Mayor Nelson Unfulfilled Promises - 11 Staff Depart Since Becoming Mayor

EDITORIAL 

Based on Open Records and then Candidate Nelson’s Webpage and Facebook Page.

Promises Promises Promises with No Results

During the 2023 election for Franklin Mayor, many promises were made by then-candidate John Nelson.  As of today, none of the promises have been delivered and the City of Franklin is worse today than it was before the April 4, 2023 Mayoral election.

Candidate John Nelson February 12, 2023 warning then of the rapid and concerning employee turnover at Franklin City Hall.

Let us start with campaign promises made by then-Candidate Nelson.  Listed below are all of the campaign "promises" made by Nelson quoted directly from his campaign web page :

To be frank: Current leadership has failed you and me. We need a change. That's why I'm running for mayor.

 

Current leadership rarely welcomes new or different ideas. Lots of bright and experienced officials and volunteers have walked away from City Hall as a result. They were exhausted and frustrated.

Current leadership often has facilitated or promoted obstruction, inefficiency and secrecy. Conflict, tension, ethics complaints and lawsuits have followed.

I am a professional law enforcement officer. I have the experience to develop and promote policies designed to keep Franklin families, seniors, children and businesses safe.

 

And, unlike current leadership, I won’t recklessly use my authority to manipulate the system to get my way.

 

And, perhaps most importantly, I will restore a positive structure at city hall for citizens, developers and employees alike. 

Then Candidate Nelson also indicates on his website "Where I Came From and Where I Want to Take Us:

We’ve heard many promises. However, if you've attended a city meeting, talked with a neighbor who has, or are aware of the rapid and concerning employee turnover at City Hall, you know Franklin’s image has suffered greatly and for far too long. I believe my skills, experience and temperament are better suited to raise our community to the next level.

Pictured above County Supervisor Steve Taylor, Franklin Mayor John Nelson

 and Mike Zimmerman CEO ROC Ventures

Picture sent to former Mayor Steve Olson on election night of April 4, 2023 when election results were final.

Message sent - "Rat Pack" is now taking control of Franklin

Where do we start?  

What has current Franklin leadership 

done since April 2023,?  

Current leadership HAS failed the residents of Franklin.  

The current leadership has sold out the residents of Franklin to the Franklin "Rat Pack", Taylor, Nelson, and Zimmerman.  

We HAVE NO STANDARDS.  

The current leadership has failed you and me.  

Current leadership rarely welcomes new or different ideas.  

Current leadership often has facilitated or promoted obstruction, inefficiency, and secrecy. 

Conflict, tension, ethics complaints, and lawsuits have followed.   

Mayor Nelson has recklessly used his authority to manipulate the system to get his way.  

Mayor Nelson has not restored a positive structure at city hall for citizens, developers, and employees alike.  

There was a positive structure and since April 4, 2023, it has disappeared.

If the above sounds at all familiar it is unfulfilled promises made by 2023 candidate Nelson and his campaign team.  Direct from Nelson’s candidate webpage.

Now let's review employee turnover at City Hall. Then-candidate Nelson said:

Current leadership rarely welcomes new or different ideas. Lots of bright and experienced officials and volunteers have walked away from City Hall as a result. They were exhausted and frustrated.

However, if you've attended a city meeting, talked with a neighbor who has, or are aware of the rapid and concerning employee turnover at City Hall, you know Franklin’s image has suffered greatly and for far too long.

The reality of the situation is that the mayor hired Kelly Hersh as director of administration as political payback for her efforts in having Nelson elected mayor. Hersch has no background or degrees in Public Administration and DID NOT meet the minimum qualifications of the job posting for the position. Sources indicate that Hersh was the only applicant for the job.  Nelson outright lied to the Common Council.  FCN reported one month before the April 2023 election that Nelson offered Hersh the job if he won.  Hersh not only received the job but also received a higher salary than the Common Council approved using his “mayoral budget line”. Multiple open record documents show that Hersch was on the Nelson campaign team along with County Supervisor Steve Taylor and ROC Ventures CEO, Mike Zimmerman.  

Eleven (11) Franklin Staff Depart Since Nelson Elected Mayor

Since April 4, 2023, under Nelson and Hersh's leadership, eleven (11) staff positions have either resigned, retired, or have been terminated.  Those positions and individuals are:

Karen Kastenson, City Clerk

Nicole Maramonte-Hinz, Planning Clerk

Scott Satula, Director of Inspections

Rick Oliva, Police Chief

Adam Remington, Fire Chief

Glen Morrow, City Engineer

Tyler Beinlich, Asst. City Engineer

Katy Rivedal, Permits Clerk

Kyle Kabe, Assessor

Jill Glanz, Fire Inspector

Laurie Miller, Planning Manager (with a wrongful termination settlement of $65,000)

Bob Tesch, Buildings Superintendent

Under the Olson Administration 11 positions were lost over 9 years.  Under the Nelson Administration 11 positions were lost over 14 months!

As Nelson's mouthpiece, County Supervisor Steve Taylor proclaimed in a March 29, 2023 Facebook Post:

"When the captain pilots a sinking ship, passengers jump off to preserve their lives." Updated to 2024, (John Nelson's) "leadership" style has forced numerous employees, many high-high level, to retire early or to leave for calmer seas"  It's time to send John Nelson off into the sunset.

 

County Supervisor Steve Taylor March 29, 2023 Facebook Post

Then we have this gem posted by Director of Administration Hersh before she was given a job as Director of Administration with no qualifications:

"City staff exodus indeed!  I see one person pointing his finger at others on the council but the irony is the person who points his finger blaming others has made himself the sole responsible party for the city.  This is particularly true regarding the loss of knowledgeable and experienced city staff.  The city needs new leadership before all of our skilled staff have left thanks to our toxic leader."

Kelly Hersh Facebook Post January 9, 2023 before she was appointed Franklin Director of Administration

Ms. Hersh, are you now blaming former Mayor Olson for the departure of eleven (11) staff members since you and Nelson have led the city since April 4, 2023?  Or is it that you and Nelson (and Taylor) are "cleansing" City Hall of any ruminants of the "Olson Era" because you and Nelson consider them co-conspirators, sympathizers, and loyalists to Olson?

Candidate John Nelson Facebook Post January 10, 2023

Restoring Integrity - Sponsored by County Supervisor Steve Taylor

Nelson Investigation In Town of Waterford Continues - Franklin Impact

Let us also remember that Mark Belling and Wisconsin Right Now reported in February of this year that Mayor John Nelson, a lieutenant in the Town of Waterford Police Department was now one of four police suspended pending an investigation.  One of the four has taken a separation agreement.  We also know that one of Nelson's close friends former Acting Chief and Lieutenant William Jeschke was also suspended pending an investigation.  Recent news reports indicated that Nelson has pushed back his appearance with the investigators and instead of ending in August as indicated by town chair Teri Nicolai-Jendusa it could be by mid-September.

Candidate John Nelson Facebook Post February 17, 2023

At full-time job as Lieutenant for Town of Waterford

Anyone who believes that this investigation is solely a Town of Waterford issue about Mayor Nelson is terribly mistaken.  There will be and is a crossover to Franklin connection(s).  One could only wonder if the "powers that be" are now prepping Alderman Eichmann, Franklin Common Council President, as possible Mayor Eichmann of Franklin? Time will tell. 

At a 2024 "campaign" fundraiser for County Supervisor Steve Taylor

City of Franklin Common Council President Michelle Eichmann, John Nelson (Mayor, City of Franklin), Steve Taylor, Jim Luckey, George Christiansen (County Clerk), Georgia Konstantakis (Franklin Municipal Judge), Marcellia Nicholson (County Board Chair), and Liz Sumner (Milwaukee County Comptroller).

Oak Creek and Franklin Residents take a good look at the picture above. What do you see missing at County Supervisor Taylors "campaign" fundraiser?

There are no other alderpersons from Franklin other than Eichmann. There are no alderpersons from Oak Creek. The Mayor of Oak Creek is not present. There are no City Administrators or Directors from Oak Creek or Franklin. There are no staff from Oak Creek or Franklin. and........THERE ARE NO RESIDENTS FROM OAK CREEK OR FRANKLIN. Just Supervisor Taylor's groupies who all owe each other political favors.

RENT FREE    RENT FREE    RENT FREE    RENT FREE    RENT FREE

Rock Receives Noise Citation - Crystal Ridge is BACK! - Taylor Stages Phony Golf Tournament

You may be thinking this is an April Fools Edition of Franklin Community News.  This is not. The headline is true.

Rock Receives Noise Citation

On Thursday, August 22, Mike Zimmerman CEO of Rock Ventures posted a copy of a Notice of Citation issued by the Frankin Police Department on an exchange in a post on the Franklin Area Community Facebook Page.  The citation was issued for "A violation of the noise provision of an extraordinary event permit".  The Citation requires a Rock representative to appear in Franklin Municipal Court on September 25, 2024, at 8:30am.

The citation was issued for a noise violation on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7:48pm.  According to the Visit Ballpark Commons webpage calendar of events, there were two events on this day.  The Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Kane County Cougars at 6pm and Generation Z performing at the Umbrella bar at 6:30pm.

According to the citation it was issued for violating Franklin Municipal Ordinance 121.9(e).  The ordinance specifically states:

"Noise. No licensee shall permit any sound created by the special event activity to carry unreasonably beyond the boundaries of the special event premises."

 According to 129(L) of the Frankin Municipal Code, Enforcement:

Any person who violates any provision of this section or who violates any condition upon which a special event license is granted shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense. In addition, the City may enforce this section by way of injunctive relief and all other remedies available at law and in equity.

On February 17, 2024, Franklin Community News published an article titled "Konstanktakis Supported by Steve Taylor for Franklin Municipal Judge". As FCN has reported Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor is also the Executive Director of the ROC Foundation, a Foundation based upon reported reviews of ROC Foundation tax returns, that makes no money and donates no money.  Taylor and Franklin Mayor John Nelson both supported Konstanktakis's run for Municipal Judge.

The moment of truth will be on September 25, 2024, if now Judge Konstanktakis will uphold the rule of law and hold the Rock (Mike Zimmerman) finally accountable or if she will let the violation slide as part of the Franklin political payback and corruption to Taylor and Nelson for working to have her elected. Also remember that Taylor, Zimmerman, and Kelly Hersh, the Franklin Director of Administration  were on the campaign team to have Nelson elected Mayor.

Crystal Ridge is BACK!

The owners of Crystal Ridge, the former Rock Snow Park, made the following statement in a press release on August 14, 2024:

Rock Snowpark announced that the ski area will return to its roots and once again be known as Crystal Ridge. First opened in 1987 by John Kaishian, current ownership felt it was time for a refresh and rebrand that better represents what they are.  A new Crystal Ridge logo and website were also released. The new name goes into eect immediately with updated branding, signage, and merchandise for the 24/25 winter ski season.

The ski area was named “Rock Snowpark'' when new ownership took over from Kaishian in 2012. Changes and improvements were made not only to the ski area but to the entire complex as the developer began to build The Rock Sports Complex - a multi-use sports and entertainment complex. In 2017, Little Switzerland co-owners Rick and Mike Schmitz took over Rock Snowpark ski hill operations from The Complex. With two prior successful ski hill operations (Little Switzerland in Slinger, and Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose) the brothers began extensive snowmaking, lift, and equipment upgrades.

The Crystal Ridge team and ownership are passionate skiers and snowboarders who aim to introduce the sport to as many people as they can each winter. This business embraces its local community while operating a family-friendly environment to get on snow on skis, snowboards, or tubes. The reimagined Crystal Ridge brand better aligns with these goals.

General Manager, Riley May, grew up skiing around Wisconsin and often visited The Rock Snowpark during his time in college. “We are thrilled to bring back the Crystal Ridge name. I think what Kaishian built here in Franklin and Milwaukee County is something this community should be proud of. We want to honor that name as well as give it some new life. Crystal Ridge captures that ‘ski-hill-feel’ better than the previous name. It also allows us to have one cohesive name and branding for both winter and summer business (wedding & events).”

Crystal Ridge will continue to invest in snowmaking infrastructure, lodge improvements, and grooming equipment to provide its loyal pass holders and new customers the best experience possible. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, this urban ski hill attracts thousands of visitors each winter for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Crystal Ridge gives a local, Midwest, vibe that is convenient and close to home for kids, families, and winter sports enthusiasts alike. Being under the same ownership as Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain allows customers to explore skiing at two other great Midwest hills. Crystal Ridge ski area provides one double chair lift, a high-speed rope tow, two beginner conveyors, a handle tow, and a 19-lane snow tubing park. Learn more about Crystal Ridge and its name change at www.crystalridge.com 

It seems very apparent that Crystal Ridge wants to create distance and separation between Crystal Ridge and the Rock Snowpark.  The new owners must know what most of Franklin already knows…that the city of Franklin has become fractured over the Rock and Crystal Ridge wants to avoid any association with the Rock

We look forward to Crystal Ridge back in Franklin and being a responsible corporate citizen.

Steve Taylor stages phony ROC Foundation Golf Tournament 

Residents of Franklin and Oak Creek, there seems to be a little sleight of hand by your County Supervisor and ROC Foundation Executive Director Steve Taylor.  On August 10, 2024, FCN reported "Updated 8/12/24 - Steve Taylor Should Stop Losing Money on the ROC Foundation Before Attempting to Fix County Budget" and that there was no ROC Foundation Golf Tournament scheduled for 2024.

There appeared to be in a matter of days a "foursome" or maybe a "fivesome".  There was no 5th Annual ROC Golf Tournament as the Visit Ballpark Commons webpage would have you believe. Not necessarily a "Fundraiser" for the ROC Foundation but maybe just a bunch of Taylor's groupies playing golf together and pretending to be raising money for "Charity".

As FCN reported NONE of the Rock or ROC Foundation webpages including Visit Ballpark Commons had any mention of a "5th Annual 2024 ROC Foundation Golf Tournament" as of August 12, 2024.  Well, there must be some of that "greater good" pixie dust over at the ROC Foundation.

As of August 24, 2024, the following information now appears for the ROC Golf Outing:

5th Annual ROC Foundation Golf Tournament

Please join us on August 23, 2024, for the 5th Annual ROC Foundation Golf Tournament presented by The Boldt Company! Shotgun start will begin at 7:45 AM and is located at Whitnall Golf Course in Franklin, WI. We also invite you to join us for lunch at the Leinenkugel’s Hop Yard in Franklin Field following golf.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hit the links and give back to the community, so don’t miss out! For further information, please contact Steve Taylor at stevet@rocventures.org

OOPS ......the following also appears directly below

ROC Foundation 4th Annual Golf Tournament Luncheon Presented By BOLDT®

 OOPS ......then when you click on the link to sign up the following appears:

Registration Details

Shotgun Start: 8:00am Lunch will be served following the tournament at: Leinenkugel's Hop Yard Milkmen Stadium 7035 S. Ballpark Drive Franklin, WI

Round 1

Four Person Scramble

August 18, 2023

8:00 AM CDT

18 holes

Whitnall Park Golf Course

6751 S 92nd Street

Franklin, WI 53132 

However, Mr. Taylor did attempt to update the "sponsors" for this year

OOPS  EVEN MORE......the following also appears directly below listing last year's sponsors

ROC Foundation 4th Annual Golf Tournament Luncheon Presented By BOLDT®

Is it possible that the "Sponsors" do not know that they contributed toward a "bogus" not to be confused with a "bogey" non-existent golf tournament?  Or maybe this is all smoke and mirrors and the sponsors were never contacted to be sponsors?

Well, all we could hope for is that County Supervisor Taylor believes he raised lot of money for the ROC Foundation, and the proceeds raised will serve many children in Wave and Milkmen Sports Camps.

Well done Mr. Taylor.  Let's hope you did not lose any money this year as you did last year. We will be pulling the tax returns of the ROC Foundation to see your success for 2023.  ROC according to the ROC Website is Return on Community.

IRS Tax returns for the nonprofit ROC Foundation shows County Supervisor Taylor earns over $75.000 in salary and benefits as Executive Director.  County Supervisor Taylor earns more in salary than the ROC Foundation “donates” to charities or supports the stated mission of the ROC Foundation. 

What is it exactly that MIlwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor does to earn over $74,000 as Executive Director of the ROC Foundation?  There are three stated missions published on various ROC websites so you can take your pick.

If County Supervisor Steve Taylor in his full-time job is brazen and smug enough to stage a fake golf tournament for charity, can you imagine what he does with his part-time job as County Supervisor, at the County Board, with your tax dollars?  Would you trust Taylor with your check book?

Remember Mr. Taylor, it is for the greater good.  Rent Free.

 

Updated 8/12/24 - Steve Taylor Should Stop Losing Money on the ROC Foundation Before Attempting to Fix County Budget

This article has been updated on August 12, 2024 - please see below.

Is Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor and ROC Foundation Executive Director 2024 ROC Foundation Golf Tournament a BUST?

Franklin Community News cannot find any sign on social media or the ROC Foundation web page that there will be a 2024 ROC Foundation Golf Outing.  The ROC Foundation web page still lists last year's 2023, 4th Annual Golf Tournament from August 13, 2023, on the page.  The Visit Ballpark Commons web page also lists information for the 2023 golf tournament.   So no 5th Annual Tournament?

Listed on the Visit Ballpark Commons, the sponsors that contributed to a golf outing that lost money in 2023 are listed as:

According to ROC Foundation Tax Returns 990EZ filed with the IRS, the Golf Tournament has been the largest revenue source for the ROC Foundation with the lowest return.  The 2023 tax returns for the ROC Foundation have yet to be filed.  Steve Taylor, ROC Executive Director and only employee of the ROC Foundation, according to tax returns, lost -$1.00 on the 2022 golf outing.

Golf Outing	2020	2021	2022
Gross	$33,028.00	$33,529.00	$45,376.00
Expenses	$25,147.00	$30,472.00	$37,233.00
Other Expenses - Rent Facility Costs			$8,144.00
Net Profit	$7,881.00	$3,057.00	-$1.00

Total gross fundraising revenue for the ROC Foundation continues to increase year over year at the same time fundraising expenses continue to increase.  In 2022 Steve Taylor lost -$4,007 in fundraising.

All Gross Receipts – Fundraising Events	$58,660.00	$80,731.00	$114,650.00
All Expenses – Fundraising Events	$44,371.00	$65,874.00	$118,657.00
Total Net Revenue – All Fundraising Events	$14,289.00	$14,857.00	-$4,007.00

Total revenues for 2022 were at an all-time high but when compared with the expenses and losses on fundraising, they do not paint a good picture of the fiscal management of this foundation by Taylor.

Contributions, gifts, grants	$71,932.00	$129,333.00	$146,659.00
Net Income from Gaming and Fundraising Events	$1,350.00	$8,496.00	-$353.00
Other Revenue	$21.00	$854.00	$427.00
Total Revenue	$73,303.00	$138,683.00	$146,733.00

The reported expenses paint another picture and raise a few questions.  The ROC Foundation according to the IRS filings really does not award "grants".  It allows nonprofit organizations the privilege to sell 50/50 raffle tickets and admission tickets and keep a share of the "profits" for their "work".  

Steve Taylor earned $75,000 in 2022.  According to two Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel articles, Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor failed to disclose his relationship with the rock and two weeks later filed to report his employment as Executive Director of the ROC Foundation on his ethics disclosure statement as required by the Milwaukee County Ethics Board.  

Taylor had $32,786 charged to professional fees and independent contractors.  What is it that a foundation that makes no money and gives no money could possibly be spending $32,786 in 2022 and $40,022 in 2021 on consultants and independent contractors?  Who or what company was Taylor consulting with? What reason could there possibly be for a small nonprofit to spend 25% of its revenue on consulting on top of the 50% revenue of the salary paid by the Foundation to Taylor?  Why was the ROC Foundation not charged rent in 2022 but was charged rent in 2020 and 2021?

Grants Paid	$2,835.00	$33,537.00	$38,006.00
Salaries and benefits	$62,232.00	$74,648.00	$75,047.00
Professional fees and independent contractors	$14,665.00	$40,022.00	$32,786.00
Occupancy, Rent, Maintenance	$7,800.00	$7,984.00	$0.00
Printing/Postage	$363.00		$136.00
Other Expenses	$4,034.00	$1,952.00	$2,283.00
Total Expenses	$91,929.00	$158,143.00	$148,258.00

The net assets reported on the filings indicate a loss for the last three reporting years with a negative fund balance across all three years and a total deficit for the three years of -$39,611.

Deficit for the year	-$18,626.00	-$19,460.00	-$1,525.00
Fund Balance at Beginning of Year	$14,947.00	-$3,679.00	-$23,139.00
Fund balance at end of year	-$3,679.00	-$23,139.00	-$24,664.00

Due to the many questions arising from the review of the ROC Foundation tax filings, publicly accessible on the IRS web page, Franklin Community News filed a formal complaint with the IRS in January of 2023 providing evidence and alleging that Milwaukee County Supervisor/ROC Executive Director and Mike Zimmerman ROC Ventures CEO:

• Directors/Officers/Persons are using income/assets for personal gain
• The organization is engaged in commercial, for-profit business activities
• The organization is involved in a political campaign
• The organization is engaged in excessive lobbying activity

Franklin Community News has provided evidence of open records, to the IRS of how Taylor and or Zimmerman were involved and participating in the above allegations.

County Supervisor Taylor has made the news lately with a now self-proclaimed title of Milwaukee County Budget Hawk.

August 7, 2024, This Just in from Franklin published in an article titled "So Steve Taylor, Where's Your 'Creativity'?

 My goodness, Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor must be higher than a kite.

Taylor, who just happens to be my supervisor (yes, he works for me and really should listen closely to what I’m writing), was mentioned twice in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week within a matter of a few days.

With his ego the size of New Jersey Taylor’s got to be in another stratosphere.

A la Captain Obvious Taylor was quoted at a committee hearing about the upcoming county budget.

“It’s not good. It’s not good at all. We’re going to have a tough budget,” he said.

That’s right up there with dog bites man.

Of course, the budget will be problematic. That’s what happens when you have a clown car filled with tax and spend supervisors and other county officials running the show.

Taylor was quoted again shortly thereafter.

“This budget is going to be brutal. We’ve seen the five-year forecast. It’s going to be brutal the next five years.”

Then came this gem.

“Where’s the going to Madison during the budget and demanding that the state picks up the slack and helps the local level? Why hasn’t that been done?”

The newspaper added, “Taylor also voiced frustrations about the lower-than-projected sales tax collections and the county being on the hook for the annual $2.5 million contribution toward the Brewers stadium renovation but he trained particular anger on the sheriff’s lack of solutions to its fiscal issues. ‘I didn’t hear solutions. That’s what pisses me off. I heard the problems. I heard the causes. I didn’t hear any creativity’.”

Based on the IRS filings Taylor cannot operate as Executive Director a not-for-profit that grosses no more than $150,000 without losing money the last two years on the major golf fundraiser in addition to running huge end-of-year structural deficits of over -$18,000 the last two of three filing years.

Maybe Taylor should take some of his own advice “It’s not good. "It’s not good at all. We’re going to have a tough budget,” he (Taylor) said."  If Taylor cannot run a simple nonprofit organization in the black, turn a profit, and benefit the community, one would question what knowledge, expertise, experience, input, or advice he can provide to solve the multimillion-dollar county budget problems.  Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor serves on the Milwaukee County Committee on Finance.

In case you are wondering according to the ROC Foundation Website, ROC stands for "Return on Community".

UPDATE - August 12, 2024

Franklin Community News must have struck a nerve with County Supervisor Taylor.  Two days following the publication of this article the following was posted on the Milwaukee Milkmen Facebook page:

It appears in honor of the article Franklin Community News published, the ROC Foundation has now changed the name of what was called for many years "Jersey Auction" to the "Foundation Golf Tournament Auction".  An auction bearing the name of a non-existing golf tournament in 2024.  In marketing, we call that the ol....switch a roooo.

Oh and yes we have the financials of the Jersy Auction as it has been called before the year of no golf tournament.  In the last year, the ROC Foundation filed its taxes with the IRS, 2022, they reported that they made $0 on the Jersey Auction.  Taylor's ROC Foundation also reported it spent $4,281 in indirect expenses on the Jersey Auction.  

On the two major fundraisers for the ROC Foundation in 2022 the Foundation lost -$1 and as a Foundation without any help from the numerous non-for-profit organizations that raise money by "selling" tickets.  In 2022 the Foundation reported generating a profit of $-1 on the Golf Tournament and a profit of $0 on the Jersey auction.

Jersey Auction	2020	2021	2022
Gross	$22,179.00	$40,537.00	$59,057.00
Expenses	$16,634.00	$30,403.00	$44,776.00
Other Direct Expenses			$14,281.00
Net Profit	$5,545.00	$10,134.00	$0.00

According to the Visit Ballpark Commons web page, which still lists the 2023 Golf Tournament information, the mission of the ROC Foundation is:

The ROC Foundation's mission is to provide support and unique experiences for youth, high school, and young adults in sports, recreation, education, employment and wellness; through a robust network of like-minded businesses and supporters. The ROC Foundation strives to create impactful outcomes in the communities where we live, work, and play. Donations help us continue to support nonprofits that provide quality programming in these areas along with partnering with the Milwaukee Wave and Milwaukee Milkmen who we are affiliated with.

As published on the Rock Ventures web page the mission of the ROC Foundation is not the same as what is listed on the Ballpark Commons Page.

The ROC Foundation is dedicated to providing support and unique experiences for youth, high school, and young adults in sports, recreation, education, employment and wellness.  Donations from supporters like you help us continue to support nonprofits that provide quality programming in these areas along with partnering with the Milwaukee Wave and Milwaukee Milkmen who we are affiliated with.

Finally on the Facebook post provided above announcing the "Foundation Golf Tournament Auction" posted the following as its mission.

Proceeds go to support ROC Foundation's mission of providing support for other non-profit organizations as well as creating unique experiences for youth, high school and young adults in sports, recreation, education, employment and wellness.

You would think that an organization that employs a full-time executive director who made $75,047 in 2022, who is a Milwaukee County Supervisor on the County Budget Committee, and who manages a not-for-profit that generates no revenue and truly does not provide any "direct grants" could at the very least know what the mission of his organization is.  

Any first-year business student will tell you that identifying your organization's mission and vision is the most important step for any organization next to turning a profit.

ROC - Return on Community.  Is it really ROC? or is it RFSTAMZ Return for Steve Taylor and Mike Zimmerman?  Time will tell.