What "one" question would have for a candidate in the Town of Franklin Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 ???

As the ballot gets closer to being finalized, we can take review the questions we have used in previous elections (link for 2023 & 2021 provided below) and see if there are any updates required.

You can make multiple question entries to ask your "one" question for each role. For example, the question for a Town Council candidate would likely differ from a Planning Board candidate. 

You can help with this effort by submitting your "one" question for each candidate role with a 3 step process. 

• Enter your email (required for validation of the question)
• Select the candidate role for your question
• Enter your question

The final set of questions will be published after the analysis is complete.

Link to question survey -> https://forms.gle/aoVd8bRz1ULwkCnq8

Questions being gathered for use by Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio candidate interviews for the Town of Franklin 2025 Biennial Election.

Questions used for the 2023 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdCjTIczcePZDciQuW8HZSfF34LAnCVh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions used for the 2021 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

What "one" question would have for a candidate?

Number of School Committee and Town Council candidates for Biennial Elections from 2003 to this year (as of 8/22/25)

Tabulating the total number of candidates for Town Council and School Committee via the PDF Annual Reports available from the Town of Franklin web page reveals the following information:

• Currently the most candidates for Town Council is found this year (with nomination paper data as of 8/22/25)
• The School Committee has the most variation in number of candidates from a negative 1 (6 for 7 spots) in 2005 to a plus 5 (12 for 7 spots) in 2021 to a current plus 3 (as of 8/22/25)
• There were 4 elections where all you needed was to get on the ballot to get elected to the School Committee vs. the Town Council where in 2 elections there were 10 candidates and at the end one was left out

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

The PDF Annual Reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=39

The data table, compiled from the PDF copies, that drove the charts can be found ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jWlQaxx40GKbSTSY2-81Jgfpm6isnqXp/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 21 , 2025 ??

Thursday, August 21

What's happening today in Franklin? 

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, August 21 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this open discussion

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Thursday, August 21 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212025-1859 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/473?fileID=5642 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin Town Council Candidate Morrongiello to Host Pizza and Ice Cream Taste Test Events

Community taste tests combine local eats with discussions on good governance

Town Council candidate Maxwell Morrongiello will host two community fundraising events in September and October featuring competitive taste tests of local pizza and premium ice cream, designed to bring neighbors together while discussing his platform for transparent, accountable town government.

The first event, a National Cheese Pizza Day taste test, will take place Friday, September 5, from 6 - 8:30 PM at 366 Lincoln St. Attendees will participate in a blind taste test sampling cheese pizza from multiple local pizzerias while Morrongiello shares his vision for Franklin's future. Using ranked choice voting, participants will crown Franklin's favorite local cheese pizza, with special prizes awarded to those who correctly identify each pizzeria in the taste test.

Pizza and Ice Cream Taste Test Events

A second taste test featuring vanilla ice cream from different vendors is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, from 6 - 8:30 PM at the same location. Participants will sample various vanilla ice cream varieties in a blind taste test format while discussing Morrongiello's ideas for making Franklin more affordable for families and seniors. Prizes will be awarded to attendees who correctly identify each ice cream brand.

Both taste test events will include dietary accommodations such as vegan and gluten-free options upon request. Children attend free, with sliding-scale tickets available starting at $20.

"Pizza brings people together, and that's exactly what Franklin needs right now," Morrongiello said. "These community events are perfect for having important conversations about Franklin's future while enjoying food, games, and good company."

Morrongiello's campaign emphasizes transparent governance and community engagement. His platform focuses on accountability in town government and policies to support local families and seniors.

Combo passes for both taste test events are available for $75, with individual event tickets priced at $45. 

Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/yummy or by check made payable to "CTE Maxwell Morrongiello" and mailed to 127 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA 02038.

For more information, visit votemax.us or call 508-4567-MAX (508-456-7629)

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the meeting of August 13, 2025 (audio)

FM #1493 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1493 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of August 13, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons

b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos

APPOINTMENTS

a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Members

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill

Legislation for action

FY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator Model B recommended by FinCom; passed 9-0

Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote) failed by 7-2 vote; action to find a way to fund via another method; also to develop a policy for the Town on donations and how to be used

Resolution 25-54: Approval of the Installation of a Sign on Public Property in Recognition of Nello P. Bassignani; passed 9-0

Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - First Reading  (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-942 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) moved to second by 9-0 vote

Resolution 25-55: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,571), Library ($970), Historical Museum ($90) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-55 - Majority Vote); passed 9-0

TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Update

b. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement

closed with Executive Session on multiple items

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1493-town-council-quarterbacking-08-14-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc 

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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

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

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the meeting of August 13, 2025 (audio)

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 12, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 12, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

14 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

Only the Board of Health remains without a candidate for the one open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download -> (corrected the link; had been last Friday's and not Tuesday 8/12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15wgK6INBCpHNSE_v6oGnEP-86KqJCQud/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 13, 2025  6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025

a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons

b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6509/5a-Appointments

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill, LLC, Located at 28 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6510/7a---LICENSE-TRANSACTION---Santa-Fe-Burrito-Grill

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. FY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6513/8a-Budget-Presentation---Fin-Com-Materials

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-52: FY26 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6514/9a-LINK-ONLY---NOT-FOR-PDF-PACKET---Budget-Presentation---Fin-Com-Materials-1

b. Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6512/9b-25-53---Donation-for-Senior-Center-Nurse-Salary

c. Resolution 25-54: Approval of the Installation of a Sign on Public Property in Recognition of Nello P. Bassignani (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-54 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6518/9c-25-54---Approval-of-Naming-of-Public-Property-in-Recognition-of-Nello-P-Bassignani

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - First Reading  (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-942 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6520/9d---25-942---Lewis-Street-Parking-Restrictions

e. Resolution 25-55: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,571), Library ($970), Historical Museum ($90) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-55 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6517/9e-25-56--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Library

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Update

b. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions. 

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (The Franklin Police Association) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. 

c. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: CSX Land. 

d. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: Other Property. 

e. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852 

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 8, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 8, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

There is 

1 candidate for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

13 candidate for 9 spots on the Town Council

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqLUACG02mAmtQf4sEFcj92tqt-xUi3d/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display: