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Today we continue postings dedicated to the Franklin Town Council election. We contacted all 15 TC 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. Candidates Ken Ojukwu, Tom Mercer, Glenn Jones and Gene Grella responded later. Today we add one more candidate to that list albeit with a self-crafted candidate statement rather than a response to the original questions.
"Common Sense. Fiscal Stewardship. Franklin First"
About Me
My name is Brian Bosley, and I’ve been a proud resident of Franklin for the past ten years. I’m the father of three children in the Franklin Public Schools and deeply invested in the success of our community. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Geology from SUNY Cortland and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Professionally, I’ve built my career as an IT executive at Verizon, TJX, Wayfair, and AJG, leading large teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets for complex organizations. That experience has taught me how to make sound, data-driven decisions that balance innovation with fiscal responsibility, and how to lead with common sense and accountability.
I’m not running as a politician. I’m running as a parent, a neighbor, and a taxpayer who believes Franklin deserves thoughtful, steady leadership focused on what matters most.
Fiscal Stewardship & Taxpayer Respect
Franklin families work hard for every dollar they earn. I don’t think of those dollars as 'town revenue'; it is your money, collected with the understanding that the town will act as a responsible steward. I believe that tax dollars should fund essential services first: education, public safety, infrastructure, and community well-being.
We should not continually ask residents for more when we can do better with what we already have. I will not support tax overrides or new spending until we have done the hard work of cutting waste, identifying efficiencies, and proving that the town can manage within its means. Tax revenue is not an open account, it is a trust. I will honor that trust with every decision I make.
Growth & Development Aligned with the 2025 Master Plan
Franklin’s 2025 Master Plan lays out a clear and thoughtful vision: sustainable growth, balanced development, and protection of our natural resources. Unfortunately, ongoing approvals of large apartment complexes have moved us away from that vision. These high-density projects have placed a growing strain on our schools, roads, and town infrastructure, particularly our well-based water system.
I support growth when it makes sense and when it aligns with the plan the town already approved. Development should complement the community, not overrun it. That means ensuring that housing expansion is measured, balanced, and consistent with Franklin’s character, not dictated by outside developers.
Water, Infrastructure & Housing Density
Franklin’s entire municipal water system relies on groundwater wells, a finite and shared resource. High density construction without corresponding infrastructure upgrades can put real pressure on that system.
In fact, studies have shown that rapid, concentrated development can affect both water quality and long term supply reliability if planning and capacity aren’t aligned. A study published in Frontiers in Water found that urban development patterns significantly influence water shortage frequency and duration, particularly when systems rely on groundwater wells (Frontiers in Water, 2021). We must protect our aquifers, manage demand responsibly, and ensure our water system remains sustainable for future generations. Growth must never come at the expense of essential resources.
Responsible School Funding
Our schools are the heart of our community, and every child deserves a quality education. But being 'pro-education' doesn’t mean spending without accountability. It means making sure every dollar reaches the classroom, where it makes the biggest difference.
The town’s responsibility is to provide essential services, and education is one of them. But that responsibility also includes ensuring money is managed wisely, not simply asking taxpayers to pay more. We can invest in strong schools without waste and without unnecessary overrides. That’s common sense, and it’s good stewardship.
Support for Seniors
Franklin’s senior community is an essential part of what makes our town whole. The Senior Center and its programs provide connection, independence, and dignity for many residents who rely on them every day. As our population ages, these services will become even more important.
I will work to ensure that funding for the Senior Center remains viable and sustainable, protecting the programs and outreach that so many depend on. We can be fiscally responsible and compassionate at the same time, that’s the balance Franklin needs.
Representation, Transparency & Accountability
The Town Council’s primary duty is to represent the interests of Franklin’s residents, not outside developers, special interests, or short term agendas. Too often, decisions are made quietly or move forward without genuine community input, especially when a project isn’t in the public spotlight.
The 444 East Central project at the former Stobbart property is a clear example of why that must change. If elected, I will ensure that resident concerns are heard and that every decision reflects the will and well-being of the people who live here. Protecting the town’s character, resources, and long-term stability requires leadership that listens, questions, and acts with integrity — even when no one is watching.
Closing Statement
My commitment is simple: to make common sense decisions that protect taxpayers and our resources, strengthen our community, and keep Franklin a place we’re all proud to call home.
