What does the Town of Franklin ballot for Nov 5, 2019 look like?

Now that the candidate interviews are posted, we can shift our election preparations to other items in and around the election day itself. If you are not sure of being able to get to the high school, consider voting via absentee ballot.


1 - Absentee ballot

Absentee voting is now available. 

"In order to be eligible to vote by absentee ballot in Massachusetts, a voter must be prevented from voting at their polling place on Election Day, due to:

• Absence from the voter's city or town on Election Day; or
• Physical disability; or
• Religious belief."  (from the Secretary of the Commonwealth's page  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleabsentee/absidx.htm)

For those who travel out of Franklin on election day for work (i.e. train to Boston, car to RI or NH), you can vote now or anytime before noon Nov 4 via absentee ballot.

You can visit the Town Clerk's office to vote (similar to the early election voting trialed in 2016).


2 - Town of Franklin specimen ballot - Nov 5, 2019


You can view the specimen ballot here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iKavOeEpF0dPz3QafLyzGoCJUojSo38_/view?usp=sharing

or on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/specimen_ballot.pdf



Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

What does the Town of Franklin ballot for Nov 5, 2019 look like?

Sculpture Park - decorated for Halloween

Catching up to share all the photos I captured on the walk through the Sculpture Park Saturday afternoon after the Franklin Police Dept did their Halloween Party.




Or view the photos directly on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157711578274067

Town Council - Recap - Oct 16, 2019

As this was the last meeting for the current Town Council for this term of office, the agenda was juggled around during the meeting to allow Councilor Padula to arrive and participate in a key part of the discussion. 

The key items were around the changes to the current FY 2020 budget. Since the initial approval in June, the State got around to passing their budget which finalized the State aid numbers and in most cases added more to the conservative approach taken.

The Town also got a better read on the New Growth number and decided to take the 'windfall' of approx $900K and put it aside to the Open Space account. This does two things. One increases the open space account approx. $2.1M. This will also allow for some flexibility with the $900K in the FY 2021 budget.

The first serious discussion arose around the additions to the School Budget. The Town Administrator, Finance Committee, and School Committee approved additions finally did pass the Town Council by an 8-0 vote (Padula not present at this time).

The second serious discussion occurred with respect to the proposed assistant Facilities Director. The motion to pass was amended to remove the $110K position, and put the $110K to roads. The motion passed to amend by a 5-4 vote (Yes = Kelly, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, McCarthy-Earls; No = Padula, Casey, Hamblen, Mercer).

The final motions to approved the adjusted budget both passed by 9-0 votes

Note: the order of the votes is better followed with my notes or the Franklin TV recording. The "Actions Taken" document records the actual votes correctly but they did not change the sequence of the resolutions as they changed during that night.

In the Town Administrator's Report, I had previously taken out the comments on the old turf stored at Beaver St and shared that audio excerpt.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/town-administrators-statement-on-old.html

Town Council Actions Taken for October 16, 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/town-council-actions-taken-october-16-2019 

Live reporting: Town Administrator's report to Closing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-town-adminsitrators.html

Live reporting: Legislation for Action
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Live reporting: Town Council October 16, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-town-council-october-16.html

Town Council - Recap - Oct 16, 2019

Town Council recap - Oct 2, 2019

catching up to this: (I missed attending the meeting)

The Town Council meeting held on Oct 2, 2019 had this as the published agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/tc_agenda_10-2-19_redacted.pdf

The actions taken document can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_october_2_2019.pdf

The video from Franklin TV can be played on demand
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=686

Town Council recap - Oct 2, 2019

In the News: Wenger's Farm closing; Twitter bans political ads; Rail Trail expands in Ashland

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Wenger's Farm closing

"A family-owned farm and farmers market is closing after more than 26 years in business and is leasing out its properties – including the family house – while family members embark on a series of mission trips.

“I can’t say for sure whether or not it’s the end of an era at Wenger’s Farm or not,” said the Wengers’ Realtor, Brian Garvey of Keller Williams Realty/NH. The owner, Omar Wenger, purchased the property at 1048 South Main St. in 2011 and “ideally, he’d like it to be used as it is now.”

The farm will close on Saturday and has been offering closeout sales, according to a laminated sign posted outside the Wengers’ community country store. The family is leasing both its store and lower level space on-site, along with the family home next door at 1040 South Main St., according to listings published earlier this month on the New England Commercial Property Exchange (NECPE).

“God has been faithful in giving seed time and bountiful harvests,” reads the sign posted outside the door, with owners Omar and Barbara Wenger thanking their “faithful customers.” “Regretfully, this is our last season for operating Wenger’s Farm Store. We have consented to go to a mission in Africa beginning 2020.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191030/wengers-farm-in-bellingham-closing-leasing-properties


Twitter bans political ads

"Twitter is banning all political advertising from its service, saying social media companies give advertisers an unfair advantage in proliferating highly targeted, misleading messages.

“While internet advertising is incredibly powerful and very effective for commercial advertisers, that power brings significant risks to politics, where it can be used to influence votes to affect the lives of millions,” Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted Wednesday in a series of tweets announcing the new policy.

Facebook has taken fire since it disclosed earlier in October that it will not fact-check ads by politicians or their campaigns, which could allow them to lie freely. CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Congress last week that politicians have the right to free speech on Facebook."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191030/twitter-bans-all-political-advertisements

Rail Trail expands in Ashland

"Cyndi Sumner took a different route than usual to walk her chocolate Labradoodle on Monday afternoon.

While she usually goes to Ashland State Park, Sumner was intrigued by a new bridge spanning Mill Pond. With her home just a short walk away on Raymond Marchetti Street, she decided to explore the bridge instead of driving to the state park.

The only problem was that the Mill Pond entrance was blocked off for construction. Luckily, Sumner was able to find an alternative way there by walking through the Riverwalk Trail, a wooded pathway less than a mile long that runs alongside the Sudbury River and the north side of Mill Pond.

“I didn’t even know this path was here,” Sumner told the Daily News after trekking through the short trail."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191030/work-advances-on-ashlands-riverwalk-trail

Fire Training to Include Rep Roy, Chief McLaughlin, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

The Franklin Fire Department will hold a training event with Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) at Station 2 (21 Birch Street) on Thursday afternoon, October 31. 

Representative Roy will take part in live fire training where he will be able to utilize Milford Fire Department's live bum building. This informative event will provide Representative Roy with a first-hand opportunity to learn more about the fire service and the austere and rigorous conditions Franklin firefighters encounter.

The purpose of this training is for Representative Roy to gain an understanding of the everyday life of professional, career firefighters, by utilizing a 'hands-on" approach. Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will accompany Representative Roy at this training.

"Live fire training will give me the ability to understand the difficulties and challenges that our firefighters face on a daily basis," said State Rep. Jeffrey Roy. "I look forward to this opportunity. We are lucky to have so many dedicated, professional, and brave firefighters that are ready, willing, and able to serve in our department."

October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time when we should all be aware of ways to help learn fire safety and prevention.

Fire Training to Include Rep Roy

Jack Lank Receives "Chamber Executive of the Year" Award

At their annual conference this week, the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE) named United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) President/CEO Jack Lank "Chamber Executive of the Year" for 2019.

Jim Roche, President of Business and Industry Association of the New Hampshire Statewide Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Lank at the conference's annual dinner in Plymouth, Mass. Lank is a member of the Board of Directors and former President of NEACCE.

In his remarks, Roche noted that Lank has served at the helm of the URCC for 13 years, merging three chambers representing 16 communities in two different counties during his tenure. Roche said that merging two chambers is a daunting endeavor, but merging three chambers is more than formidable.

Roche continued, saying that after the merger Lank "implemented a comprehensive, coordinated effort to assist local business expansion. He created a Young Professional's Organization, a Women's Impact Network, an Ambassador Committee, and several over groups to enhance the value of membership in his chamber." He also works with other local chambers to facilitate multi-organization events and programs, realizing that when the entities work together there is a much better result and a bigger impact on the communities.

Roche quoted several chamber members in his speech. One member said, "Jack has been a big supporter of my non-profit organization. He was instrumental in helping us secure our largest single donation to date. It is a great comfort to know that if I need something, I have a reliable person who is well connected to a wide variety of professionals and who is always in my corner."

Roche concluded his presentation saying, "Jack is a rare breed in the chamber world. Sadly, there are not many like him. He is well connected to all of his communities, a very rare feat these days. He is educated about what is impacting business in his area and throughout the state and has his thumb on business legislation. But most of all, he is approachable, funny, and sincere, a rare hat trick of personalities you will not find everywhere. I wish there were more people like him in this world."

Before becoming president of the URCC, Lank was the Vice President of Alexander Mortgage Corporation for 10 years and Executive Director of Attleboro's Wednesday Night Market.

Lank is a member of the Board of Trustees for the US Chamber Foundation and Former Chairman of the Board of Regents for the Institute for Organization Management, a member of the Board of Directors and former President of NEACCE, member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School Education Foundation, an Incorporator for the Hockomock YMCA, treasurer of North Attleboro's Make a Splash Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitor's Bureau.

The URCC is a private, not-for-profit business association that represents hundreds of businesses of all sizes and from virtually all industries in the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.

Chartered in 1917, The URCC has evolved into the region's oldest and largest economic development and business advocacy organization. The chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development.

NEACCE, headquartered in Concord New Hampshire, serves as the conduit for executives and staff throughout New England through a number of opportunities including conferences, social media, newsletter and meetings, all great opportunities to network. Chamber executives and staff often benefit from the exchange of ideas and information and NEACCE makes this happen, providing leadership in the world of professional chamber management. NEACCE's provides programs that enhance the personal growth and development of its members and their effectiveness as administrators. The organization maintains a close relationship with the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and other regional and state associations to provide maximum effectiveness in joint actions approved by the NEACCE Board of Directors. In addition, NEACCE facilitates opportunities to advance the concepts and practices of professional Chamber management through educational services and innovative programs.

Left to right: President Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce Tom O’Rourke, award winner URCC President/CEO Jack Lank; and President of the Ocean Community Chamber Lisa Konicki at the October NEACCE award dinner