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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Franklin Residents: September 2020 E-Newsletter
“The most important thing to do now is to count all the votes"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"As Sept 2 dawned, the race for the 4th Congressional District House seat showed no sign of ending.
According to the Associated Press tabulation, fewer than 1,000 votes separated the top two Democrats, former Brookline city councilor Jesse Mermell and Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss. Mermell had led for much of the evening, with the gap between the two dwindling as more towns reported.
As of 12:45 a.m., 76 percent of the towns had reported results; outstanding were: Bellingham, Berkley, Dover, Franklin, Lakeville, Milford, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehobeth and Seekonk.
In a statement issued shortly shortly before 1 a.m, Mermell’s campaign acknowledged the tight race."
“We must pass a Green New Deal”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts defeated U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III in Tuesday’s hard-fought Democratic primary, harnessing support from progressive leaders to overcome a challenge from a younger rival who is a member of America’s most famous political family.
Kennedy, who represents Milford, won the town with 58.18% of the votes in the Democrats’ primary.
It was the first time a Kennedy has lost a race for Congress in Massachusetts.
Markey appealed to voters in the deeply Democratic state by positioning himself as aligned with the liberal wing of the party. He teamed up with a leading progressive, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, on the Green New Deal climate change initiative — and at one point labeled Kennedy “a progressive in name only.”
"When people stopped wearing masks in 1919 there was a resurgence"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Just as Linda Hixon and Shawn Driscoll were finishing their book, “The Grip: The 1918 Pandemic and a City Under Siege,” last winter, another pandemic hit.
They believe that after more than 100 years have passed, the United States should have learned more about how to protect itself from COVID-19.
“I’d have to say we’ve learned nothing from the 1918 pandemic,” Hixon said. “We should have and we can, but we didn’t.”
Driscoll said the 1918 flu pandemic should have taught everyone that local, state and federal governments need to work together to implement safety measures, and decide when to shut down and reopen businesses and schools. But somehow it didn’t.
“I don’t think we’re truly taking the lessons that need to be learned from 1918-19 and applying them to the 21st century,” he said."
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW
Job Opportunities
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
- Junior Custodian - Franklin Public Schools Facilities Department
- Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works
- Water Operations Person (L4) - Department of Public Works
- Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works
- Substitute Custodian
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Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW |
Voices of Franklin: Six Combine Voices for Markey
These respondents are impressed by Sen. Markey’s record as a legislator. Karen Landers notes that he has long been known for his leadership and productivity. He entered national politics in 1974. In the succeeding 46 years he has been re-elected more than 20 times, first to the House (1974-2013) and subsequently to the Senate (2013 to present). Clearly the Democrats in Massachusetts have recognized him as an effective congressman.
These Franklin voters also admire Markey’s character. They see in him a strong and visionary leader, and author of the Green New Deal, which may be the most important legislation before the Congress in our time. Yet they also like his unpretentious, blue-collar origins and his personal modesty. Karen Landers and Mara Downie found themselves standing beside Markey in the crowd at the Youth Climate Strike in Boston last year. They noticed that he came to support the young strikers, not to grab the limelight.
Markey’s causes resonate with these voters. As Sue Cass puts it, Markey “has been indefatigable, participating on diverse committees and authoring or sponsoring hundreds of bills on diverse subjects, always focusing on improving American circumstances.” More particularly, these voters applaud the senator’s support of racial justice, net neutrality, gun control, health care for all, women’s rights, the COVID-19 Relief Bill, and especially the Green New Deal with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This bill addresses the twin crises of climate change and economic inequality.
There are also strategic reasons to support Markey. Jayson Joyce admires him because, in drafting the COVID-19 Relief Bill with Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, Markey brought both wings of the Democratic party to the table. Likewise, the senator commands inter-generational support from both ends of the age spectrum, from young Gen Z voters to aging Baby Boomers. According to Joyce, Markey is a visionary leader who constantly challenges the status quo. Or as Chorr-yi Chin puts it, Markey legislates with compassion for all, including future generations. Colin Cass thinks it’s naive to trust what politicians say. He judges them by what they actually do. He believes that Markey “is committed to action on the most pressing issues of our time.”
Finally, there is the uniqueness of this moment. As Joyce says, during this pandemic when many people have lost their jobs and their health insurance; when economic depression threatens and many are facing evictions, foreclosures, and heavy debts, the moment calls for strong leadership and moral authority. Or as Chin puts it, “The demands of today require somebody who understands the hardships we face.”
Ed Markey has spent his life as a prolific, principled, and successful legislator. This man has earned his place as our senator, and the voters of Massachusetts should keep him in office.
Sports Buzz: Coaches Corner with Franklin Coach Eian Bain
All new Sports Buzz and a Coaches Corner with Franklin Coach Eian Bain. Enjoy.
Coach Bain 8-30 from Jay Horrigan on Vimeo.