Posts

Two Posts, Two Standards? Disorderly Conduct Citation Puts Nelson and Eichmann in Spotlight Before April Election

Image
By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News With Mayor John Nelson seeking reelection on April 7, a pending court challenge to a disorderly conduct citation and a recent social media post by Alderwoman Michelle Eichmann are fueling debate about how Franklin’s ordinance is enforced. KEY FACTS • A Franklin resident received a disorderly conduct citation after criticizing city officials online. • Police reports documented no direct threat in the post. • The citation is now under review through a Writ of Certiorari in Milwaukee County Circuit Court . • A recent Facebook post by Alderwoman Michelle Eichmann comparing an unnamed individual to Darrell Brooks and Timothy Olson prompted a new police report requesting review under the same ordinance. • The post was later removed from Eichmann’s Facebook page . • Mayor John Nelson is running for reelection on April 7 as the controversy unfolds. • Nelson, Eichmann, and County Supervisor Steve Taylor have been named i...

Rock Festival Permit Returns to Franklin Council Agenda as Regional Concerns Grow

Image
By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News A dispute over noise and oversight at the Rock Sports Complex has continued across two recent Franklin Common Council meetings, drawing residents from neighboring communities and increasing regional and political attention surrounding events at the venue. At the February 18 Franklin Common Council meeting , Greendale resident Andy Kleist spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting urging the council to delay approval of festival permits until the requirements outlined in Resolution 2024-8109 are fully implemented and sound monitoring issues are addressed. Kleist questioned the status of third-party oversight of the Rock’s sound monitoring system and referenced earlier public discussions indicating the city would assume control of monitoring equipment and implement independent oversight. While Kleist was still standing at the podium during his allotted public comment time, Franklin Mayor John Nelson responded di...

The Milwaukee County GOP Should Have Thought Twice Before Endorsing John Nelson

Image
By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News FRANKLIN, Wis. — The Milwaukee County Republican Party Executive Committee voted Wednesday evening to support Franklin Mayor John Nelson as he seeks reelection in the city’s upcoming mayoral race. The vote occurred during a meeting of the party’s Executive Committee held March 11 at the Milwaukee County GOP office, 801 S. 108th Street in West Allis . Nelson, who has served as mayor of Franklin since 2023, has been seeking support from Republican Party leadership as part of his reelection campaign. Although municipal elections in Wisconsin are officially nonpartisan , party endorsements can provide candidates with organizational support, volunteer networks, and fundraising assistance during a campaign. Executive Committee Considered Endorsement According to individuals familiar with the meeting, the Executive Committee discussed whether the organization should support Nelson’s candidacy before voting on the matter. The meeting ...

Franklin District 6 at a Crossroads: Why Jason Craig Deserves Support

Image
By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News EDITORIAL -- Franklin District 6 at a Crossroads: Why Jason Craig Deserves Support The race for Franklin’s District 6 alderman seat is shaping up to be more than a routine municipal election. Photographs from recent campaign events show Mayor John Nelson and Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor appearing alongside Alderman Maqsood Kahn and District 6 candidate Danelle Kenney. For many residents, those appearances highlight what looks like an emerging political alignment within Franklin politics. As the district that includes the ROC and Ballpark Commons area heads into another closely watched election, voters must decide whether they want an alderman who operates independently—or whether District 6 will become part of that growing political bloc. The Strauss Development Debate One of the most contentious development disputes in recent Franklin history occurred during the proposed Strauss Brands slaughterhouse expa...