Election 2012: What's on the ballot?

While this article leaves out the two non-binding ballot questions, you can get ALL the candidate and ballot question information you need here
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-time-to-vote-nov-6th.html

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Election 2012: What's on the ballot?

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Derek McLean/Daily News staff on 11/4/12

When local residents hit the ballot box on Tuesday, they will all be asked to vote for their choice of president and U.S. senator. Voters in the Massachusetts 4th Middlesex Congressional District will be asked to choose between Democrat Joe Kennedy, Republican Sean Bielat and independent David Rosa to take the U.S. representative seat that is currently being held by Barney Frank.

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"It’s been a great race"

The position statements have been touted frequently, now it is time to get out the vote. The Milford Daily News reports on a reflection of the campaigns for the 10th Norfolk District by the candidates:

Roy, of Franklin, and Eustis, of Medway, know the district well. Yet both acknowledged that because of the microscope put on it by campaigning, they have learned so much more about the towns and their residents. 

"I’ve been to neighborhoods I never knew existed," Roy said. "I’ve made new friends." 

This hyper-local election, they say, has been all about going door-to-door. The candidates each boast about having visited with thousands of their would-be constituents. And they have been humbled by the kindness and openness shown to them on the campaign trail. 

"It was amazing to me how freely people would share their personal stories and details of struggles they have had — me coming to their door as a stranger," Eustis said. "They were so welcoming and candid in our discussions. They left me more committed than ever to fight to help make their lives better, day to day."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890071984/Roy-Eustis-look-back-on-months-of-campaigning#ixzz2BLLkuhGy

Democracy Amendment Massachusetts (Common Cause Ballot Initiative to overturn Citizens United)

A regular reader sent along this additional information on Ballot Question 4


The Democracy Amendment Ballot Question

Shall the state [senator or representative] from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling upon Congress to propose an amendment to the US Constitution affirming that 1) corporations are not entitled to the constitutional rights of human beings, and 2) both Congress and the states may place limits on political contributions and political spending?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who supports a constitutional amendment?

83% of Democrats, 73% of Republicans, and 81% of Independents oppose Citizens United.

9 states – Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Vermont – have called for Congress to propose a constitutional amendment.

Over 300 US municipalities have passed resolutions in favor of an amendment, including at least 70 in Massachusetts.

11 state attorneys general, led by Massachusetts's Martha Coakley, have written to Congress urging the passage of an amendment.

22 state attorneys general urged the Court to uphold a Montana law challenging Citizens United.

A dozen versions of an amendment have been introduced by US representatives and senators.

115+ citizens' organizations support a constitutional amendment.

More than 2 million people have signed petitions in support of an amendment.

Is a constitutional amendment really necessary?

Yes. Because Citizens United and other decisions are based on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution, only a constitutional amendment can undo them and ensure that government works for us—not just for corporations and wealthy interests that pay for political campaigns. Read more »

Isn't a corporation an association of people? Why shouldn't it have constitutional rights?

To claim that the Bill of Rights applies to "we the corporations" as well as "we the people" is contrary to its original intent and just plain wrong. Read more »

Unions, nonprofits, and news organizations are corporations too. Won't a constitutional amendment weaken their voice?

Absolutely not. Non-profit organizations could advocate for the rights of their members long before the courts gave corporations constitutional rights. The Supreme Court has recognized this repeatedly. If a constitutional amendment were passed, we would merely go back to this method of analyzing rights. Read more »

Didn't the Massachusetts state legislature already pass a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment?

Yes, in an overwhelming bipartisan victory, both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature passed resolutions calling on Congress for a constitutional amendment. This ballot question is an opportunity for the voters of Massachusetts to reinforce the state legislature's action. Read more »

What is the point if the ballot question is non-binding?

Using ballot questions, "We the People" can send a strong message to Congress and other elected officials that we want a constitutional amendment. Even though voter instructions are not legally binding, they have historically carried great force. Read more »

What is the process to pass a constitutional amendment?

All 27 amendments to today's US constitution were proposed by a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress and then ratified by 3/4 of the state legislatures. Alternatively, amendments can be proposed and ratified by a combination of national and state constitutional conventions.

What did the Court decide in the Citizens United ruling? How did the Court arrive at Citizens United?

In its 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010), the Supreme Court decided that corporate expenditures in elections constitute constitutionally protected free speech. Read more »

What are independent expenditures? How are they different from contributions?

An independent expenditure is spending on behalf of a candidate. A contribution is given directly to a candidate or a candidate's affiliates. Read more »

What are SuperPACs?

SuperPACs are political action committees that only make independent expenditures. They can legally accept and spend unlimited donations from individuals, corporations, and unions. Read more »

How has Citizens United affected political spending in elections?

The unprecedented special interest funds pumped into the 2010 elections revealed only the tip of the iceberg of campaign finance post-Citizens United. The 2012 election cycle is sure to break all spending records: overall spending in the 2012 election is predicted to reach new heights – more than $8 billion! Read more »

Who will be voting on the Democracy Amendment question?

About one-third of Massachusetts voters have a chance to vote on the question in November. Read more »

Why does the Democracy Amendment question have different numbers depending on where you vote?

Ballot questions are numbered in the order in which petition signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State. Also, all statewide binding questions, of which there are three in 2012, are numbered first. Read more »

Aside from voting "YES," how can I help and where can I get more information?

Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about the ballot question. Make sure they are registered to vote by Wednesday October 17 and vote "YES" on Tuesday November 6! Read more »

Want to know more? Check out our suggestions for reading and other resources »

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 7, 2012

A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 3, 2012 Regular Session, October 17 Executive Session

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS

F. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Community Cable Access Corp. – Board of Directors
(three candidates for two positions: Ken Norman, Rose Turco, Frank Falvey)

Finance Committee - Paul Aparo

G. HEARINGS

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Karen Alves, Director, Senior Center
Franklin TV, Ken Norman

J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-72: Establishment of an Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
2. Resolution 12-73: Appropriation: Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
3. Resolution 12-74: Appropriation: Interest – Property Tax
4. Resolution 12-75: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement
Authorization
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-694:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee
Rates – 2nd Reading
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695: Amendment to Chapter 185 §31. Site Plan and Design
Review – Referral to Planning Board
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696: Amendment to Chapter 185 §20 Signs. Sign Approvals
– Referral to Planning Board
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45 Administration &
Enforcement. Design Review Commission – Referral to Planning Board

L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

M.OLD BUSINESS

N. NEW BUSINESS

O. COUNCIL COMMENTS

P. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

Q. ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/110712.pdf

Hurricane Relief collection underway

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello The Town of Franklin Police, Fire and Schools are attempting to organize a disaster relief project to help our Fellow Americans impacted  by Hurricane Sandy. Items needed include: Bottled water Nonperishable food- note expiration date New Clothing- adults, children and babies New Blankets Personal hygiene items including baby items (diapers, baby wipes) New household items Please drop off items at one of our two fire stations (King Street or Downtown) between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Thank you for your support, The Franklin School Department,  the Franklin Police Department and  the Franklin Fire Department. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

In the News: election related items

For Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren - a final sprint

by Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff

Church fighting Ballot Question 2

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Local support evident for third party candidates

by Derek McLean/ Daily News staff

November Programs at the Library

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Friends of Franklin Library"
Subject: November Programs at the Library

How to select eReaders

This program will look at the features of eReaders and help you decide which reader is right for you.  Also, included is a demonstration of using the Overdrive service provided by the Minuteman Network and the Franklin Public Library.  eBooks can be checked out and downloaded from Overdrive and then transferred to portable devices such as the Nook, Kindle, iPads, and smartphones.  The library has both Kindles and Nooks preloaded with books available for circulation.

Monday November 5th from 10:30 AM – Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

Monday December 3^rd from 10:30 – Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

No registration required.

How to Make Holiday Memories with your Digital Photographs

Digital Photographs make it easy to share albums with family and friends and create cards, calendars, ornaments, and other gifts for the holidays.  In this program we will look at free software to edit photos, and sites to upload photos for sharing and ordering a wide array of products.  We will also look at transferring images from you camera to the computer and storage options for large file sizes.

Monday November 19^th 10:30 AM to Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

No registration required.

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com