Wag the Dog

I wanted to wait until after the final Candidates Forum that was held at the Franklin Public Library on Monday night March 24th until I gave my opinion as to my voting preferences for the April 1st election, in the City of Franklin. While I do not live in the 3rd and 4th district, I do have an opinion on those races also.

So what is the basis for my voting preferences, 1) I read as much as I can about the candidates 2) I am involved with city as a technology commissioner and make observations. 3) I occasionally go to city council meetings and have stopped by at several of the other commission meetings. 4) I occasionally attend School Board meetings and have two children in the school system. 5) I attended both of the candidates forums. 6) I did not talk to any of the candidates on a one to one basis to allow  for a bias.  7) I do not look at political web pages for presentation but rather content. 8) I have lived in Franklin since 1989 and have followed Franklin politics since I came here to live. 9) I try not to forget what a politician has done because you never know when they will pop back up for an election. 10) I talk to my neighbors for their opinion.

Last but not least GUT FEELING. I find that has been fairly on target in my 52 years on this earth.

Armed with that information, I will let you know who I am going to vote for and who I would vote for if they were in my district.

When the 4 members of the School Board Candidates were asked at the March 19th School Board Forum. Who would they vote for Mayor? All of them felt uncomfortable but answered the question. All four candidates said with out a doubt -  Mayor Tom Taylor.

For varying reasons, one by one stated that Tom Taylor was a know leader and all felt he had done a good job leading the City of Franklin. There was not one mention of Basil Ryan, neither for good or bad reasons.  In that same vein, I too am going to vote for Mayor Tom Taylor. I know the job he has done, I know what kind of Alderman he was, because Tom was my alderman during the time of Basil Ryan's term as alderman.

While I am not crazy about the tax increases we have seen during Tom Taylor's years as Mayor, I can not say Basil Ryan has come up with anything concrete that shows me he will control them any better. Just a promise, which in my book, politicians do all the time and then forget what they promised.  On top of this, during Basil Ryan's time as alderman,  I saw a turbulent period of time on the City Council with allegations of litigation, misuse of aldermanic influence, and general kaos between the council members. We currently do not have those issues now.

Bottom line is, for now, I think Tom Taylor is the safe bet for Franklin.

First off let me say, the four people who are running for the two open positions on the School Board, deserve a whole lot of respect, given the information that has come out on the current Board members. All four, Dennis Butler, Edward Holpfer, Linda Witkowski and David Works are extremely qualified to sit on the School Board. They all are looking for better communication with the electorate, better board teamwork, and better student performance.

 I told them after last Wednesdays Candidate Forum, "I hope those that do not win this time will consider a run to replace the current members next April."

While all the candidates had similar responses to most of the questions, the two that stood out in my mind as to be the best of the four were Ed Holpfer (experienced) and David Works (dedicated).

Some of the statements that led me to believe this were:

When it comes to additional space and a new referendum " We need to separate the needs from the wants for a new referendum"  - David Works

"Let's look at the most cost effective way to achieve the additional space needed" - Ed Holpfer

When discussing a question concerning the Oak-Creek Franklin School district and how they have the 27th Street corridor as a major contributor to their School District.

Holpfer came up with this unique idea: Instead of trying to get Oak Creek - Franklin boundaries changed (a lucrative business ladened area) we could go to the State Legislature to negotiate paying a set amount per child attending the Oak Creek - Franklin School district, and the rest could go back to Franklin. 

"Don't tell me what we can't do. Let's see what we can do to make it work."  is Ed's battle cry and I believe he means it.  Dennis Butler and Linda Witkowski said that there is no way that Oak Creek would let Franklin out of any agreement and it would take much work with the State legislature to work toward that end. I feel that is a defeatist attitude that the current board is known for.

Lastly, Ed Holpfer was the only candidate in Monday's Forum that referred to the Franklin Public Schools Facility Needs Survey Report stating that a new High School was not wanted by the majority of the survey that the School District paid for but ignored by the current board. Both Dennis Butler and Linda Witkowski said that they favored the replacement of the High School. This was a major difference among the three candidates at the March 24th forum and this stuck out in my mind.

If you are looking for change this may be the place to consider. While the two current alderman have done an adequate job as alderman. Neither has stood out as a must stay in office for Franklin to survive. Neither has done much to let you know as their alderman, that you must keep them in office other than a stay the course campaign.

While I have at times, reported on Kristen Wilhelm who is running in District 3 against incumbent Alan Hammelman. I find her to be a breath of fresh air (no pun intended as she is the current Environmental Commission Chair). Her enthusiasm linked to green background may be what the City of Franklin needs for a kick in the pants. In reading her website and brochures, I can agree with many of the issues she wants to change including those concerning safety.

In the 4th District incumbent Peter Kosovich is usually the quiet one at the Council meetings that I have attended. He is running against Steve Taylor, a recent Environmental Commission member add. As much younger opponent (age 32), Steve just may have fresh ideas that the council could use along with his youthful enthusiasm. Taylor has been active in local government as an alderman in LaCrosse, WI and a Planning Commissioner in MN. I think his enthusiasm is something the citizens in the 4th district may be looking for. Steve Taylor also has a great sense of humor chiding, Tom Taylor that next time their is a Mayoral  election, there still may be a Taylor running for office.