Who Controls District 9? Why Patti Logsdon’s Re-Election Matters This Tuesday

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, Hales Corners, Greenfield, and surrounding communities.

No scripts. No handlers. Just accountability.

And her background reflects that commitment.

With more than 35 years of accounting experience—including work with a Fortune 500 company—and a master’s degree in accounting, Logsdon brings real financial expertise to a role that oversees millions in taxpayer dollars. She currently serves as Chair of Personnel and on key committees involving law enforcement, the courts, and economic development.

But her story goes beyond her résumé.

She’s a lifelong Milwaukee County resident. A mother. A grandmother. A cancer survivor. A woman who spent decades balancing work, family, and service—volunteering as a poll worker, coach, and community leader long before she ever ran for office.

This isn’t just where she works.

It’s home.

And that’s exactly what makes this election so important—because the contrast has never been clearer.

Over the past year, this race has taken on a different tone. A visible political alignment has emerged between Franklin Mayor John Nelson, County Supervisor Steve Taylor, and challenger Maqsood Khan. That alignment came into full view during a 2025 budget town hall, when Nelson interrupted Logsdon’s meeting—something she described as a campaign-driven moment tied to her opponent.

That wasn’t just a disagreement.

It was a signal.

Because what’s unfolding in this race looks less like a grassroots campaign—and more like a coordinated political operation.

Consider the facts:

• The domain PattiLogsdon.com was registered not by Logsdon’s campaign, but by a political consultant tied to the same operation behind Khan’s campaign infrastructure.

• The same network of political figures has repeatedly aligned publicly in support of Khan.

• The campaign itself has brought in outside management, including a campaign manager based in Chicago was was the former Director of The Wisconsin Civic Muslim Alliance, the very organization endorsing John Nelson.

None of these things exist in isolation.

Together, they paint a picture of a campaign that is carefully structured, professionally managed, and supported by a broader political network—not just local momentum.

Why is Steve Taylor so involved in this race?

Another question voters should be asking is why County Supervisor Steve Taylor has taken such an active role in this election.

Taylor previously represented District 9 before redistricting, yet his involvement today goes beyond routine political support. He has publicly aligned himself with Khan’s campaign and with other local officials backing that effort.

And District 9 is not just any district.

It includes key areas of Franklin, including the Ballpark Commons development—known as

“The ROC”—one of the most significant and high-profile development projects in the region.

Projects of that scale involve ongoing county-level decisions, funding considerations, and long-term oversight. They shape not just land use, but economic priorities and public investment for years to come.

Taylor has long been active in county government and economic development discussions.  Taylor is the Executive Director of the ROC Foundation which allows him to remain active in Governmental Affairs.  FCN has reported over the last three years Taylor takes in more in salary than the organizations donates to charity as a 501(c)(3), according to yearly IRS filings.

And when a sitting County Supervisor is actively working to influence who represents a district that includes one of the county’s most significant development areas, it raises a fair question:

👉 Is this simply political support—or an effort to maintain influence over decisions that will shape the future of that area?

That’s not speculation.

That’s context voters deserve to consider.

When combined with:

• The alignment between Taylor, Nelson, and Khan

• The coordinated messaging across the campaign

• And the involvement of shared consultants and outside management

…it suggests this race may be about more than just electing a new representative.

It may also be about who has a seat at the table when major decisions are made.

Voters can draw their own conclusions.

But it is a question worth asking.

Because local government is supposed to be different.

It’s supposed to be closer. More personal. More accountable.

It’s about parks, roads, budgets, and services—not political theater or coordinated messaging campaigns.

And that’s where the contrast becomes clear.

Patti Logsdon has built her record in public—through real engagement, not curated messaging. Her work reflects consistency, not convenience. When she speaks to residents, it’s direct, open, and without filters.

Her opponent offers something different: a campaign backed by political figures, supported by consultants, and driven by messaging that, at times, has raised questions about how credit and accomplishments are presented.

That difference matters.

Because in the end, this election is not just about who wins.

It’s about how District 9 is governed moving forward.

Will it be:

• A community-first approach built on transparency and independence

• Or a more structured, politically aligned model driven by strategy and influence

Voters don’t need slogans to answer that question.

They’ve already seen enough.

On Tuesday, the choice is simple.

If you believe in transparency…

If you believe in independence…

If you believe local government should remain local—accountable to residents, not networks…

Then Patti Logsdon has earned your vote.

Because once politics starts being managed from the outside, it rarely stays that way.

And District 9 deserves better than that.

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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