By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News Last month, a simple question was raised: Should Mayor John Nelson have recused himself from voting on the Poth’s General development? That question was based on documented facts: Campaign contributions from individuals tied to the development Followed by tie-breaking votes advancing the same project Now, as the Common Council prepares to vote on the formal creation of TID No. 10, a broader question emerges: What exactly is being approved—and how did we get here? Follow the Money Campaign finance records from the 2023 election cycle show a clear pattern: A group of individuals connected to development, property ownership, or business interests in and around the project area contributed at the maximum allowable amount of $735 each . 2023 Election Cycle — Maximum-Level Contributions Core Donors Joey Ricely (Franklin McDonald's Owner) — $735 Scott Mayer — $735 Hay - On the Border Gerald Hay — $735 Mary Hay LLC ...

By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News As County Supervisor Steve Taylor backs her challenger and broader political alignment emerges, voters must decide whether to keep District 9 independent—or hand it over to outside influence. As voters head to the polls this Tuesday, the race for Milwaukee County Supervisor in District 9 has become something bigger than a typical local election. It’s not just about policy. It’s about trust. It’s about independence. And it’s about who truly represents this community. It’s a choice about who controls local government—and who it actually serves. Patti Logsdon does. First elected in 2018, Logsdon has spent years doing something that has become increasingly rare in government— showing up, listening, and being accountable . She has built her reputation not through political maneuvering, but the old-fashioned way: holding town halls, answering tough questions, and making herself accessible to the people of Franklin, H...

  By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi,  Franklin Community News There’s a line in politics you’re not supposed to cross. You can criticize your opponent. You can defend your record. You can even go negative. But you don’t get to invent someone else’s endorsement —and present it to voters as fact. Yet that is exactly what happened in Franklin. The Claim That Crosses the Line A campaign mailer distributed by “Friends of John Nelson” states: “Endorsed by Busalacchi” That is not opinion. That is not interpretation. That is presented as a statement of fact . And it is false. No Endorsement Was Ever Made Let’s be clear: There is no endorsement of any candidate on FCNewsWI.com There is no personal statement where I endorse Basil Ryan There is a direct public statement from me saying the opposite: “That’s not my place to endorse. The facts are presented and it’s up to the voters.” All articles are clearly labeled: Criticism is not endorsement. Reporting is not campai...

  By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News As voters head to the polls this Tuesday, April 7, the question is no longer what was promised—it’s what was delivered. In 2023, John Nelson ran on a message that was impossible to miss. Franklin, he said, was broken. City Hall was dysfunctional. Leadership had failed. He pointed to employee turnover, internal conflict, and a lack of transparency as proof—and told voters he would fix it. Now, nearly two years later, he’s running on something entirely different: Success. Progress. Momentum. But those two narratives don’t align. The 2023 Promises Nelson didn’t run a vague campaign. He made direct, specific commitments. He said City Hall suffered from: “Rapid and concerning employee turnover” Leadership that rejected new ideas “Obstruction, inefficiency, and secrecy” Conflict leading to ethics complaints and lawsuits And most importantly, he promised: He would not manipulate the system to get his way He wo...