FOXBORO — Say this for Congressman Barney Frank, he’s not afraid to be blunt and brutally honest.

As a Patriots fan and one of the leading lawmakers in Congress, he was asked his thoughts about the ongoing talks to re-sign star quarterback Tom Brady and what kind of input he would like to have.

“I hope he won’t be offended but I do think that part of income above $200,000 should go back to old rate,” Frank said. “My only role is the revenue. The more they make, the more we can produce.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, speaking after a press conference on solar power generation at Patriot Place in Foxboro, sounded another optimistic note that he believes the team can sign iconic quarterback Tom Brady to a long-term contract. Kraft walked off the practice field with Brady on Monday morning and was asked if he spoke to the quarterback about his birthday plans for Tuesday.

“It’s actually unbelievable,” Kraft said of his quarterback who turns 33 on Tuesday. “He came here when he was 22 and now he’s going to be 33. He’s a great cook. He has something very special planned. We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him right here in Foxboro.”

Congressman Frank, Kraft and a host of local energy dignitaries were on hand for the press conference outside CBS Scene as the Patriots were heralded for their work to turn Patriot Place into a massive employment center that now runs 30 percent of its power off a 525-kilowatt solar power system.