Franklin Community News Surpasses 101,000 Views — Here Are the Top 10 Most-Read Articles

By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi
Franklin Community News

Franklin Community News, first published in October 2023, has officially surpassed 101,000 readership views — a major milestone for independent local journalism in our community.

What began as a commitment to transparency and accountability has grown into a widely read source for in-depth reporting on local government, public policy, and civic leadership. More importantly, the reporting has made a direct impact by providing residents with information that directly affects Franklin politics, public policy decisions, and voters.

From investigative reporting and open records disclosures to election coverage and public accountability stories, Franklin Community News has focused on delivering factual, documented information that empowers residents to make informed decisions about their community and its leadership.

Below are the Top 10 most-read articles since launch:

🔟 Top 10 Most-Read Articles

#1 ⚖️ Franklin Mayor John Nelson Under Investigation by Milwaukee County DA for Misuse of Public Funds

3,100 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/10/franklin-mayor-john-nelson-under.html

#2 Unqualified from the Start: How Kelly Hersh’s Appointment Reshaped Franklin’s Director of Administration Role

2,320 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/10/unqualified-from-start-how-kelly-hershs.html

#3 Before Big Bend Decides: What Franklin Learned the Hard Way About Powerful Developers, Public Silence, and the Cost of Speaking Out

2,170 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2026/01/before-big-bend-decides-what-franklin.html

#4 Waterford PD Produces Open Records Proving Nelson Was Not Truthful and Uses Waterford PD Email for Franklin Business

2,152 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/04/waterford-pd-produces-open-records.html

#5 Franklin — Bought and Paid for by ROC Ventures, Steve Taylor, and Mike Zimmerman

1,860 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/02/franklin-bought-and-paid-for-by-roc.html

#6 Is the Town of Waterford PD Complicit in Withholding Open Records to Cover for Franklin Mayor Nelson?

1,855 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/04/is-town-of-waterford-pd-implicit-in.html

#7 📰 Nelson, Taylor, Vincent, and Others Named in John Doe Request

1,780 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/10/nelson-taylor-vincent-and-others-named.html

#8 Why John Nelson Is Unfit to Serve as Town of Waterford Police Chief: A Pattern of Abuse, Corruption, and Retaliation

1,558 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/07/why-john-nelson-is-unfit-to-serve-as.html

#9 Allegations Supervisors Taylor & Vincent Defraud Milwaukee County Taxpayers

1,462 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/09/allegations-supervisors-taylor-vincent.html

#10 John, You’re Fired!

1,460 views

Read here: https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/05/john-youre-fired.html

Surpassing 101,000 views represents more than readership statistics — it reflects a community that values transparency, accountability, and access to information that shapes local government decisions.

Each view represents a resident seeking clarity on the issues that directly impact Franklin’s leadership, policies, development decisions, and future elections. That engagement underscores the importance of independent reporting in ensuring that public officials and institutions remain accountable to the people they serve.

Looking Ahead

As Franklin Community News continues to grow, the mission remains clear: expand coverage, deepen investigative reporting, and increase access to information that matters to residents. Future initiatives will include enhanced public records tracking, expanded election guides to better inform voters, more detailed policy breakdowns, and the addition of video updates to make complex local issues more accessible.

The goal is simple — provide clear, documented, fact-based reporting that helps residents understand how decisions are made, how tax dollars are spent, and how local leadership shapes the future of Franklin.

Independent local journalism plays a critical role in a healthy democracy. With your continued readership and engagement, Franklin Community News will keep working to ensure transparency, accountability, and informed civic participation remain at the forefront of our community.

Thank you for being part of the first 101,000 — and here’s to the next milestone.

This piece reflects the author’s personal opinion and experiences. All statements are presented as commentary protected under the First Amendment. Readers are encouraged to review public records, filings, and documented evidence referenced throughout this article.

Dr. Richard Busalacchi is the Publisher of Franklin Community News, where he focuses on government transparency, community accountability, and local public policy. He believes a community’s strength depends on open dialogue, honest leadership, and the courage to speak the truth—even when it makes powerful people uncomfortable.

🕯️ The solution isn’t another insider in a new office. It’s sunlight, scrutiny, and the courage to vote differently.

Because until voters demand honest, transparent government, the corruption won’t stop — it will only change titles.

Elections have consequences — and Franklin’s next one may decide whether transparency makes a comeback.

💬 If you value hard-hitting, fact-based investigative reporting about our hometown of Franklin — follow Franklin Community News on Facebook.

Together, we can keep local government honest, transparent, and accountable 

— for the greater good.

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