Franklin District 6 at a Crossroads: Why Jason Craig Deserves Support
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
The plan was approved and would have significantly expanded industrial operations near residential neighborhoods and generated strong opposition from nearby homeowners concerned about environmental impacts, traffic, and property values.
After 18 months of a lawsuit, public debate, and community pressure, Strauss withdrew their plans due to ongoing litigation costs. Kenney was one of the leads in the lawsuit and opposition. The city and taxpayers lost an $83m construction project estimated to have a $63m assessed value which would have paid off the TIF in less than ten years. Kenney and Kelly Hersh the Director of Administration hired by John Nelson ,were leaders in disinformation and the lawsuit which was urged by PETA.
A Question of Consistency
Kenney’s opposition to the Strauss expansion focused on concerns about neighborhood impacts and the scale of development near homes. Those concerns resonated with residents who believed their neighborhood should not bear the burden of a project they felt was too large for the area.
Yet today, Kenney has expressed support for large redevelopment initiatives such as the ROC/Ballpark Commons complex and the proposed Poth’s General project, both of which have raised their own questions among residents about traffic, density, and the potential use of public financing through Tax Incremental Districts.
This contrast raises a broader question often discussed in development debates: when does community advocacy become “Not In My Back Yard,” or NIMBY politics?
Residents across Franklin often expect that the same standards applied to development near one neighborhood should apply to projects elsewhere in the city. Consistency in evaluating development proposals is often what builds trust in local government decisions.
Ballpark Commons and the ROC
The redevelopment of The Rock into Ballpark Commons and the ROC complex became one of the largest economic development projects in Franklin’s history.
Because of the size and public investment involved, the area has remained a focal point of discussion about development oversight and financial accountability.
The same district also became central to the 2024 Milwaukee County Supervisor race, when Kenney challenged incumbent Patti Logsdon in the district that includes the ROC area. Kenney was defeated by Logsdon in that race.
The Poth’s General Proposal
More recently, attention has turned to the proposed Poth’s General redevelopment project, a mixed-use development plan (Former Sentry) that has raised questions about density, traffic impacts, and potential tax-increment financing.
Residents attending meetings about the project have questioned whether public subsidies are necessary if the development is financially viable on its own.
The debate has also highlighted broader concerns among some residents about transparency and how major development proposals move through the city’s decision-making process.
Craig’s Support for High View Drive Residents
A recent example involves residents near High View Drive, who raised concerns after updated plans tied to the Franklin High School referendum expansion proposed extending the road to connect with school traffic and facilities. (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
Neighbors worried the change would turn a quiet residential street into a cut-through route and bring increased traffic and safety concerns to the area.
Nearly 100 residents signed a petition asking the city to consider vacating the eastern portion of High View Drive to prevent the road from becoming a through street.
Although the neighborhood is not located in Craig’s aldermanic district, he met with residents, listened to their concerns, and supported their request that the Common Council hold a public hearing before permanent traffic changes were made.
For many voters, that willingness to engage with residents—even outside his own district—reflects the kind of leadership they expect from city officials.
Visible Political Alliances
Political alliances have also been visible during campaign events. Photographs from recent gatherings show Mayor John Nelson and Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor attending events for both Alderman Maqsood Kahn and District 6 candidate Danelle Kenney.
Open records obtained by Franklin Community News also indicate that Mayor Nelson forwarded numerous emails from Franklin Community News to individuals including Danelle Kenney, Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor, and ROC Ventures CEO Mike Zimmerman. The communications included commentary and reporting about development issues and city politics.
While public officials frequently share information with colleagues and community stakeholders, the records provide additional context for residents trying to understand the relationships and communication patterns among individuals involved in recent development debates and local elections.
These appearances and communications together have reinforced the perception among some residents that these individuals operate within the same political orbit on issues affecting development and city policy.
Timeline of Recent Development Debates
2020–2021 – Strauss Expansion Proposal
Residents organize against the proposed Strauss slaughterhouse expansion in Franklin’s Loomis Business Park.
2018–Present – Ballpark Commons / ROC Development
The redevelopment of The Rock becomes one of Franklin’s largest publicly financed development projects.
2025 – Poth’s General Redevelopment Proposal
A mixed-use redevelopment plan sparks debate over density, traffic, and potential tax incentives.
2026 – District 6 Alderman Election
Voters choose who will represent the district containing the ROC and surrounding development area.
Why the District 6 Seat Matters
District 6 includes one of Franklin’s most significant development areas. The alderman representing this district will have a direct voice when future development proposals, infrastructure decisions, and financing questions come before the Common Council.
For that reason, the District 6 race is being watched closely by residents across the city who understand how influential this seat can be in shaping Franklin’s development policies.
The Choice Before Voters
Every election ultimately comes down to representation.
District 6 voters must decide whether they want leadership that focuses on engaging with residents, evaluating proposals carefully, and maintaining an independent perspective on development decisions.
Jason Craig’s record shows a willingness to meet with constituents, listen to concerns, and work through complex issues affecting neighborhoods across Franklin. (Jason Craig 6th District Alderman)
For voters who believe District 6 should continue to have a strong and responsive representative on the Common Council, Jason Craig deserves their support.
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.
đź•Ż️ 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.
đź’¬ 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.
đź’¬ 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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