Because Franklin is a small city word gets around rather quickly. People find out stuff, they talk about it, and ‘it’ spreads.

Given that I have a bit of some readership I do receive a certain amount of correspondence. Over the weekend a tipster suggested I drive by the home of one of Franklin’s newest members of the City Hall intelligentsia, the head of the Dept. of Administration (essentially vice-mayor) Kelly (I have no experience but they hired me anyway!) Hersh.  I was informed I should take notice of what was on city property right on the corner of Hersh’s house.

I didn’t get the opportunity to follow through and drive over there but it turns out I didn’t have to. Pictures were on Facebook.

There’s no issue with the vendor or the goods. Not at all.

But such a display does require permission, i.e., a city permit. Normally the process includes a public notice on a public city agenda like that of the Franklin Common Council that considers for approval.

If Hersh had proper documentation, end of story. But if she didn’t, that suggests the criticism that she’s not ready for prime time is legitimate. And if she knowingly flouted city regulations because of her position that’s shake your head in disbelief material.

There’s a book entitled “Don’t You Know Who I Am?” It’s by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks, CA and Professor of Psychology at California State University. An online review of the book states, “Narcissism, entitlement, and incivility have become the new world order, and we are all in trouble.”

Did Hersh disregard the spirit of the law because she felt she could since her job in city government entitled her? I’m suggesting it’s entirely plausible. Reminds me of one of the mayor’s brain trust violating a simple well-known campaign rule.

There’s an old saying that’s become quite the rage in recent politics. You may have heard it. “No one is above the law.” That’s why this is kinda important.

Hersh is not qualified for the lofty position she now enjoys if she can’t or won’t follow routine procedures.

My thanks to the individual who brought this to my attention.