Speak Out!

By Jan Brant. A recent opinion piece written by Deana Luchs included an incomplete quotation from my testimony before the State Legislature in Trenton on the negative impacts of warehouse proliferation in Franklin. The article with my testimony can be found here: https://franklinreporter.com/state-assembly-committee-hears-of-franklins-warehouse-woes/. Ms. Luchs quoted me as saying, “I’m not against warehouses.” That was only part of my statement.  I …

By Edgar Vazquez Molina, School Principal. Franklin Township — Pine Grove Manor School came alive with vibrant colors, music, and community spirit during its annual Hispanic Heritage Night on October 16, an evening dedicated to celebrating the richness and diversity of Hispanic cultures represented within the school community. Families filled the auditorium to watch traditional dances from countries across Latin America. …

By Walter Jackson, Nancy LaCorte, and Ardaman Singh. After a combined 30-plus years serving on the Board of Education and as we prepare to step down, we’re proud to endorse Meher Rafiq, Jennifer Welch, and Clara Wilson. Serving this community has been an honor. We’ve navigated unprecedented challenges together—a global pandemic, challenging budgets, staffing shortages, major facility improvements and redistricting, …

By Mahesh Muchhala As a fellow Canal Walk resident, I am proud to support Jan Brant for Franklin Township Council in Ward 2. Jan has been a tireless advocate for our community and a thoughtful voice for the kind of leadership Franklin needs right now. Jan stands for smart development. This means growth that makes sense for residents. She has consistently spoken out …

By Mayor Phil Kramer. Property taxes. That is the issue I probably hear most about as mayor. I understand the frustration. I pay property taxes too. But what you might not know is that the Franklin Township Council is only responsible for a very small portion of your tax bill. In fact, your property tax assessment is a combined bill …

By Joe Hoffman. I’ve been a lifelong Independent and only recently registered as a Democrat, but I’ve always believed that we should vote for the best person — not just the party. This year, that person is Jan Brant. I’ve watched Jan work tirelessly to protect our community from irresponsible warehouse overdevelopment. When massive warehouse projects were proposed near 55+ …

By Deana M. Luchs. I cannot quite figure out what Jan Brant really stands for. Two years ago, Ms. Brant stood in support of our mayor and council here in Franklin. Now she is running against them. She claims to be against warehouses, but I attended a Township Council meeting where she clearly said, “I’m not against warehouses.”  Which is …

By Debbie Stuart Let me start off by saying I am not a political person. Never have been and do not intend to be. I am a 100 percent independent thinker and voter. But this is not about me. This is about Jan Brant, the candidate for Franklin Township Council Ward 2, who I believe will havea fresh, honest, genuine …

By Jenny Kafas Fall was recently described to me as the most nostalgic season. Lately, every time I step outside, feel crisp air and smell the fallen leaves, I am somehow taken right back to my childhood where I spent hours jumping into the proverbial giant-pile-of-leaves. My mom, despite spending years convincing me to rake the leaves in our yard, …

By Kiki Anastasakos. While local elected officials can’t change the world or create a perfect community insulated from market shifts and political chaos, they often do an admirable job shaping a welcoming, safe and affordable environment for all its residents.  Franklin is one such lucky community. I know. In the past several years, I have spent countless hours in Franklin …