This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
*BREAKING NEWS: RECALLS LAUNCHED AGAINST FRANKLIN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS*
I have received the following from Franklin resident and former FranklinNOW blogger Fred Keller:After reading the emails (posted on Janet Evans’ blog) between Franklin School Board members pertaining to the April 2007 school referendum, I am absolutely convinced that those board members who either participated in the closed-door assembly at the high school; or were involved in the creation and editing of the “VOTE YES” flyers and its subsequent distribution through our schools by the exploitation of our children, can no longer be entrusted to act in the best interests of the Franklin Public Schools and more importantly, our school-age children, and the citizens and taxpayers of Franklin.
I am specifically referring to former School Board President and current Vice President, Jim Ward, and Board member Mary Karolewicz.
I have obtained the appropriate State legal forms and have decided to file RECALL PETITIONS against Franklin School Board members Mary Karolewicz (Term expires April 2009) and School Board Vice President Jim Ward (Term expires April 2009).
Following the April 2008 election (when she becomes eligible for recall), I will also file a RECALL PETITION against Board Clerk Debbie Larson (Term expires April 2010).
Based foremost on their performance during the next School Referendum Campaign, and their disregard for fiscal responsibility, including their ineptitude in approving the 2007-08 FPS Budget, I will consider launching Recall Petitions against Board President Dave Szychlinski (Term expires April 2010) and Board Member Jeff Traylor (Term expires April 2010).
Although I have never coordinated a Recall Petition, I’m not so dumb as to believe I can succeed in removing these corrupt, underachieving board members from office without the help of truly concerned Franklin citizens like you. Therefore, I am asking for your help and support in this Recall effort.
In order to help you to make an informed decision whether to join this effort, follows are some quick notes regarding such a RECALL PETITION:
Procedures
Registration Requirements
- Before a recall petition may be circulated, the individual or committee seeking the recall of an elected official must file a Campaign Registration Statement (EB-1) with the filing officer.
- The Campaign Registration Statement must clearly indicate that the committee is registering as a recall committee and identify the officeholder it seeks to recall.
Number of Signatures Required
- The filing officer with whom recall petitions are filed is required to determine the appropriate number of signatures and certify that amount to any interested person upon request.
- Recall petitions must contain signatures of qualified electors equal to at least 25% of the vote cast for the office of governor at the last election in the same district or territory as that of the officeholder being recalled.
Circulation Time Period
A recall petition may be circulated after filing the Campaign Registration Statement.
- The petition to recall any officeholder must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 60th day after registration.
- Only signatures dated within the 60-day circulation period may be counted.
Following are my recall statements for Ward and Karolewicz:
STATEMENT OF REASON FOR RECALL (Jim Ward)
Throughout the 2007 School Referendum Information Campaign, and the weeks leading up to the April 3, 2007 election, Franklin School Board member Jim Ward participated in the development of communication pieces and the decision–making process to distribute pro-referendum (“VOTE YES”) flyers to Franklin Public School District pupils through school personnel and administrators.
Jim Ward’s actions were in direct violation of Franklin School Board Policy 1340; more specifically: "Pupils and personnel will be protected from any possible exploitation in promoting the interest of any non-school agency or organization," namely, “Franklin Citizens for Better Schools.”
STATEMENT OF REASON FOR RECALL (Mary Karolewicz)
On March 30, 2007, just days prior to the April 3, 2007, election and Franklin School Referenda vote, Franklin School Board member Mary Karolewicz attended a closed-door student assembly at Franklin High School where approximately 340 high school seniors – of which approximately 200 were of voting age – were subjected to viewing a one-sided video presentation which Mary Karolewicz knew, through first-hand knowledge, falsely represented the views of the Franklin community at-large, and the best interests of the Franklin Public School District pupils.
Mary Karolewicz’ actions clearly contradicted and were in direct violation of Franklin School Board Operations official responsibilities; more specifically: “Expressing and representing the views of the community in matters affecting education.”
I am very interesting in hearing each of your thoughts or comments on this important matter.
Enough is enough! Let’s take back the school board and make it Franklin’s School Board, not a school board controlled by a few ineffective, self-serving elitists.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Fred Keller
414-423-8496
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