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Today’s entire posting is dedicated to the Franklin Town Council election. We contacted all 15 candidates by email and asked each of them the same questions and also asked for a response on our proposed “pledge.” [Could you also include whether you would support/agree to the Pledge we have proposed? (see: https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/335372/editoria… ). Five candidates responded: Jane Callaway-Tripp, Caroline Griffith, Stephen Malloy, Joe McGann, and Max Morongiello, presented in alphabetical order, with the caveat that the platform does not always post in the order requested. Some submitted photos, other did not. A sixth candidate, Debbie Pellegri, responded only to the Pledge question, stating, “I will not accept money from any group.”We wish all candidates well and thank them for their willingness to serve the Town of Franklin.
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JOE McGANN
A) Briefly discuss ‘who you are’ in no more than 150 words.
A lifelong resident of Franklin, established own business in town as a builder and electrician., was a member of the town council a number of years ago and based upon the movement of this town and the projects we are getting involved with I decided it was time to try and come back. I do not have all the answers, I probably at this time have not even heard all the questions, we all should be respected and heard, I will do my very best for this town.
B) Briefly state why you are running for TC and why someone should vote for you (75 words max)
I want respect for all who come before this council or any other committee of this town. I want transparency in all dealings whether at the council or any other town board committee. I want that all decisions are made in the open with all members opinions noted and counted considered.
1. Personal Impact of Tax Increases
We’ve heard arguments for and against a tax override, including what’s needed to maintain current services and suggestions to ask for even more. My question is:
How would a tax increase affect you personally and financially?
Would the increase be manageable for you, a financial strain, or have no impact?
There are very few people that I know that are financially secure that any increase will not affect their lives. I am still gainfully employed, own my own home. Increase in all aspects of one's life are recurring constantly, it is somewhat difficult to understand how the town has made some changes that it has done when we are supposed to be cash poor, i.e. changing logo on all paper products, now showing up on all town vehicles, having an Asst. T.A. at a very seriously pay scale.
2. New Growth and Affordable Housing
A) What is your position on new growth in Franklin, in particular with regard to the town accepting of encouraging more so-called affordable housing?
Affordable housing is totally incorrect term to be used in housing, an affordable apartment in town has a basic rent of a little over $1600.00 which does not include heat, water, sewer, parking, gas, electric, internet. Only a very small percent in all affordable housing complexes is set aside of these affordable apartments, generally no more than 10% of the total number of apartments.
B) How do you view the role of affordable housing in our town’s future—both its benefits and its challenges?
Challenge is to find land in my opinion is that any and all available land should be marketed for commercial enterprise, bring business into Franklin and assist help the commercial tax base grow from currently about 20% commercial.
3. Senior Center and Revenue Shortfalls
The Town Administrator has projected potential closures—including the Senior Center—if revenue doesn’t increase. What is your position on closing the Senior Center?
The reason so many families want to move to Franklin is that they find this town perfect for them BECAUSE the seniors who are now using the senior center have made this town what it is today. There are many other areas of our budget which should be carefully and expertly reviewed, general consensus has been that the seniors all voted against the override...
4. Rebuilding Trust and a Sense of Community
Franklin is divided. Many residents have expressed frustration with each other and mistrust in town leadership. If elected (or re-elected), how would you work to rebuild trust and help mend the divide in our community?
The November 2nd election will bring a number of new members, coming from all sections, all a varied group of virtual strangers who will meld together to get each and every job done.
5. Budget Deficit and Future Overrides
We are facing a budget deficit, and two override attempts have failed.
How would you approach this challenge going forward?
The council needs to see where the money is going. The school really needs to have a forensic audit. This is not a bad thing; we the residents need to know what is being spent and where it is being spent.
Would you support another override or special election—and under what conditions?
See response to question 6
6. What other initiatives or directions do you believe the town should undertake to address its fiscal problems?
See response to question 5
