George King is a Candidate for Framingham Charter Commission

George King is a candidate for Framingham Charter Commissioner.

Editor’s Note: Framingham voters will decide a ballot question on March 29, if they want to create a Charter Commission to study Framingham’s form of government. Also on that ballot, Framingham voters will be asked to elect 9 Charter Commissioners. Framingham Patch is allowing every candidate for commissioner to submit an announcement, per the Framingham Patch election policy.

Below is King’s statement.

Since the age of 18, when I was first elected to public office in Framingham, I have dedicated time and energy to helping Framingham succeed and prosper. Through decades of service on town committees, and as a professional administrator overseeing growth and progress from an office in the Memorial

Building, the words “Framingham First” have played a significant role in my life. The prospect of a
Charter Commission presents a critical juncture in achieving the goals of success and prosperity for our town and schools for years to come. I am eager to bring my experience and determination to the tasks ahead.

Three guiding principles will shape my efforts:

First, I will enter deliberations with a truly open mind and work cooperatively. Our commission must collaborate to achieve a recommendation for an effective government with broad support. Where past commissions failed amidst fractured memberships, we must work together to succeed.

Second, a successful charter must offer meaningful change to, or totally eliminate Town Meeting. The idea that our current Town Meeting is the truest form of democracy is mythical. Few, if any, significant impacts have emanated from Town Meeting in the last decade.

Finally, financial apparatus in the proposed government must be transparent, strategic and effective. Real estate taxes and water and sewer fees threaten Framingham’s affordability unless our government is able to manage spending.

Our community has a great opportunity to effect change.

I ask for your vote on March 29th so I can help make that critical change.

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