THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL (FIJ) is a news, information and opinion website published by Franklin taxpayer—Basil Ryan who reports and analyzes stories of interest on a wide range of topics from politics, including local government. "We also intend to educate our readers on the founding principles of America and from time-to-time infuse entertainment (satire) with the issues facing all Americans and our posterity.”— Thomas Jefferson: “Notes on Virginia,” 1781.
Basil Ryan is a former 4th district alderman for Franklin. After winning his second term 15 years ago, a group of people outside of his aldermanic district threatened to recall Basil Ryan because they lost a major election against him. Basil Ryan went through a vicious recall. The group that recalled him was prosecuted by the State of Wisconsin through the Milwaukee District Attorney's office. The Milwaukee County Circuit Court severely penalized the recall group. Because of their vicious lies and illegal activities against Basil, the group was ordered by the court to pay a hefty fine, be dissolved and disbanded. The court also warned the group that if any future activity were to occur again, the court would go after individuals personally. This warning was reiterated by the Milwaukee District Attorney's office.
Franklin residents have continued to contact Basil Ryan with concerns that affect their community. Basil Ryan has remained active in Franklin politics and has helped many resident deal with neighborhood issues. Through the FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL, Basil Ryan will continue this practice, giving Franklin residents a voice in their government.
At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when queried as he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin; “Well Doctor, what have we got a Republic or a Monarchy?”—“A Republic," replied the Doctor, if you can keep it."
This nation’s Founders recognized that governments depend on imperfect men, and worried about the threat of an all-powerful central government, where the few dictate to the many. THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL believes that government goes to those who show up and stand up. We intend to hold all Franklin's elected representatives accountable for their actions or lack thereof on the crucial issues facing our City now and in the future. Our goal is to enlighten, inspire, educate—and at times entertain our fellow Franklinites to become more active and engaged in Franklin government.
I encourage you to join us by subscribing to our RSS feed or bookmarking THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL.
Thank you for your support.
Basil Ryan