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 "destroyed?"
“I love Franklin."
“This is a great place to live.”
“I really enjoy working here.”
Those are some of the remarks from Franklin residents I’ve heard in reaction to a Franklin blogger who, still upset at how the new Target site was developed, recently wrote, “Our leaders betrayed us, the people of Franklin, and went on their merry way to destroy everything we had going for us. We will always be paying the consequences of their actions.”
Suggesting that our local representatives willingly and merrily worked to “destroy” Franklin is hyperbole to the nth degree. And to be honest, I’m not really sure what “consequences” we’re paying.
Granted, in this day and age of “what have you done for me lately,” city of Franklin officials arguably have left themselves open to criticism. Just how much is open for debate.
There was the “Boomgaard” public relations nightmare, followed by one alderman’s ill-advised stunt of openly brandishing the property tax records of Franklin bloggers at a Common Council meeting. I would also toss out the less than enthusiastic response from most aldermen to Mayor Taylor’s pledge to hold the line on a city property tax levy increase to 3%.
But Franklin, “destroyed?”
I’ve been a loud critic of our tax and spend climate at City Hall and especially with the Franklin School Board. And there are some projects, notably Fountains of Franklin that I wish would move out of neutral. But if you search your memory banks beyond “Boomgaard,” you’ll find a litany of success stories that make charges that leaders worked to destroy our city sound absurd.
Franklin has seen much to be proud of.
In no particular order, try Sendik’s.
And not just one, but two of the quality food markets.
Target comes to town after residents asked for such a store for 20 years.
Hopefully, an Azana Spa and Salon will open soon along with other tenants at Fountains of Franklin that, despite my concern over its lack of progress, does have tremendous potential.
Northwestern Mutual Life.
Wheaton Franciscan Health Care.
The architecturally magnificent Indian Community School.
Harley-Davidson.
Carma Laboratories.
Over $450 million in economic development currently underway on South 27th Street.
The day-to-day operations of keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe and clean.
The incredible work of volunteers to help enact tough new laws to protect our children from sex predators.
And it was all done by people who’ve been involved in Franklin efforts for many, many years.
It’s easy to point out areas that need improvement. I do it all the time. But let’s not forget the wonderful foundation that has been built in this city through hard work, service, and civic pride.
Franklin "destroyed?"
Hardly.
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