Candidates Night-- Meet the Candidates -- Thursday Night

WHERE: The event will be held at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St., 2nd Fl in the Council Chambers

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:00P.M.

It will also be available through Franklin TV – Channel 29 (Verizon) Channel 11 (Comcast)

OVERVIIEW:
This `just in' from the Town Clerk's Office and Candidates Night Moderator, retired Police Chief, Lawrence Benedetto. (Primarily intended for candidates but useful for audience/viewers, too

As the AGENDA explained ROUND ONE and ROUND TWO provides a venue for candidates to provide personal information as well as information on issues he/she believes is pertinent to the office they seek. In addition to the candidates choosing which issues he/she deems to be important, there are a number of issues particular to the respective offices they seek that currently face the community and are worthy or response as well as general observations, information and concerns. Should any candidate disagree or have contradictory information, please feel free to comment. Constructive criticism or correctional information is always welcomed. Such as:

Historically, approximately 60% of the budget is allocated for education. Franklin's school population is declining. In 2009 there were over 6,000 students; today it is approximately  4771. All candidates for the School Committee should be familiar with a letter sent by Representative Jeff Roy to the Council detailing state funding and what Franklin can anticipate. School Committee candidates should comment as well as opine on enhancing school funding.

1. There are now more seniors and Veterans in the community (approximately 6,000) than students. School closings and redistricting are inevitable, candidates should comment on this.
2. Franklin’s current annual pension assessment is 6.5M; Healthcare for town and school personnel is between 11-12M, real estate taxes primarily fund these obligations (80%).
3. The mandatory EPA Stormwater regulations are believed to have a major impact on the DPW, which lost two positions this year, and will be seeking funding, quite likely through increased fees, permits, and development costs that is likely to make Franklin less competitive than our neighbors in expanding our tax base, which is currently 80% residential. When a community has a small commercial/industrial base, the homeowner becomes responsible for additional funding/revenue.
4. The Planning Board does not make the rules, they enforce rules, regulations, local and state laws as passed on to them. Rules pertaining to development are the purview of the Council. If, as an observer noted, “Bellingham gets Whole Foods, Franklin gets Mattress City” due to development difficulties, it is the Council not the PB who made those rules.
5. Would Franklin be better served if term limits for council and school committee were adopted? The allegation is that re-election has precedent over important or unpopular decisions; should that be a ballot question? All council and committee candidates should respond to this.
6. NIMBYs and complaints about traffic frequently are raised when a development that might benefit the community at large is proposed. Unless you or your family came to America across the Asian land bridge centuries ago, you are a newcomer. If you are in traffic or own/drive a car, you are part of the traffic issue.
7. The town expended approximately 5M in the downtown reconstruction, now a second phase is necessary, which should include the train station and enhanced municipal parking. Assuming ownership of the depot and eminent domain proceedings may be necessary, as well as a publicprivate consideration. Candidates for Council should comment or express their thoughts on this.
8. Staggered elections were considered and a Committee report did not support it, a few years ago. Candidates might offer their views on what would improve the Council and School Committee, if anything, to the benefit of the community.
9. Councilors should express their support or non-support for Zone 7 (R7) development which very often can provide significant revenue at minimum impact, but may be opposed by a small minority to the detriment of the community at large.
10. What recommendations can you make for the town’s next Master Plan; when should it commence; should it be religiously followed?
11. Apart from the 2021 Voter guide, which some candidates did not participate in, where else can information on your candidacy be obtained?

In closing, in my prior notice I alluded to two public servants who made a difference. Allow me to expose two more: Paul Cheli and Bob Vallee. Paul served three terms on the Council, three years on the Council Advisory Committee, four years on the Board of Health, five years on the Library Committee, numerous committee’s associated with those offices, as well as President of the Rotary. In describing Bob Vallee’s admonition to the Council, where he presided for six terms as Chair, Paul stated he was told by Bob “it’s all about the greater good for Franklin, that the health and welfare of its citizens was the Council’s priority.” Two truly dedicated public servants.

Lastly, on a personal note, in my forty plus years of association with the town I cannot count all the many dedicated public servants; employees; volunteers; and residents I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. As Chief of Police for some 22 years I worked closely with the professional managers that so effectively lead the town, a tradition that continues to this day. It was then, and still is Team Franklin, and all of you who volunteer to participate are an integral part of that team. I wish you well on Thursday.

Best regards, Larry Benedetto