the Franklin Public Library located at 118 Main Street on May 18 to elect delegates and alternates to the 2019 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

Registration begins at 1:00 PM, and the Caucus opens at 1:30 PM You must be registered no later than 1:45 PM to vote or be considered as a delegate. Voting will begin at 1:45 PM.

This year's state convention will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield for the purpose of amending the Party Charter.

The caucus is open to all registered and preregistered Democrats in Franklin. New this year, preregistered Democrats who will be 16 years of age by May 11, 2019, will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. A Franklin voter may register as a Democrat with the Town Clerk or at the caucus and then run for a delegate slot. Delegate candidates must be present or have informed a co-chair of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee prior to the Caucus of their intent to be nominated.

At the caucus, Democrats will elect 14 delegates and 4 alternates to the convention. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women with one any-gender delegate, and all ballots will be written and secret.

In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org. The deadline to apply to be an add-on delegate is July 8.

The Franklin Public Library is handicapped accessible.

For more information on the caucus and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, please contact Chair Tonya Price at Chair@FranklinDemocrats.com, find us on facebook, visit our website at FranklinDemocrats.com

Franklin Democrats to Caucus May 18

Franklin Democrat Caucus - Feb 12 - Note Change in Location

Registered Democrats in Franklin will hold a caucus on February 12, 2018 at Hawthorne Suites, Upper Union Street. Registration starts at 6 PM, and the caucus itself starts at 7 PM to elect delegates and alternates to the 2018 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

This year’s state convention will be held June 1-2 at the DCU Center in Worcester, where thousands of Democrats from across the state will come together to endorse Democratic candidates for statewide office, including Constitutional Officers and gubernatorial candidates.

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Franklin. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 18 by September 18, 2018 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. 

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CAUCUS.

Franklin can elect 14 delegates and 4 alternates to the Convention.

Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.

Those interested in getting involved with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee can contact the committee at web@franklindemocrats.com.

http://www.franklindemocrats.com/
https://www.facebook.com/franklindemocrats
on Twitter @FranklinDems

Franklin To Elect Delegates To Democratic State Convention - Feb 12

Franklin To Elect Delegates To Democratic State Convention - Feb 12

Registered Democrats in Franklin will hold a caucus on February 12, 2018 at 7 PM at the Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street to elect delegates and alternates to the 2018 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

This year’s state convention will be held June 1-2 at the DCU Center in Worcester, where thousands of Democrats from across the state will come together to endorse Democratic candidates for statewide office, including Constitutional Officers and gubernatorial candidates.

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Franklin. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 18 by September 18, 2018 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. 

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CAUCUS.

Franklin can elect 14 delegates and 4 alternates to the Convention.

Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.

Those interested in getting involved with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee can contact the committee at web@franklindemocrats.com.

http://www.franklindemocrats.com/
https://www.facebook.com/franklindemocrats
on Twitter @FranklinDems

Franklin To Elect Delegates To Democratic State Convention - Feb 12

Franklin Democrats to elect delegates to state convention

Registered Democrats in Franklin will be holding a caucus at the Union Street Grill on Monday, March 13th at 7:00 PM to elect 15 delegates and 4 alternates for the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Party Platform. The convention will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

"Our caucuses are a great opportunity to strengthen our Party's organization and to welcome new participant who are interested in getting involved in our Party", commented Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford. "Delegates will be voting on the Party Platform in Lowell, and we want to make sure that every Democrat has a voice in this process. This is a time for all of us to come together and speak to our shared Democratic values."

This caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Franklin and the Democratic Committee welcomes all eligible participants. Any person who is not 18 years of age at the time of the caucus but will be 18 by the 2018 Primary date (September 11, 2018) may pre-register to vote with their Town Clerk. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written in secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be add on delegates, either at their caucus or on line at www.massdems.com

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee normally meets on the third Monday of the month at the Union Street Grill. 

Facebook image of Union St Grill

For more information on the caucus or committee, please contact John May at 508-488-9299 or JohnTMay55@gmail.com

Franklin Democratic Town Committee Holds First Meeting After Electing New Officers

On Monday, May 25th at The Alumni Restaurant in Franklin, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee held its monthly meeting. Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge was their guest speaker. Senator Eldridge addressed the commuting problems with communities in the Metro West area, the MBTA, and public transportation in general in Massachusetts. Expanding public transportation for Massachusetts residents, at a critical time of a booming Massachusetts economy, and growing populations is something the senator finds critical to the continued prosperity for all Metro West communities.

Following Senator Eldridge, newly elected Chair John May highlighted some ideas on growing the committee's membership and supporting teamwork. After collaborating with his fellow officers and a general discussion of all members present, the committee decided to move its monthly meetings to the Function Room at Alumni Restaurant. "Alumni provides a welcoming atmosphere, good food, and has the capacity to allow our committee to grow" said May. May also thanked the leadership of outgoing Chair Denise Schultz saying "We all owe you a great deal of gratitude for the work you have done in the past four years."

The committee also deliberated on the winner of the Carol Pizzi Memorial Scholarship, the results of which will be announced at The Franklin High School Scholarship Award Ceremony next month.

The Franklin Democratic Town committee will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 16th, at the Alumni, guest speaker to be announced. Meetings are typically held the 3rd Monday of every Month.

Left to Right: Max Morrongiello - Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor  , John May - Chair,

Christine Manns - Vice Chair, Henry Maddox - Treasurer, Rob Vacca - Secretary

ᐧ

Tired of poor service and increasing fares?

Learn about the push for action. Senator Jamie Eldridge, Chair of the Legislative MBTA Caucus will be the guest speaker at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 25 at Alumni Bar and Grill. 

Hosted by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, the monthly business meeting will follow the speaker.

For additional info, check out the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1592212457736802/

Franklin Democrats to Elect Delegates To State Convention - Mar 26

Registered Democrats in Franklin will be holding a caucus in the Community Room at Franklin Public Library on March 26th at 10am to elect 13 delegates and 3 alternates to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Action Agenda. 

The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 4th at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

"There is much at stake in 2016 as big, outside money targeting our Democratic legislators has already been pledged," said Chairperson Denise Schultz. "Our June convention will focus on building up our Democratic Party's grassroots around the values and ideas that improve the lives of working Bay Staters - ensuring we send strong Democrats to Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill and the White House."

Franklin Democrat Town Committee

The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in Franklin, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be "add-on" delegates.

The committee normally meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of the month at the Union Street Grill. For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Denise Schultz at deniselynnschultz@gmail.com / 508-612-5950 or check out their website at FranklinDemocrats.com

Franklin Democrats to Elect Delegates To State Convention

Registered Democrats in Franklin will be holding a caucus in the Community Room at Franklin Public Library on March 26th at 10am to elect 13 delegates and 3 alternates to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Action Agenda. 

The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 4th at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

"There is much at stake in 2016 as big, outside money targeting our Democratic legislators has already been pledged," said Chairperson Denise Schultz. "Our June convention will focus on building up our Democratic Party's grassroots around the values and ideas that improve the lives of working Bay Staters - ensuring we send strong Democrats to Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill and the White House."

Franklin Democrat Town Committee

The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in Franklin, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be "add-on" delegates.

The committee normally meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of the month at the Union Street Grill. For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Denise Schultz at deniselynnschultz@gmail.com / 508-612-5950 or check out their website at FranklinDemocrats.com