David Pollak: Major theatrical politics taking place in Franklin recently

To The Daily Sun,

A recent Franklin City Council meeting revealed a familiar piece of political theater. The former mayor who championed the tax cap currently strangling city services and public schools showed up to demand that four councilors and the mayor recuse themselves from budget considerations. She was referring to councilors who work for the school district, serve on the Parent Teacher Student Organization, have a relationship with a school board member or have family volunteering for local nonprofits.

I live in a neighboring town, but I work in Franklin. I see the grit, heart, and dedication of these people. It is infuriating to watch public servants subjected to a political hit job. Rather than debating the actual issues, she launched an attack on the integrity of the decision-makers.

Does a councilor leading the PTSO or a mayor’s son volunteering to run a community ski hill, represent a threat? In fact, these are the exact people keeping the civic fabric of Franklin alive. While the tax cap chokes municipal departments, these volunteers step up and cover the gaps.

This strategy is designed to exhaust good people until they refuse to take these thankless positions. When we punish public service with manufactured scandal, we ensure only thick-skinned political operatives run for office, while the community builders stay home.

Having a deeply rooted stake in the well-being of Franklin's kids and community assets isn't a conflict of interest; it is a qualification for public service.

David Pollak

Northfield