Senator Ross: Read my June 2018 Newsletter!

View this email in your browser State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, Summer has officially begun and we are busy wrapping up our legislative session at the State House. There is still so much to do, and my I am looking forward to continuing my work and representing the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex district. The FY19 Senate Budget is currently being reviewed by the Conference Committee, and we are awaiting its release and forward movement towards Governor Baker's desk. Please review my Budget Round-Up which describes many things my constituents need to know. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely, ON THE HILL

This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of contents visit  View this link in your browser

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Wednesday, July 4 (closes down at 5:00 PM)

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Wednesday, July 4

• 12-5 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12-5PM - $30)
• 12-2 PM: Tyler Zajac (a singer-songwriter of rock, blues, funk, jazz and reggae)  
• 2-4 PM: Emma Newton (a harpist, pianist, and singer-songwriter)


Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod and Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

ticket booth for the amusement rides

automobile amusement ride

Census: Fast Facts for the 4th of July

"The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy. 

Did You Know?

2.5 million

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.

Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: 1789-1945

326 million  

The nation’s estimated population on July 1, 2017.

Source: Vintage 2017 Population Estimates  

56

The number of signers to the Declaration of Independence. It is also worth noting that:

• John Hancock was the first signer, and a merchant by trade. In 2015, 1.1 million business establishments with paid employees, like Hancock, were in the retail trade industry.Source: 2016 Geography Area Series: County Business Patterns, Table CB1500A11  

• Benjamin Franklin, who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers at age 70. Franklin County, Pa., had an estimated population of 154,234 as of July 1, 2017, and York City, Pa., had a population of 446,078 as of July 1, 2017. 
• Edward Rutledge, of South Carolina, was the youngest at age 26. South Carolina had an estimated population 5,024,369 as of July 1, 2017.Source: Vintage 2017 Population Estimates 
• $368.6 million The value of fireworks sales by establishments classified as NAICS 453998, all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) in 2012.Source: 2012 Economic Census, NAICS: 453998

https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2018/comm/july4.html

4th of July: Commuter Rail operating on Saturday Schedule

Trains will operate on a modified Saturday schedule 7/4. Last trains will be held until after the fireworks on most lines. Visit mbta.com/schedules. 

Bikes, including folding bikes, prohibited on CR trains 10 AM - 6 PM inbound after 4 PM on outbound trains.

Commuter rail travel is free after 9:30 PM.

Last updated: Jul 03 2018 12:11 PM
Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/schedules

4th of July: Commuter Rail operating on Saturday Schedule

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Tuesday, July 3 (Fireworks!)

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Tuesday, July 3

• 6-10 PM: Rides and food booths open
• 6:30-9:30 PM: Victory Shot Band (a premier local band playing six decades of rock)

• 9:30 PM: FIREWORKS / Franklin High School

Victory Shot Band (a premier local band playing six decades of rock)

Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod and Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing


Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/

Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

Major donors to the celebration:

Platinum sponsors

Gold sponsors

Silver sponsors

Franklin Police -> Franklin Fireworks road closure notice

"Franklin Fireworks road closure notice: Oak Street, from ECHO BRIDGE to CHURCH SQUARE will be closed at approximately 8:30pm on 7/3/2018 to accommodate pedestrian traffic for the fireworks celebration. 

No vehicles, including residents will be allowed to pass. PANTHER WAY will also close as soon as the parking lots at the high school are full. Access to HIGHWOOD DRIVE and VETERANS MEMORIAL DRIVE will still be allowed for residents. 

Please obey all permanent and temporary no parking signs. 
Vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions will be removed."

Franklin Police -> Franklin Fireworks road closure notice

This was shared from the Franklin Police Facebook post:

FHS Haba, Noviello, Macchi, Fitzgibbons, Woelfel named for 2018 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Please note that the HockomockSports.com awards are selected by our staff. They are completely separate from the Hockomock League All Stars. Players are listed alphabetically by position.


Alex Haba – Franklin – Infield
Franklin junior Alex Haba followed a strong sophomore season with an impressive junior campaign. Haba impressed defensively at shortstop and led the Panthers’ offense as the No. 3 hitter. Haba hit 0.314 with 27 hits this season and led Franklin in runs (19), triples (6), walks (13), stolen bases (15), and tied for home runs. “Alex had a tremendous year defensively at shortstop and led our team in a number of offensive categories,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “We are excited that he will anchor our infield defense for his senior season.”

Jake Noviello – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin senior Jake Noviello finished a terrific career in the best way possible: a state championship. A top pitcher in the league for the last three years, Noviello went 7-2 and recorded the save in the state title game. He struck out 66 batters in 65.2 innings of work, finishing with a 1.81 ERA. “Jake is a co-captain and has been a tremendous leader for our program,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “On the hill, Jake is a workhorse and a tremendous competitor. Jake’s ability was never more on display than during our Super 8 run. Jake has left a lasting impression on our program.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Jake Macchi – Franklin – Catcher
Franklin’s Jake Macchi will remember his junior season for a long time, mostly because of his two-run home run to help the Panthers win the Super 8 State Championship. Batting fourth in the lineup, Macchi led the Panthers in hits (34), singles (23), and doubles (9). He was very strong behind the plate as well, catching nearly every inning of the season. “He was a rock behind the plate and I believe he is the best receiver and blocker of the baseball in the state,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “We are thrilled he will be back behind the dish for one more year.”

Colby Fitzgibbons – Franklin – Infield
Franklin senior Colby Fitzgibbons had a breakout season in 2018 and helped the Panthers win their first-ever Super 8 Championship. In his first year as a starter, Fitzgibbons emerged as a catalyst for the Franklin offense, batting in the leadoff spot. He finished with 24 hits and a 0.308 average. He added six doubles, 12 RBI, 16 runs, and stole four bases. “Colby batted leadoff for us and played a stellar second base defensively,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He was always a calming and clutch presence. He was one of the most consistent performers we had all season.”

Bryan Woelfel – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin senior Bryan Woelfel started the season as one of the most underrated pitchers in the league and finished as one of the most respected in the area. Woelfel, a right-handed pitcher, threw a team-high 66 innings for the Super 8 Champion Panthers, going 7-1 with a save. He struck out 63 and allowed just nine earned runs all season for a 0.95 ERA. “Bryan is a co-captain and a great teammate,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “Pound for pound, Bryan is one of the best competitors. His versatility as a pitcher makes him extremely unique. Bryan was always unfazed by pressure situations.”

For all the baseball awards, visit this link
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/baseball/2018-2/

FHS Panthers

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Monday, July 2

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Monday, July 2

•      6-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRISTBANDS FROM 6-10 PM - $30)

•     7-10 PM: The News Team (a four piece rock and roll outfit that plays classic rock and funk hits)

Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod and Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

"Dragon Wagon" amusement ride on the Town Common

"Flying Bobs" amusement ride on the Town Common

Trash/Recycling Delayed on Weds/Thu/Fri for 4th of July

With the 4th of July falling on Wednesday, those scheduled for Mon or Tues pickup will do so as normal. Those scheduled for Weds, will get picked up Thursday. Those for Thursday, on Friday. Those for Friday, on Saturday.


Collection Schedule
Waste Management collects trash and recycling once every week between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
on your designated service day. 

Holidays
Collection will be delayed one day if your collection day falls on or after one of these observed holidays. Please note if an observed Holiday falls on a Sunday there will be NO DELAY in collection.

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

The updated solid waste flyer should have been delivered with the mail recently. If not, you can get a copy here or on the Town of Franklin page

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - one delay from Wednesday

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar As part of an ongoing effort to provide outreach to Norfolk County communities, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a free informational seminar on computer assisted land record research. At the seminar, attendees learned how to navigate the Registry's online research page www.norfolkdeeds.org and to access documents such as deeds, mortgage discharges, Homesteads and other land related materials. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds state-of-the-art computer system has more than 6 million land document images available for viewing, dating back to 1793. Register O'Donnell noted, "We have put a great deal of effort into ensuring our land documents are online and are accessible within 24 business hours of recording. The feedback we have received from attendees indicates these computer seminars are very helpful whether or not the attendee is a real estate professional, genealogical enthusiast or simply an interested member of the general public." For those attending the seminar, computer skills were not required. Each attendee received free reference materials, which they took home with them. Additionally, there were several staffers on hand, including Register O'Donnell, who were available to assist and answer questions. "Those attending our recent Spring seminar learned how easy it is to look up land related documents. With this knowledge, they can do this research from the comfort and convenience of their home or work computer," noted the Register. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Computer seminars are held by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds twice each year in the fall and the spring. The dates are advertised in local papers throughout the county as well as through the Registry's social media outlets. For further information, you can contact Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds:  Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

"this is an opportunity to play offense rather than playing defense on this crisis"

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

"From the Berkshires to the Cape, cities and towns across Massachusetts are taking legal action against the makers of opioid drugs, joining a broad effort to hold them responsible for the ravages of opioid abuse. 

About one-third of all communities in the state have announced plans to sue pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, alleging the companies recklessly promoted painkillers while discounting the threat of long-term addiction they pose. 

Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey is also taking drug companies to court. In a lawsuit filed June 12, Healey accused Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin and other opioid drugs, of misleading prescribers and consumers about the risks of its products, contributing to the deaths of more than 670 Massachusetts residents who were prescribed Purdue drugs since 2009."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180701/massachusetts-communities-taking-drug-makers-to-court

Franklin's Town Council met in Executive Session on June 20, 2018 to discuss joining this law suit. As the discussion was held in 'executive session', we'll find out in a future agenda when either the Council will get a new item to discuss in open session or at some point the minutes of the executive session will be voted on to be released for public viewing. With two members of the Council as members of the SAFE Coalition (Casey and Dellorco), it is likely Franklin will take some action on this topic.

June 20 agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-20-town-council-agenda

June 20 Action Taken
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_20_2018.pdf

Visit the SAFE Coalition webpage

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Sunday, July 1

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Sunday, July 1

• 1-10 PM: Rides and food booths open 
• 2:30-3:30 PM: School of Attleboro Rock
• 4:30-5:30 PM: Jamie Barrett
• 7-10 PM: Backyard Swagger Band (a high energy country rock cover band)

More about Backyard Swagger at http://www.backyardswagger.com/



Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod & Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

the strawberry kids ride is back

zero gravity amusement ride

Concerts on the Common - Schedule for Summer 2018

The Concerts on the Common schedule for the Summer of 2018 is found here. 

The main program is scheduled to run on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM  - 8:30 PM. The Children's Programs from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM. 

You can download a copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oG2-XOINB4ziJgVbf_4N0B6MNJCrG_SJ/view?usp=sharing




The concerts will use the new stage. Franklin's Town Council authorized the purchase last year and it has arrived in time to be used this summer.

stage in the early morning dewy sunlight

full stage view

When is a Grand Bargain Actually a Grand Problem?

In Massachusetts, politics is something of a blood sport, and nowhere has that been made more clear than in the recent “grand bargain” legislation to avert the placing on the ballot issues put forth by interest groups, many with the best of intentions. These would have had crippling effects on small business in the Commonwealth and a chilling effect on the potential recruitment of new companies to our state. The process is broken and must be addressed, and because some changes are constitutional in nature, ironically ballot reform may have to be addressed with yet another ballot measure.

The process for placing an item on the ballot on which the people will decide the result is relatively simple. First, one needs an idea for a problem they believe must be fixed that our representatives are not addressing. Ten registered voters later, the issue is presented to the Attorney General’s office for review of format and an initial assessment of legality and/or constitutionality. Then the organizers raise the money necessary to get 64,750 to sign the petition to place it on the ballot. They need not support the petition, but believe that it deserves a public vote.

From there, the issue goes merrily off to the Legislature which may adopt the question into law, propose a substitute or do nothing. Then, the issue proponents go out and gather an additional 10,792 signatures and the issue goes to the ballot. If there is a legislative substitute, both go to the ballot. Once on the ballot, the issue goes to the people who will, no doubt, be subject of well-funded campaigns put forth by organizers and opponents designed to cast the issue in its most or least favorable light. In November, the people decide – UNLESS there is some kind of Legislative compromise by which the proponents agree to pull off their question from the ballot. The gun is placed firmly at the Legislature’s head at this point, and regardless of the feasibility of the solution, only getting most of what proponents want will lead to the removal from the ballot.

What is wrong with this process? Mostly everything, sadly. The threshold to get something on the ballot is absurdly low. No policy is inherently all good or all bad, but there are reasons that these issues were not put forth by our elected legislators in the first place. The best they can do is make something “less bad” or from another perspective “less good”. We hire our legislators to make the best possible policy decisions for us. Sometimes they are right; sometimes they are wrong, but there are, and should be, consequences at the ballot box if they choose a disastrous change in the law.

This year, four particularly challenging ballot propositions came forward, three of which would have crippled small business in our state. The first, the millionaire’s tax, was struck down by the courts on constitutional grounds, but proponents vow to bring it back in a more constitutionally acceptable manner. The second, a sales tax reduction proposition, would have lowered the sales tax in Massachusetts from 6.25% to 5%, repealing what at one time was put forward as a temporary measure, but whenever government and revenue are involved, temporary has a way of turning permanent. And, if successful, the legislature would have sought to replace that revenue with some other tax or fee. The third, the paid family leave initiative would have placed a new tax on businesses and employees alike to fund a new government entity to ensure up to 26 weeks per year, a kindhearted gesture with real financial consequences that could have put small businesses out of businesses. The fourth was, for many small businesses, the most frightening - the increase in minimum wage to the highest in the nation, put forth by union groups with no members actually paid at minimum wage.

So, now we have a compromise. The sales tax remains the same but we will have a weekend sales tax holiday in August. Paid family leave has been cut back in length and small businesses (under 25 employees) are exempt from paying in – but their employees will have to pay in. And the minimum wage will go up to $15 per hour, with a gradual phase out of time and a half for Sundays. There will not be a teen or training wage component, virtually guaranteeing that no business will hire young people to learn the importance of work.

The so-called “grand bargain” gave proponents most of what they wanted, all of which have very real consequences for small businesses and large businesses alike. We citizens and taxpayers are held hostage by interest groups, and ballot initiative reform is a necessity in this state. Legislators are wary of addressing it for fear of being labeled as against the will of the people. Our legislators are forced to respond and compromise on issues they might otherwise never have addressed as remedies for the people of the Commonwealth.

Our citizens deserve a fair system, devoid of governance by special interests, and we welcome the opportunity to work with our legislators toward reforming the ballot initiative process and allowing them to do the job of fashioning good through a deliberative process.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance of Chambers [SEMLAC] is comprised of the following chambers of commerce: Bristol County, Cape Cod Canal Region, Cranberry Country, Sandwich, SouthCoast, Taunton Area, Tri-Town and United Regional. SEMLAC represents the business interests of the communities each chamber serves and addresses policy issues of importance to the region as a whole.

When is a Grand Bargain Actually a Grand Problem?