EXCLUSIVE FULL COVERAGE: Congressman Paul Ryan Visits Franklin

Arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule to a near capacity audience of what seemed to be mostly supporters; Congressman Paul Ryan made a stop in Franklin Thursday morning in one of several listening sessions he has held in Wisconsin Congressional District 1.

Congressman Ryan’s presentation to a respectful audience was part history lesson and part government economics lesson.  Ryan also explained the nation’s debt crisis and how America got here in terms that were clear and understandable for the average American; using at times, bi-partisan references.

Ultimately he presented an overview of his “Path to Prosperity” budget proposal for fiscal year 2012; touching on our present entitlement programs and how his proposal would reform them.

Ryan claims his budget proposal cuts $6.2 trillion in spending from President Obama’s budget over the next 10 years, reduces the debt as a percentage of the economy, and puts the nation on a path to actually pay off its national debt. Ryan’s proposal brings federal spending to below 20% of gross domestic product (GDP), consistent with the postwar average, and reduces deficits by $4.4 trillion.

If you or your neighbors were unable to attend the session, THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has it on video.  Today we present Part 1.  Look for Part 2 tomorrow. 

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RELATED MEDIA

• House of Representatives Committee on the Budget

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Congressman Paul Ryan Wants to Hear from Constituents

United States Representative Paul Ryan announced the schedule for listening sessions that will be held from April 18 – 29 throughout Southern Wisconsin.  In all Ryan will be visiting 19 communities in Wisconsin's First District and will discuss with residents the economic challenges facing the First District and how Congress can address these challenges head on.

Announcing the listening sessions, Ryan said: "It's very important for me to hear directly from those who live and work in the First District. These listening sessions provide a great opportunity for residents to share concerns, ask questions, and offer ideas on a wide range of issues before Congress- from the federal government's budget, to rising health care costs, to our tax code."

Congressman Ryan will hold his Franklin listening session on Thursday, April 28 at the Franklin Police Department, 9455 West Loomis Road from 11:15-12:15pm.

Click here for Ryan’s full revised schedule.

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Update on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 3:39 PM by Basil Ryan

Congressman Paul Ryan has announced new venues for his Listening Sessions and has moved a number of meetings, including Franklin’s session to accommodate larger crowds.

Congressman Ryan is scheduled to appear at the Franklin High School, Gymnasium 11:15-12:15pm on Thursday, April 28.

Attendees should park in LOWER/STUDENT LOT.


Franklin School District facing $2.5 million decrease in state funding

Franklin Public Schools Director, Business Services and Asst. Superintendent, Jim Milzer gave this quick budget update to the Franklin School Board during its April 20 meeting.

On April 13 THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL emailed Mr. Milzer and asked him to respond to an article on the Hamilton School District's website which indicated that due to the implications of the state budget, that district will see its overall revenue drop by $2.6 million, funding from the state reduced by $1.8 million, and no property tax increase next year.  We also asked Mr. Milzer for his assessment of the effects of state budget cuts on the Franklin School District?

We received a prompt reply in which Mr. Milzer wrote:

Based on the Governors proposed biennium budget the District estimates that the revenue limit for the Franklin Public Schools would decrease by $2.5 million. The Department of Public Instruction has indicated that they will not release State aid estimates until July. Once the Department releases those estimates, we will have a better idea of the effect on State aid and the local property tax levy.

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Bad News for Franklin

“Politicians don’t get elected on the basis of results, they get elected on the impressions they give.”

—Thomas Sowell

In another economic blow to the City of Franklin, THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has learned that according to a notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, T-Shirt International, Inc., located in the Franklin Business Park will terminate 99 workers at its Franklin and Oak Creek facilities on June 10. The Oak Creek site will remain open with clerical staff but the Franklin site will close permanently.

Nearly a year ago to the day, the Franklin Business Park's most highly recognized name, Harley Davidson, notified Mayor Tom Taylor that its Franklin distribution center would be closing.  Driving through the business park today, one can’t help but notice empty buildings and lots. The city as a whole continues to have a lot of retail space sitting empty. Many well-known businesses have left the community.

Harley-Davidson Franklin DistributionCenter, Franklin Business Park.

Yet, in 2011 campaign literature, Mayor Taylor stated: "We gained nearly 3,000 plus jobs in Franklin during my term. During my term new businesses will or have added another 2,000 jobs and much more to come! The type of jobs and pay spanned the entire spectrum: executives, managers, doctors, technical professions, retail services and many more. Also, it generated hundreds of part time jobs for our citizens and young people. More and more of our citizens can work where they live. One of the commitments I made to you!"

THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has requested the jobs gained documents from Mayor Taylor that he referred to in his campaign literature. We also asked Cal Patterson, Treasurer and Director of Finance and Joel Dietl, Planning Manager Department of City Development if they were aware of the documents Mayor Taylor referred to, and if so, if they could provide them.  To-date, only Patterson and Dietl have responded to our request and have indicated they don't have this information. Since we have not received a response from Mayor Taylor, THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has filed an open records request for these documents.  See related EDITORIAL: Is it too good to be true?

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Metal Detectors installed at Franklin High School

During last night's Franklin School Board Meeting, Wisconsin Principal Of the Year, Franklin High School Principal Mike Cady gave the Board an update on Monday’s lockdown and other safety concerns that have come to light since a .22 caliber bullet was found in a hall way at the high school on Monday, April 18.  Mr. Cady also informed the Board that all students will go through a security check upon arrival tomorrow morning, including metal detector screening.  The four brand new metal detectors are on loan, free, from Nicolet High School.Students can also expect a police presence at the high school.

Principal Cady also recounted some of the comments he received from parents on the high school’s handling of the entire episode since Monday.?

THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL Announces Editorial Page

Good morning, my name is Perry White and I am—as some of you may already know—the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Planet.

As you know, my good friends Basil Ryan and Fred Keller recently launched a very good local news media publication; THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL.  I have been asked by my pals to announce to all of their loyal readers, the addition of an Editorial Page (See Navigation Bar). Great Caesar’s ghost, what are you waiting for, get over there now!

Thank you,

Perry White, Editor-in-Chief
The Daily Planet

Franklin High School Closed Today

Due to the discovery of a threat found at the high school, district officials have decided to close Franklin High School today.  A .22-caliber bullet found at Franklin High School prompted a school wide lockdown and early dismissal of students Monday.

Bullet Found in Franklin High School Hall

Local television news reporters' trucks parked outside Franklin High School

According to Franklin Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Patz, between approximately 11:30 am and 12:00 pm a bullet was found in a hall way in Franklin High School  After escorting students from the lunchroom back to their classrooms, the high school was immediately placed under lock-down and Franklin Police were called.  Administrators made the decision to close the school in order for police to sweep the building, including a locker by locker search.  Buses began arriving at approximately1:00 pm and by 2:15 pm all students were safely on their way home. Tonight's events and activities at the high school have been cancelled.

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School Board Members Square Off on Criticism

By Fred Keller and Basil Ryan

It's not always easy to accept criticism, but as you'll see in this video, there are some members of the Franklin School Board who prefer to dish it out, rather than take it. This latest exchange occurred during discussion of the School Board's annual Self Evaluation in its April 6, 2011 Special Meeting. In our continuing effort to educate our readers, THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL attended this school board meeting with video camera in hand and captured video of school board members squaring off in lively discussions about Agenda item 6: Board Self Evaluation.

As you’ll see in the video that this sort of exercise can at times, bring out a certain amount of emotion, contention, frustration and awkward moments. It also demonstrates what some members believe their duties are. Their comments may surprise you. THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL videotaped this meeting, not to embarrass or criticize anyone, but rather to inform and educate our readers.
 
The following individuals are shown in this video (left to right): Dr. Wendy Dzunik, Director of Curriculum; Paulette Kroll, Director of Pupil Services; and School Board  members, Linda Witkowski, Judith Bialk, Melissa Klein; Superintendent Dr. Steve Patz; School Board President Debbie Larsen, School Board Vice President Jeff Traylor, Board member Janet Evans, Board member David Works and Jim Milzer, Director of Business Services.

Note: The audio is low. and we recommend you listen on your external speaker or a headset for best listening quality. We'll be working out the technical kinks as we move forward.

Going forward, video coverage of Franklin School Board meetings will be a regular feature on THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL.

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Never a "Dull" Moment in the Schick Campaign

By Basil Ryan and Fred Keller

District 3 Alderman Candidate Bob Schick, who lost his bid to unseat incumbent Alderman Kristen Wilhelm, has another campaign problem on his hands. Although the general election is over, THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has discovered that the Milwaukee District Attorney's Office is investigating Schick for possible electioneering violations. Schick has been accused of distriuting campaign literature which did not provide the required disclaimer, "Authorized and paid for by [NAME OF CANDIDATE.]"  The guidelines explaining these requirements are distributed to all candidates and elected officials prior to running for elected office. THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL has verified with Franklin's City Clerk that Schick received this information. Also of interest is the fact that Schick's campaign literature was distributed in a clear plastic bag along with campaign literature for candidate for County Executive Jeff Stone.  No endorsement was made by Stone of either District 3 candidate and Stone was unaware that his literature was contained in the same clear plastic bag as that of Schick.

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Franklin Voters Decide Winners and Losers

By Basil Ryan and Fred Keller 

Franklin Aldermanic District 3

Wilhelm Shaves Schick

Despite some controversy in the final days of the campaign concerning his Financial Statement, specifically his employment status with Waste Management, challenger Bob Schick was soundly defeated by incumbent District 3 Alderman, Kristen Wilhelm.  Here are the preliminary (unofficial) results.

• Kristen Wilhelm: 1066 votes, representing 71.39% of the vote.
• Bob Schick: 423 votes, representing 28.28% of the vote.

Franklin Aldermanic District 4

“Peko” Won’t Be Back— District 4 Voters Reject Kosovich, Again

In what could be described as the slimiest race in this election cycle, the citizens of Franklin’s District 4, again rejected Pete Kosovich; this time in his bid to regain the aldermanic seat he once held in this District.  Kosovich lost this seat in 2008, blaming Basil Ryan for his defeat by just a 10 votes to challenger Steve F. Taylor.  In 2011 however, the results were quite different.  Here are the preliminary (unofficial) results.

• Steve F. Taylor: 1250 total votes representing 62.66% of the vote.
• Pete “Peko” Kosovich: 738 total votes, representing 33.99% of the vote.

FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL  cameras were on-hand for Alderman Taylor's victory speech and thank you to his supporters at Mulligans

Franklin School District

Voters Expel David Works from Franklin School Board

If the election results for Franklin School Board were a report card, David Works would receive a failing grade.   Newcomer Tim Nielson received 3,462 votes, ousting Works, who fell short with 2,845 votes.   Incumbent Linda Witkowski was reelected to her second three-year term with 4,260 votes.

Witkowski and Board member Janet Evans have been proponents of transparency within the district, making well-informed decisions rather than rubber-stamping proposals presented by the administration, and holding the line on spending.  With the fiscal responsibilities impacting school districts in the immediate future, the Franklin School Board needs to do their homework.  In reviewing Nielson’s campaign site, it appears citizens may have elected another School Board member who thinks independently.  Only time will tell. 

Neilson will officially take his seat on the Franklin School Board at their reorganization meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 2011.  Along with Witkowski and Evans, he’ll join Judith Bialk, Melissa Klein, Debbie Larson and Jeff Traylor.

Here are the preliminary (unofficial) results.

• Linda Witkowski (Incumbent): 4260 total votes representing 40.09% of the vote.
• Tim Nielson: 3462 total votes representing 32.58% of the vote.
• David Works (Incumbent): 2845 total votes representing 26.78% of the vote.

Unopposed Races

Franklin Aldermanic District 6

• Ken Skowronski (Unopposed incumbent): 1137 total votes, representing 98.44% of the vote.
• Write-in: 18 total votes, representing 1.56% of the vote.

Mayoral Race

• Tom Taylor (Unopposed, seeking third three-year term): 7757 total votes, representing 97.3% of the vote.
• Write-in: 164 total votes, representing 2.07% of the vote.

Here are additional results of the other races in this general election provided to us by Franklin’s City Clerk, Sandi Wesolowski.

Spring 2011 General Election Preliminary Results

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District Attorney Investigates Third District Aldermanic Candidate Bob Schick

By Basil Ryan and Fred Keller

It has come to the attention of THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL that a complaint has been filed with the Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office against Robert Schick, Jr., an aldermanic candidate for District 3. We have learned that Mr. Schick failed to disclose on his City of Franklin Financial Statement filed on December 28, 2010, his relationship with Waste Management. The complaint alleges that Mr. Schick is an employee of Waste Management, and as such, should have disclosed that fact. The City of Franklin Financial Statement requires that candidates must disclose their relationship with any businesses that deal with Franklin. Waste Management owns and operates the landfill in Franklin.

THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL reached Mr. Schick at his home and asked him to comment on the investigation. He stated he could not talk about the DA's involvement. When asked if he worked for Waste Management, he stated he was not an employee but did work for them. When pressed with further questions, he stated that the conversation was over. He did not wish to comment any further.

This story is still developing so check with THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL for future developments.

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