Monday, October 6, 2025

Candidate Interview Audio Recordings: Malloy, LeBlanc, Callaway-Tripp, Cormier-Leger, & Mercer

FM #1531 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1531 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Stephen Malloy. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, September 29, 2025. 


The conversation runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen in 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1531-town-council-candidate-stephen-malloy-09-29-25/ 


Stephen Malloy


Phone ->   617-820-8619

Email ->  mailto:Steve@sgmalloy.com  


Video link -> https://youtu.be/N0XZAb-TQO0 



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FM #1532 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1532 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Michael LeBlanc. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, September 29, 2025. 


The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1532-town-council-candidate-michael-leblanc-09-29-25/ 


Michael Leblanc


Phone ->  508-944-8300    

Email ->   mailto:leblanc.michael@comcast.net     


Video link -> https://youtu.be/OuY61pC1UBA 


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FM #1533 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1533 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Jane Callaway-Tripp. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. 


The conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen in 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1533-town-council-candidate-jane-callaway-tripp-09-30-25/ 


Jane Callaway-Tripp 


Phone ->   774-571-101

Email ->  mailto:janeewc.jc@gmail.com 


Video link ->  https://youtu.be/UhG_8JwFLAI 



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FM #1534 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1534 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. 


The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1534-town-council-candidate-ted-cormier-leger-09-30-25/ 



Ted Cormier-Leger


Phone ->   617-686-1265

Email ->  mailto:ted.cormierleger@gmail.com  


Video link -> https://youtu.be/AsY2oxiAF4k 


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FM #1535 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1535 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Tom Mercer. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. 


The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1535-town-council-candidate-tom-mercer-09-30-25/ 


Tom Mercer

Phone ->  401-529-0193

Email ->  mailto:tdmercer@verizon.net  


Video link -> https://youtu.be/uHr68nUawB8 


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2025 Franklin Election Collection ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html 


Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul 


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, October 6, 2025 ??

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events
Monday, October 6

9:00am Fallen Hero: Shayne M. Cabino (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)



For additional details on Library events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->        

**  Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, October 6 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10062025-1936 


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What's happening in Franklin, MA
What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Shayne Cabino, October 6, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (10/06/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Shayne Cabino

The brief program will include  
  • the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day 
  • a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran
  • a salute from those present
  • the playing of Taps 

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

The program is conducted on the Franklin Town Common along the Veterans Walkway by the granite column of the individual being remembered on the day of their recorded passing.

Background on Lance Corporal Shane Cabino, US Marine Corp, from the flag ceremony held at the YMCA in 2013 can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/special-flag-ceremony-jun-14-lance.html

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Fallen Hero Recognition
Fallen Hero Recognition:

Voices of Franklin: Why Are We Losing Candidates Night?

For the first time in recent memory, Franklin will not be holding a Candidates Night—and I have to ask, why?

This year, nine new candidates are running for Town Council, myself included. That's unprecedented. Candidates Night has long been a cornerstone of our democratic process, offering residents a chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent them. It was more than just a forum—it was a live, in-person opportunity for dialogue, challenge, and connection. it's a place where people are heard all at once making it easier for the community to hear. Because technically everyone can spend time watching people's interviews etc., but that's very time consuming. This is centrally located for residents to be a part of.

Incumbents have the benefit of visibility through their votes and public meetings. Their positions are known. But for new candidates, our values, priorities, and perspectives are not yet familiar to many residents. Candidates Night was the one venue where everyone—new and incumbent—stood on equal ground, answering the same questions, engaging with the same audience. It was a chance for voters to compare, reflect, and decide.

While I appreciate the Observer's published Q&A and the video interviews by Franklin Matters—both excellent resources—they cannot replace the energy and accessibility of a live forum. Candidates Night was a shared experience, a civic ritual that brought us together in real time. Its absence this year is deeply disappointing.

I participated in Candidates Night in 2021 when I first ran for Town Council. It was an experience that shaped me, and I believe every candidate deserves that same opportunity—especially in a year with so many new voices stepping forward.

I'll be attending the Meet & Greet this Wednesday night at Teddy Gallagher's because I believe residents deserve the chance to speak with us face-to-face. I hope all candidates will come—not just for the voters, but for each other. After all, nine of us will be working together come November. We owe it to the town, and to each other, to begin that relationship with openness and respect.

Let's not lose the traditions that connect us. Let's restore the spaces that allow every voice to be heard.

Sincerely,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  
Candidate for Franklin Town Council


* Editor's note: There was no candidate forum in 2023 either. 15 Candidates for Town Council in 2025 is a record. There were 14 in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2015.


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Why Are We Losing Candidates Night?
Voices of Franklin: Why Are We Losing Candidates Night?

2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for Planning Board - Associate William Lee (video)

William Lee, candidate for Planning Board, is the next in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.  

Early voting begins Oct 17 in the Town Clerk office during business hours. Our intention is to complete the interview series before Oct 13. 




Election 2025 - Candidate Interview Broadcast Schedule for week of Oct 6, 2025

Election 2025 - Candidate Interview Broadcast Schedule for week of Oct 6, 2025
Election 2025 - Candidate Interview
Broadcast Schedule for week of Oct 6, 2025
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel
(Comcast 6, Verizon 26)

MONDAY

5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Jane Callaway-Tripp

6:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - David Callaghan

TUESDAY

5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Kenneth Ojukwu
5:59 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Henry Reis Hansen

WEDNESDAY

5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Michael LeBlanc
6:08 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Max Morrongiello

THURSDAY

6:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Stephen Malloy
6:32 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Gene Grella

FRIDAY

6:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Ted Cormier-Leger
6:38 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Tom Mercer
7:07 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Caroline Griffith


To view the interviews on YouTube, you can find the individual links ->

Election Collection - 2025
Election Collection - 2025

School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan condense the Sep 30 meeting in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1530 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1530 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, October 3, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of September 30, 2025. 

 

We cover 


The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1530-chalkboard-chat-10-03-25/


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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   


School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan condense the Sep 30 meeting in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)
Chalkboard Chat (audio)
Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39AoKQewDIA  


The Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059542/SCAGENDA_9-30-25.pdf  


The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/september-30%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/855018  



My notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NAnlr9uiozVLd9MK1ROfdltU9uOqsUwe/view?usp=drive_link 



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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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


Candidates Meet and Greet at Creative Corner Art Studio - Saturday, October 25

Candidates Meet and Greet at Creative Corner Art Studio - Saturday, October 25
Candidates Meet and Greet at Creative
Corner Art Studio - Saturday, October 25
"We're so excited that one of our clients, Nadia Mausolf, is running for Franklin School Committee!
Come meet Nadia and other candidates at our Meet and Greet!
October 25, 10 AM to 12 PM at Creative Corner Art Studio.
We will have tiles for people to paint to show what they love about Franklin. We will then turn these tiles into a mosaic!
We hope to see you there!!"




FHS sports live stream schedule for week of Oct 5, 2025

FHS sports live stream schedule for week of Oct 5, 2025
FHS sports live stream schedule for week of Oct 5, 2025
Schedule for sports for the week!

Checkout Franklin Pride TV on YouTube for live streams.







Help show your support of the Franklin Food Pantry Store by wearing some branded clothing

Welcome to the Franklin Food Pantry Fall Online Store.

Get ready to run in style at this year's Turkey Trot, show your Pantry Spirit while you walk trot or run.

Help show your support of the Franklin Food Pantry Store by wearing some branded clothing
Help show your support of the Franklin Food
Pantry Store by wearing some branded clothing
Store is open for a limited time 10/3 - 10/19 order today to be sure you have your order in time for the Turkey Trot!

Be sure to click on each item to see colors and sizes available.

Please choose sizes carefully, all items are custom and cannot be exchanged or returned.

Please allow 4-weeks after closing date 10/19 for orders to be processed .

All orders will be shipped safely to your home.

*If a stock issue arises, XP will make a substitution of like product when necessary.


FHS girls basketball program schedules Youth Basketball Clinic - Weds, Oct 15

St. Mary's Franklin CYO Basketball posted at Sun, Oct 05, 2025:
"FHS girls basketball program is having a youth basketball clinic for girls grades 5-8 on Wednesday, October 15th at the FHS gym.

@fhsgbbboosters

To learn more information see information and to register see the link ->   https://t.co/CcBXeM5giH"

Friday, October 10, Jamie Barrett performs at Napper Tandy's in Millis

Friday, October 10, Jamie Barrett performs at Napper Tandy's in Millis
Friday, October 10, Jamie Barrett performs at Napper Tandy's in Millis
"What a great time at Millis Amvets Post 495 last night! 


Thanks to all who came out! If we missed you, then swing on out to Napper Tandy's Millis THIS Friday from 7:00-10:00 PM for food, drinks and tunes! 


We'd love to see you!"


❤️ Jamie 🎸



Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, October 6, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio
wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule