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2019 Local Candidate Guide

The local races with which township voters will concern themselves when they go to the polls Nov. 5 are: Mayor, the three At-Large Township Council seats, the Somerset County Sheriff, one member of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and three Board of Education members.

Contending for the Mayor’s seat are incumbent Democrat Phil Kramer and Republican challenger Beverly Briggs-Lawson.

Contending for the At-Large Township Council seats are incumbent Democrats Kimberly Francois and Crystal Pruitt, and Democratic newcomer Sivaraman “Ram” Anbarasan. They are being challenged by Republicans Christina Ganzer-Zambri, Santhosh “Sam” Velu and Alhaji “Noah” Fofanah.

Running for the three available 3-year Board of Education seats are incumbents Nancy LaCorte and Ardaman Singh, and newcomers Walter Jackson, Jr. and Hugh A. Scott.

Retired township police Lt. Darrin Russo is competing against North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti for the 3-year Somerset County Sheriff seat.

Below is information the local candidates provided in answer to several questions. If a candidate is not represented, or a question does not appear in one profile that is in another, it is because they did not respond to our questionnaire or did not answer that particular question.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. To find your polling place, click here.

See you at the polls!

Photo of Sivaraman “Ram” Anbarasan

Sivaraman “Ram” Anbarasan

Have you held any elected position before, and if so, what:  I have been serving as a Commissioner at the Franklin Township Sewerage Authority for over two years. Membership in any civic organizations: Chairman of the Board and Past President of New Jersey Tamil Sangam (www.njtamilsangam.net), a 30 year old non-profit organization that provides a forum for people of Tamil (an ancient Indian language) origin to celebrate their arts and culture.… Click Here For More Details ...
Democrat

Have you held any elected position before, and if so, what:  I have been serving as a Commissioner at the Franklin Township Sewerage Authority for over two years.

Membership in any civic organizations:

Chairman of the Board and Past President of New Jersey Tamil Sangam (http://www.njtamilsangam.net), a 30 year old non-profit organization that provides a forum for people of Tamil (an ancient Indian language) origin to celebrate their arts and culture.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:     

  1. Keeping taxes low: By far this is the top Issue we hear from the people we meet. Our council’s record of 0%, 0.5%, 0% tax increases in the last three years is unprecedented. I will continue to work on business retention and attraction to increase the tax base by offering assistance to companies in securing state and federal grants, as well as making it easier for businesses to work with various township offices. On the expense side, I will look for ways to bring in efficiencies in operational processes through the use of technology which might reduce costs. Wherever possible, I will be a strong proponent of “Shared Services” to gain economies of scale and save money.
  2. Job Training for Unemployed Youth: Our Township is home to many employers in manufacturing, distribution and healthcare sectors. For example there are more than 15 manufacturers in the town and there is a constant demand for entry level technicians at such companies throughout the state. With my strong experience in statewide workforce development initiatives, I plan to work with our employers to design and offer our unemployed youth job training programs to meet the employer labor needs while offering career pathways to our youth.
  3. Enriching Our Diverse Community:  With over 70 places of worship our township is home for a diverse population. We already provide a wide variety of services and facilities to our residents in terms of recreational activities, cultural and celebratory events, sports fields to name a few. I will continue to bring awareness of these rich cultures to all. Further as a resident of an active adult community, I am aware of the enormous talent that our retirees in the active adult communities possess. Many of them might be looking for stimulating outlets for spending their time. I will put together no-cost programs, from tutoring high school students to mentoring small businesses and create an environment of knowledge sharing and interaction among residents.
Photo of Beverly Briggs-Lawson

Beverly Briggs-Lawson

Membership in any civic organizations: I am a member of the Somerset County Federation of Republican Women, and a former member of the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women. What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:
  1. Open & Transparent Communications: I believe that open and responsive government is essential to the community.
Click Here For More Details ...
Republican

Membership in any civic organizations:

I am a member of the Somerset County Federation of Republican Women, and a former member of the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:

  1. Open & Transparent Communications: I believe that open and responsive government is essential to the community. No backroom deals. I will make sure all council business is conducted in open council meetings. Residents deserve to know what the council is doing. Similarly, not everyone can make the 7pm council meetings. I plan on holding other venues and opportunities to meet with townspeople at various locations throughout the township. An example would be “Coffee with the Council”, similar to what the police do, making us more accessible to residents.
  2. Fiscal Responsibility: Running a township as large as Franklin requires a large budget, but much of that funding has come in the form of bonds that must be paid back. Now we’re faced with not only ongoing budgetary spending but we also must add principle and interest payments on debt borrowing. We need a return to sound fiscal responsibility that eliminates wasteful spending, reduces debt burdens, and provides tax relief to residents.
  3. Fast-Track Businesses: Franklin has many vibrant businesses and our easy access to roads, rails and talented people means we’re an ideal community to start and/or expand businesses. But, the drawbacks are excessive red-tape, permitting requirements, timelags, and fees that cost businesses time and money. I will work to ensure we remove these barriers so that our town and businesses can prosper.
Photo of Alhaji “Noah” Fofanah

Alhaji “Noah” Fofanah

Membership in any civic organizations: A big passion in my life is remembering my Sierra Leone heritage. I am a member of the Sierra Leonean Community of New Jersey (SLCNJ) where I work to mentor our youth. The goal is to keep our local young men and women out of trouble and to provide counseling to them about college.… Click Here For More Details ...
Republican

Membership in any civic organizations:

A big passion in my life is remembering my Sierra Leone heritage. I am a member of the Sierra Leonean Community of New Jersey (SLCNJ) where I work to mentor our youth. The goal is to keep our local young men and women out of trouble and to provide counseling to them about college. I’m also a founding member of the Sierra Leone American Veterans Organization (SAVO) where I help both veterans and active service men and women with how to cope with life challenges. Lastly, I am a member of the Sierra Leone Soccer team management which is popular in the Franklin Township community.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:     

Franklin is a large and diverse town with a great history, great people, and a great future. I firmly believe that diverse voices on Franklin’s council are needed to advocate for better and more recreational facilities for our young, protect our open spaces for future generations, and work with businesses interested in locating in Franklin so that we can have jobs and prosperity.

In conclusion, whenever people ask my why I’m running, I say, “If I am elected as your councilman-at-large, I will be loyal to the people of Franklin Township and fight the good fight for them. I will fulfill my duty as a councilman by doing what is morally right and professional. I will treat each and every citizen and fellow council members with the respect they deserve. I will put the welfare of Franklin first, before my own personal interest or party. Integrity will be my focus, always doing what is right morally and legally.” Of course, this all aligns perfectly with FTGOP’s motto “One Franklin, One Family.”

Photo of Kimberly Francois

Kimberly Francois

If incumbent, how many years have you served: 15 years; Two term Mayor (1996-1997), served as Deputy Mayor two times Membership in any civic organizations: Past President and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Somerset Community Action program (SCAP), United Way Commissioner, Chair First Baptist Church Community Concerns Committee, Vice President New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, and Member of the Sister2Sister Professional Advisory Board What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:      My vision for the township is to stabilize taxes, expand economic development to increase commercial and industrial ratables that will ultimately reduce the tax burden on residential taxpayers.… Click Here For More Details ...
Democrat

If incumbent, how many years have you served:

15 years; Two term Mayor (1996-1997), served as Deputy Mayor two times

Membership in any civic organizations:

Past President and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Somerset Community Action program (SCAP), United Way Commissioner, Chair First Baptist Church Community Concerns Committee, Vice President New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, and Member of the Sister2Sister Professional Advisory Board

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:     

My vision for the township is to stabilize taxes, expand economic development to increase commercial and industrial ratables that will ultimately reduce the tax burden on residential taxpayers. My plans are to further guide, focus, and encourage desired private investment in the Corporate Business District along the Worlds Fair Drive and  Davidson Ave corridor, creating a 24 hour live/work/play environments for the next generation of workers and their employers. Enhancing the construction permitting process to make the Township easier to do business with. This will help to address the demand for more flex space, creation and repurposing office park and commercial parcels for IT back office and medical office space. My continued focus will be to attract smart growth for entrepreneurs and restaurants to the Hamilton St Business District to become a lively pedestrian oriented, shopper friendly, retail focused Village Center.

My passion and mission in serving as an elected official public servant is to improve the quality of life for our youth and our seniors. I will continue on as the Vice Chair on of the Franklin Township Redevelopment Agency, which is responsible for assisting the Township of Franklin in the revitalization of the Renaissance Redevelopment Area and the provision of affordable and senior housing.

I want to continue to finish the work I am doing to spearhead the development of a Youth Center at 429 Lewis St near the Franklin Middle school which will serve all youth with many programs. The Youth Center will provide activities such as Debate Clubs, Violence and Delinquency Prevention, Life Skills workshops, Job Readiness Skills Training, Financial Literacy, Mentoring, Substance Abuse Prevention, Community Services Projects, Dance Classes, Video and Music Studios, Career Counseling, Workforce Development  and the list goes on and on. I say it over and over we can not do enough for our youth. I live here in Franklin, I love Franklin and I want to continue to invest in the future of our Township through our Youth and Seniors.

Photo of Christina Ganzer-Zambri

Christina Ganzer-Zambri

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them: 1) Transparency/Communication All business will be conducted in an open and honest fashion. We also vow to hold "Coffee with the Council" events throughout the Township so residents can voice their concerns at times other than Township Council meetings.… Click Here For More Details ...
Republican

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:

1) Transparency/Communication

All business will be conducted in an open and honest fashion. We also vow to hold “Coffee with the Council” events throughout the Township so residents can voice their concerns at times other than Township Council meetings. Important information will be disseminated to residents in a more organized and widespread fashion, and this includes updating the Township website to make it easier to find information, as well as answers to questions. Any communications received from residents will be responded to in a timely and professional manner.

2) Safety

We will work to increase the number of police officers to at least the minimum number recommended by FBI guidelines. This will save on overtime dollars expended and allow for more effective and complete coverage of the Township. Both our officers and our residents will benefit from this. We are losing residents due to safety concerns, and that is simply unacceptable.

3)  Responsible Development/Maintenance of Open Space

We will closely monitor and examine the Township zoning and request that the Planning Board slow their building approval process so all the potential consequences, positive and negative, can be properly researched, evaluated and studied. These includes traffic impact and current and future road conditions/requirements. We plan on working more closely with the County on long-term development planning and the continued preservation of our precious open spaces. Use of open space property will also be vetted for need and benefit to the residents of FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. In addition, those who are trying to rent or buy currently unoccupied spaces should receive fast and fair service from both the Township and the County. This ties in with improving our relationship with the County for the good of the Township.

Photo of Walter B. Jackson, Jr.

Walter B. Jackson, Jr.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:
  1. I believe we need to create more innovative ways to have greater numbers of parent/guardian participation at Parent Teacher Conferences, PTO/PTSO meetings, sporting events, school performances and other events where there are opportunities for parents to connect with their child as well as with administration.
Click Here For More Details ...

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:

  1. I believe we need to create more innovative ways to have greater numbers of parent/guardian participation at Parent Teacher Conferences, PTO/PTSO meetings, sporting events, school performances and other events where there are opportunities for parents to connect with their child as well as with administration. Parents’ schedules can sometimes give the perception that parents don’t want to be involved, when in fact, work schedules may prevent more active involvement. I would like to hear directly from those parents and work on solutions that will make them feel like they are a part of the entire educational process for their child. I also feel there needs to be late buses provided for students who participate in sports. I personally know a few kids, that because of transportation and parents’ work schedules, that participating in sports could not be an option. I would hate to see great talent not reach their potential because of the lack of opportunity to flourish in our school district.
  2. Financial Resources in the Public school system is needed across the board. There are many areas that need more resources to do more and there are many areas that are unfortunately doing more with less. The charter schools utilize a lot of the resources that could be beneficial to Franklin Township public schools for ensuring that needed programs are not cut and allowing for more creative opportunities for teachers to explore, innovate, and encourage their classrooms. I would continue the work that is being done with legislation to voice budget concerns and help stress the importance of the needs of our township public schools.
  3. As a parent of three daughters in the Franklin Township School District, it is beyond necessary that I have a sense of comfort knowing that my girls are safe, secure, and protected from the time that they get on the bus, while they are being productive at school, and when they return home. I want to help work to ensure that my kids, your kids, and the entire school staff are prepared for situations that unfortunately are too common today. There’s a lot that is being done currently, but there’s always room for improvement. I will continue to work with the collective community to help maintain that sense of comfort.
Photo of Phil Kramer

Phil Kramer

If incumbent, how many years have you served: Council 2010 - 2015, Mayor 2016 - Present Membership in any civic organizations: (past and present)
  • Zoning Board
  • Chairman Advisory Board of Health
  • Ethics Board
  • FTTV Volunteer
  • Officer, Taxpayers United In Franklin (beTUF)
  • Canal Fest Committee
  • Cedar Hill Cemetery Board member
  • Liaison to Open Space Committee
  • Liaison to Trails Committee
  • Liaison to Advisory Board of Health
  • Library Board
  • Chairman of Manager Search Committee
  • Member of Economic Development Committee
  • Member of Public Safety Committee
  • Member of Public Works Committee
  • Member of Financial Oversight Committee
  • Community foundation
What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them: Taxes – The reason I got into local politics was taxes. … Click Here For More Details ...
Democrat

If incumbent, how many years have you served: Council 2010 – 2015, Mayor 2016 – Present

Membership in any civic organizations: (past and present)

  • Zoning Board
  • Chairman Advisory Board of Health
  • Ethics Board
  • FTTV Volunteer
  • Officer, Taxpayers United In Franklin (beTUF)
  • Canal Fest Committee
  • Cedar Hill Cemetery Board member
  • Liaison to Open Space Committee
  • Liaison to Trails Committee
  • Liaison to Advisory Board of Health
  • Library Board
  • Chairman of Manager Search Committee
  • Member of Economic Development Committee
  • Member of Public Safety Committee
  • Member of Public Works Committee
  • Member of Financial Oversight Committee
  • Community foundation

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:

Taxes – The reason I got into local politics was taxes.  When I first arrived in town, my taxes were $6500.  Soon they were $7500, then $8500 then $9500.  Then I got involved.  I joined a group called Taxpayers United in Franklin in 2003 and have been to virtually every Council meeting since.  I pushed the BOE to televise their meetings (more later) and to have an outside review of their budget.  It created openness and saved millions.  The Council decided to get an outside review based on my recommendation.

In 2009 I was elected to the 3rd Ward Council seat and took office in 2010 just as the Great Recession was taking hold.  The Town was projected to run out of money in 2 ½ years. Unfortunately, to balance the budget I asked the Council to, of all things, raise taxes. However, the Council and I met the challenge with a large cut in spending as well. These measures saved the town’s finances so now we are not only solvent, but also have a AA+ bond rating. The budget was $60M in 2009 the year before I took office, ten years later it is $61.5 million. A 2.5% increase over 10 year despite 19% inflation.

I became Mayor 3½ years ago and for the last three years the Municipal Tax (the only tax the Council directly controls) has increased 0%, 0.5% and 0%. This while inflation was 2.5%

Yet we are still providing services. We are paving roads 4 times faster than when I took office and are paying for much of it with cash rather than bonding to save you money.  We are refurbishing our water system too. We are building a youth center with a northern branch to the Library.  In the middle of the town, we are building a Community Center using shared services with our school system and we are planning to build, rather than rent, a southern branch to our Library, which will again save money.

Our purchase of Consolata Mission prevented hundreds of homes from being built, allowed us to save the School System $1.5M and we hope will be the home of a YMCA.

We are attracting new business to help offset residential taxes.  These businesses, including the Amazon facility coming to town, will put roughly a 2.3% downward pressure on your total property tax (all things being equal).

Opportunities for our youth – The youth center, community center, library branches, YMCA and the many parks we are building are bringing new learning opportunities to our youth in the form of recreation and training. They, along with our schools, are the foundation of our youth initiative. Everyone on the Council, particularly Councilwoman François, have been instrumental in moving all of this forward.

Open Government – As I indicated above I was the initiating force, as a civilian, to get the Board of Education to televise their meetings. I was on the initial team who recorded Town Council meetings. Since then I have been involved with the initiating of televising or streaming of Zoning Board, Planning Board, Library Board, Sewage Authority, most civilian boards and I’m currently pushing the Freeholders to provide their videos to Franklin TV.

My critical thinking skills from my training as one of the leading Neurologists in my field in the country as well as my science and math skills from my degrees in computer science and as an Aerospace Engineer have helped me, along with my Council Colleagues, move the Town forward. My Air Force training as a B52 pilot taught me that despite the challenges you must always keep fighting for what is right.

Photo of Nancy LaCorte

Nancy LaCorte

If incumbent, how many years have you served: I was elected in 2006 and served until 2013. I took a year off to care for my father and was re-elected in 2014 and again in 2017. Membership in any civic organizations: Serving on the Board of Education takes a lot of my time but I love it!… Click Here For More Details ...
Incumbent Board of Education Member

If incumbent, how many years have you served:

I was elected in 2006 and served until 2013. I took a year off to care for my father and was re-elected in 2014 and again in 2017.

Membership in any civic organizations:

Serving on the Board of Education takes a lot of my time but I love it! As Board president, I attend all of the Board’s committee and ad hoc meetings. I also serve as the ex-officio member to the Franklin Township Warrior Education Foundation and to the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce. When asked I love volunteering for school sponsored organizations.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:

Funding – Like most people, the biggest challenge for NJ school boards is balancing the budget and staying within the 2% cap while providing a quality education. I am extremely proud of the choices we have been able to offer our students but it becomes harder and harder each year. This current budget year we have budgeted $15M for charter schools which are also funded with public monies. The charter schools project how many students and we are required to reallocate that money from our programming. At the end of the school year they do not have as many students but we were unable to offer the programs in the Franklin Township Public Schools. We have been working with our legislators to minimize the impact charter schools have on our budget.

Equal Opportunity Schools – Another problem facing virtually every public school in the country is we have currently unequal student achievement levels for different groups of students. This is about socio-economic, race, ability, and students who are just learning the language. If a district has a certain proportion of groups we should expect to see equal outcome over all groups. The Board approved in it’s first goal “To aid the expansion of innovative college and career readiness programs, affording students the opportunity to pursue their passions with the necessary academic and social/emotional supports to reach their fullest academic potential as measured by individual academic and cultural gains.”

Get Involved – For parents, be involved in your child’s education. We have many school sponsored organizations such as PTO/PTSOs at every school. Our Booster Club provides scholarships for our student athletes. Project Graduation has ways to get involved as early as 9th grade so when your child graduates high school they can celebrate at an all-night, safe party exclusive to our graduating seniors. We have incredible and award-winning student performances. We have many school sponsored organizations that you can become a part of. As a community, attend our student’s performances and sporting events. Support organizations that offer our students scholarships and opportunities after graduation by attending their events. I am an extremely proud Warrior for Life recipient (2018) and their sole purpose is to provide scholarships to our students. Another school sponsored organization is the new Franklin Township Warrior Educational Foundation which supports teacher grants. This will fund small teacher grants for outside-of-the-box projects that if successful might be incorporated into the district’s programming. I personally try to volunteer and attend as many events as my schedule permits. I get to see and talk to the kids, staff, parents, and community members. I want to know what people think and how they think we are doing. I met my running mates – Ardaman Singh and Walter Jackson through their involvement and volunteerism.

To address these issues is through communication and collaboration. We have worked hard to communicate our issues to the public that we serve. We need to work together as a community and with our legislators in Trenton to reach solutions that benefit our children’s futures.

Photo of Crystal Pruitt

Crystal Pruitt

If incumbent, how many years have you served: I've been serving on council as of January of 2019, I was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Shanel Robinson once she became Somerset County Freeholder. Membership in any civic organizations: I have previously served as Vice President and then President of the Somerset County Young Democrats, third Vice President for the Franklin Township - JFK Democratic Club, and Diversity Chair for the New Leaders Council - NJ Chapter.… Click Here For More Details ...
Democrat

If incumbent, how many years have you served:

I’ve been serving on council as of January of 2019, I was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Shanel Robinson once she became Somerset County Freeholder.

Membership in any civic organizations:

I have previously served as Vice President and then President of the Somerset County Young Democrats, third Vice President for the Franklin Township – JFK Democratic Club, and Diversity Chair for the New Leaders Council – NJ Chapter.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:   

  1. Public Safety/Community Policing – Our Police Department does a wonderful job protecting and serving our residents, however, there is still plenty of work to be done. With the amount of population growth and establishment of more robust business districts, specifically the one along Hamilton Street, i t will become increasingly important that we have a Department that can not only support this growing and changing community but also be a part of the community.  For many residents, the first and sometimes only interaction they’ll have with their municipal government, is its police department.  Strengthening the relationship between our residents and our police only makes the township safer and a more cohesive community.  As a diverse community, we have a responsibility to actively cultivate this relationship, and a robust community policing strategy is just one way to do so.  I would advocate for and support the infrastructure, personnel, and financial resources needed to properly build out our community policing division.  I would also see to it, that we have a strategic plan to recruit and promote more minority and women officers so that department can be reflective of the community it serves.
  2. Increasing Civic Engagement and Participation – “All politics is local,” is something that I have experienced firsthand during my time on Council. It is of critical Importance that younger people, take ownership of the local government.  I would work with my colleague Councilwoman Francois, and Municipal Staff to build out civic engagement programing out of new Youth Center.
  3. Highlighting Diversity but Emphasizing Inclusion – Franklin Township is an incredibly diverse township, in fact it is often one of the first things we brag about as residents.  However, being diverse and multicultural isn’t enough, it is about making sure that all of our residents feel like they have a place and a voice.  Connecting with residents is truly a grassroots effort and will involve outreach, something I am wholly committed to.  Be it individual events, or partnering with other municipal departments, I plan to roll out a series of opportunities to outreach and engage directly with the residents I am so honored to serve.
Photo of Ardaman Singh

Ardaman Singh

If incumbent, how many years have you served: 1 term - 3 years Membership in any civic organizations: Women United, United WAY. What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:     
  1. Drainage of millions of dollars to charter schools where our public schools have extremely qualified staff and resources and helping students get admissions in their choice colleges and dream careers.
Click Here For More Details ...
Incumbent Board of Education Member

If incumbent, how many years have you served: 1 term – 3 years

Membership in any civic organizations: Women United, United WAY.

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:     

  1. Drainage of millions of dollars to charter schools where our public schools have extremely qualified staff and resources and helping students get admissions in their choice colleges and dream careers.
  2. Morale and self-esteem of staff. A teacher’s salary needs a lot of improvement in the United States.
  3. Financial Resources available to our public schools are always being cut and allocation of funds towards education should be the number one priority of our legislators. I commend Assemblyman Joe Danielsen for spearheading some of these efforts for our school boards.

To address these challenges the main step is to communicate, educate, and bring the parent and community at large together and then speak up with the facts. Bring these up to our assemblymen and legislatures and push forth changes at the top to change policies to bring about the changes for good.

Photo of Santhosh “Sam” Velu

Santhosh “Sam” Velu

Membership in any civic organizations:
  • Franklin Township Soccer Club, coach &  board member 12 years
  • St. Matthias, Employment Ministry, 10 years
  • DOL Employment Counseling Services
  • Hamilton Business District
What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:  
  1. I believe that the present town council has put party first and the needs of Franklin residents a distant second.
Click Here For More Details ...
Republican

Membership in any civic organizations:

  • Franklin Township Soccer Club, coach &  board member 12 years
  • St. Matthias, Employment Ministry, 10 years
  • DOL Employment Counseling Services
  • Hamilton Business District

What do you see as your three top issues, and how do you plan on dealing with them:  

  1. I believe that the present town council has put party first and the needs of Franklin residents a distant second. I used to be a registered Democrat, but I believe so deeply that the wheels have fallen off this council’s all-Democrat bus, that I changed party to run as a Republican for Council-At-Large. We need diversity on the council to restore the public trust, and put an end to back-room dealings and party-first politics. I am relying on your support to make this happen.
  2. I’m running for Council-at-Large because Franklin is currently experiencing many challenges and it is time for fresh ideas and bold action. I believe we’re best served when public officials listen to residents, uphold the public trust, and work hard on the issues that are important to our town, including preserving open space, transparency and accountability in governance, and strong fiscal responsibility.  When elected, I will help attract businesses to Franklin, develop land responsibly (while maintaining open space), and make fiscally sound decisions.
  3. I would like to see our police department reach the number of officers required by the FBI. The safety of our community is of utmost importance to me. We will find excess money in our budget and be sure that our emergency services are well funded. I would also like to help rebuild morale within our police force.