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.
Franklin candidates, here's what I want
With Election Day just two weeks away, we’re starting to see TV ads and campaign literature. Candidates are knocking on doors.
I’ve always been out when the people who want my vote have rung my doorbell.
Alan Hammelman spoke with my wife and beamed about getting our subdivision its welcoming sign. No, alderman, our homeowner association fees paid for that. Besides, the doggone thing looks like a big old cemetery headstone.
His opponent, Kristen Wilhelm left literature that says a priority will be the quality and not the quantity of developments. I interpret that to mean even more loopholes and obstacles to moving forward.
So here’s the deal. Since I haven’t been home to speak to any mayoral, aldermanic, or School Board candidates, and because I know they do check my blog once in awhile, as do a few other Franklin residents. I’ll make this real simple.
As a voter, here’s what I want.
1) Fiscal responsibility. Can we please actually DO something about the outrageous amount of taxing and spending rather than just TALK about it at election time, and can we approach the problem without blaming the state? The state is broke. It can’t help us. It has its own problems, believe me.
The way to reduce taxes is to cut spending. I have yet to hear any candidate discuss specifically how they’ll go about it. Any candidate who forwards such a plan could score big points with over-taxed voters who have had enough.
I would include both City Hall and the School Administration and School Board in my challenge to tighten the reins on spending. The School Board will get two new members that will work, I hope, independently of a Board that has little vision and has totally mismanaged the budget process.
2) Economic development. Some argue we move too slowly. Some contend we move too fast. Whatever the case may be, Franklin can and must do a better job in attracting new business and creating more jobs.
3) Public safety. Franklin has excelled in protecting its citizens due to the cooperation between city leaders, the police, a strong and active citizen’s group, and representatives at the state level. Those collaborative efforts must continue.
4) An emphasis on improved student performance. Franklin spends big bucks but gets little bang in this area.
That’s it. That’s my list.
I know basic services like garbage collection will continue. They’d better for the price we’re paying. And the schools will survive without spending into oblivion.
My concerns aren’t subdivision signs or “quality vs. quantity” of developments. My definition of quality may differ from a candidate who doesn’t define “quality” on her brochure.
No, I’m more interested in what I consider to be high priorities: Reduced spending, lower taxes, a pro-business climate, safe streets, setting the bar higher for student achievement.
Put those at the top of your agenda, and you just might get my vote.
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