🔨 Mayoral Challenger Emerges
Sisitsky to Give Address | Maskell Not Seeking Re-election to School Committee | Seeking Splash Pad Ideas | Community Events | The Civic Week Ahead
Good afternoon, Framingham.
As yesterday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Inauguration Day, I could not help but think of service. I realize I write about serving our community a lot - but I believe those who volunteer in any capacity is Framingham’s beating heart.
And I write about it to encourage more people to get involved.
What goes on in Washington, D.C. is important. It also can overshadow the critical needs here within our own city. And some of you may feel helpless or directionless in how to bring about change.
It can begin here in Framingham.
You can volunteer, serve on a board, run for local office, pick up trash, promote trails, help someone with homework, teach English… there is so much to do here in Framingham. Each makes a positive impact on our hometown. Each act helps build a positive, welcoming community for all.
New voices. New energy. New ideas. All are needed.
Are you interested in getting more involved in Framingham? Do you have ideas? I’d love to chat! Email me or even text/call 508-733-3153.
I’m also trying out some “Ham’er Chats” on Saturdays. Find me at 9am at B Sisters this Saturday.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - MLK
Let’s harness our energy and work together.
1.| Epstein Files Paperwork for Mayoral Run
Election season has begun: Former School Committee member Geoffrey Epstein filed paperwork to create a mayoral campaign committee last week. The paperwork was filed with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance on January 16.
Mayor Sisitsky recently announced his intention to run for a second term.
Who is Epstein?: First elected to the Framingham School Committee in 2017, Epstein, 77, served two terms. He did not run for re-election in 2021. He previously served on the Newton School Committee from 2008 to 2013. He moved to Framingham in 2014. Epstein has a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Sydney. Epstein worked for 30 years in the software and technology sector.
Epstein is also the writer of The Framingham Observer and has been very vocal online about Framingham’s current operations.
Why is Epstein running?: In an interview with the MetroWest Daily News, Epstein said “"things are going downhill." He said his top three priorities are education, climate change action and infrastructure improvements.”
"The most painful thing for me is that Framingham has huge unrealized potential — we have two colleges, tons of water, we have the northside and the challenge of the southside.” - Geoffrey Epstein
What is next?: Nomination papers are not available until the end of May. Setting up a political committee is a step in running.
2.| Sisitsky to Give Address
Annual address: Mayor Charlie Sisitsky will give his annual State of the City address next Monday, January 27 at 7:00pm. The speech takes place in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building. All are welcome to attend. It will be shown on the Government Channel on TV.
“Provide insight”: According to the press release issued by the Mayor’s Office, his remarks “provide insights into key initiatives and projects, including updates on infrastructure, public safety, and education.” Additionally, we will hear about plans for sustainable growth, innovation and environmental responsibility.
Additional participants: Council Chair Phil Ottaviani introduces the Mayor. U.S. Army First Lt. Brian Doyle, a member of the Framingham Police Department, gives the Pledge of Allegiance.
Framingham High junior Maddie Tessitore, who starred as Sandy in the FHS Drama Company’s production of Grease, sings the National Anthem. And Chaplin Luiz Alvarez delivers the benediction.
(MKF note: I will have a full recap of the State of the City Address on Tuesday. To read my Top 10 Takeaways from the 2024 speech, check it out here.)
3.| Maskell Not Seeking Re-election to School Committee
Representative from District 7: Longtime School Committee member Tiffanie Maskell announced last week on her Facebook page she will not seek a fifth term on the committee.
What she said: “I am sad to not be running, but I must focus on my own health and family.”
First elected in 2017: Maskell was one of the first district members of the School Committee. Before the Charter was approved, School Committee members were at large.
Seeking candidates: She also wrote that if anyone is interested in running for her seat, she is “happy to help answer questions.”
Like the Mayor’s race, nomination papers for the School Committee will be available on May 30. District 7 is made up of precincts 12, 13, 14. See district map below.
Community Events
Seeking Splash Pad Ideas
Splish Splash: Parents hoping for a long awaited splash pad will have one at Cushing Park. But first, the city wants to hear from you on the design.
Feedback meeting: Members of the Parks and Rec team are holding a meeting on Thursday, January 30 at 6:00pm in the community room on the second floor of Loring Arena. Also in attendance are people from CHA Consulting. The consultants will share their ideas on features such as water play elements, accessibility options, and safety measures.
The timeframe for the splash pad has not been announced.
Childcare available: For those needing child care services,email Parks.Recreation@framinghamma.gov by Tuesday, January 28, 2025 to reserve your spot.
Do You Know an Outstanding Senior?
Nominations are open for the 5th Annual Senior Heroes Awards. Do you know someone who gives and gives to our community?
There are four categories for the awards:
Culture/Arts: Performing arts, painting, poetry, playwriting, music, dance, video, singing/vocal, etc., celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
Social Development: Programs that improve or promote positive interactions among people from different ethnic groups, abilities, gender identities, and ages, such as sports, after-school programs, special events, or other activities.
Health or HealthCare: Efforts that focus on the populations whose access has been limited due to race, gender, gender identity, language, disability, immigration status, etc.
Public Service: Contributed this way with their volunteer service on our municipality's boards, councils or committees, Town Meetings, or former elected officials
Guidelines: Nominees must be 60+ years old, not employed by the city, or currently elected or candidates for political office. Current Council on Aging Board members are also ineligible.
Deadline: February 3, 2025 Submit your application online by clicking here.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, January 21
Wednesday, January 22
10:00am: Economic Development Corporation Agenda
5:00pm: Board of Library Trustees Advocacy Subcommittee Agenda
6:00pm: Composting Task Force Agenda
6:00pm: School Committee Executive Session Agenda
7:00pm: Conservation Commission Agenda
7:00pm: Disability Commission Agenda
7:00pm: Sustainability Committee Agenda
7:00pm: School Committee Agenda
Thursday, January 23
In Closing…
Next week I’ll have a look at the State of the City address, and give an update on where we are with the MBTA Communities Act compliance. Oh, and we’ll talk taxes.
Believe in Framingham,
great plan to have a splash pad at cushing.
Parcel B in front of chapel and roped off parking lot has a lot of large trucks . What is going on ?