Saturday, May 3, 2008

In the News - talking about the override

GHS
Posted May 02, 2008 @ 11:54 PM

FRANKLIN —

Just as they did last year, town and school leaders are inviting the public to host neighborhood forums at their homes to answer questions about the $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy said Friday.

The vote will be June 10.

The funds would go directly to schools to prevent about 15 layoffs in elementary schools, 12.5 teaching positions at middle schools, 17 teacher jobs at Franklin High School, elimination of the late bus, and an increase of $100 (to $325) for pay-to-ride busing.

"We will go any time, any place, to answer any questions," Roy said. "That means bringing members of the School Committee, Finance Committee, Town Council, as well as the Town Administrator (Jeffrey D. Nutting) and school superintendent (Wayne Ogden) out to people's homes - we show up as a group." Last year, town leaders spoke to audiences of about 10 to 30 people at neighborhood forums, Roy said.

Having face-to-face conversations with people was "extremely effective" last year, he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here


Friday, May 2, 2008

In the News - voter comments

GHS
Posted May 02, 2008 @ 12:21 AM

FRANKLIN —

Not every parent wants another tax increase this year to protect schools from massive layoffs, and some childless homeowners say they will vote for the $2.8 Proposition 2 1/2 tax override question that will go before voters June 10.

Residents interviewed at random yesterday had mixed feelings about the override Town Council recently voted to put on a ballot.

"I say, for the schools, for the kids, I would be for it. I don't have kids, but I've been in town my whole life," resident Mike Ficco said yesterday.

"I've watched the town succeed since I was a little kid. Franklin is going in the right direction," said Ficco, adding that he is willing to pay more in taxes to ensure it doesn't go in the wrong direction, as he has noticed in other towns.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here


Thursday, May 1, 2008

In the News - $2.8 Million is override total on 6/10/08

GHS
Posted May 01, 2008 @ 12:56 AM

FRANKLIN —

Town Council voted 7-1 last night to place a $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override question on a June 10 ballot.

All of the money would be directed toward schools, which officials reported will have about 45 layoffs (mostly teachers), program cuts, increased class sizes, elimination of the late bus, and a $100 fee increase for pay-to-ride busing without a tax override.

The override would not enable the School Department to add staff, but merely maintain teachers in a growing district, Superintendent Wayne Ogden has said. Schools need more money every year because of mandatory expenses such as contract obligations (salaries), stipends, health insurance, special education and utilities, Ogden has said.

The override would cost the average homeowner $243 a year, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting's estimate.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Final Councilor comments (audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Feeley, Nutting, et al

Time: 4 minutes, 24 seconds



MP3 File

Councilor Pfeffer (audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Time: 45 seconds



MP3 File

Councilor Doak (audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

TIme: 2 minutes, 10 seconds



MP3 File

Councilor Zollo (Audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Time: 2 minutes, 33 seconds



MP3 File

Councilor Vallee (audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Time: 54 seconds




MP3 File

Councilor Whalen (audio)

Councilor comments at the end of the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Time: 1 minute, 56 seconds




MP3 File

Other Action Items (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08, acceptence of $5,000 from the Friends of Franklin Public Library, discussion and vote on veterans benefits, discussion and move to second reading the utility rate change

Time: 6 minutes, 42 seconds



MP3 File

Override Date 6/10/08 (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting on 4/30/08, the discussion on the override date (6/10/08), Tuesday vs. Saturday, and absentee ballot information.

Councilors Whalen and Mason questioned Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri on Tuesday/Saturday

Time: 5 minutes, 11 seconds



MP3 File

Town Council Mtg Summary 4/30/08

The listing here is in the reverse chronological order of how the segments occured during the course of the meeting.

Final Councilor comments (audio)

Councilor Pfeffer (audio)

Councilor Doak (audio)

Councilor Zollo (Audio)

Councilor Vallee (audio)

Councilor Whalen (audio)

Other Action Items (audio)

Override Date 6/10/08 (audio)

Override Amount (audio)

Citizen Comments - Chandler Creedon (audio)

June 10th - $2.8 Million - Yes/No for Franklin's s...

Live at the Town Council meeting 4/30/08

Town Council Agenda for April 30th 6:00 PM

Override Amount (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08, the council spent all of one minute reading and voting on the override amount with NO discussion.

Override passed with a 7-1 vote. Pfeffer voted no, McGann was absent.

Time: 1 minute, 7 seconds




MP3 File

Citizen Comments - Chandler Creedon (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08, Chandler Creedon, President of the Franklin Education Association (fondly referred to as the teacher's union) speaks to clarify some misinformation.

Time: 1 minute, 31 seconds



MP3 File

June 10th - $2.8 Million - Yes/No for Franklin's schools

The choice is now in the hands of the voters.

Make it an informed vote:
  • Visit here often for informational updates
  • Read the news papers
  • Talk with your neighbors
If you are not registered to vote, visit the Town Clerk's office and register.

If you will be out of town on the 10th, apply for an absentee ballot.

There is no reason why you should not vote.

How you vote is up to you!