Framingham Charter Commission: Meet the Pro-Town, Undecided Candidates

Framingham, MA - Should Framingham be a city or town? As a city, how much power would its mayor have? Who decides how much you'll pay in local taxes and where businesses can open up shop?

A measure on Tuesday's ballot will determine whether or not a charter commission should answer those questions. Twenty-six people are vying for nine seats on that commission, and would take up to one year to develop a proposed government structure. Voters then choose whether to support or oppose that proposal.

• READ MORE: Patch breaks down the Framingham charter campaign
• Check back with Patch after polls close for results from Framingham's ballot question, elections

Most charter commission candidates say they haven't picked a specific government structure. We introduce you those candidates sitting on the fence and the candidates who are leaning toward a town.

Other candidates are openly in favor of a city form. You can meet them here.

(Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a candidate endorsed by the Framingham Business Association, and a hash mark (#) indicates a candidate is affiliated with the Framingham First Movement. "City vs. Town" indicates candidates' preference.)

Name: Teri Bannerjee

City vs. Town: “Trying not to have a position before the commission meets,” but “big proponent” of Town Meeting process despite its reputation as “clunky” or slow-moving; reduction of Town Meeting may be compromise that results

Political experience: Town Meeting member, moderator

Would run for office under new government system? “I haven’t even thought about that.”

Name: Brad Bauler

City vs. Town: “Centrist” on issue of city or town, but sees need for change

Political experience: Town Meeting member

Would run for office under new government system? No

Name: Jeanne Bullock

City vs. Town: Skeptical of city structure. Has concerns on cost of mayor, town council and influence of money if power is consolidated. Supports potentially reducing size of Town Meeting, but not committed to “absolutes.”

Political experience: Town Meeting member, capital budget committee member

Would run for office under new government system? “I don’t see myself running.”

Name: Linda Dunbrack

City vs. Town: Leaning toward town council-town manager form of government, but weighing pros and cons of multiple forms

Political experience: N/A

Would run for office under new government system? Depends on form that results, but could be interested

Name: Gloria Geller

City vs. Town: Considers all possible forms “imperfect,” but foremost worry is that city form would allow influencers to “buy” Framingham. Supports reducing, but not eliminating, Town Meeting.

Political experience: Town Meeting member

Would run for office under new government system? No

Name: Dennis Giombetti*

City vs. Town: Supports “streamlined government”

Political experience: Board of Selectmen

Would run for office under new government system? “Unlikely.”

Name: John Kahn

City vs. Town: Cautions against government overhaul, but says Town Meeting may need change. Wants to see representative districts that match representation with population.

Political experience: Selectman, moderator, finance committee, zoning board of appeals

Would run for office under new government system? Would not take paid position under new charter.

Name: George King

City vs. Town: “Open mind,” but agrees Town Meeting is broken and should be restructured or eliminated

Political experience: Town clerk, town manager, finance committee member

Would run for office under new government system: Maybe

Name: Laura Medrano

City vs. Town: Undecided, interested in “hybrid” form, potentially reducing size of town meeting while ensuring all precincts are represented

Political experience: Former school committee candidate

Would run for office under new government system? No

Name: Michael Rossi

City vs. Town: "I'm not there yet," but wants to examine various towns' issues to inform decision; ultimately, seeking to be "revenue neutral" or reduce the cost of government

Political experience: Town meeting member, finance committee member, selectman, school board

Would run for office under new government system? No

Name: Dick Weader

City vs. Town: Interested in Plymouth’s smaller town meeting structure, Worcester’s large city council with city council member who wins most votes generally serving as mayor

Political experience: Town Meeting member, school committee, capital budget committee

Would run for office under new government system? “I would be extremely surprised.”

Name: Joel Winett

City vs. Town: In favor of reducing Town Meeting members but not eliminating or drastically reducing size; cautious toward city system

Political experience: Town moderator, longtime Town Meeting member

Would run for office under new government system: Yes

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Videos courtesy Access Framingham and The Audrey Hall Show. Used with permission. Charter commission candidates Cheryl Gordon, Bob Merusi and Christine Long did not participate in video interviews for Hall's program, and are not included here.