There has been a decent amount of talk over the last year about “A New Day” in Franklin. The two people that haven’t really talked about it have been Alderman Wilhelm and I. This discussion for the most part has been left to the bloggers until now. The election that took place last April was important even though a certain individual, who will not be named, won’t admit it. Something must have happened last April because I have become a focal point of one bloggers life. Not only does this individual scrutinize any issue I bring forward, he also has spent time researching my voting record in La Crosse and puts words in my mouth as to my future intentions. By now you should know that if I have something to say I would let you know.
Incumbents rarely lose an election unless they have broken the public’s trust or had major negative issues during their term in office. The two incumbents who lost last spring do not fall in either category. Franklin has a history of recall elections and neither lost their seats due to one. So why did a dedicated volunteer and a newcomer defeat two incumbents? Maybe the people in Franklin wanted something different than the status quo. Maybe they wanted someone who would listen to them and carry their voice to City Hall. I guess to find out those answers you would need to talk to each and every voter and ask why they voted the way they did.
I am not going to spend any more time on the election of 2008. If people want to call it “A New Day” they can but like anything else it is debatable. We can talk about the fact that I defeated Lyle Sohns for Common Council President on the day I was sworn in. I would place a wager with anyone who believes the results would have been different if Alderman Olson weren’t in Italy. Did “A New Day” in Franklin lead to my selection? This too can be debated like I said earlier.
What needs to be addressed is how the Common Council operates. There is more debate than before and those who had their way in the past are not getting a rubber stamp of approval any longer. The bloggers who actually attend our meetings are reporting what occurs which helps keep you informed and us accountable. I have been trying since last summer to have our meeting digitally recorded in order for you to have better access to the issues important to you. Going to City Hall to get a cassette tape is unacceptable and archaic. This issue along with a more user friendly website will heading to the Common Council for debate in the near future. There is nothing more important than transparency of local government.
In the upcoming months we will be discussing the long-term vision of the City, which includes the discussion of a full time mayor. The Common Council can have this discussion but ultimately it is up to you which path we choose because this is your City.
It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I was sworn in as Alderman of the 4th district. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and I look forward to the next two years. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment and I hope that over the course of the past year you have been able to come to me with your questions and concerns. Please call or email me if you would like to know where I stand on an issue or want me to know how you feel. Thank you for your time and interest on this matter.
Steve F. Taylor
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