Donation, Commendations At Jan. 24 Township Council Meeting

Mayor Phil Kramer, left, reads Township Council commendation to Alex Kharazi, the FR&A 2016 Man of the Year.

A $4,000 donation to Second Chance for Animals and commendations for a township man’s good works and the former deputy mayor kicked off the Jan. 24 Township Council meeting.

Mayor Phil Kramer in 2016 donated all of the fees he would have collected for performing marriages to Second Chance for Animals the organization that funds the Franklin Township Animal Shelter.

That amounted to $4,250 – several couples have yet to pay the fee – a ceremonial check for which was presented to SCFA president Bob Pezzano at the meeting,

“I decided that that money should go to the animals because they have a special place in my heart,” Kramer said.

Mayor Kramer presents the ceremonial check to Bob Pezzano.

Pezzano thanked Kramer and the council for their support of SCFA over the years.

“This means so much to us, and will help so many animals,” he said of the check.

A special commendation was presented to township resident Alex Kharazi, who is the 2016 Franklin Reporter & Advocate’s Man of the Year.

The commendation notes Kharazi’s work to “bridge the varied cultures and faith traditions that comprise Franklin Township by rejuvenating a moribund township Interfaith Council and organizing candlelight vigils and other commemorations of the victims of terrorist attacks while condemning the attacker.”

The commendation also noted Kharazi’s work on several boards, including the Planning Board, the Human Relations Commission and the Martin Luther King Community Foundation.

“I’m honored to receive this commendation and be recognized by Franklin Reporter as man of the year, I know there are many others in Franklin Township who deserve this honor more than I do,” Kharazi said. “I’m especially thankful to the community members and leaders who have supported me and our efforts to bring the community together.”

“I believe more than ever before that people are equal in humanity,” he said. “I also believe that all of us are created equal in the image of god. Therefore, we can raise our deepest moral values and commit to love each other regardless of the color of our skins, faith, gender, sexual orientation and national origin. Peace respect and coexistence are the ultimate goals of all societies.”

“Thank you Franklin Township for making an inclusive culture, and making all of us proud to call this place our home and strive to serve our community,” Kharazi said.

Deputy Mayor Carl Wright reads commendation for Township Councilman Ted Chase, center, while Mayor Kramer looks on.

Township Councilman Ted Chase (D-Ward 1) received a commendation commemorating his tenure as deputy mayor in 2016.

Chase was presented with his commendation by current Deputy Mayor Carl Wright.

“I have to say this commendation is much overrated,” Chase joked, prompting laughter from the audience. “All a deputy mayor really has to do is be ready to run a meeting if the mayor can’t make it. Which did happen for one meeting this past year.”

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