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Tuesday, April 11, 2023
INVITE: Mental Health Essentials for Parents and Caregivers - May 8, 2023
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Apr 11, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini
9:00 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
10:00 am Frank Presents: Nick Remissong
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6
6:00 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
7:30 pm Home $weet Home Ep 1
8:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
9:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
10:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Attleboro 04-04-23
12:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Hopkinton 05-20-22
6:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2023: Band
7:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Framingham 06-06-22
9:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Oliver Ames 04-03-23
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee: 03-28-23
12:30 pm OSRP 04-06-23
2:00 pm School Committee: 03-28-23
7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers 874 3115 2603 code: 331690
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Monday, April 10, 2023
Franklin Cultural District selects its Artists for the Utility Box Artsy Initiative
The Franklin Cultural District is pleased to announce it has selected the artists for the first ever Utility Box Artsy Initiative! We were excited to see so much interest in this public art initiative from local artists. We thank all the artists for their submissions.
Each artist selected has submitted a winning design and over the next few weeks will re-create their concepts on selected utility boxes throughout Franklin's Cultural District. The designs were created to reflect the local area and surroundings of where the boxes are located and the artist's interpretation of these surroundings.
Weather permitting, we hope to have the unveiling of these public art projects late April, early May 2023.
The selected artists for this initiative are as follows:
- Shilpa Adduri
- Molly Dee
- Julia Dwinell
- Greyson Higgins
- Jeni LaBollita
- Bridge Powers
- Ren Schultz
We are excited to work with these incredibly talented local artists, as we continue to promote and encourage arts and culture throughout the Franklin community!
Note: The listing of the utility box locations was included in the post announcing the call for artists -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/call-for-artists-please-join-us-in.html The boxes are supposed to be primed by DPW (this week?) and once primed (painted white), they should be easier to pick out.
Three of the boxes are shown here:
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| An Artsy Box Project comes to Franklin |
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| Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here! |
Earth Day 2023 is spread over the weekend here in Franklin
Earth Day 2023 will be a joint effort of Recreation, Conservation, and Franklin Area Moms
Join the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Area Moms Club for a weekend of Earth Day celebrations.
Starting on Saturday, April 22, 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of over 25 areas across Town. Meet at Beaver Pond and pick up your bags/gloves and maps. First 100 participants will receive an earth day t-shirt. DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee and bagels.
Wrap up the day with a Environmental Extravaganza on the Town Common from 11 - 1 PM.
On Sunday, the Conservation Department is sponsoring an event at DelCarte on Pleasant Street.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2023
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| Earth Day 2023 is spread over the weekend here in Franklin |
Pop Up Shop! at Acupunkture - April 15, from 10 AM to 7 PM
This Pop Up Shop at Acupunkture in Franklin will feature wire crafted jewelry from Regina's Tarot and Wirecraft, hand carved prints for decor and accessories by Raven Garb Prints, and handcrafted wreaths by Mandy's Wreaths as well as art by Taylor.
Payments accepted will be cash and Venmo and it is free to come check it out.
You may find:
- Wire Art
- Jewelry
- Block Prints
- Totes
- Bags
- Towels
- T-shirts
- Tarot bags
- Wall Art
Come by and support other local small business!
Register O'Donnell Reports on March 2023 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the month of March 2023 indicate a continued decrease in overall real estate activity, with significant drops in mortgage activity and the average property sale price as compared to March 2022.
"Spring has arrived, ushering in a new home-buying season, which is reflected in March's rise in real estate activity over the previous month," said Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "As compared to last year, however, we are still seeing significant decreases in the number of documents filed."
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 8,541 documents in March 2023. This was 31% less than in March 2022 and 27% more than in February 2023.
"Despite easing inflation, high food and energy costs are still limiting customers' ability to save money," said Register O'Donnell. "The number of recorded deeds, which is one measure of document volume, shows a drop in real estate sales from the previous year."
The number of deeds for March 2023, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, was 1,250, a decrease of 17% from March 2022 and an increase of 29% from the previous month of February.
"Although home prices have fallen significantly, they are still higher than pre-pandemic averages, with March 2023 home prices 34% higher than March 2019." O'Donnell went on to say, "The lack of available real estate inventory is likely one reason why property prices are still higher than they were before the pandemic, along with the desire to live in local communities."
Sale prices for March appear to have dropped compared to March 2022. The average sale price in March was $886,486, a 21% decrease from March 2022 and a 6% decrease from February 2023. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 38% from one year ago and increasing 34% from last month.
March 2023 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
"A continued decline in the number of deeds and mortgages recorded at the registry may indicate that homeowners who took advantage of lower interest rates in 2020 are hesitant to make moves with average mortgage interest rates above 6%." O'Donnell added, "Although average sales prices are declining, current homeowners and first-time buyers may be holding out hope for lower interest rates."
Overall lending activity showed a continued downward trend for the month of March. A total of 1,280 mortgages were recorded this month, 47% less than a year ago at the same time and up 41% from last month.
"According to the data, we are recording significantly fewer mortgages than in the past, which can be attributed to a number of factors that the country is experiencing right now, such as the rising cost of living and a spike in mortgage interest rates," explained O'Donnell. "These aspects of the economy can affect the local real estate market."
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In March 2023, there were 4 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in March 2022, there were 5 recorded. However, in March 2023, there were 30 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, significantly more than the 11 recorded in March 2022.
"The substantial increase in the number of these notices is troubling. It suggests that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future," said O'Donnell. "We will continue to monitor these figures."
For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.
"If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance," said Register O'Donnell.
Register O'Donnell concluded, "The limited inventory of available property on the market and the high demand for homes are likely factors in keeping property values above pre-pandemic levels, while the decrease in prices may be due to homebuyers' reluctance to take out mortgages at current interest rates."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
First Poetry Workshop a success, Favorite Poem reading scheduled for Apr 29, noon to 3 PM
As part of National Poetry Month, the first of two poetry events were held at the Franklin Library. Two different workshops were conducted by Camille Bernstein and jamele adams.
Camille's group worked on the concept of 'found poetry'. She provided bunches of textual material from which you could select your poems text and leave it in order or revise the order to make it work for you. You can find samples of her output on the Instagram accounts as follows:
- Ulysses found poems -> https://www.instagram.com/ulyssesfoundpoems/
- 42 is the answer -> https://www.instagram.com/42is.theanswer/
jamele's group worked from a series of writing prompts that he provided. He would give the prompt, set some time for us to write the response, then if we choose to share the response. The conversation around the responses was equally as good as the responses.
The prompts and my responses can be found on my poetry page -> https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/04/poetry-workshop-prompts-and-responses.html
As a reminder, the Senior Center has a writers group, the Senior Scribblers. We meet each Wednesday at 1 PM. Either at the Senior Center or virtually (via Zoom). Once a month (the fourth Wednesday) we meet at the TV studio to record our radio episode/podcast. If you want to get on the mailing list for the weekly meeting reminder on location (including the Zoom link), contact Steve Sherlock (shersteve at gmail.com)
Also a reminder, the second poetry event is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 from noon to 3 PM. Come to the Library to read your favorite poem. Additional details found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/celebrate-national-poetry-month-with-2.html
In October 2017, there was a Favorite Poem Reading at the Senior Center. The listing of poems and readers a few days in advance of that event (I missed it) can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/updated-readers-for-favorite-poem.html
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| poetry workshop participants pose for a photo |
School Committee: 2 key events this week - Legislative Forum Monday, School Budget vote on Tuesday
#1 - The Franklin School Committee's 5th Annual Legislative Forum is set for April 10th at 6:30 PM! @BeccaRauschMA & @jeffroy will address the challenges facing districts across the state, with a focus on Franklin.
Learn more here: https://franklinps.net/district/events/93796
#2 - The regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 includes the vote on the proposed FY 2024 budget. Full agenda content can be found online (link below).
The budget as proposed and voted by the committee will be scheduled for review by the Finance Committee during May (budget hearings scheduled for May 8, 10, 11) and then the Town Council (budget hearings scheduled for May 24 & 25).
Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf
Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Apr 10, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep 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.
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
9:00 am FPAC Holiday Special: 'Tis The Season!
11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6
6:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act
6:30 pm Home $weet Home Ep 1
7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 9 - Coronas
8:00 pm Frank Presents: Nick Remissong
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Attleboro 04-04-23
10:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
10:30 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Framingham 06-06-22
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
3:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2022: Chorus & Orchestra
6:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2023: Band
8:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Oliver Ames 04-03-23
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board: 03-27-23
12:00 pm Economic Development 03-22-23
2:00 pm Planning Board: 03-27-23
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting
FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 12, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Police Station Building Committee https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointments_police_station_committee.pdf
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._curry_house_application_for_packet_redacted.pdf
i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._public_hearing_23-889.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9a
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6c._public_hearing_23-890.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9b
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_the_curry_house_multiple_amendments.pdf
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation: Metacomet Public Health Alliance - Cathleen Liberty, Health Director https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_metacomet_2.pptx.pdf
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-889 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-889.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-890 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_23-890.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887): Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. and Lincolnwood Drive - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887) - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._bylaw_amendment_23-887_w_all_backup.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_23-891_w_all_backup.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Definition - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-894 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._23-894.pdf
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-895 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_23-895.pdf
g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-896 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_23-896.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.
15. ADJOURN
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting |
Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for April 11, 2023
Franklin School Committee
April 11, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill
C. Payroll Ms. Spencer
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report
II. Guests/Presentations
A. Jefferson Highlights
B. MS Grand Canyon Field Trip
C. DIP Outcomes
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. FY24 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the FY24 Budget in the amount of $73,103,500.00 as
discussed.
B. School Choice Vote
I recommend that the School Committee not accept new School Choice students
for the 2023-2024 School year as discussed.
C. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
JCAC - Assignment of Students from other Districts or Homeschooling
JEB - Entrance Age (formerly JEA)
IV. Discussion Only Items
A. None
V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports
VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 28, 2023 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Recurring Keller Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Wendy Greenstein to take Keller 5th
graders to Roger Williams Park Zoo on June 2, 2023 as detailed.
C. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of several checks totaling $1,000.00 from various Van
Drivers for a FHS scholarship.
D. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling: $2,150.00 from the JFK PCC for
field trips as detailed.
VII. Citizen’s Comments
VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items
IX. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the ESP/LPN, unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA, Unit A, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
X. Return to Open Session
a. Ratification of Stipend Memorandum of Understanding with FEA Unit A.
XI. Adjournment
Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf
Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for April 11, 2023 |
Franklin TV: NY v Trump - The Indictments – a Breakdown
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/09/2023
This is my Excel summary of the 34 charges described in NY v Donald J. Trump. IMHO – NY District Attorney Alvin Bragg has a big hill to climb.
Here’s how to read the breakdown. The first column cites a count number where a set of related events occurs as noted in subsequent counts.
There is a repeating structure:
Count 1, Column 2 – Date when Michael Cohen submitted an invoice for services.
Not stated: Nature of services and amounts invoiced. Were services falsified? By Cohen? By Trump?
Count 2, Column 3 – Date Trump or an assign enters the invoice into a check ledger.
Were services noted consistently between the invoice and ledger?
Count 3, Column 4 – A voucher is generated to approve payment.
In what business expense account does the voucher place the invoice?
Count 4, Column 5 – Check issued and signed by Trump.
What entry appears on any of the issued checks as a memo?
Some elements for further investigation:
There were two vouchers issued for Cohen’s first cited invoice. Why? Are there listed services that were broken out for some reason?
Or – was the second voucher a reissue – as a replacement for the first?
Counts 1 to 7 were paid from a Donald Trump Revocable Trust account. Counts 8 to 34 were paid via the organization’s General Ledger account. Why the change? Were hush payments scrubbed in counts 1 to 7?
Counts 1 to 7 have check numbers that differ from the general business account. Counts 8 to 34 list related check numbers in a reasonable progression.
Are the first two issued checks where all of the hush money sums exist?
Is the matter of hush money payments and their alleged mischaracterization contained entirely within Counts 1 through 7?
If so, how the jury chooses to recognize the Trump Revocable Trust might become a pivotal point in determining guilt or innocence. If prosecutors can link the Trust to the ordinary business affairs of the Trump organization, then the claim that:
THE GRAND JURY OF THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, by this indictment, accuses the defendant of the crime of FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS IN THE FIRST DEGREE, in violation of Penal Law §175.10, committed as follows: The defendant, in the County of New York and elsewhere, on or about February 14, 2017, with intent to defraud and intent to commit another crime and aid and conceal the commission thereof, made and caused a false entry in the business records of an enterprise, to wit… (Details of each specific count follow).
Then the prosecution’s case has merit. But, is it a bridge too far?
If the jurors consider the Trust account to be private funds and set apart from the Trump Organization, and regard it as a personal checking account and not a part of any business records, then the prosecutor’s case might be severely flawed.
What we don’t know:
The nature of services and related amounts listed on Cohen’s invoices. Are there dated ‘phone-con’ events listed as billable time?
These would prompt questions of nature and substance in such conversations. Who opted to frame the nature of hush money payments? Cohen or Trump.
No Cohen invoices were listed prior to the Indictments. However, earlier invoices, voucher, ledger entries and checks may be introduced as evidence to establish their prior working relationship, and any services and payment pattern changes. Sums paid via each check, and any noted check memos might also be telling. Then there are Trump’s ‘agents and assigns’ – bookkeeping staffers. What do they know?
Cohen’s testimony is mission critical. Also, Pecker’s testimony regarding the newspaper’s (negative story) catch-and-kill strategy will also be significant in establishing hush money, its movements and timings, and any discussion(s) directly noting the election and bad publicity protections afforded to candidate Trump.
There is no direct reference in the indictment regarding connectivity to suppress negative information about candidate Trump during a federal election. This link will have to be made unambiguously clear and absolute in the court proceedings.
In Sum:
This case is detailed and complex. This case is fraught with boring accounting details that will tax the best juror’s attention span. Much is also omitted from the indictment. That said, the state would not try the case in the indictment itself. The charges are kept basic and deemed provable in court.
The wild card is if Trump takes the stand and testifies under oath. That is a risk his attorneys will likely seek to avoid. Trump’s follow-on Mar-a-Lago speech was telling. He opened immediately with his usual machine gun litany of grievances against the legal system, the Bidens, etc. Within a minute or two, as it became clear that Trump wasn’t going to address the state’s indictments against him many news organizations abandoned their coverage.
Finally, if some secret Trump supporters end up in the jury box there is some potential for a mistrial or a hung jury. Jury selection will be mission critical.
In another week this saga will fade into the noise of the day. News outlets will give it a nod as motions are filed from time to time – until the court date arrives.
I say all of the foregoing as a mere citizen. It’s all IMHO. I have no special legal expertise, but I have worked in and with enough news departments in my long career to wonder why no one else is carefully analyzing the prosecutor’s charges. Rather than simply castigating a notorious defendant, I’ve opted to consider the case itself, it has merits and limits. What has Alvin Bragg learned that previous prosecuting attorneys didn’t know?
Note that the quantity of counts does not equate to the quality and veracity of the counts. Either way, this case could be all over and done after Count 7.
There is much to be revealed in witness testimony that we just can’t know. How it all plays in the courtroom will determine if The Don is still Teflon.
Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm.
And – as always – thanks for watching.
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
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