Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AA' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to the Town of Franklin, Mass.' general obligation (GO) municipal purpose loan, series 2013. At the same time, Standard&Poor's has affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating on the town's existing GO debt. The outlook is stable. The long-term rating reflects what we view as the town's: Good location along the high-tech Interstate 495 corridor with access to Boston by commuter rail and other regional employment centers; Very strong household income and below-average unemployment; Strong financial position, albeit with some dependency on intergovernmental aid; and Low debt burden, with rapid amortization and limited additional capital needs. These strengths are partially offset, we believe, by the town's
