Category: news

The Select Board has announced that a new plan for Hanlon Field track and football field will be on the May Town meeting warrant. We have not yet seen it.

Medway Democratic Town Committee feels strongly that natural grass is the only way to keep our children and drinking water safe from the toxic chemicals found in artificial turf. The Select Board and Parks Dept has focused on artificial turf in the past as the only working option for Medway.

A Public Forum on the Hanlon Project was held Monday, April 14. It was recorded at Medway Cable (WITHOUT CAPTIONS).

ARTWORK COURTESY of Kari Percival

Charles River Watershed regarding artificial turf

Here are excerpts, but please, read the entire page.

CRWA opposes the installation of artificial turf as contrary to our core mission of promoting the health of the Charles River and its watershed. Given the increasing prevalence of synthetic turf usage in watershed communities, CRWA wishes to articulate its position on artificial turf and provide resources for those interested in learning more.  

Artificial turf is known to contain potentially harmful compounds.³ Existing studies demonstrate that the use of artificial turf substantially contributes to the release of microplastics, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), and organic contaminants into nearby waterbodies.⁴ These pollutants are perilous to the natural aquatic environment, can bioaccumulate, and severely threaten the health of fish.

Given the impacts of artificial turf installation, CRWA recommends that it not be used as part of municipal or private projects. Federal and state law has yet to fully regulate the use of artificial turf, and litigation over its ill effects has been inconclusive and sparse, though there are municipal and state efforts to limit its use in Massachusetts. As of March 2024, three bills before the Massachusetts state legislature relate to artificial turf (S.2057, H.3948, S.524). Boston has pledged not to use artificial turf on municipal properties, and state Community Preservation Act program funds may not be used for artificial turf. As the conversation around artificial turf usage advances, CRWA strongly advocates for legislation and policy that reduces artificial turf’s ability to negatively impact the Commonwealth and its waters.

PROTECT OUR WATERSHEDS, ACT TODAY

TOGETHER,WE CAN CREATE A RESILIENT FUTURE
We need your support for the prohibition of state and municipal contracts for artificial turf and the ban of tire-derived materials in playing fields and playgrounds. These materials contribute to microplastic pollution and release harmful chemicals, including PFAS and 6PPD-quinone, which contaminate our waterways and pose substantial risks to our watersheds—the very lifeblood of our ecosystems, drinking water sources—and aquatic ecosystems. The potential for widespread exposure to these toxic chemicals necessitates immediate legislative action to safeguard public health and the environment. By implementing these bans, we prioritize the well-being of our communities and the preservation of our natural resources, thereby mitigating future costly remediation efforts. We urge you
to consider the long-term consequences and support this critical legislation.

WATERSHEDS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH OPPOSE PLASTIC GRASS

• Mystic River Watershed
• Charles River Watershed

Areas of Concern:

• Water contamination The leaching of PFAS, 6PPD-Q and other harmful chemicals from artificial turf into waterways is a major concern for all watersheds.
• Microplastic pollution also poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and our drinking water supply.
• Stormwater runoff Artificial turf & pour-in-place playgrounds create an impervious surface, increasing stormwater runoff and contributing to flooding and pollution.
• Heat Island effect Artificial turf & playground surfaces significantly increase surface temperatures, exacerbating heat islands, adversely impacting public health, especially in Environmental Justice communities and heated water run-off impacting aquatic life.

*In the 193rd session, Residents from more than 35 Massachusetts communities demonstrated strong support for the Legislation to ban artificial turf, including Agawam, Amherst, Andover, Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Boxford, Brighton, Concord, Florence, Foxborough, Groveland, Hopkinton, Ipswich, Malden, Medford, Medway, Milton, Montague, Nantucket, Newton, North Andover, Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard), Pelham, Sharon, Shutesbury, Somerville, Stoneham, Topsfield, Watertown, Wayland, West Boxford, and West Newton. This widespread backing underscores the critical need to pass this Legislation in the 194 session.

2024 Town Meeting Vote

In 2024, the community voted against the replacing of Hanlon Field with artificial turf. Here are some facts about artificial turf:

• Bullet Points against artificial turf, May 2024 (pdf)
• Supporting references for the bullet points (pdf)

February 9, 2025

Larry Ellsworth stepped down after many years of serving as our Chair. He has done a great job of steering the Committee, and his leadership will be missed. Luckily he will continue to be an active member!

Moving forward, Larry stressed that he hopes more members of the community will get involved in the Committee. There was some speculation that the upcoming administration inspire more activity.

We held elections. David Tarkowski, who was treasurer, was unanimously voted in as our new chair. Katie Peters was unanimously voted in as our new treasurer. Congratulations to both!

The Medway town election went smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the Town Clerk, Stefany Ohannesian.

 We had some special guests come by, including Senate President Karen Spilka and Rep. Jeff Roy, plus several members of Pipefitters Local 537 who carried signs supporting Jeff. And there were several spirited conversations with Select Board member Dennis Crowley and others. 

Thanks to Larry and Carol for setting it all up, staying there ALL day and taking the booth down.

Also helping out were MDTC members Mark Lannigan, Mendy Tarkowski, Carol Ellsworth, Kathleen Yorkis, Paul Yorkis, Sue Rorke, Jen Pavlov, David Blackwell and Phil Fougere who gave very generously of their time and enthusiasm to make the event special. Well done!

It was also gratifying that Democrats swept the ballot in Medway. Turnout was a near-record 76% (8398 ballots cast out of 11067 voters in town)! Kamala Harris took 59% of the town’s vote for President, Elizabeth Warren took 53% for US Senate, Jim McGovern took 66% for US Representative, Jeff Roy took 62% for State Representative in precincts 2-4, and Tamisha Civil took 55% for Governor’s Council. A number of other races featured Democrats with no opponents. All in all, a good day for us here in town.

One hesitates to say we’ll be in survival mode from now on, but, maybe.

Election Results

Unofficial Medway results as of 8:30 p.m., November 5

Here are Medway results posted on the Town of Medway website.

Position	Candidate	Precinct 1	Precinct 2	Precinct 3	Precinct 4	Total
Pres / VP	Harris / Walz	1146	1314	1275	1216	4951
Pres / VP	Trump / Vance	714	803	814	815	3146
State Senate	Karen Spilka	1406	1581	1550	1495
State Rep	Jeff Roy		1269	1252	1203
State Rep	Chuck Bailey		777	787	755
Governor's Council	Tamisha Civil	968	1135	1107	1040
Governor's Council	Francis Crimmins	815	876	878	869
Senator	Elizabeth Warren	998	1161	1134	1093
Senator	John Deaton	896	985	983	960
Congress	Jim McGovern	1153	1367	1290	1276
Congress	Cornelius Shea	626	663	718	638
Ballot Question 1	Yes	1349	1426	1498	1343
Ballot Question 1	No	481	633	561	619
Ballot Question 2	Yes	1063	1216	1260	1195
Ballot Question 2	No	849	926	872	860
Ballot Question 3	Yes	834	1021	988	897
Ballot Question 3	No	1021	1047	1099	1090
Ballot Question 4	Yes	740	898	895	733
Ballot Question 4	No	1142	1208	1212	1265
Ballot Question 5	Yes	501	616	543	516
Ballot Question 5	No	1390	1511	1574	1515

There are five (5!) Ballot Questions on the November 5 ballot. MDTC held a forum with speakers for and against each question to help you understand them better.

The “action” begins at around the 20 minute mark.

The question descriptions below may be paraphrased. PLEASE read your booklet!

• Question 1: Proposed law would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature
  • In favor: former State Rep Jamie Belsito
  • Against: former State Auditor Suzanne Bump
• Question 2: The proposed law would eliminate the requirement that students pass the MCAS in order to graduate.
  • In favor: John Rappaport
  • Against: Will Austin, Boston Schools Fund
• Question 3: The proposed law would provide Transportation Network Drivers with the right to form unions
  • In favor: Joel Rivera, Pablo Ruiz, Patrick Cruzi – Yes on 3
  • No one
• Question 4: The proposed law would allow persons 21 and older to grow, possess and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances
  • In favor: Brennan Spencer, Yes on 4
  • Against: Chris Keohan
• Question 5: The proposed law would gradually increase the minimun hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker over the next 5 years.
  • In favor: James Wu, One Fair Wage
  • Against: Chris Keohan

The MDTC, the Medway Republican Town Committee, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee and the Franklin Republican Town Committee co-hosted a debate between Democratic State Rep. Jeff Roy and his Republican opponent, Charles Bailey.

The debate was October 8.

Cappy Capozzoli, veteran from Medway, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The candidates made opening and closing statements, and Franklin DTC Chair Rachel Plukas and Medway RTC Chair Tim Harris asked questions of the candidates. Darrell Kulesza was the master of ceremonies, and Larry Ellsworth was the timekeeper.

Watch the Debate

The debate aired live and can be streamed on Medway Cable with captions. The debate begins at about 10:30 minutes in.

Franklin Matters also has a video that can be streamed with captions.

Questions

1. Massachusetts is considered one of the least transparent legislatures in the country.  Constituents do not know who supports and opposes bills. Should all committee and full-body votes be documented roll call votes?  What other specific changes would you support to open the legislative process? (1 minute)
2. The MBTA Communities zoning law requirements will significantly impact communities like Franklin and Medway. The additional units will strain our schools, police, fire, and infrastructure. Do believe this legislation is appropriate for Medway and Franklin?  Why? What legislation would you propose to mitigate the financial impacts that each community will face? (1 minute)
3. Water supplies are increasingly testing positive for PFAS and other dangerous and forever chemicals.  What new rules, practices, and programs can the state put in place to protect water supplies (examples:  ban artificial turf, limit lawn chemicals, limit farming pesticides) and make it affordable and practical for municipalities? How will you support Medway and Franklin with respect to funding PFAS-related upgrades? (1 minute)
4. Do you support funding of programs for undocumented migrants in the Commonwealth? Why? (30 seconds)
5. There are now inequities in access and funding between vocational schools and comprehensive schools. Taking into consideration the need for a well-trained workforce, what actions would you propose to mitigate those inequities? (1 minute)
6. Medway and Franklin are both minimum-school-aid districts. As our State Representative, what actions would you take to support our schools in maintaining the high level of education that has been provided to students, and to attract and retain qualified teachers? (1 minute)
7. The Governor recently signed “An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws” that significantly updated the laws around guns and made them more stringent. Please explain your position on this Act. (1 minute)
8. Building new housing is costly and getting more so. Many factors cause this price rise including the cost of labor, materials, and land, plus environmental and other requirements placed on developers. Restrictive zoning also plays a part by reducing the number of sites for multifamily or mixed-use development. Seniors and young families are being priced out of the market. How would you tackle the problem of too-high housing costs? (1 minute)
9. Synthetic Turf fields are being constructed using taxpayer funds across the state. Health and safety concerns have been raised by many citizens of Medway and Franklin. Should these fields be regulated or even allowed by the state? (1 minute)
10. The current system for providing affordable housing is unsustainable. In addition, there is a shortage of affordable and accessible housing in Franklin and Medway. How would you address these issues to make housing affordable and accessible to all? (1 minute)
11. The Cannabis Commission has ruled that Host Agreements are no longer allowed and those in place must be terminated. In this case the Town of Medway would lose an anticipated $500,000 a year in revenue it currently receives. Did you support this ruling or would you vote to repeal this ruling? (1 minute)
12. Hospitals and other health care facilities are in crisis.  Private equity, including the selling and renting back of the properties have gotten much of the blame for our state-wide crisis.  What incentives, penalties, oversight and restrictions do you support to improve all hospitals and health care facilities?  According to medicare.gov, two local nursing homes, Medway Country Manor and Cedarwood Gardens in Franklin, have a 2 and a 3 out of 5 rating.  Specifically, what would you do to try to turn these two sites around? (1.5 minutes)
13. What are the three or four most important infrastructure issues facing the state, and specifically in our district? What specific actions would you propose to address them? (1 minute)
14. Communities like Medway are seeing an influx of energy projects driven by the state’s renewable energy goals. What should the state be doing to help mitigate the impact on these communities? (1 minute)
15. Franklin and Medway, like many communities, are planning much-needed municipal building projects like schools and police and fire stations. Rising costs and tight municipal budgets make it very difficult to allocate funds for these projects. What specific actions do you support to help municipalities fund and execute projects like these? For example, should the state have a Municipal Building Authority similar to the Mass. School Building Authority? (1 minute)
16. Do you support the legislation that gave the DPU the authority to overrule local by-laws in order to build battery storage facilities similar to the one being built in the town of Medway? If yes please explain why you support this legislation, which actually took away the rights of the local citizens by allowing the developers to bypass the approval of local planning and zoning boards. (1 minute)
17. Describe two situations: one, where you changed your mind on a significant issue after listening to opposing viewpoints; and two, a time when you had to make an unpopular but principled decision. (1 minute)

Photos

Photos by Sue Rorke

Medway Democrats jumped right into action with their first standout in Milford on August 4.

From Mendy: “We had a blast standing out in Milford this morning with friends from towns all over the area. We’re feeling energized, excited, and hopeful!”

June 1 at the Worcester DCU Convention Center.

With no issues on the table, and no one needing a vote to get onto the ballot, the convention was inspirational speeches from state leadership. Elizabeth Warren did get voted in, but she was unopposed.

Medway Democrats support the Medway’s LGBTQ+ community and the annual raising of rainbow flags on Main Street, and the celebration afterwards.

You can see more photos of the event at MedwayMarches.com.