Franklin Republicans Elect New Town Chair

The Franklin Republican Town Committee met on Thursday to select a new chair due to the resignation of Dashe Videira, who held the post since early 2024 but is moving out of state.

Their selection, former state rep. candidate Charles Bailey III, came after a unanimous vote.

Bailey, a long-time Franklin resident as well as a former Franklin Firefighter is a magna cum laude graduate of Dean College, earning a BA in Psychology He has nearly 30 years of experience as a paramedic and also was at one time a squad leader in the Army. He and wife Annamaria, raised a son and daughter, here, both graduates of Franklin High School.

Under state law, both major parties are encouraged to operate town committees in support of their respective parties. Republican town committees also send delegates to the party’s conventions, helping to select candidates for statewide office.

The Franklin RTC is stepping back from its regular participation in the town’s July 4 celebration on the Common this year but looks forward to returning next year and participating in this year’s Harvest Festival in September, according to Bailey.

“I am excited to take on this role,” said Bailey. “I love our state but clearly there is a need for an alternative to one-party rule on Beacon Hill,” he added. “We look forward to working constructively with everyone across the political spectrum to build a better future,” he said.

The group next meets on Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 pm at the Rome for food and conversation. Republicans and interested independents are welcome.