Framingham First Launches Website

Framingham First, a group of residents who have started a ballot initiative to change Framingham’s town charter, has launched its new website.

It is www.framinghamfirst.com

Framingham First is a group of residents that has joined together to help make Framingham a better place to live, learn, work and play. Its members want to see our current form of government evolve into a more modern, effective and accountable structure.

The website will be updated regularly and will include information on the organization’s mission, events, and how to become involved, said organizers in a press release.

The official launch of the website coincides with Framingham First’s fall signature drive weekend.

At tonight’s (Sept. 11) Framingham Flyers opening football game, members of the organization will be collecting signatures for the ballot initiative at Bowditch Field at 6 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, members will be available at Stop & Shop locations at Temple Street and Old Connecticut Path from 9 a.m. until noon.

“As the demographics and the economy of Framingham have evolved over the years, so too, has our government. From the Danforth Farms to Plymouth Church Town Meetings, to numerous factories to part of a metropolitan area, we are now a more richly diverse population with new and different economic demands and expectations in this ever-changing world. It is time for our government to reflect these changes,” said Selectman Jason Smith, who is a member of Framingham First.

“As a long time Town Meeting Member, it is clear our current form of government has lost its ability to meet our community’s needs. In the last election, we had 103 seats available and only 47 people running. More than 50 percent of Town Meeting Members were elected with fewer than 10 votes or subsequently appointed with no votes,” said Janet Leombruno, also with Framingham First.

Framingham First’s goal is to get a question on the ballot in April 2016 to create a Charter Commission.

The Charter Commission is comprised of nine members and will investigate different forms of government and decide what is best for Framingham. Framingham citizens will vote on their proposal at a later election.