May 2 - May 8, 2010

Tuesday May 4 I attended a Board of Education meeting which was originally scheduled as a combined Township Committee / Board of Education meeting to discuss the recently defeated school budget. Here is a link to the meeting announcement:

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/05/franklin_twp_committee_cancels.html

I attended the meeting as a member of the public but let's be honest, as a committeeman I wanted to hear what the public had to say about the budget. I will never by-pass an opportunity to hear what the public has to say about any issue. There were probably about 70-90 folks at the meeting and about 30 of them spoke publicly of their support for the school budget and teachers. BOE President Chris Piparo did a splendid job presenting the budget which included new information from the 3/29 public hearing. The link to the BOE webiste is http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/BOE.html but you can't click on many of the budget powerpoint presentations.. disappointing.

The Township Committee is deciding on the budget on at 7:30 PM, Thursday May 13 at the Faith Chapel Wesleyan Church, 43 Lower Landsdown Road http://www.faithchapelwesleyan.com/DIRECTIONS.php

Since the school budget vote I have received many phone calls and emails from Franklin residents; I am diligently gathering information and public opinion and I will be ready to cast my vote on May 13. Even if you have thought about dropping me a line or a emailing me- do so- I've learned a-plenty from our residents.

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Due to the Board of Education meeting I was not able to attend the Recreation Commission meeting- I have not yet received an update from the Commission on what happened but as soon as I do I will let you all know.

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Thursday May 6 I attended the monthly Rural Awareness meeting

http://www.ruralawareness.org/

The winners of the annual student essay contest were announced, members were updated on the October House Tour, they agreed to allocate $1,500 for the repair of the little red schoolhouse roof, there was a brief discussion about their mission statement, the Hiram Deats Award, the pros and cons on joining Preservation New Jersey, and the recent removal of 2 Norway maple trees in front of the municipal building. I really enjoy attending the Rural Awareness meetings- even if I weren't in public office I would be a part of Rural Awareness- they do good work and they care about Franklin.

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Of note: it's pothole season... you don't need a hunting license and there is no limit.. if you notice potholes on township roads report it by contacting Public Works manager Alan Dilley at 908-735-8384. When he gets a call a crew goes out there and fixes it. We have about 35 miles of township roads that Alan and his crew does an excellent job maintaining them. To report a pothole on a county road call the Department of Roads and Bridges at 908-788-1178; for potholes on state highways call 800-768-4653.