Punxsutawney Phil reportedly saw his shadow on February 2. If you believe Phil, we are in for six more weeks of winter. That is unfortunate, in my opinion. However, New Englanders understand, perhaps better than some, that changing seasons parallel the cycle of life. We know and are comforted by the knowledge that winter will slowly yield its icy grip to reveal the rebirth of spring. While we clear snow from our driveways, slip and slide on ice-covered everything, and fight the bitter cold, we understand that somewhere in our future, the beautiful colors and warmer, longer sunshine –filled days of spring will follow.
The economy mirrors our seasons. Whether it is the revolving seasons or the current state of our economy, we know that “change happens” and on a regular basis. When the economic forecast is calling for cold bleak times, the eternal hope that is recovery seems so far away. But as are the changing seasons, the economy is cyclical. 2009 will be an economically challenging year for the nation. Daily forecasts reveal more bleak economic news. With job losses, mortgage foreclosures, and disappearing savings and retirement funds plus soaring energy and food costs and rising debt, we are certainly in the winter of our economic cycle.
There is “good news” and that is what New Englanders know well: things will eventually get better. While it seems that winter is longer than spring and summer, and bad times last longer than good times, they are both part of a continual cycle.
Franklin will follow a similar path. We face difficult choices. We will be saddened to lose hard working, dedicated employees through jobs cuts, we will suffer reduced municipal services and a changing school system. Yet, working together, united as a community, we will weather this storm. We will do our best to continue to ensure public safety and public services. We will educate our children and support all our residents. You, the citizens, I am confident, will unite to support and encourage each other.
Spring is coming, and so will better times. The Staff and I and your elected officials remain dedicated to serving you, the citizens of Franklin.
Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting
“There are two ways of being happy: We must either diminish our wants or augment our means - either may do - the result is the same and it is for each man to decide for himself and to do that which happens to be easier.” ~Benjamin Franklin
