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Friday, October 25, 2013
Halloween Tasting Event Friday Night
In the News: threats investigated, public input sought
Franklin officials investigated threat against middle school
School officials contacted police on Monday about "nonspecific" rumors regarding a threat of violence against Horace Mann Middle School.
MassDOT Highway Division seeking public input
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is seeking public input about Highway Division performance and identifying priorities for services, MassDOT Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Richard Davey announced today.
Franklin Library: Halloween Hospitality
Halloween is the theme for Krafty Monday at the Franklin Public Library
This notice was re-posted from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/krafty-monday-halloween-hospitality.html
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| Halloween hospitality |
This notice was re-posted from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/krafty-monday-halloween-hospitality.html
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Candidates Forum - Oct 23, 2013
The candidates for the contested elections coming up Nov 5th were invited to participate in a forum on Wednesday evening. Many of the candidates did indeed participate. A few unable to do so because of their schedules sent in a statement to be read.
The evening was facilitated by Larry Bennedtto with time being kept by Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri. There was a four person panel to ask questions. The panel was composed of Liz Banks - Milford Daily News, Greg Chalk - Dean College, Jim Roche - Treasurer, Franklin Food Pantry and Jack Lank - President, United Chamber of Commerce.
The questions and answers kept the panelist interested, let's see what the voters say on Nov 5th
For the details on the questions and answers, you can view the individual candidate sections here
The evening was facilitated by Larry Bennedtto with time being kept by Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri. There was a four person panel to ask questions. The panel was composed of Liz Banks - Milford Daily News, Greg Chalk - Dean College, Jim Roche - Treasurer, Franklin Food Pantry and Jack Lank - President, United Chamber of Commerce.
 |
| left to right, Lank, Roche, chalk, Banks |
 |
| left to right; Feldman, Vallee, Padula, DelFino, Bissanti, Kelly, Jones, Pfeffer |
The questions and answers kept the panelist interested, let's see what the voters say on Nov 5th
 |
| left to right,; Lank, Roche, Chalk, Banks |
For the details on the questions and answers, you can view the individual candidate sections here
- Live reporting; Candidates Forum - Town Council
- Live reporting: Candidates Forum - Planning Board
- Live reporting: Candidates Forum - Board of Assess...
- Live reporting: Candidates Forum - Constables
Five Guys - fundraiser for FHS Soccer
How about a burger for soccer?
Five Guys in the Franklin Village Plaza is donating a portion of the procedures from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2013
You'll need to print out the flyer here to bring it with you.
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| Five Guys |
Five Guys in the Franklin Village Plaza is donating a portion of the procedures from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2013
You'll need to print out the flyer here to bring it with you.
Annual Preschool Fair
The MOMS Club of Franklin will be holding the Annual Preschool Fair at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30-7:30pm. Preschools from Franklin and surrounding towns will be available to answer questions and provide info for the 2014-2015 school year. Please join us in the Community Room of the Library at 118 Main Street in Franklin.
For additional information about the fair, please contact Jennifer Driscoll at 508-472-4752 or Charuta Apta at 978-376-1324.
Franklin Lions: Candy Collection
Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy!!
Donate Yours
To Our
Troops!!
Sunday November 3rd, 2013
VFW Hall
1034 Pond Street
Franklin, MA 02038
10am to 2pm
Every Child who donates is entered into a drawing various prizes!!!
Sponsored by the Franklin Lions
In the News: candidate forum, investigated threat, plea deal
Franklin forum introduces town election races
Several candidates in the four contested races on the Nov. 5 ballot attended a forum on Wednesday to introduce themselves to the public and share their views on a host of issues facing the town.
Officials investigated threat against Franklin middle school
A message was sent on Monday to all parents with children at Horace Mann Middle School saying there had been a threat of violence against the school that was later proved unfounded.
Judge: 5 years max for Franklin's Dookan if she pleads
A Massachusetts judge said Wednesday that she won't impose a sentence of more than three to five years if a chemist pleads guilty in a state drug lab scandal that led to more than 1,000 criminal cases being dismissed or not prosecuted, many because of tainted evidence.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Franklin Public Schools: Alleged Threats and Rumors
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
October 23, 2013
Hello
As you may have heard in the community or read in the local paper there have been rumors amongst our eighth- grade students about an alleged plan of a violent act against the Horace Mann Middle School community. These rumors began to circulate on Monday and increased in volume on Tuesday. The rumored threat was non-specific and the alleged threats were changing as the rumors were circulated in school, on buses and in the community. Please be advised that no alleged threat has been substantiated.
The Franklin Police were notified and are collaborating with school officials. Consistent with the district's crisis/emergency response plan the police were consulted and are continuing to investigate all rumors. Every measure has been taken to ensure we have a safe learning environment for our children.
The situation in Nevada and now the sad event in Danvers, MA have served to reinforce anxiety about school safety. If your child is experiencing stress or anxiety over these situations our school counseling personnel are skilled to support our children. If you have concerns please contact your child's school to access our counseling supports.
Thank You and Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski
Superintendent of Schools
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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
Live reporting; Candidates Forum - Town Council
Note: since there are only seven candidates for School Committee, they are not participating tonight. Only the contested positions are being given time to present their position this evening.
Present
Brett S. Feldman
Robert R. Vallee
Peter E. Padula
Charles F. Delfino, Jr.
Andrew M. Bissanti
Matthew T. Kelly
Glenn F. Jones
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Not Present
Thomas D. Mercer
Stephen T. Williams
Each candidate opens with a brief statement on their background and experience
Pfeffer - long history of servicing on various boards and committees
Jones - looking for second term
Kelly - multiple memberships on boards and committees, also looking for second term
Bissanti - long time Franklin resident, family history, business, second term
DelFino - looking for first term
Padula - had Vallee as a teacher many years ago, he will do his homework if elected
Vallee - looking for 8th term on Council, he is 'boring"
Feldman - former Finance Committee member, good knowledge of the Franklin finances
statement read for Williams, former Chief of Police
statement read for Mercer, current Town Councilor, School Building Committee Chair
Pfeffer - asked how is government to serve and what needs improvement? Every year we are asked the same question, how do we get more money and no one here has that answer
Jones - the three major issues, (1) OPEB needs to be addressed, (2) maintenance of roads/streets and (3) finding new and interesting ways to generate revenue sources
Kelly - Should the Council play an active role or a passive role in business development? We just had an opportunity to do this. Sometimes it takes nine members of the Council to say we need to look at this or do this. Do this make sense for Franklin?
Biassanti - should Franklin adopt a mayor form of government? before we answer the question, we really should look at the different forms of government and decide what we want. Our current form mimic this as he answers to the Council.
DelFino - What do see as the Council's role in the daily affairs, especially to address the citizens concerns?Look at both sides of the story as presented to the Council
Padula - I would move on it sooner than later money now is cheaper than later? We do need to look at the cost of rehab and see what it would compare to the cost of a new building.
Vallee - how can the town best improve its financial situation? Look to expand the base as much as we can, there is not much other than raising taxes with prop 2.5
Feldman - how can the town best improve its financial situation? In my finance experience, Franklin does a great job managing the budget, there is no waste. Given that, trying to get more business in commercial and industrial. Look at different zoning opportunities. There is growth in the region along the i95 belt. Going to be tough, need to look at the long term, look to the future.
Pfeffer - favorably disposed to 5 stories in the central district? we recently passed changes to allow 3 stories, we do want more money, so it depends upon what it can do for Franklin
Jones - Treasurer/Collector should be elected or appointed? The question has come back up again and will be on the ballot. There are various reasons for qualification of the candidate. i am leaning to have it appointed but it is up to the peoples choice
Kelly - How would you fund the million dollar requirements to fix Franklin's roads? This has come up to the Council with the citizens concerns. You have a couple of choices; an override. You can bond it, a 15 year bond. But before you decide is you have to have a maintenance plan. The future Council has to worry about the fixing plan and the maintenance plan. It won;t be a one time problem. It will be one for years to come.
Bissanti - The Globe once described downtown as 'seedy'. You know I never realy through so. We do need to attract developers to the downtown, we need to give them the range and latitude to do something. They should have and opportunity
DelFino - the Council just approved the Master Plan? It was a good job to approve it.
Padula - wouldn you run for mayor? No, I would not run for mayor. I hope it wasn't a reference to your office (Bisaanti) moving closer to downtown. I know Vallee's office is downtown so it is not for that reason. I thiink it is a great discussion to have
Vallee - how should Franklin look in the future? Enhancing our revenue stream is importnat, to increase teachers in the school system. To revise our bylaw, we have a citizens committee shaking things up
Feldman - I am pro teamwork, on a team with five people from five continents. It can be hard, some can hold their own turf. We need to work together. Some sacrifices for other groups to get balance over time
Pfeffer - opinion on dual vs single tax rate? I have always been in favor of a single tax rate. It would burden the residential taxpayer
Jones -When should the Council assert its authority when a favor development is not being delivered? Our approach should always being in favor of what the community wants, if the council endorses something that the folks don't necessarily want, they should find out before asserting their authority
Kelly - maintenance of town buildings could be improved? the most recent example is the old town hall and surprise the Council. We had asked for these items every year. We want to go back to the providers maintenance records and get a report of repairs regularly. If I am re-elected, this will,be on the forefront. The council needs to be more proactive on building maintenance
Bissanti - would you support adoption of the Preservation Act? I would, folks don't realize how much that this program can offer for us. Bryan Taberner is in favor of bringing it forward
DelFino - Council role on the Town Administrator? It should be an even type of relationship
Padula - does the Cook's Farm bylaws fit into the Master Plan? if they don't they should, we need to put protocols in place so there are no issues?
Vallee - Shoud the council be proactive in residential and commercial development? yes, it is in the hands of the council at this present time
Feldman - what is the most pressing issue? the roads have been raised as the big, we did see a presentation on the DPW plan, with maintenance, we need to think about the funding options, look at other technologies on road repairs, issues with the State providing their funds. It affect people directly.
2 minute closing for each candidates
Pfeffer - goal of council is to serve all the people, people should go out an vote on Nov 5th
Jones -second opinion on voting, the major power of the citizens of this country for our community to be the best
Kelly - thanks to the panel for putting this together, thanks to the citizens for the opportunity to serve, my desire is to serve the people of Franklin
Bissanti - I will them with the proper pacing and drama. Without change there can be no growth. when we cease to grow we die. I did not miss a meeting the past two years. I look forward to be part of a council that will provide more direction than it receives
DelFino - since I feel down on the first two questions, I'll keep my closing short. I am willing and capable of making those decisions for the common good
Padula - life long Franklin resident, it has been a privilege and pleasure to raise my family here, with my background and experience I think I would be a value here and look for the opportunity to serve
Vallee - we had to be reactive mode instead of proactive, we need to craft something for Cook's Farm. We are not listed in the Top 50 in the schools in the state, I know why, we haven't funded it or staffed it properly. I want may councilors to get 10 new teachers, we are under staffed
Feldman - professionally I work in the energy industry, I have pushed to be as prudent as they can to control our destiny. I look forward to the new solar developments in town to help. I have worked on a number of boards so I know what it takes to make decisions and work things out. I look forward to being part of the solution
Thanks to the panelist
Liz Bank, Milford daily News
Greg Chalk, Dean College
Jim Roche
Jack Lank, United Chamber of Commerce
Two questions on the ballot read aloud by Town Clerk, Deb Pellegri
1 - binding is to move the current treasurer from elected to appointed
2 - non-binding to see what the voters would like to decide to see a mayor, it would take time to do so. only a public opinion question
absentee ballots are in, can come in to the office to vote
thanks to Larry Benedetto our moderator and our panelists
Present
Brett S. Feldman
Robert R. Vallee
Peter E. Padula
Charles F. Delfino, Jr.
Andrew M. Bissanti
Matthew T. Kelly
Glenn F. Jones
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Not Present
Thomas D. Mercer
Stephen T. Williams
Each candidate opens with a brief statement on their background and experience
Pfeffer - long history of servicing on various boards and committees
Jones - looking for second term
Kelly - multiple memberships on boards and committees, also looking for second term
Bissanti - long time Franklin resident, family history, business, second term
 |
| left to right; Bissanti, Kelly, Jones, Pfeffer |
DelFino - looking for first term
Padula - had Vallee as a teacher many years ago, he will do his homework if elected
Vallee - looking for 8th term on Council, he is 'boring"
Feldman - former Finance Committee member, good knowledge of the Franklin finances
 |
| left to right; Feldman, Vallee, Padula, DelFino |
statement read for Williams, former Chief of Police
statement read for Mercer, current Town Councilor, School Building Committee Chair
Pfeffer - asked how is government to serve and what needs improvement? Every year we are asked the same question, how do we get more money and no one here has that answer
Jones - the three major issues, (1) OPEB needs to be addressed, (2) maintenance of roads/streets and (3) finding new and interesting ways to generate revenue sources
Kelly - Should the Council play an active role or a passive role in business development? We just had an opportunity to do this. Sometimes it takes nine members of the Council to say we need to look at this or do this. Do this make sense for Franklin?
Biassanti - should Franklin adopt a mayor form of government? before we answer the question, we really should look at the different forms of government and decide what we want. Our current form mimic this as he answers to the Council.
DelFino - What do see as the Council's role in the daily affairs, especially to address the citizens concerns?Look at both sides of the story as presented to the Council
Padula - I would move on it sooner than later money now is cheaper than later? We do need to look at the cost of rehab and see what it would compare to the cost of a new building.
Vallee - how can the town best improve its financial situation? Look to expand the base as much as we can, there is not much other than raising taxes with prop 2.5
Feldman - how can the town best improve its financial situation? In my finance experience, Franklin does a great job managing the budget, there is no waste. Given that, trying to get more business in commercial and industrial. Look at different zoning opportunities. There is growth in the region along the i95 belt. Going to be tough, need to look at the long term, look to the future.
Pfeffer - favorably disposed to 5 stories in the central district? we recently passed changes to allow 3 stories, we do want more money, so it depends upon what it can do for Franklin
Jones - Treasurer/Collector should be elected or appointed? The question has come back up again and will be on the ballot. There are various reasons for qualification of the candidate. i am leaning to have it appointed but it is up to the peoples choice
Kelly - How would you fund the million dollar requirements to fix Franklin's roads? This has come up to the Council with the citizens concerns. You have a couple of choices; an override. You can bond it, a 15 year bond. But before you decide is you have to have a maintenance plan. The future Council has to worry about the fixing plan and the maintenance plan. It won;t be a one time problem. It will be one for years to come.
Bissanti - The Globe once described downtown as 'seedy'. You know I never realy through so. We do need to attract developers to the downtown, we need to give them the range and latitude to do something. They should have and opportunity
DelFino - the Council just approved the Master Plan? It was a good job to approve it.
Padula - wouldn you run for mayor? No, I would not run for mayor. I hope it wasn't a reference to your office (Bisaanti) moving closer to downtown. I know Vallee's office is downtown so it is not for that reason. I thiink it is a great discussion to have
Vallee - how should Franklin look in the future? Enhancing our revenue stream is importnat, to increase teachers in the school system. To revise our bylaw, we have a citizens committee shaking things up
Feldman - I am pro teamwork, on a team with five people from five continents. It can be hard, some can hold their own turf. We need to work together. Some sacrifices for other groups to get balance over time
Pfeffer - opinion on dual vs single tax rate? I have always been in favor of a single tax rate. It would burden the residential taxpayer
Jones -When should the Council assert its authority when a favor development is not being delivered? Our approach should always being in favor of what the community wants, if the council endorses something that the folks don't necessarily want, they should find out before asserting their authority
Kelly - maintenance of town buildings could be improved? the most recent example is the old town hall and surprise the Council. We had asked for these items every year. We want to go back to the providers maintenance records and get a report of repairs regularly. If I am re-elected, this will,be on the forefront. The council needs to be more proactive on building maintenance
Bissanti - would you support adoption of the Preservation Act? I would, folks don't realize how much that this program can offer for us. Bryan Taberner is in favor of bringing it forward
DelFino - Council role on the Town Administrator? It should be an even type of relationship
Padula - does the Cook's Farm bylaws fit into the Master Plan? if they don't they should, we need to put protocols in place so there are no issues?
Vallee - Shoud the council be proactive in residential and commercial development? yes, it is in the hands of the council at this present time
Feldman - what is the most pressing issue? the roads have been raised as the big, we did see a presentation on the DPW plan, with maintenance, we need to think about the funding options, look at other technologies on road repairs, issues with the State providing their funds. It affect people directly.
2 minute closing for each candidates
Pfeffer - goal of council is to serve all the people, people should go out an vote on Nov 5th
Jones -second opinion on voting, the major power of the citizens of this country for our community to be the best
Kelly - thanks to the panel for putting this together, thanks to the citizens for the opportunity to serve, my desire is to serve the people of Franklin
Bissanti - I will them with the proper pacing and drama. Without change there can be no growth. when we cease to grow we die. I did not miss a meeting the past two years. I look forward to be part of a council that will provide more direction than it receives
DelFino - since I feel down on the first two questions, I'll keep my closing short. I am willing and capable of making those decisions for the common good
Padula - life long Franklin resident, it has been a privilege and pleasure to raise my family here, with my background and experience I think I would be a value here and look for the opportunity to serve
Vallee - we had to be reactive mode instead of proactive, we need to craft something for Cook's Farm. We are not listed in the Top 50 in the schools in the state, I know why, we haven't funded it or staffed it properly. I want may councilors to get 10 new teachers, we are under staffed
Feldman - professionally I work in the energy industry, I have pushed to be as prudent as they can to control our destiny. I look forward to the new solar developments in town to help. I have worked on a number of boards so I know what it takes to make decisions and work things out. I look forward to being part of the solution
Thanks to the panelist
Liz Bank, Milford daily News
Greg Chalk, Dean College
Jim Roche
Jack Lank, United Chamber of Commerce
Two questions on the ballot read aloud by Town Clerk, Deb Pellegri
1 - binding is to move the current treasurer from elected to appointed
2 - non-binding to see what the voters would like to decide to see a mayor, it would take time to do so. only a public opinion question
absentee ballots are in, can come in to the office to vote
thanks to Larry Benedetto our moderator and our panelists
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