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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Jan 7 2009, 07:06 AM
Sitting in the audience of the Common Council meeting last night was a big deal in more ways than one. It's not that often we see television camera crews there. And how often do you see a packed Council Chambers? That usually only happens when our senior citizens come together in unison for a cause.
After finding out that Christopher Matecki's lawyer, Andrew Arena and Special Counsel Roger Pyzyk offered to add 15 days to Matecki's suspension, making it 90-days, and then listening to a few good things about Matecki, the Council went into closed session. After a quick 30-minute closed-session, the vote was in; 4-1 in favor of the 90-day suspension. There were no gasps from those in the audience.
Thank you Alderman Taylor for sticking to your convictions and voting no to the stipulation. I'd like to know what happened to Alderman Solomon? Was it the addition of a mere 15-days? Was it the approval by Police Chief Oliva? Did that seal the deal? Was it hearing for the second time that Matecki is an upstanding citizen? Because, just a couple weeks ago it was unanimous between you, Aldermen Wilhelm and Alderman Taylor that the 75-day stipulation should not be accepted.
Why not go to a hearing?
Here's a little reminder for you all...your words from a year ago...
Mayor Tom Taylor said "Something needs to be done. If it's Franklin that starts it; then it's Franklin that starts it."
He said he and many from the Council attended the funerals of Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen. They were good people.
The Mayor said the family commended our Police and Fire departments.
He said he would consider going with Orville to the bars on 27th Street.
But we have to follow "due process."
That was the theme for the rest of the discussion.
Alderman Sohns said "we must follow due process."
"Hear the facts".
"We are not ready to judge yet."
"We need to be educated."
"We can't rush to judgment; rush to error."
"The bartenders are an important issue."
"It turned his stomach to read the police report."
Alderman Solomon said he "was upset when he received the call that night from the Mayor".
"We are the judge and jury on this case."
"We have to follow due process."
Alderman Olson first commended the Police and Fire officers saying "Franklin has the finest."
He will use all of his past experience and knowledge regarding the bar industry to
help follow "due process."
Alderman Skowronski said we must "follow due process" with the authority of Council.
Buckhorn Due Process
---------------------------
You've waited over a year...So what was your hurry now?
And what about the bartenders, Mayor?
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A copy of an email I received after last night's meeting that the writer said I could share with you::
From: Scott A. Thinnes
To: Tom Taylor ; Steve Olson ; Tim Solomon ; Kristen Wilhelm ; Steve Taylor ; Lyle Sohns ; Ken Skowronski
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:01 PM
With the exception of Aldermen Wilhelm and Taylor, I cannot describe the level of anger, disgust and contempt that I feel for the Mayor and Common Council after what I witnessed tonight. I read a complaint by the Franklin Police Chief that had 14 enumerated items contained within it. Tonight you collectively (with the exception of Alderman Taylor) accepted a stipulation without even hearing the response to one of those items in that complaint. Define for me again, just what does “due process” mean? Why was it so essential that you accept the stipulation? After hearing the factual responses to the complaint at a hearing, you still could have come to the conclusion that the terms of the stipulation were appropriate and ordered such. The stipulation did not address any of the items in the complaint. In fact it states “the parties (??attorneys??) hereto have engaged in negotiations in an effort to resolve this matter”, and “the parties (??again, attorneys??) have reached an agreement to resolve this matter even though some issues may be in dispute”. Don’t you think it may have been a good idea to at least drive this issue to a hearing in which the facts could be addressed? After hearing the response to the complaint wouldn’t you then have been in a better position to make a fair judgment? A judgment, that speaks to the interests, safety and wellbeing of the citizens that you represent. It has been reported by the FranklinNOW newspaper that; “Legal experts say it is rare for action to be taken against the provider of alcohol in an alcohol-related crash”. I thought that times may be changing. I also heard Mayor Taylor state at the January 8, 2007 Common Council meeting that; “Something needs to be done. If it’s Franklin that starts it, then Franklin starts it.” Mayor Taylor; I agree, but apparently that statement of yours was just empty words. At that same meeting the mayor was heard to state “I look for support from the community… to not let go of this issue… we need to make sure that these types of things do not happen again.” As I’m sure several Alderman will agree; I have not let go of this issue over the past year. As a matter of fact, I’ve been disappointed that this matter is still an issue one year later. Eddie Keck pleaded guilty on June 23 and was sentenced on September 3. Now I’m just ashamed that some of the leaders in Franklin do not care enough about the safety and wellbeing of the Franklin citizens to even hear the response to the complaint issues before rendering a decision. Alderman Taylor, thank you for siding with the citizens of Franklin. I respect your resolve in wanting to hear all of the facts instead of just trying to see how fast this issue could be made to go away; even though I feel this issue is far from going away. Scott A. Thinnes
Franklin, Wisconsin
___________________
Addition: Scott noted to me that he did not have a copy of the new Stipulation and Order and that the new document does stipulate to the items in the complaint, which makes the settlement accepted even more unsettling.
-----------------------------------
Past Buckhorn Posts
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Dec 24 2008, 10:55 AM
Rather than duplicate a Podcast of last night's meeting at City Hall, I'm going to direct you to Fred Keller's BULLSEYE where he as a full recap of last night where the Franklin License Committee rejected the Stipulation offered by Franklin special council Roger C. Pyzyk and attorney Andrew Arena for Christopher Matecki, owner Buckhorn Inn.
Please visit BULLSEYE HERE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Due Process in Franklin will continue Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at Franklin City Hall.
Due Process in Franklin will continue just one year shy of the deaths of two people...Gary and Barbara Kitchen.
****Help Support The Revocation of The Buckhorn Inns Liquor License - BULLSEYE - Keller*****
Franklin Who Are The Fools? December 5, 2008
Eddie Lynn Keck - Case Closed - Sept. 8, 2008
Breaking - Eddie Lynn Keck Sentenced - Sept. 3, 2008
Buckhorn Tavern In The News Again - Aug. 23, 2008
What's Missing From The Franklin Common Council Meeting Agenda? - Aug. 18, 2008
Franklin City Government - Remember That Due Process? - April 7, 2008
Due Process - When? - January 31, 2008
Buckhorn - Due Process - January 8, 2008
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Dec 16 2008, 06:57 AM
Back on November 20th I blogged and put up a Podcast of the agenda item regarding the Environmental Commission discussion at the November 18th Common Council meeting. It wasn't pretty. There was an obvious lack of confidence in the Commission that was nothing new, even though there were new faces on the Commission compared to the previous year.
The Commission needs some skilled members rather than puppets. It needs members who are willing to go the extra mile and become educated on issues. Otherwise, all its future holds is a once a year Arbor Day and possibly a clean-up project.
After the meeting on December 2nd, it was decided that Aldermen will be able to assign projects to the Commission. What that could possibly entail is yet to be known. Maybe a run to a environmentally friendly dry cleaners?
The EC needs Commission members who want to work. Not those who are looking for a once a month get-together where they might decide to show up. While the Mayor might be working from a list of volunteer applicants, I'd like to know if any of the Aldermen have actively been seeking qualified citizens from their districts. When is the last time you made any calls door-to-door to speak to constituents?
Personally, after sitting through the last two Common Council meetings, I believe the appointment of Diane Baranowski to the EC would be contrary to everything that was discussed. If the Mayor is looking for the EC to stay in the same place it is now, he's making it clear with this recommendation.
There was one interesting topic that was brought up at the last Common Council meeting...there may be people on the EC who could have different views of the environment. That was brought up regarding cleaning up the Root River; some who want it cleaned up...some who want it left natural. That's an interesting prospect, isn't it? One could stack the EC with those who are less environmentally concerned than others.
***Update***
Diane Baranowski was not appointed to the Environmental Commission. Wisely, by a vote of 4-2, the Common Council voted NO to her appoinment. The Mayor will not be able to put her up for the EC again for one year.
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By Janet Evans
Sunday, Dec 7 2008, 05:07 PM
 Franklin City Clerk Sandra Wesolowski is presented an
award from Mayor Tom Taylor. Sandi won’t even stop
working while she is being given an award! At the November 18th Common Council meeting, recognition was given to many; among them a deserving teacher and our Franklin fire fighters. An honor was also given to a woman who works very hard for our city, Sandra Wesolowski. Sandi is our City Clerk. You'll hear on my Podcast why Sandi received this award, but anyone who knows anything about Sandi doesn't need an explanation. She's one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. I bumped into Sandi the day before Thanksgiving around 2:30 p.m. at a Franklin business. We said our, "Small world!," and she said she wasn't supposed to be working that day, but had something special that had to get done, so she worked. That's how she is. The November 4th election process here, in Franklin, appeared to be as smooth as a stick of butter. We have Sandra Wesolowski and her staff to thank for that. And so, you may listen to Mayor Taylor honor her on the Podcast at Righty Blog HERE
I apologize for taking so long to post this...but it was worth the wait.
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By Janet Evans
Friday, Dec 5 2008, 06:38 AM
Community Center Committee Member, Scott Thinnes, and I drop in on License Committee meetings every once in a while. I've been to three of the meetings. It's unusual for citizens to be present. Basically, paperwork is being taken care of and on occasion, an applicant must come before the Committee, which consists of Chairperson Alderman Tim Solomon, Alderman Steve Taylor, and Alderman Kristen Wilhelm.
Why the interest? For me, the first time it was to see exactly what takes place at a meeting. Also, it was to see if there was any progress regarding the Buckhorn Tavern and the issue of the special investigation by Greenfield City Attorney Roger C. Pyzyk. Yes, Attorney Pyzyk, who must either be the busiest attorney in the area, or the most important attorney, but whatever he is, he was the wrong choice for Franklin. That, because there is no excuse to have to wait six months for his recommendation on this case. If that's not the reason for this whole issue being stalled, then perhaps someone in Franklin doesn't want the recommendation to come forward? I'm just throwing that out there. I have nothing else to do while I'm waiting, and waiting and waiting....
Finally! An interesting discussion took place at Tuesday's Common Council meeting regarding this issue. Mayor Taylor eventually wanted to move this issue along during the meeting...perhaps he thought he was being blamed. But I don't think that was the case. I think the issue just needed to be brought out in the open.
You can listen to the Podcast on this issue at my Righty Blog HERE
Then decide just who is being played as fools in this situation...
The Mayor? Our Aldermen?
A year has gone by since a man was reported to have been served, to intoxication, at the Buckhorn Tavern. Eddie Lynn Keck then got into his car and killed the Kitchen's on Christmas Eve. He's now in prison.
The Buckhorn is still open. And we wait.
Who are the fools?
You.
Me.
Us.
If I could fill this page with everyone of us I would, but there's no room.
These monkeys will do. We're blind, we don't say anything, and we forget about what we heard from a year ago.
Be careful on Christmas Eve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also revisit:
Eddie Lynn Keck - Case Closed
Buckhorn - Due Process
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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Nov 20 2008, 01:18 AM
At the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, the 18th Alderman Sohns brought forward some issues regarding the Environmental Commission (EC). Some of you may recall the EC was a hot topic on these blogs one year ago. That was when current Alderman Kristen Wilhelm was Chairman of the EC and the Mayor had thrown out there that perhaps it would be better if the Environmental Commission was not…maybe it would be better if it was a Committee instead. During that time, former FranklinNOW blogger, Greg Kowalski was Vice Chair of the EC, and current Common Council President, Steve Taylor was just appointed as a member of the Commission. And some in this blogging community, including myself, highly criticized the EC for “not getting anything done.”
The first time I met Kristen Wilhelm, briefly, and chatted with her one year ago, she didn't make much of an impression on me. I based my commentary back then on blog comments rather than on personal interaction. I’ve learned a lot in the past year in this blogosphere. Partly because of fellow blogger, John Michlig, who, by the way, was appointed to the Economic Development Commission Tuesday. It was his harsh criticism of me that made me actually want to go out and meet the other bloggers, and the other people I was reporting about. And it changed everything.
I now know and respect Kristen Wilhelm very much. And, now that I have seen what she can do when she isn’t forced to work while under someone’s thumb…well…The EC Kristen was trying to direct was like a horse with a broken leg…it just couldn’t go anywhere. The best thing to do was to put it out of its misery. And the EC today appears to be even worse.
And so, Alderman Wilhelm, as an inside “joke” that some readers may remember…I say to you, after your words at the Common Council meeting last Tuesday night, I think you can smile…and smile broadly. You deserve it. You can finally have your say. What will you do? Should the Mayor keep appointing Commission members who don’t even have an interest to show up to meetings? Who don’t take an interest to educate themselves on environmental issues? Why are some of these EC Commission members there? Just for Arbor Day? Or is it time to go….Maybe the city needs paid environmental consultants. Something is wrong…It really appears that the “something” is coming from the top in my view. It’s time for this Common Council to fix the problem. But once again, they appear very split.
Listen to the six-part, one hour long Podcast on my Righty Blog
Here
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Oct 22 2008, 01:09 AM
One item of great interest on the agenda was Item G12 Authorize the Director of Administration to authorize and expend up to $7,500 for professional services to develop economic impact data relative to the Drexel Avenue Interchange.
The consensus of the Aldermen was it’s not going to happen. Oak Creek hasn’t done their share. We don’t want to spend another penny. And they at least wanted to Table the matter until further discussion in Item G16 which was closed door discussion regarding the issue, which they did and came back with a vote that they want to hear from Oak Creek regarding a 2008 resolution sent to them by Mayor Taylor.
You can listen to the very vocal podcasts of the Aldermen on my Righty Blog. I highly recommend them. Topping the list would be comments from Alderman Solomon and Alderman Taylor.
Hey, Oak Creek...are you listening?
Listen to the podcasts HERE
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Oct 14 2008, 09:55 PM
He Has A Court Date Bright And Early
Actually, I don’t believe Mayor Taylor has to make a personal appearance.
Page 2 of 2
| 1 |
The designation listed in the Race field is subjective. It is provided to the court by the agency that filed the case. |
| 2 |
Non-Court activities do not require personal court appearances. For questions regarding which court type activities require court appearances, please contact the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the case originated. |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Assistant District Attorney Charges Mayor Taylor
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By Janet Evans
Saturday, Oct 11 2008, 10:33 PM
from Wikipedia
So, it took Bob Hope and Bing Crosby 22 years to complete the “Road to Singapore" (1940,) “Road to Zanzibar " (1941,) “Road to Morocco" (1942,) “Road to Utopia" (1945,) “Road to Rio” (1947,) “Road to Bali” (1952,), and “Road to Hong Kong” (1962).
That “Road To E-Government?”
Well, the September 19, 2008 Technology Commission Video/Audio Sub-Committee meeting may give you some insight as to how long that road will be until it will be completed; or maybe not. You’ll have to decide for yourself.
Here is the Agenda for the meeting.
My podcast is broken into six parts and begins as discussion started in Item III on the agenda. Also, I left the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m., at the end of Item IV. I was informed the meeting lasted until 7:10 p.m.
You can listen to the podcasts on my Righty Blog HERE
and...
My Olympus Digital Voice Recorder $76.91
Radio Shack Microphone $12.95 (optional)
Nero digital media software $79.99
My podcasts, which help in keeping local government transparent...priceless
Signed,
Citizen Janet Evans
Oh, and to save some time, I may as well put this here…
City of Franklin Volunteer Fact Sheet
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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Oct 9 2008, 07:59 PM
Part Two of the Common Council Meeting will not be an analogy on my part, and I assume all readers were able to interpret my analogy of yesterday with Item G1 since no one commented regarding it. So, good for you!! We are all on the same page.
The podcasts I have for you today, from the brief meeting are Agenda Items:
G3. Resolution supporting continued cooperation with City of Oak Creek on development of the South 27th Street Corridor and supporting development of an overall cost sharing agreement for projects impacting the entire corridor, including the Drexel Avenue Interchange.
and in the same podcast Item G4. a reading by the City Clerk of a letter regarding the Donation to the Franklin Fire Department from Mrs. Darcy McKendry in the amount of $500 for the Fire Education Fund.
Lastly, is a two-part podcast of Item G5. Request by St. James Congregation for a certified survey map for their property located at 7219 S. 27th Street to be provided by the City of Franklin.
Podcasts may be found on my Righty Blog HERE
~~~~~~~~~~~
Related reading:
Franklin Today
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Oct 8 2008, 07:22 PM
By Janet Evans
Friday, Sep 26 2008, 12:32 AM
I have a few other names for what I will call one of the longest agenda items on record.
How about…
Alderman Wilhelm’s Big Adventure…Yes…it’s been a new day in Franklin, but as far as I’m concerned, Alderman Wilhelm’s "new day" was tarnished for me with Agenda Item G1. Not because she changed her vote from two weeks before and voted in favor of the Mayor’s veto. No, while I would have preferred she had voted to override the veto, she has to do what she believes is best for her constituents (even if she voted in favor of something that she was informed was not legal). So, even though she came to the Common Council with a prepared speech which reflected her intentions that she was going to vote in favor of the veto, even though she was seen handing said copy of speech to the writer for the Franklin Citizen, even though the Mayor quoted exact verbiage from Alderman Wilhelm’s speech, even though Mayor Taylor eluded, twice, during the meeting, to the fact that he had met with Alderman Wilhelm, and where it is perfectly clear they discussed the veto issue...I guess the citizen comment of the evening would not have swayed her opinion...her speech said it all. Alderman Wilhelm decided to become the Mother Teresa of the evening. She appeared to be played like a fiddle by the pressure from Don Dorsan and his group of followers. Alderman Wilhelm is a compassionate individual, that is clear. The individuals who commented and emailed her made it sound as though they would cease their volunteer activities. As a volunteer myself of many years, I find that very hard to believe. That’s because volunteers always find ways to make do. And volunteers don’t strong-arm people. I can’t believe the spin I have heard for the past two weeks. We’re talking about fee waivers…not the end to activities as we know them. Life would have gone on…and we know it. And because we now know these fee waivers are not legal…maybe some planning for some types of fees had better be put into the mindsets of the organizations.
And this notion that citizens did not get to hear about the Resolution to abolish fee waivers…is it the responsibility of each Alderman to personally call each resident of Franklin and inform them of each action they plan to take? I knew about this. Why? No one told me. It’s called being an informed citizen. I read Agendas. That shows you how much the volunteers of the community are interested in their city government…You have several former Aldermen and a couple Commissioners in the audience but none of them pay attention to what’s going on in the city…they don’t read Agendas and come and speak out at the meeting (or inform other citizens to do so). But they complain after the fact.
Even though you will hear in the podcasts that the fee waivers are found to be “illegal,” Alderman Wilhelm still does not vote to override the veto…it makes me wonder if someone was twisting her arm.
While I know I am not the only one who has some of these observations regarding Alderman Wilhelm, I'm sure there are those who were in attendance who will differ in their viewpoint. That's fine, and expected. Better days ahead, Alderman Wilhelm.
“My Veto Probably Has Four Votes To Override” Now that’s a nice name for this post. You’ll hear Mayor Taylor say that. Makes you wonder. Obviously it seems Alderman Sohns changed his vote. He says why he voted as he did ….it has to do with Alderman Skowronski’s motion…which leads me to
Bizarro that’s what Alderman Skowronski was for coming up with his motion to table instead of just dealing with the issue. He and Alderman Sohns vote in favor of the veto, knowing the fee waivers are not legal. They seem to justify this because getting together with community organizers after the fact is going to solve the problem.
It was a banner evening for democracy in action, including more mockery from city officials regarding the breaking of city ordinances.
I personally applaud Aldermen Solomon, Olson and Taylor for voting to reject the veto, especially in light of the fact that the fee waivers are not legal. I don’t know how Aldermen Sohns, Skowronski and Wilhelm can be proud of their votes when minutes after the vote the discussion turned to how to deal with the illegal issue.
Listen to a lengthy set of podcasts HERE
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Sep 24 2008, 01:15 AM
I’ll be skipping to Item G2 first in my review of the Common Council Meeting…of which I will be covering only two agenda items. I do this because Item G1 was so convoluted and circus-like that it will take me some time to ponder it.
Item G2 was Alderman Steve Olson’s “Ordinance to suspend elected official’s expense and mileage payments authorized under §55-3. of the Municipal Code.”
There were three citizen comments regarding this…Fred Keller, Pete Kosovich, and Casper Green. All three were opposed to Alderman Olson’s ordinance proposal.
I’ll post Casper Green’s comment in a Podcast to represent citizen comment on this issue.
To follow that, I will post the entire audio regarding this Agenda item, in multiple Podcasts.
First Alderman Olson introducing Item G2 along with Alderman Sohns, in support. It seems Alderman Olson didn’t have his facts straight on the amount of reimbursement…as he believed he was receiving double the amount of money.
Alderman Sohns is in support of Alderman Olson…and during the audio you will hear discussion regarding this being a “grandstanding” by Alderman Olson. Alderman Sohn’s makes it clear that this is not grandstanding, in his opinion.
Alderman Skowronski is opposed to this Ordinance, along with Aldermen Taylor, Wilhelm and Solomon. You will hear very opinionated discussion from them, and a bit of comical reference to the fact that some Aldermen don’t live in walking distance of city hall. It was also suggested that if any Aldermen don’t need the money, they could decline to accept it.
The vote was taken..the Ordinance failed 4-2. The Aldermen will continue to receive their expense payments. I did not hear any Aldermen decline to accept their payment after the vote.
I am in total agreement that these reimbursements should continue. I personally would like to see itemized reimbursements/expense reports, though. It only makes sense in order to be fiscally responsible. And $150, in my opinion, isn't enough to cover expenses for an Alderman who works above and beyond what is expected of them.
Listen to the Podcasts HERE
Note:
I'll try to have Podcasts of Item G1 up late Wednesday, but they may not go up until Thursday.
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Sep 23 2008, 12:05 PM
...and a secretary is always the first to go...
If you are an elected City Official, an elected School Board Member, or an elected Official of the State…a reimbursement is the same...although, actual amounts may differ.
What about regular employees of the state? Superintendents? Business Managers? HR people? Any staff from the top to the bottom who travel for business.
City Administrators? Planners? Building Inspectors? Health Department staff?
School Districts have their own reimbursement guidelines, as do our city employees. Here is the State of Wisconsin Pocket Travel Guide effective July 2008 for our state employees:
PocketTravel Guide 2007-2009
If our state officials are reimbursed for mileage, why shouldn't our city officials be reimbursed?
Elected officials or regular employees?
My opinion?
If you are using your own car I don’t have a problem with it. But I think the reimbursement in Franklin needs to be restructured from a lump sum to receipts and a detailed log. Annoying, yes, but it’s pretty standard to have to be held accountable for reimbursements. I think we would find out that some deserve to be reimbursed far more ...and others far less.
My Alderman should not be expected to pay calls on constituents and do city business on his own gas, should yours? The city engineer and planners have city cars they use.
Reimbursement for food? Not so much. You need to eat anyway.
Classes/conferences or functions to improve the city? As long as they are specifically for that purpose and not entertainment or just for a “goody bag,” then yes.
As far as the cuts of city staff, I question exactly who is going to do the work of the secretarial staff that is being cut. Clerical staff is always the first place to go when you need to cut…but administration seems to forget who is actually doing all of the work at city hall.
Okay, the benefits are going to be a savings. It’s already been stated the staff at City Hall was overburdened the way it was. What now? Will Temps be hired when it gets too overwhelming? You can’t have overtime. Are you saying those secretarial positions weren’t needed in the first place? Are you saying current staff wasn’t efficient and now all of a sudden they will be? I’m just curious…where is this work going to go?
That's my opinion...let's hear yours.
Common Council meeting is tonight at 6:30 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Agenda for Tonight's meeting
Mayor's Recommended 2009 Budget
Related reading:
Bullseye - Is Alderman Steve Olson Grandstanding, Again? - Fred Keller
Franklin Today - Positions Not To Be Filled In 2009 Budget, - Greg Kowalski
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Sep 16 2008, 05:53 PM
This Forum on the FranklinNOW site annoyed me.
We elect our government officials. They take an oath to serve.
There are state statutes. Granted, something may seem small.
Remember I blogged about Clayton County, Georgia a couple weeks ago? The State removed four Board Members for violating ethics. The District has lost accreditation. Remember? Who loses out? The students. The City. The County. The School Board members took an oath.
Are State Statues meant to be broken?
You tell me.
None of us are perfect. But let’s be clear here. There are select positions in government to be filled by a select few. Some of these positions are coveted. Some of them, in the end hold many benefits.
No, a Franklin School Board member, Alderman or Mayor does not fit that description itself. But look where it may lead.
The chosen few. ..chosen by the people, for the people.
We may not always agree with the decisions they make as they represent us…we hope they are listening to us. If we believe they are not…we are to tell them so.
But, please; do not tell me that breaking state statutes is the norm.
Do not tell me that we must turn a blind eye because someone who follows the beat of a different drummer and is misunderstood is the one who is filing the charges, do not tell me because this is something small, that it should be brushed under the rug.
Better yet…do not tell me…tell city hall. Because you can fight it.
The only way you can do that is to speak out.
You want an Ethics Board back in Franklin? Let the Aldermen know this…over and over.
Not happy about an issue? Or just have an opinion? Call your Alderman.
If they don’t hear from you they think you are happy.
Disappointed in these current actions of the Mayor you elected? Let the Assistant D.A. know.
Talk to your neighbors about issues. Most importantly…pay attention to what city government is doing. They need to know they are being watched closely.
Now...the Statues that were alledgedly violated by Mayor Tom Taylor - explained:
First and Second violations: 11.36(2):
11.36(2)
(2) No person may solicit or receive from any officer or employee of a political subdivision of this state any contribution or service for any political purpose during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties. and 11.60(1)
Third abd Fourth Violations: 11.25(1):11.25
11.25 Unlawful political disbursements and obligations.
11.25 (1)
(1) No person, committee or group may intentionally receive or accept anything of value, or any promise or pledge thereof, constituting a disbursement made or obligation incurred for political purposes contrary to law. and 11.60(1)
and added to each violation:
11.60 Civil penalties.
11.60(1)
(1) Any person, including any committee or group, who violates this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $500 for each violation.
Original Forfeiture complaint
Wisconsin State Statutes
This will most likely be all I’ll have to say about this issue, unless something new comes up to give me cause to elaborate on it further.
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Sep 16 2008, 11:54 AM
I was planning on doing something else at my noon blog..I only have a short time. Oh well…
What’s a girl to do?
It appears some people may not be able to read .pdf files…
I thought that may be the case before…as with the School Board budget documents.
It’s as easy as downloading Adobe Reader and installing it (from the Adobe website).
If that isn’t the case, then I don’t get it.
I guess the Journal’s Cliff Note’s version of what transpired is the version you are to believe? Not the version in the actual legal papers. If you want to read the “41” steps that took place you can do that below. Mayor Taylor's adventure begins on line 16 of page THREE:
Page TWO
Page THREE
Page FOUR
Page FIVE
"Wow."
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Sep 16 2008, 07:18 AM
Sometimes someone may think they are helping a situation, but in essence, they may be making it worse.
First of all...I was invited to this issue, as a blogger, and handed the paperwork I posted, by Mr. Ryan. I did not have to call the Assistant D.A. and speculate on anything or "read tea leaves."
Trying to divert the crux of the situation, which is the “four charges of election violations” against Mayor Tom Taylor away and put the blame on to who brought the matter to the attention of the office of the District Attorney is a sly move. But it won’t work for the intelligent citizens of Franklin.
This is about We, the people. This is not about Basil Ryan, the former candidate for Mayor. And let us not forget that Basil Ryan is a citizen of Franklin.
Let us not forget that as a citizen of Franklin who was running for election, he has every right to make sure that the election he was participating in was run according to state law.
Let me say, that I have not shown non-support for Mayor Taylor since his reelection. Just as I will have a desire to support whomever is running my country if my candidate is not elected for president, I have a desire to support whomever runs my city. How else can things be accomplished?
I don’t know how being “trounced” in an election has anything to do with this issue. Am I to understand that the DA gave the impression that the “nature” of the source of a complaint regarding a violation is a deciding factor as to whether an elected official should be prosecuted for possible wrong doing? Have there been charges filed against Mr. Ryan for something?
I read over every alleged violation…every step that Mr. Cal Patterson made in the complaint. A comma put in the wrong place? Where is that coming from. This complaint is very precise…should I type it out? Dictate it into a podcast for all to hear?
If this is going to be classified as politics as usual in Franklin…. then we need our Ethics Board back now and we need to question why it was taken away and why the sitting officials who took it away won’t let us have it back.
Read the complaint carefully, Franklin citizens…again, here it is in full.
2008-09-15 Forfeiture Summons & Complaint.pdf
Perhaps we need to put it up page by page to analyze it. Here is the first page...the complaint.
Like I said, sometimes someone thinking they may be helping a situation may be making it worse…
Forfeiture complaint~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **Breaking News** District Attorney Charges Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor
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By Janet Evans
Monday, Sep 15 2008, 10:33 PM
Charges were filed today by Assistant District Attorney Bruce Landgraf against Franklin Mayor Thomas Taylor for four violations regarding his campaign in the April 2008 election. The charges stem from the complaint Basil Ryan filed in March of 2008 accusing Tom Taylor of using city personnel to gather information for his mayoral campaign. According to a Milwaukee Journal article by Annysa Jones, in April, 2008, Mayor Taylor denied the allegations.
You can view the complaint below:
2008-09-15 Forfeiture Summons & Complaint.pdf
The State is demanding a $2,000 Judgment in the Case against Mayor Taylor.
Allegedly, Cal Patterson, the Director of Finance for the City of Franklin, was asked by Mayor Taylor to do some investigative work regarding Basil Ryan's term of service, compile information and forward that information to Mayor Taylor.
I'm sure there will be much discussion on these charges in the coming weeks.
I am going to start the discussion by saying this.
I try to be very fair on my blog regarding Franklin issues. Of course, yes, my opinions do shine through.
Back at election time, I clearly stated my support for Basil Ryan.
There are those of you out there who say, "He's a crook."
When I did my two hour interview of both candidates for Mayor before the election, I specifically asked each candidate "Are you a crook?" I looked them both in the eye, and asked them that. I did it specifically, because of that accusation being made of Ryan. Basil Ryan says he's not a crook. Mayor Taylor didn't tell me he was one either.
Scott Jensen was convicted for having staff do campaign work on state time. Remember the consensus when he was convicted...feelings were very mixed.
Back to Franklin...our city has a budget to approve, and now the DA files charges against our Mayor, which he denied back in April....
This is going to be an interesting month.
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Election Violation Charges Against Franklin Mayor Taylor
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Sep 10 2008, 12:00 AM
or
Fee Waivers...Woe Is Me...(But Not If You Have a Hardship)
While it's convenient that the City Clerk tapes the Common Council meetings as a public record, and we, the public may go purchase a copy of said record, nothing beats spending three hours sitting at the actual meeting and hearing what actually transpired.
Such as with Item G. 9. Resolution discontinuing the license fee waiver for Franklin based civic and service organizations policy and practice effective January 1, 2009.
You can listen to that at Righty Blog HERE
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Sep 9 2008, 09:09 PM
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