FM #530 - Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 04/22/21 (audio)

FM #530 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 530 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on Apr 22, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• Earth Day
• COVID-19
• Mosquitoes, ticks
• Salmonella 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec483124-d95c-44c1-b64c-80c4914a2fab

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• Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
• Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
• Article on Healthy Families and Flocks  https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/salmonella-baby-poultry.pdf
• Norfolk County Mosquito District https://norfolkcountymosquito.org/
• CDC article on salmonella outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-04-21/index.html

 

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

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.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!

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

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

Health Director Cathleen Liberty participating in a virtual School Committee meeting

"we found ticks pretty much wherever we looked”

"Disease-carrying ticks, commonly associated with wooded areas, are also abundant near beaches in Northern California, according to a study. They weren’t found on beaches themselves, but in the brush and vegetation beachgoers may walk through to get to the sand.

Daniel Salkeld, a research scientist at Colorado State University who led the study, said researchers wanted a “bird’s-eye view” of where ticks are found in Northern California and what they are infected with, such as bacteria that causes Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

“We were looking at coastal scrub and looked at redwood forests and oak woodlands and that kind of thing, because everyone tends to look at the same kinds of places,” he said. “And we found ticks pretty much wherever we looked.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/04/25/ticks-lyme-beaches/

Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty recorded a session last week that you'll get to hear shortly. We discussed several non-COVID-19 items and among them were ticks. One session from 2020 was focused on ticks and you can listen to that here  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/afe173c3-294e-49c5-9bec-ecf19105c9be

"The new term from this conversation is “questing”. Questing is the term for the tick looking to jump to a food source."

FM #501 Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 03/17/21 (audio)

FM #501 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 501 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on March 17, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• COVID-19
• Emergency dispensing
• Drive through flu clinic
• Mosquitoes
• Returning to ‘normal’

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/35fbeef7-0241-4769-97c4-2e359d744d55

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Health Dept. page

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Prior podcasts with Cathleen

421 - Dec 17, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fm-421-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

391 - Nov 12, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-391-health-dir-cathleen-liberty.html 

355 - Sep 29, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html 

271 - May 11, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html 

259 - April 29, 2020  BoH Chair Bridget Sweet & Cathleen Liberty  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-259-board-of-health-c-liberty-b.html 

232 - March 27, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-232-franklin-ma-health-director.html 

224 - March 13, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-224-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

204 - Feb 12, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-204-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html 

196 - January 28, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html 

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

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/  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!

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

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

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

FM #472 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P2 of 3 (audio)

 FM #472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 472 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First -  covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
• *** Second segment *** Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
• Third - from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet posted to the meeting folder)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 23, 2021

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f7c6e24c-08ae-4475-9339-50106de96a08

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Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-23-21.docx.pdf 

Meeting packet folder 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-23-2021-school-committee-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-meeting-2232021-recap.html 

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

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/ 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!

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

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

Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin updates on the vaccine readiness

Town of Franklin, MA: Health Director, Cathleen Liberty on COVID-19 vaccines

What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines from Franklin Health Director, Cathleen Liberty. https://t.co/rsKCqaB1GA (audio slide show)

#DoYourPartFranklin #TrustTheFactsGetTheVax  

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/z7UScvIDW4

Health Director, Cathleen Liberty on COVID-19 vaccines

Franklin Downtown Partnership - General Meeting - Feb 4, 2021

Zoom Meeting

SPECIAL FDP GENERAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2021 AT 8:30 AM Focus will be on two topics: Small Business loans/assistance Vaccine distribution Speakers include: State Senator Becca Rausch State Representative Jeff Roy Susan Nicholl - Director Liaison, Office of State Senate President Karen Spilka Jamie Hellen - Franklin Town Administrator Cathleen Liberty - Franklin Director of Public Health All business owners and community leaders are encouraged to attend this important meeting. You will get information directly from state and local officials and have an opportunity to ask questions. Mark your calendar for this special FDP meeting! See the agenda for more details    (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkwJxSR7xO2rU7w4jHsINNBXKOUSNLza/view?usp=sharing). Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89440845570 Meeting ID: 894 4084 5570 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89440845570# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location     +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 894 4084 5570 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksIPMBUBh

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

FM #391 Health Dir Cathleen Liberty - 11/12/20 (audio)

FM #391 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 391 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin, MA Health Director Cathleen Liberty. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how she is keeping her head above water on the COVID-19 pandemic, all the recent changes and what remains the same, especially as we head into this holiday season.

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyBwn4CS

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Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

Town of Franklin Coronovirus portal  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal 

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

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

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 #391 Health Dir Cathleen Liberty - 11/12/20 (audio)

Board of Health Meeting - Recap and Audio - 10/7/20

Recap:

• Short and productive meetings, minutes from prior September sessions approved
• Senior Center drive through flu clinic was a success, plans underway for another one to be scheduled
• Cathleen updated on the resumption of the podcast series planned for monthly
• Only 14 quarantine cases currently, has been good overall due to the coordination of Town departments and the community
  

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  ##boh1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1007&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting #boh1007
• Motion to approve both meetings for Sep as presented. Seconded, passes 3-0. Drive through, vaccinated 75 people including some children, well organized, nurses deployed to vaccinate on either side of car, forms handled, it went smoothly. #boh1007
• Cathleen updates on resuming podcast series monthly, #boh1007 Merchi had been closed for violations and now resolved, so reopened for business as of today. No issues with enforcement penalty previously approved.
• Q Any info on neighboring Communities and what they are doing. Not yet, everyone is head's down doing what they need to do. "It is a hot mess" Q any questions on Halloween? Not a holiday governed. #boh1007 14 in isolation now, other wise doing well.
• It has been good here starting with Fire Chief and what they did, it has built out from there, the collaboration is good. #boh1007 Motion to adjourn, passed 3-0 via roll call 

Meeting agenda: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-board-of-health-meeting-oct.html 

 

Meeting Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsdJxZBK 

 

Board of Health Meeting - Recap and Audio - 10/7/20

 

FM #350 Town Council Mtg - 9/16/20 (audio)

FM #350 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 350 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule. In addition to a set of appointments, approval of prior meeting minutes, a discussion on a possible liquor licenses request for Dacey’s Market, there was one key presentation for the Health Dept.

Cathleen Liberty, Health Director, presents an update on the work the Health department and Board of Health conducts for the town.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

This meeting runs just about 1 hour and 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Sep 16, 2020

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HV9TwkVK


 

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/september-16-town-council-agenda

Health Dept presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._board_of_health_presentation_1.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/town-council-meeting-recap-sep-16-2020.html

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

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 #350 Town Council Mtg - 9/16/20 (audio)

Town Council - Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020 - Health Dept Presentation

 Recap:

• The Town Council approved the following appointments
• a. Library Board of Directors (Associate): Barbara Steele
• b. Franklin Cultural Council: Jamele Adams
• c. Franklin Cultural District: Amy Adams 
• d. Design Review: Gerald Wood
• e. Design Review (Associate): Venkata KP Sompally
• Cathleen Liberty, Health Director, presented an overview of her department and the work being done aside from managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Discussion on a possible beer/wine license for Dacey’s Market, to be brought back to the Council at a future meeting for a vote and home rule legislation to be filed to get an exception to allow.
• Karena Alves is retiring from Senior Center Director effective Sep 18; Erin Rogers to take her place.
• Municipal Aggregation is coming soon, communications start Sep 23

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0916
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0916&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0916
• Meeting being broadcast via Verizon 11 and Comcast 29 on cable, via Zoom as well as live streamed via the town page http://Franklinma.gov #tc0916
• No citizen comments. Motion to approve mins passes 8-0 for Aug 12 and then as well for Sep 2 #tc0916
• Moving to appointments: first up - Barbara Steele actually a correction, had been appointed to the wrong seat previously https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/barbara_steele.pdf #tc0916 Passes 8-0-1 (8 yes, 0 no, 1 unfilled position)
• Motion on appt https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/jamele_adams.pdf passed same vote 8-0-1 #tc0916
• Motion to appt to cultural district https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/amy_adams.pdf #tc0916 passes via same vote 8-0-1
• Motion to appt to design review committee #tc0916 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gerald_wood.pdf Passes via same vote 8-0-1
• Motion to appt to design review as an associate https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5f._appointments_design_review_commission_venkata_kp_sompally.pdf #tc0916 passes via the same vote 8-0-1
• License transaction for new manager for 3 Restaurant. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/lets_eat_franklin_llc_dba_3_restaurant.pdf #tc0916 Corcoran thanks town for the approval process on the outdoor platform, making by with this. Applied Mon, had permit Weds and opened shortly after. Passes 8-0-1
• Moving to presentation from Health Dept, Cathleen Liberty, Director. Jamie, she needs no intro after COVID; Bridget Sweet, Chair of Board of Health. Happy birthday Bridget! #tc0916
• Presentation doc can be found online https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._board_of_health_presentation_1.pdf #tc0916 required by State law, coordinates with Dept of Public Health
• Enforce state sanitary code. Photo depicts a empty building in Franklin that had been used by unknown persons #tc0916
• Do inspections of food establishments regularly, findings get a 24 hour order and follow-up. If it persists we can execute a cease and desist order #tc0916
• Licensing group for Beaver trappers, inspect septic systems - Title 5, funeral directors, tanning facilities, test Beaver Pond for E coli, tobacco control #tc0916
• Provided mandatory training for business, on re-opening task force for schools. #tc0916
• Q on businesses not wearing face covering, multiple from certain place, it is beyond education so there is a fine/penalty process added to give it some bite to get it done properly. #tc0916 Q four houses in the queue on the abandoned process with the attorney general
• Q on funding, any unfunded? Budget is funded properly. State will inspect the flavored tobacco products for enforcements. Budget did increase in FY21 for more food inspections and title 5 processing. We do plan on review in October (along with other depts) #tc0916
• Should be a renewed focus on public health with the recognition of Covid-19, there is a whole lot of work being done and required to maintain health. #tc0916 Q and clarification on abandoned property what is covered or not
• Masks are the best thing to do beside physical distance, very important #tc0916 decision was not to be more restrictive than governor's executive order. Better for local level law (for enforcement) rather than use the governor declaration. Bridget covers the update
• The fine was effective 9/08/20 and revised tonight to be effective Thursday. #tc0916 clarification on nuisances.
• Bissanti recuses himself before this item, Attorney Doherty present to speak to it. Exception when reaching limit of licenses, can ask Legislation for approval, applicant for former Dacey's market. Recommended for preliminary discussion for home rule petition for future #tc0916
• Other site has a full liquor license, Dacey's would only have the beer/wine license not for on premise #tc0916 Jones not keen on having 2 so close together; Chandler the 2 markers are different enough. It will help him economically. Not over saturated in that part of town
• Kelly speaks to the 140 side where Big Y, Franklin Liquors, and DaVita's and maybe missing some. Good confirmation. Discuss this evening, will come back in future on legislation for action, no one against this for future action. Once passes it gets filed with Legislation #tc0916
• Capital no meeting; budget met earlier this evening, CARES act funding reviewed, looking for another meeting in Oct. Economic dev meet before last meeting, listening sessions scheduled first one Sep 30, #tc0916
• Legislation for action. Gift acceptances https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-56.pdf #tc0916. Vote to approve, passes 8-0-1 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-57.pdf Vote to approve, passes 8-0-1
• Town administrator report, active total 16 low but highest since Memorial day. Stay safe. Municipal aggregation, Sep 23 mailing for opt out of, auto enrolled already, national grid rate is 12.5, we get 10.5 without sweat Savings for everyone Colonial Power is our vendor #tc0916
• Folks at Colonial Power are helpful. Karen Alves officially retired this Friday Sep 18. Erin Rogers will take her place, some small events socially distanced, some day we will do something worthy #tc0916
• Chandler should we have a policy for flag half staff on Sep 11, not just that day but for all major days. #tc0916 maybe a small group? Or get together with Jamie and DPW to being something back for us.
• Thanks to Downtown Partnership for decorating today! #tc0916 ordered 2 new ornaments for sale at the museum, will plan for sale outside at the beginning of October. Meetings on Community Preservation Act, look to Franklin Matters for dates, on November ballot
• #tc0916 Jones read email on first day success for 4th grade for one of his kids, will be joining campaign for building at the Food Pantry. FEF fund raiser at La Cantina, Sep 30. Mercer and Dellorco comments on Alves retirement. Contollo Mfg awarded 2 large contracts for PPE
• Motion to adjourn, that is all for tonight folks. Catch you all next time #tc0916

Additional photos captured of the virtual meeting and shared via Twitter can be found  https://photos.app.goo.gl/odoG5prUP8d43qu29

Town Council - Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020 - Health Dept PresentationAdd caption

Gov Baker: Prep for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) (video)

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel and local officials to highlight steps the Commonwealth is taking to prepare for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year. Preparedness measures include ongoing and increased surveillance testing, an updated public awareness campaign, and mitigation efforts such as larvicide, spraying, and horse vaccination. The Administration also highlighted its recently-filed legislation that would authorize a coordinated, proactive, statewide approach to mosquito control activities.

Video link = https://youtu.be/Po7IX-j7IBc

New DPH mosquito and tick web page
https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks





Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about EEE in January
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html

and more recently about tick borne diseases in May
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html


Gov Baker press release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-highlights-eee-preparedness-measures

National Defense Authorization Act: What Would Benjamin Franklin Do?

From Rich Aucoin:

For those interested, below is the text of the speech I delivered before the Franklin Town Council last night.

____________________________

What Would Benjamin Franklin Do?

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is routine legislation passed annually to finance US military operations overseas.

But new language was quietly added to the NDAA in 2012 which authorizes Guantanamo Bay-style indefinite detentions on US soil.

The new language is dangerously vague and strongly implies that America is now a "battlefield" in the war on terror and that anyone, including US citizens, can now be denied constitutional protections and be subjected to the laws of war: kidnapped in the middle of the night on accusation alone, hooded, shackled and locked away possibly for life with no right to counsel, no right to face her accuser, no right to a jury of his peers.

So dangerous is this new language that President Obama issued a signing statement promising that his administration would never indefinitely detain Americans under the laws of war but warned that future presidents could do so unless the new language is fixed.

Benjamin Franklin's famous quote comes to mind: "They who sacrifice essential liberty to gain temporary safety shall have neither."

Franklin and the Founders took great pains to guarantee the Rights of due process and trial by jury. They carefully enumerated these Rights in both our state and federal Constitutions to ensure they could never be nullified.

To ensure these Rights would live on forever, the Founders devised a system of checks and balances, a constitutional structure of human "pillars" to uphold the rule of law. All elected office holders, including local councilors like yourselves, were to swear an oath to protect and defend constitutional governance. If at any time state or federal officials failed in their pillar duty, then the local pillars would be a last line of defense, standing by ready to take up the load and save the structure from collapsing. Each of you is a pillar in this system. Each of you bears the duty to stand up when other office holders stand down. Some local officials in other towns have claimed they do not have the authority to uphold constitutional government. But if so, why did they swear to uphold something that they did not have the authority to uphold?

The resolution I will be bringing supports constitutional government by reasserting the Right of Due Process for the people of Franklin, as enumerated in Articles 12 and 18 of our state Constitution and Amendments 5 and 14 of the US Constitution.

Congressman Jim McGovern has voiced strong support for this resolution, helping it win passage in towns like Oxford and Webster. Representatives Jeff Roy (D) and Ryan Fattman (R) have also stood up for this resolution.

Everyone watching this meeting knows how Benjamin Franklin would vote if he were here today. I am asking you to vote how Franklin would vote. I am asking you to honor his legacy. I am asking you to defend both liberty AND security. I am asking you to be a pillar for the rule of law to ensure that our children and their children will inherit the same America that we were blessed to inherit. I am asking you to keep your oath.

The draft resolution can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/proposed-resolution-restoring.html