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Today we continue postings 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 by the Oct.4 deadline: Jane Callaway-Tripp, Caroline Griffith, Stephen Malloy, Joe McGann, and Max Morongiello, were presented a few days ago. Today, we share three additional candidate submissions, namely Ken Ojukwu, Tom Mercer, and Gene Grella.
Thomas D. Mercer
Briefly discuss ‘who you are’ in no more than 150 words.
As a lifelong Franklin resident, this community is where I’ve built my life, raised my family, and served in public office. My wife and I, along with our three daughters, are all proud Franklin Public Schools graduates, deepening my commitment to our town’s future.
I’ve served 14 years on the Town Council—7 as Chairman—and 10 years on the School Committee, 8 as Chair. I’ve worked to balance fiscal responsibility with investment in infrastructure, education, and quality of life.
I’m proud to have chaired major building projects, including the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC complex, the Senior Center, and the new Franklin High School—investments that will serve generations.
Beyond public service, I’ve supported our civic and cultural life through decades-long involvement with the Franklin Country Club, Franklin Performing Arts Company, and Dean College.
I respectfully ask for your vote to continue providing steady, experienced leadership for Franklin’s future.
Briefly state why you are running for TC and why someone should vote for you (75 words max)
I'm running for Town Council to promote respectful, open-minded dialogue and bridge divides in our community. I believe in listening without judgment, avoiding misinformation, and focusing on shared values like safety, opportunity, and fairness. By encouraging cooperation over conflict—both online and in person—I hope to strengthen civic engagement and unity in Franklin. If elected, I’ll continue working to find common ground and lead with integrity, respect, and a commitment to all residents.
TOWN COUNCIL SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
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?
A tax increase would be manageable for me personally, but I recognize that’s not the case for everyone in our community. I’m mindful that many residents—especially seniors, families on fixed incomes, and those facing rising costs—may experience real financial strain. That’s why any discussion of a tax override must be handled transparently, with clear communication about what’s at stake, what the funds will support, and how we can minimize the burden on those least able to afford it.
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?
B) How do you view the role of affordable housing in our town’s future—both its benefits and its challenges?
A) I support responsible new growth in Franklin that aligns with our infrastructure, school capacity, and long-term planning goals. Affordable housing is an important part of that growth. While we must preserve the character of our town, we also need to ensure that people of all ages and income levels—including young families, seniors, and essential workers—can afford to live here.
B) Affordable housing helps keep our community diverse and vibrant. It allows lifelong residents to stay in Franklin and supports local businesses that rely on a stable workforce. The challenge lies in balancing affordability with thoughtful development—ensuring we don’t overburden our schools, roads, or public services. With careful planning and community input, we can integrate affordable housing in a way that strengthens Franklin’s future without compromising what makes it special.
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?
I do not support closing the Senior Center. It’s a vital resource for many in our community, providing essential services, social connection, and support for our senior residents. If we’re facing serious revenue shortfalls, we must look at all options—but closing the Senior Center should be a last resort. Instead, we should explore alternative funding sources, prioritize core services, and engage the community in finding solutions that protect the most vulnerable among us
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?
Rebuilding trust starts with listening, respect, and transparency. If re-elected, I will continue to engage with all residents—whether we agree or not—with an open mind and a willingness to have honest, respectful conversations. I’ll work to ensure decisions are made openly, with clear communication about the “why” behind them. I also believe in leading by example: avoiding divisive rhetoric, promoting civil dialogue, and focusing on shared values that unite us as a community.
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?
Addressing the budget deficit requires a balanced, transparent approach. First, we need to clearly communicate the consequences of underfunding essential services—what’s truly at risk. I believe in engaging the community early, listening to concerns, and building trust through open dialogue. We must also explore cost-saving measures, seek efficiencies, and pursue alternative funding sources like state aid or grants. If another override is necessary, it must be realistic, clearly justified, and focused on protecting Franklin’s core services.
6. What other initiatives or directions do you believe the town should undertake to address its fiscal problems?
To address Franklin’s fiscal challenges, I believe we need a multi-pronged approach beyond overrides. This includes:
Long-Term Financial Planning – Strengthen multi-year budgeting to anticipate future shortfalls and plan accordingly, not reactively.
Economic Development – Attract new businesses and support existing ones to grow the commercial tax base, reducing reliance on residential taxes.
Grants and State/Federal Aid – Aggressively pursue grant opportunities and advocate for fair state funding, especially for schools.
Shared Services & Regionalization – Explore partnerships with neighboring towns to share costs on services like IT, purchasing, and public safety.
Efficiency Audits – Regularly review town departments for potential cost savings or efficiencies without sacrificing service quality.
Civic Engagement – Involve residents more directly in budget discussions to build understanding, transparency, and trust around tough decisions.
These steps can help create a more stable, sustainable financial future for Franklin.
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