Town Council candidate Joe McGann was unable to schedule time for an interview but he did respond to the questions. His answers are shared here:
● What is your ‘Franklin story’? Tell us briefly about your road to or life within Franklin & your involvement in the community here.
“Have been a resident of the Town of Franklin for over 65 years
My two children attended and graduated from the Franklin School System
Served Four Years on the Franklin Town Council
Former Franklin Auxiliary Police Officer
Former Permanent Intermittent Police Officer Town of Franklin
While on the Town Council Donated may Hours and Material To Central Park Terrace installing handicapped safety railings in individual living units as well as other safety devices.
Owned and operated a Small Electrical business for over 35 years in Franklin serving
Franklin Residents and Businesses as well as neighboring towns.”
● Civil discourse is a key component of our democratic republic form of government. The political party divide unfortunately is wider now than ever, as an individual what can and will you do to help bridge the divide?
“The Residents of Franklin are what matter in this election. My voice will be for all not the few if I can do the following: Listen , Respect , make decisions in the best interest of the approx. 36,000 Residents and forget party affiliation or special interests any and every one reading this will respect me and hopefully vote for me.”
● What experience or background will help you to serve in this particular role? Or what do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others competing for this role?
“Question #2 answers that, as well as experience ability to vote on my own opinion I will not rubber stamp and follow the majority my vote as I have said numerous times be in the best interest of all Residents I will try my best to work with the elected (9) and make Franklin a great place to reside not only for those that reside here but for those who wish to reside here.”
Questions for candidates for each of these specific roles: Town Council
● One of the key responsibilities of the Council is to hire and provide oversight for the Town Administrator and his/her team. For example, while you can serve as an escalation point for the Town’s folk, this does not include micromanaging a particular department or operation. Do you agree or disagree? Please explain.
“I will not micro-manage. ( HOWEVER AS THE SAYING GOES IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING ). We were Elected to Legislate but also to inform the Voters who elected us and represent them.
As far as hiring the Town Admin He has two years remaining on his Contract to the best of knowledge. I will Agree with his Decisions / Recommendations until it's time to disagree. My Term if elected runs for the next Two years also.”
● The Town Council approves the annual budget which sets the priorities for how Franklin operates. Faced with the fiscal challenges for the next several years, what are the financial priorities you think we need to address?
○ How do you explain what needs to be done to the voters and residents?
○ What would you do to help the community understand the separation of roles between the Council and School Committee?
“This list is very long however (a) Senior Center (b ) Police and Fire (c ) Schools the deficit we face effects those listed however there are many many more that I could list. We have to be the eyes and ears for the TOWN of FRANKLIN. Any one elected either sitting members or future members have to start treating the Town's money like it was their own and STOP the RECKLESS SPENDING.”
The School Committee is the elected board that oversees the Schools. They hire the Superintendent as well as any and all major decisions pertaining to the Franklin Schools. However, we all answer to the voters. We listen to any and all issues good or bad and ultimately approve or deny when budget time comes around.”
● Do you support the goals and recommendations of the 2025 Franklin Master Plan?
○ If so, what would you do as a Town Councilor to help implement them?
○ If not, why not?
“In all honesty having been removed from local politics for a while and getting involved
again as late as I did I am going to refrain from answering that question until I can reacquaint myself with that document.”
Contact info:
Joseph E. McGann
508-244-1503
mailto:mcgannjoseph@aol.com
