Speak Out!

By John Felix. Schools Superintendent John Ravally’s 10-year tenure in Franklin Township stands as one of the most impactful eras in the district’s educational history. His leadership brought stability, strengthened community partnerships, and elevated student achievement. In preparation for this personal commentary, I revisited his ‘Entry Plan Presentation’ which he presented the community in June 2015. At that public gathering …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. We the people, in order to form a more perfect union….(Thanks Schoolhouse Rock)  One of our founding documents pointed us in a direction, at the same time acknowledging we can’t be perfect, just more perfect.   Franklin has its own Franklin 250 program celebrating Americas 250th Anniversary.  They have done some fun things already this year and have many …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I think it was inevitable my wife and I would move back to Franklin when we bought our house, due to our ties here.  Regardless, I was at the beginning of a 15-year run working in New York City, and access to the train was a primary concern. My most notable commute was Sept 11th, I didn’t …

By Bill Connell. I hate winter. That has nothing to do with my muse. I just wanted to say it. While I was sheltering in place from the cold I went down  a rabbit hole on YouTube about fire trucks. Apparently over the last 20-25 years there has been immense consolidation in manufacturing of fire trucks.  Unfortunately, this has not led to …

By Jenny C. Kafas, Volunteer to Franklin Township’s Environmental Commission The Franklin Township Environmental Commission asks patrons and restaurant owners alike to join in on “Skip the Stuff,” a movement whose goal is to end unnecessary usage of plastic utensils and single serving condiment packages handed out in restaurants by making these items available only as necessary. If you’re like …

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 …