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Monday, November 6, 2017
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Announces Toys for Tots Drive
FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017
FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017
This internet radio show or podcast is number 136 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording captures the grand re-opening ceremony for the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, November 5, 2017.
The ceremony and multiple speeches runs about 21 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| in the Main Hall |
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| and the ribbon's cut |
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| subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes |
Franklin Public Library returns to normal operations at 118 Main St
After the grand re-opening on Sunday, the Library operates today with their normal hours.
There is still time to purchase a commemorative brick for the patio
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun: 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (Sept - May only)
There is still time to purchase a commemorative brick for the patio
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library
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| Library returns to normal operations at 118 Main St |
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Candidate Interview Collection - Prepare for the Nov 7 Election
While there is the overall election collection, all the posts with information leading to the Franklin Biennial Election, Tuesday, November 7, this list pulls out the interviews conducted for the candidates that collaborated to do so.
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_50.html
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Melanie Hamblen
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Mickey Lee Whitmore
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html
Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
Town Council – 9 Seats – 2 year term
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_50.html
- Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
- Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
- Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Patrick Casey
Melanie Hamblen
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Mickey Lee Whitmore
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html
School Committee – 7 Seats – 2 year term
Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee.html
Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
Dianne C. Feeley
Dr. Monica Linden
Alexandra Porter-Marques
Virginia (Gigi) Zub
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee.html
Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
- Mary Jane Scofield –Candidate for Re-Election
Dianne C. Feeley
Dr. Monica Linden
Alexandra Porter-Marques
Virginia (Gigi) Zub
Board of Health – 1 Seat – 4 year term
- Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election
Bridget Sweet
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-board-of-health.html
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| Franklin Election Collection - 2017 |
Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Glenn Jones
Glenn Jones (GJ) and I (FM) met recently at Panera Bread to discuss his re-election campaign for Franklin Town Council.
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(GJ): My wife and I moved to Franklin in 1998 and immediately fell in love for the rural, country appeal that Franklin had to offer. Since then we are raising our 5 children on School St. in a beautiful Victorian Farmhouse situated downtown near the Town Commons, Library, Dean College, and Davis Thayer Elementary School.
I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Watertown on the West End. My neighborhood was filled with children and families dedicated to their community and growing up I always dreamed of raising my own family in a similar type of loving community. I was lucky to find such similarities in the Town of Franklin. My own children have been fortunate to be educated in such a fine education and within such a safe, fun, and caring community.
Our life here in Franklin since 2008 has been fulfilling and adventurous!
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(GJ): The ongoing opioid epidemic that is sweeping across our communities. It affects everybody, it is personal, it affects families, it taxes our resources, our police and fire first responders. It steals the life and souls of those afflicted. Honestly I, like many people, am baffled on how to approach the problem next, but I feel that educating the community, through the SAFE Coalition or through other methods, will ultimately help stamp the problem out. Educate, educate, educate! Those that are not criminals, they are loved one, family, and innocent children, however, we need to start treat the drug dealers as criminals or as Governor Baker has suggested treat them as murderers if someone dies from the drug they sold them. After all, it’s poisoning innocent people.
The Town’s ongoing budgetary needs are also an ever changing challenge. They are constant, insistent and ever growing. As we try to maintain our community, we have to balance our expenses and our needs. What is the best course to take, everybody has their needs. My Marine father used to say, “I am here to give you what you need, not what you want”. My logical voting record reflects the overall needs of the town as a whole and never one specific area.
OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits), is a daunting obligation. For years, the Town did little to fund it and we will eventually have to make some hard decisions to properly fund it. The School Budget accounts for over half our budget, then comes the DPW, Police, and Fire. It takes experience, understanding, and logic in meeting and addressing our ever growing budget needs.
FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?
(GJ): Having served now since 2009, I have learned the nuances, details, and regulations necessary to be an effective councilor. I served as Chairman of Economic Development from 2011 till 2014 and helped bring forth the town’s first and second Economic Summits. In the past two years I have served as the Communications liaison to the council and helped improve various aspects of communication on the town side to better engage its citizens. A unique part about me is that I bring to the council and all my decisions is that I hold no bias or a personal agenda.
(FM): The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
(GJ): For all the years that I have been active in local politics, I have been a huge supporter of the Cultural Council and Cultural District concept. I used to volunteer at the Historical Museum and I have supported the various events that the Cultural Council has proposed. I have always believed that art, music, and cultural are the glue that hold everything else together. Without them everything else seems to deteriorate and fall apart.
By having a local district that encompasses all the cultural features, the Library, THE BLACK BOX, the statue park, the restaurants, etc. it becomes another tool for us to attract people to Franklin. It helps to bring in more commerce and that is a win-win. That is what community is about. We need to get out of the mentality of “what benefits me?” and get into “what benefits us?” It may not gain us a great deal of funding but it puts us on the map, on the brochure, etc. It says Franklin really is a strong cultural community.
For additional information on Glenn’s campaign, check out his Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Glenn-Jones-Candidate-for-Franklin-Town-Council-1335811916548363/
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_16.html
2011 - Glenn Jones answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/glenn-jones-answers-3-questions.html
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(GJ): My wife and I moved to Franklin in 1998 and immediately fell in love for the rural, country appeal that Franklin had to offer. Since then we are raising our 5 children on School St. in a beautiful Victorian Farmhouse situated downtown near the Town Commons, Library, Dean College, and Davis Thayer Elementary School.
I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Watertown on the West End. My neighborhood was filled with children and families dedicated to their community and growing up I always dreamed of raising my own family in a similar type of loving community. I was lucky to find such similarities in the Town of Franklin. My own children have been fortunate to be educated in such a fine education and within such a safe, fun, and caring community.
Our life here in Franklin since 2008 has been fulfilling and adventurous!
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(GJ): The ongoing opioid epidemic that is sweeping across our communities. It affects everybody, it is personal, it affects families, it taxes our resources, our police and fire first responders. It steals the life and souls of those afflicted. Honestly I, like many people, am baffled on how to approach the problem next, but I feel that educating the community, through the SAFE Coalition or through other methods, will ultimately help stamp the problem out. Educate, educate, educate! Those that are not criminals, they are loved one, family, and innocent children, however, we need to start treat the drug dealers as criminals or as Governor Baker has suggested treat them as murderers if someone dies from the drug they sold them. After all, it’s poisoning innocent people.
The Town’s ongoing budgetary needs are also an ever changing challenge. They are constant, insistent and ever growing. As we try to maintain our community, we have to balance our expenses and our needs. What is the best course to take, everybody has their needs. My Marine father used to say, “I am here to give you what you need, not what you want”. My logical voting record reflects the overall needs of the town as a whole and never one specific area.
OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits), is a daunting obligation. For years, the Town did little to fund it and we will eventually have to make some hard decisions to properly fund it. The School Budget accounts for over half our budget, then comes the DPW, Police, and Fire. It takes experience, understanding, and logic in meeting and addressing our ever growing budget needs.
FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?
(GJ): Having served now since 2009, I have learned the nuances, details, and regulations necessary to be an effective councilor. I served as Chairman of Economic Development from 2011 till 2014 and helped bring forth the town’s first and second Economic Summits. In the past two years I have served as the Communications liaison to the council and helped improve various aspects of communication on the town side to better engage its citizens. A unique part about me is that I bring to the council and all my decisions is that I hold no bias or a personal agenda.
(FM): The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"
(GJ): For all the years that I have been active in local politics, I have been a huge supporter of the Cultural Council and Cultural District concept. I used to volunteer at the Historical Museum and I have supported the various events that the Cultural Council has proposed. I have always believed that art, music, and cultural are the glue that hold everything else together. Without them everything else seems to deteriorate and fall apart.
By having a local district that encompasses all the cultural features, the Library, THE BLACK BOX, the statue park, the restaurants, etc. it becomes another tool for us to attract people to Franklin. It helps to bring in more commerce and that is a win-win. That is what community is about. We need to get out of the mentality of “what benefits me?” and get into “what benefits us?” It may not gain us a great deal of funding but it puts us on the map, on the brochure, etc. It says Franklin really is a strong cultural community.
For additional information on Glenn’s campaign, check out his Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Glenn-Jones-Candidate-for-Franklin-Town-Council-1335811916548363/
For reference - prior year interviews
2015 - Town Council - Glenn Joneshttp://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_16.html
2011 - Glenn Jones answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/glenn-jones-answers-3-questions.html
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Matt Kelly
Matt Kelly (MK) and I (FM) conducted this interview via an email exchange as our calendars could not align.
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(MK): My name is Matt Kelly and I am asking for your support as one of your Franklin Town Councilors. I relocated to Franklin in 1993 with my parents and brother where I attended Franklin High School and married my high school sweetheart Lesley Douglas. My wife Lesley and I never thought twice about where to raise our family, Lesley is a 4th generation Franklin resident and I am a Franklin Real Estate agent who owns a small business here in town. We live at the family homestead on Crescent St with our 2 daughters Madison and Abigail.
I have been a member of the Franklin School Committee, on the Long Range Financial Planning Committee and Master Plan Committee as well as a Franklin Rotarian. I feel privileged to live in and give back to a community that offers so much to their citizens.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(MK): I will have many decisions to make along with my fellow councilors when elected; however none will be more important than insuring that you, the community is kept safe, our children are well educated, and our seniors are able to stay in their homes during these economic times. My time on Town Council, volunteering with the Franklin Rotary Club, Downtown Partnership and the relationships I have made over the past 10 years on Town Committees has allowed me to prepare for these challenging years ahead. I have spoken with other town’s managers who have faced tough times before and have worked with leaders in our community to formulate plans for the challenges that may lie ahead in the future.
FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
(MK): Arts and Cultural play a vital role in our community. As a member of the Town Council I have continuously advocated for a cultural district and speak to many citizens regarding a potential cultural and arts building located close to Main St.
As a Town Council, we must continue to keep an open mind about what we can do to encourage Arts and Culture in Franklin and work quickly when opportunities are brought before us.
Franklin offers an amazing opportunity with some of the businesses in our community to attract exceptional talent and artists to our community. We (the Town Council) need to continue to support and push to make Franklin a location for all people to visit, live, and work within our great community.
For additional info you can check out Matt's campaign Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/MattKellyCouncilor/
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_29.html
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(MK): My name is Matt Kelly and I am asking for your support as one of your Franklin Town Councilors. I relocated to Franklin in 1993 with my parents and brother where I attended Franklin High School and married my high school sweetheart Lesley Douglas. My wife Lesley and I never thought twice about where to raise our family, Lesley is a 4th generation Franklin resident and I am a Franklin Real Estate agent who owns a small business here in town. We live at the family homestead on Crescent St with our 2 daughters Madison and Abigail.
I have been a member of the Franklin School Committee, on the Long Range Financial Planning Committee and Master Plan Committee as well as a Franklin Rotarian. I feel privileged to live in and give back to a community that offers so much to their citizens.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(MK): I will have many decisions to make along with my fellow councilors when elected; however none will be more important than insuring that you, the community is kept safe, our children are well educated, and our seniors are able to stay in their homes during these economic times. My time on Town Council, volunteering with the Franklin Rotary Club, Downtown Partnership and the relationships I have made over the past 10 years on Town Committees has allowed me to prepare for these challenging years ahead. I have spoken with other town’s managers who have faced tough times before and have worked with leaders in our community to formulate plans for the challenges that may lie ahead in the future.
FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?
(MK): Arts and Cultural play a vital role in our community. As a member of the Town Council I have continuously advocated for a cultural district and speak to many citizens regarding a potential cultural and arts building located close to Main St.
As a Town Council, we must continue to keep an open mind about what we can do to encourage Arts and Culture in Franklin and work quickly when opportunities are brought before us.
Franklin offers an amazing opportunity with some of the businesses in our community to attract exceptional talent and artists to our community. We (the Town Council) need to continue to support and push to make Franklin a location for all people to visit, live, and work within our great community.
For additional info you can check out Matt's campaign Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/MattKellyCouncilor/
From the archives
2015 Town Council - Matt Kellyhttp://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_29.html
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Andrew (Andy) Bissanti
Andy Bissanti (AB) and I conducted this exchange via email as our calendars could not align and there are only so many hours in the day.
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(AB): My grandfather came from Italy to Franklin in the early 1900’s. The community welcomed him and helped him get established. He opened a barbershop, which still operates to this day as Elite Barber shop, raised, a large family of 9 Boys 4 girls, The family prospered, the kids all worked hard, brought home their weekly pay for the household and pulled together and even helped other families. My grandparents provided for their family well even through the toughest times. Growing up as a child it was great going over my grandparent’s house on Dean Ave on Sundays for dinner. Seeing all my cousins and family... I think of those days everytime I drive by the property. I now have 3 daughters and we still try to continue the tradition of Sunday gatherings of friends and family at my home.
When I first graduated From University of Denver in 1981..I spent some time in publishing, Wrote and edited for Radio and TV and for a couple of News Stations, I also Wrote for new young paper now known as the Gazette and was an editor and contributing editor for local business and automotive trade journals. The pay wasn’t great, but I learned a lot about business and people.
Since a lot of family had military background, I was also getting ready to enter the Air Force Under their Officer Candidacy Program, However,my Dad's business really took off as the recessionary times lifted and Bank interest rates came down from 19-20 percent. I made some good investments, I was barely 24 years old but saw what I was good at and stayed with the family business to this day.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(AB): We need to address outdated, Zoning vs. Smart growth, vs., the schools vs., the towns infrastructure. In college I studied methods of development that we could be implementing Using Smart Growth Engineering that will better control growth and ease impacts on schools. I remember my professors discussing the “Aging Baby Boomers” of the post WWII and Korea of the 40’s and 50’s We knew their impact would be felt as they sought housing and places to raise their families.
Now they are emptynesters, and we also have the millennials who have their own set of nontraditional housing and career and living choices. We will need to address these two huge emerging markets as well as strengthen our Industrial and commercial sectors as Franklin goes forward into the 21st century.
The Opiod Crisis continues to take lives in and around Franklin and causes collateral damage to the families, mine included. When your child is an addict you hope and pray it will end or go away. But that doesn’t happen. You seek help from Doctors and counselors... Like any cancer, it’s a disease, it often gets worse and it can kill. People are dying, in the streets, in restaurants public restrooms, and in their cars and trucks.
In order to stop the disease from spreading you need to find and stop the source and cause of it. I was glad to see our state lawmakers discussing and passing a Bill on October 27, which could make a drug deal that resulting in a death punishable as a homicide, Manslaughter, voluntary or involuntary Manslaughter charge.
Right now when a death results from a drug distribution, the dealers brag about it and use it for marketing their products. I will continue to support the SAFE Coalition, and Franklin Fire Rescue and Franklin Public Safety in any efforts the council can assist battling this War quietly taking place in our town. I have already discussed a more widespread Narcan program in Franklin. It’s not the answer but it will save lives in the short term.
FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?
(AB): Again, I’m no stranger to zoning, planning and development. Before I sat on the council, I saw most of them depending solely on what the administration dictated. I ran the gauntlet of the various departments many times and I think I have helped resolve and streamline what was once an archaic and draconian permitting and planning process, fix many outdated zoning issues and correct some zoning and use inconsistencies throughout the town.
I do my homework; I don’t cave in to a vocal crowd. I do what I think is best for Franklin. The Economic Development Committee, which I chair, has brought in many businesses and business opportunities to our town. Most notably Cold Chain technologies, over 200 more jobs to Franklin.
FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
You can follow up directly with Andy via email at businessbissanti@gmail.com
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(AB): My grandfather came from Italy to Franklin in the early 1900’s. The community welcomed him and helped him get established. He opened a barbershop, which still operates to this day as Elite Barber shop, raised, a large family of 9 Boys 4 girls, The family prospered, the kids all worked hard, brought home their weekly pay for the household and pulled together and even helped other families. My grandparents provided for their family well even through the toughest times. Growing up as a child it was great going over my grandparent’s house on Dean Ave on Sundays for dinner. Seeing all my cousins and family... I think of those days everytime I drive by the property. I now have 3 daughters and we still try to continue the tradition of Sunday gatherings of friends and family at my home.
When I first graduated From University of Denver in 1981..I spent some time in publishing, Wrote and edited for Radio and TV and for a couple of News Stations, I also Wrote for new young paper now known as the Gazette and was an editor and contributing editor for local business and automotive trade journals. The pay wasn’t great, but I learned a lot about business and people.
Since a lot of family had military background, I was also getting ready to enter the Air Force Under their Officer Candidacy Program, However,my Dad's business really took off as the recessionary times lifted and Bank interest rates came down from 19-20 percent. I made some good investments, I was barely 24 years old but saw what I was good at and stayed with the family business to this day.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(AB): We need to address outdated, Zoning vs. Smart growth, vs., the schools vs., the towns infrastructure. In college I studied methods of development that we could be implementing Using Smart Growth Engineering that will better control growth and ease impacts on schools. I remember my professors discussing the “Aging Baby Boomers” of the post WWII and Korea of the 40’s and 50’s We knew their impact would be felt as they sought housing and places to raise their families.
Now they are emptynesters, and we also have the millennials who have their own set of nontraditional housing and career and living choices. We will need to address these two huge emerging markets as well as strengthen our Industrial and commercial sectors as Franklin goes forward into the 21st century.
The Opiod Crisis continues to take lives in and around Franklin and causes collateral damage to the families, mine included. When your child is an addict you hope and pray it will end or go away. But that doesn’t happen. You seek help from Doctors and counselors... Like any cancer, it’s a disease, it often gets worse and it can kill. People are dying, in the streets, in restaurants public restrooms, and in their cars and trucks.
In order to stop the disease from spreading you need to find and stop the source and cause of it. I was glad to see our state lawmakers discussing and passing a Bill on October 27, which could make a drug deal that resulting in a death punishable as a homicide, Manslaughter, voluntary or involuntary Manslaughter charge.
Right now when a death results from a drug distribution, the dealers brag about it and use it for marketing their products. I will continue to support the SAFE Coalition, and Franklin Fire Rescue and Franklin Public Safety in any efforts the council can assist battling this War quietly taking place in our town. I have already discussed a more widespread Narcan program in Franklin. It’s not the answer but it will save lives in the short term.
FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?
(AB): Again, I’m no stranger to zoning, planning and development. Before I sat on the council, I saw most of them depending solely on what the administration dictated. I ran the gauntlet of the various departments many times and I think I have helped resolve and streamline what was once an archaic and draconian permitting and planning process, fix many outdated zoning issues and correct some zoning and use inconsistencies throughout the town.
I do my homework; I don’t cave in to a vocal crowd. I do what I think is best for Franklin. The Economic Development Committee, which I chair, has brought in many businesses and business opportunities to our town. Most notably Cold Chain technologies, over 200 more jobs to Franklin.
FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"(AB): I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Cultural Council. As I have said that at council on many occasions. It will be my hope to find them a real Brick and glass home, a building in a central location. In an Age obsessed with Technology, the Arts and Culture are now more important than ever. They benefit a town and remind us of a “Human Talent” and factor in the success of any dynamic town like Franklin, The downtown Landscape continues to evolve. Opportunities will arise and I feel with my support from council it can and will happen.
You can follow up directly with Andy via email at businessbissanti@gmail.com
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Cindy Douglas
Cindy Douglas (CD) and I (FM) conducted this interview via an email exchange as our calendars could not align.
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(CD): I am running for Re-election to the School Committee. Franklin is where I was raised and educated as were our two children and now two of our grandchildren. I worked at the Ray Memorial Library thru high school and college. During this time, we started the Summer Reading Program for Children.
I was on the Building Committee for the Keller-Sullivan School and volunteered at the 4th of July Festivities on the Common for 25 years. I had the privilege of teaching here in Franklin for 36 years, BEST job ever! I continue to take classes and hold a current MA Teacher License.
This educational background and experience helps and enables me to understand and realize the complexity and needs of our school system. I am here for the townspeople which also includes children, parents and teachers.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(CD): As a SC member, I am here to support the Superintendent, administrators, staff and children as a listener, doer, supporting what is in the best interest of children and families. The Franklin Public Schools have a lot to be proud of: its Teachers, Staff, Administration, Parents and Townspeople who continue to make this school system one that supports children.
Budget is key and this is where the Town Council and SC must work collaboratively and with patience and understanding. I leave you with this quote, "Leaning Never Ends" taken from the Education First Day Issue US Postal Stamp issued here in Franklin in 1980.
Personally, the Cultural Council has done so much for Franklin and continues to do so. Franklin has a special place in my heart!
To follow up with Cindy directly you can reach her via email cjd1948@aol.com
FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?
(CD): I am running for Re-election to the School Committee. Franklin is where I was raised and educated as were our two children and now two of our grandchildren. I worked at the Ray Memorial Library thru high school and college. During this time, we started the Summer Reading Program for Children.
I was on the Building Committee for the Keller-Sullivan School and volunteered at the 4th of July Festivities on the Common for 25 years. I had the privilege of teaching here in Franklin for 36 years, BEST job ever! I continue to take classes and hold a current MA Teacher License.
This educational background and experience helps and enables me to understand and realize the complexity and needs of our school system. I am here for the townspeople which also includes children, parents and teachers.
FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
(CD): As a SC member, I am here to support the Superintendent, administrators, staff and children as a listener, doer, supporting what is in the best interest of children and families. The Franklin Public Schools have a lot to be proud of: its Teachers, Staff, Administration, Parents and Townspeople who continue to make this school system one that supports children.
Budget is key and this is where the Town Council and SC must work collaboratively and with patience and understanding. I leave you with this quote, "Leaning Never Ends" taken from the Education First Day Issue US Postal Stamp issued here in Franklin in 1980.
Personally, the Cultural Council has done so much for Franklin and continues to do so. Franklin has a special place in my heart!
To follow up with Cindy directly you can reach her via email cjd1948@aol.com
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
FHS field hockey falls to King Philip in double OT
Ryan Lanigan. founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com. provides the game recap for the field hockey playoff thriller between FHS and KP:
https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-field-hockey-edges-franklin-in-double-ot-thriller/
HockomockSports provides a photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/King-Philip-Franklin-Field-Hockey-11-04-17/
"You couldn’t ask for much more out of a field hockey game between two rivals, and two of the top teams in the Hockomock League.
King Philip junior Dana Truini scored the game-winning goal just over halfway through double overtime to help the second-seeded Warriors edge #18 Franklin, 3-2, at Macktaz Field.
“It’s really tough [to play a team three times], that’s why I was worried about this,” said KP head coach Liz Hathaway. “I thought we had them when we scored in the first couple of minutes and I thought we were on a roll. Then they executed a great game plan. They force us to play a big ball game. Instead of working on possession and transfers, we kept trying to go big and they stepped up to intercept and go on the counter-attack. We did better with that in the second half."Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-field-hockey-edges-franklin-in-double-ot-thriller/
HockomockSports provides a photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/King-Philip-Franklin-Field-Hockey-11-04-17/
 |
| King Philip’s Liz Furfari tries to get around Franklin’s Regan Paterson in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) |
Voices of Franklin: Vanessa Bilello
Dear Town of Franklin voters-
Community members may not realize the incredible time commitment that all who hold local, elected positions on School Committee or Town Council make to our town. Workshops, subcommittees, and other responsibilities extend far beyond an every other week meeting in Council Chambers.
Being an active, engaged member requires not only passion for the issues, but also a willingness to balance professional and personal needs with intense demands of public service volunteer work. Several months ago, with elections quickly approaching, I announced my decision to not seek re-election for the Franklin School Committee. The demands were too much given my hectic life as a new public school principal and mom to two middle schoolers.
In the Town of Franklin, all seven seats on School Committee (and Town Council) roll over every election. For this reason, I urge voters of Franklin to re-elect Mrs. Denise Schultz and Dr. Anne Bergen to the Franklin School Committee, so that they can continue the efforts that they began two years ago and serve as leaders for the newly-formed Committee.
I'm incredibly proud of the hard work and accomplishments during the last two years through the collaboration of our Franklin School Committee and the educators in our schools. Strong District and School Improvement Plans, successful labor negotiations and most critically, the hiring of our new Superintendent, Dr. Sara Ahern are highlights.
I’m also especially proud of the addition of our active Community Relations subcommittee, which has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the community and school leaders on a variety of issues. A huge “thank you” must go out to Denise Schultz and Anne Bergen- for initiating and setting up avenues to engage with the citizens of Franklin through regular coffees and conversations around our town.
Two-way dialogue is going to be key moving forward in the challenging budget times that Franklin is facing. Anne and Denise- through their dedication, outreach and partnership with other groups, such as the Joint PCCs and MASC, are models for integrated collaboration.
As a School Committee, we’ve established a new liaison role- to promote dialogue with state leadership, which will be critical moving ahead with the challenges of public school funding in our state. Denise Schultz has been instrumental in opening these avenues up and I do believe that while local involvement and budgeting are essential, partnering with area towns and state officials are paramount as we face the growing budgetary challenges of Massachusetts public schools.
Additionally- improvements to several key policies. Denise has also played a huge role in ensuring that our Policy Sub-Committee tackled such issues as dress code, handbooks, school vacations, and homework. Her dedication and passion for these issues (as well as school start times, social-emotional welfare of our students, and nutrition in schools) make her an ideal choice to continue on the Committee.
I’d like to say thank you to the Franklin educators- teachers, administrators and staff of our district. Having been a colleague of theirs for years as a special educator, I know how incredibly hard they work to give our children the high quality education they benefit from. Despite being in the bottom 30 or so school districts across MA for funding, the education they provide our children is top notch. However, they are asked to do too much with too little.
Increasing mandates upon our schools along with other budgetary demands, especially combined with the approximately $4.1 million we lose yearly to our area charter have resulted in cut after painful cut - foreign language, music, librarians, kindergarten support aides, so many more. These were not nice to haves- they were needs- and we’ve lost them.
Mandates are not all bad as people think- they include new technology standards, more rigorous science standards, required mental health screenings, wellness curriculum and improvements to educator evaluation and supervision. I could go on and on. Many of these mandates require more time- and more money. Teaching digital learning and digital citizenship, for example, are expensive- and critical for our children entering the workforce of the future.
As an elementary school principal I can tell you two things we never have enough of- money and time. I would love to have foreign language for fourth graders- or more even just time to immerse students in lessons about kindness - but what do we give up in our packed schedules. And where do we find the money- there is not a growing pot to pull for these increasing needs.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Franklin Schools- please stay active and informed! Our schools need an active community behind them. I look forward to encouraging my fellow current School committee as they continue this critical work with proven leaders like Mrs. Schultz and Dr. Bergen.
Alongside some new, incoming members and district leadership I know that they will create a strategic plan to set goals for our district and manage these budgetary constraints. Creative fixes are valiant, but the reality is our schools need more if we want to continue to provide high quality education for all our students- from the highest performing students in need of enrichment and extension, to the most challenged student who so greatly benefit from the various specialized support programs within our district.
We cannot address the needs of our schools without a commitment to do whatever it takes to provide that to our children. The plight of our public schools here in Franklin are not unique. But given how low we are in terms of funding make these challenges especially alarming.
So I implore my fellow Franklin citizens- get involved, learn about the needs of our schools and support our talented and dedicated educators in the public schools- with your support and commitment- through most importantly, with your pocketbooks, but also involvement, activism and engagement.
It is essential that everyone who cares about the future of our town- and especially our children sitting in Franklin Public Schools, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7th.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Bilello
Outgoing Member of the Franklin School Committee
Community members may not realize the incredible time commitment that all who hold local, elected positions on School Committee or Town Council make to our town. Workshops, subcommittees, and other responsibilities extend far beyond an every other week meeting in Council Chambers.
Being an active, engaged member requires not only passion for the issues, but also a willingness to balance professional and personal needs with intense demands of public service volunteer work. Several months ago, with elections quickly approaching, I announced my decision to not seek re-election for the Franklin School Committee. The demands were too much given my hectic life as a new public school principal and mom to two middle schoolers.
In the Town of Franklin, all seven seats on School Committee (and Town Council) roll over every election. For this reason, I urge voters of Franklin to re-elect Mrs. Denise Schultz and Dr. Anne Bergen to the Franklin School Committee, so that they can continue the efforts that they began two years ago and serve as leaders for the newly-formed Committee.
I'm incredibly proud of the hard work and accomplishments during the last two years through the collaboration of our Franklin School Committee and the educators in our schools. Strong District and School Improvement Plans, successful labor negotiations and most critically, the hiring of our new Superintendent, Dr. Sara Ahern are highlights.
I’m also especially proud of the addition of our active Community Relations subcommittee, which has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the community and school leaders on a variety of issues. A huge “thank you” must go out to Denise Schultz and Anne Bergen- for initiating and setting up avenues to engage with the citizens of Franklin through regular coffees and conversations around our town.
Two-way dialogue is going to be key moving forward in the challenging budget times that Franklin is facing. Anne and Denise- through their dedication, outreach and partnership with other groups, such as the Joint PCCs and MASC, are models for integrated collaboration.
As a School Committee, we’ve established a new liaison role- to promote dialogue with state leadership, which will be critical moving ahead with the challenges of public school funding in our state. Denise Schultz has been instrumental in opening these avenues up and I do believe that while local involvement and budgeting are essential, partnering with area towns and state officials are paramount as we face the growing budgetary challenges of Massachusetts public schools.
Additionally- improvements to several key policies. Denise has also played a huge role in ensuring that our Policy Sub-Committee tackled such issues as dress code, handbooks, school vacations, and homework. Her dedication and passion for these issues (as well as school start times, social-emotional welfare of our students, and nutrition in schools) make her an ideal choice to continue on the Committee.
I’d like to say thank you to the Franklin educators- teachers, administrators and staff of our district. Having been a colleague of theirs for years as a special educator, I know how incredibly hard they work to give our children the high quality education they benefit from. Despite being in the bottom 30 or so school districts across MA for funding, the education they provide our children is top notch. However, they are asked to do too much with too little.
Increasing mandates upon our schools along with other budgetary demands, especially combined with the approximately $4.1 million we lose yearly to our area charter have resulted in cut after painful cut - foreign language, music, librarians, kindergarten support aides, so many more. These were not nice to haves- they were needs- and we’ve lost them.
Mandates are not all bad as people think- they include new technology standards, more rigorous science standards, required mental health screenings, wellness curriculum and improvements to educator evaluation and supervision. I could go on and on. Many of these mandates require more time- and more money. Teaching digital learning and digital citizenship, for example, are expensive- and critical for our children entering the workforce of the future.
As an elementary school principal I can tell you two things we never have enough of- money and time. I would love to have foreign language for fourth graders- or more even just time to immerse students in lessons about kindness - but what do we give up in our packed schedules. And where do we find the money- there is not a growing pot to pull for these increasing needs.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Franklin Schools- please stay active and informed! Our schools need an active community behind them. I look forward to encouraging my fellow current School committee as they continue this critical work with proven leaders like Mrs. Schultz and Dr. Bergen.
Alongside some new, incoming members and district leadership I know that they will create a strategic plan to set goals for our district and manage these budgetary constraints. Creative fixes are valiant, but the reality is our schools need more if we want to continue to provide high quality education for all our students- from the highest performing students in need of enrichment and extension, to the most challenged student who so greatly benefit from the various specialized support programs within our district.
We cannot address the needs of our schools without a commitment to do whatever it takes to provide that to our children. The plight of our public schools here in Franklin are not unique. But given how low we are in terms of funding make these challenges especially alarming.
So I implore my fellow Franklin citizens- get involved, learn about the needs of our schools and support our talented and dedicated educators in the public schools- with your support and commitment- through most importantly, with your pocketbooks, but also involvement, activism and engagement.
It is essential that everyone who cares about the future of our town- and especially our children sitting in Franklin Public Schools, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7th.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Bilello
Outgoing Member of the Franklin School Committee
Franklin Total Voters - registered as of Oct 18, 2017
The registered voter totals as of October 18, 2017. These are the voters eligible to vote in the November 7, 2017 election; 22,701
Recent history has shown a voter turnout in and around 20% (since 2003) for the Franklin Biennial Elections. Franklin voters will tend to turn out about 40% for an override or school debt exclusion. About 60% for a MA state election and about 80% for a Presidential election. Money from advertising the large campaigns drives the voter turnout.
Voter totals as of October 18, 2017 provided by the Town Clerk,
Historical numbers compiled from the Franklin Annual Reports
| Franklin Voters as of 10/18/2017 | 22,701 | ||||
| Precinct | Active | Inactive | Total | ||
| 1 | 2414 | 178 | 2592 | ||
| 2 | 2638 | 230 | 2868 | ||
| 3 | 2493 | 309 | 2802 | ||
| 4 | 2823 | 229 | 3052 | ||
| 5 | 2745 | 168 | 2913 | ||
| 6 | 2337 | 296 | 2633 | ||
| 7 | 2820 | 135 | 2955 | ||
| 8 | 2775 | 111 | 2886 | ||
| 21045 | 1656 | 22701 | |||
 |
| the percent by precinct for the local elections since 2003 |
Voter totals as of October 18, 2017 provided by the Town Clerk,
Historical numbers compiled from the Franklin Annual Reports
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