Franklin Today

The #2 Issue: Tom Reinke's abrupt disappearance from Robinwood

When the students at Robinwood Elementary School went back to classes this past Fall, they and their parents were surprised to see their principal absent from the main entrance of the school, greeting the kids as they would walk in. It turned out that Reinke had to take leave of the school while the school district performed an investigation on allegations by another employee at Robinwood.

The #3 Issue: Residents unite for an Aquatics Center

When governments were proposing budgets, an issue arose that made its way throughout Franklin. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, in his budget that had a 0% tax levy increase, proposed a county Aquatics Center, which is basically a mini water park, for southeast Milwaukee County. The areas in the SE included lands around the airport, Oak Creek, and South Milwaukee.

Franklin wasn't anywhere in sight.

Noticing the lack of attention, Mayor Taylor and Alderman Tim Solomon made several public comments during a public hearing on Franklin's city budget. They noted that the county seems to bypass or overlook Franklin on a variety of matters, including the Aquatics Center.

The #4 Issue: Sendik's Fine Foods shuts its doors

In July, some in Franklin were surprised, while were not. Sendik's Fine Foods at the Shoppes at Wyndham Village shut its doors less than a year from opening to great fanfare with area politicians. Sendik's closing is an issue because it had both positive and negative effects.

The #5 Issue: School Board incumbents continue to step aside

This past April, there wasn't many elected positions on the ballot in Franklin. Locally, it was just the Municipal Judge and two School Board members in the Franklin Public School District. Even with that in mind, last April's election was no different from School Board elections going back to just after the 2007 referendum. This time around, incumbents Mary Karolewicz and School Board Vice President Jim Ward both decided to not run again for their elected positions.

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone in Franklin is having a wonderful Christmas this year!

The 1st Aldermanic District has a race!

I just received word from City Clerk Sandi Wesolowski that 1st District Alderman Steve Olson filed his paperwork to run for re-election. His filing comes one day after I turned in my papers to be on the ballot this April for the seat.

It will be an interesting election this April!

Trails Committee receives WISDOT grant

It is a huge positive for Franklin residents that the Trails Committee received a Walking Workshop grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT). This grant will be used by the committee as a precursor to applying for the Safe Routes to School Program, which will connect students with their schools via other means than a car or minivan. A huge thank you to Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm for bringing forward this grant, which will now benefit our community.

The committee's success is also commendable due to its relative "newness" in Franklin; the committee's first meeting was in October. Within just two months of kick-off, the committee has moved forward in great distances and is helping Franklin be a better place for residents to live, work, and play. Hopefully the continued success of this committee with their work on areas surrounding Pleasant View Elementary School and Franklin High School will open new doors for other schools to be looked at as well.

With all of that said, committee member John Michlig noted that there is still "dissent" coming from one member. Based on past observations by me, I can't help but think that the dissenter is none other than member Randy Ritter, who also sits on the Plan Commission. I've mentioned previously that the residents at this time do not need wrenches thrown into a project and committee like this one. The goal of working towards a positive result needs to continue, and it still confuses me as to why some instead promote the negatives.

As far as I'm concerned, the desire by residents to put Franklin First hasn't disappeared.

Time To End The Online Band Shell Debate

The running blog on the Band Shell naming issue has turned from a healthy debate to something personal and ugly. While I've developed a thick skin having served Franklin in various capacities for years, the members of the family who built the band shell have not and should not have to. Out of respect for their feelings, I ask that no additional posts be made that use their name.

Congrats to Franklin's new Eagle Scouts

I attended a portion of tonight's School Board meeting, which was packed to the gills with parents, teachers, friends, and supporters of students receiving awards and commendations from the district. The focus was on Boys & Girls Cross Country, Girls Tennis, and those who have reached the level of Eagle Scout.

An update on the Spring, 2010 races!

A lot has happened in the past few days that residents should be aware of, especially in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th aldermanic districts. Here are the updates!