Candidate Profile: John R. Nelson For Mayor Of Franklin

FRANKLIN, WI — The 2023 spring election is heating up in Wisconsin with several key local and statewide races on the April 4 ballot.

In Franklin, voters will choose their next mayor. Two people are running for the position: Incumbent Steve Olson and challenger John Nelson. Nelson is currently the District 6 Alderman, but he is not running for the seat again.

Patch asked both mayoral candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. We also sent questions to each candidate running for an alderperson seat in the city.

Here is what we learned from John R. Nelson and why he believes he should be elected:

Age as of election day:

55

Position sought:

City of Franklin Mayor

Party affiliation:

Non-partisan position; Conservative platform

What is your educational background:

Franklin school system from Country Dale Elementary through Franklin High School. Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations, Minor in Marketing, emphasis in Public Speaking from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Marquette University College of Professional Studies, Future Milwaukee Leadership Training Program. Northwestern University - Center for Public Safety; School of Police Staff and Command, and Supervision of Police Personnel. Extensive CEU credits, Numerous Certificates and Managerial Training.

What is your current occupation and work background?:

Law enforcement professional since 1994, Command Level (20+ years). Current Rank of Lieutenant, Waterford Police Department. Supervisory, Management, Budgetary, Community Security, Safety, and Employee Training duties.

What previous elected or appointed offices have you held?

Alderman for the City of Franklin's 6th District, with six years of aldermanic service, decades of volunteer and municipal service time, including:

• Board of Public Works
• Business Licensing Committee
• City Finance Committee
• Personnel Committee
• Parks Commission
• Environmental Commission
• Franklin Noon Lions Club
• Chair and Fair Commission Chair member
• Vice President and member, Fire and Police Commission

What is your campaign website?:

www.JohnNelsonforMayor.com

Why are you seeking office?

To ensure Franklin is safe, affordable, family friendly with quality-of-life amenities, attractive to businesses, and a home to good jobs that keep our citizens investing back into Franklin. I've witnessed and experienced what the city has done well and what went wrong under the current administration. Our development reputation, volume of departing staff, and notable lack of respect for citizens from the mayor’s office has impacted our city image far too long. My passion and background provide the tools to move Franklin Forward.

What is the most pressing issue facing your office, and how do you plan on addressing it?

We have interlinked pressing issues -- Debt, Development, Decorum, and Direction. I will re-build qualified support staff and share information with fellow elected officials so we can work together to attain a laser-focused direction for our future. Ensuring that our internal direction follows our public statements will lower costs, prevent lawsuits, build better development relationships, not to mention help draw and sustain businesses that offer family-supporting wages, thus growing and maintaining quality of life while leveling the tax base.

What are the critical differences between yourself and the other candidates seeking this office?

Years of public service have given me deep insight into human character. I've developed a solid ability to manage different personalities and resolve conflicts. My qualifications can and will build consensus among staff and council members, while respecting developers' and taxpayers’ views – in stark contrast to the current mayor’s approach. My transparent and inclusive decision-making process will ensure a well-thought-out path for success.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Shoring up City Debt:

Multiple significant budget and debt decisions are looming: a new Fire Station, new water tower(s), Public Works expansion, adding police and fire officers, and costs surrounding our water contract. To make these decisions we must re-establish a depleted financial staff to deeply review our finances and provide all this information to the Council for better decision making.

Tax Reduction & Attracting Desired Businesses:

Tax reduction for homeowners comes from increasing the business portion of the tax base. This is financially more viable nearer existing infrastructure such as the redevelopment of S. 76t h St. and W. Rawson. This is a vital district that can build upon new experiences complimentary to current development efforts and provide for daily needs without spending outside Franklin. Projects need strong review of city debt obligations and performance monitoring. Developers will appreciate not having to guess or receive “half-answers” when they consider investing their own funds.

Transparency & Policy Revision:

1. Return the Council legislative structure to improve voter representation – in line with other communities.
2. Work to change the system. Currently, three of the six Districts cannot run for mayoral office without giving up their aldermanic seat. This limits the pool of qualified mayoral candidates and gives a financial advantage to other districts.
3. Develop professional relationships focusing on problem solving to address the multiple employee resignations resultant of current leadership.
4. Allow full access to information required for elected officials to make sound decisions on items that come before them.
5. Review of paid staff as a voting member of the Plan Commission – a member who reports only to the mayor.
6. Avoid motions that allow multiple staff changes to documents after the Council votes, which do not return for Council review.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My capability to earn trust comes from my foundation of government service, my belief in the importance of understanding and debating an issue, a willingness to serve, and capability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

Projects pushed with little public input or knowledge create a set of problems. I found myself in this position for the Meat Processing Facility. Due to lack of transparency, the process went horribly wrong and nearly impacted new residential homes valued upwards of $550,000. This was one of the most controversial and divisive projects in years because the true message was controlled and never fully provided to the public. I had a critical leading role in speaking up for the residents throughout Franklin who understood that the location was inappropriate; however, the leadership was determined not to compromise despite the location lacking costly water and fire services, and other potential impacts.

I've provided years of service including supporting and assisting development projects, addressing flooding, drainage, and pedestrian safety. I assisted with rescuing a park planned for 30 years. I've participated in 6 years of budgeting and have clear understanding that costly projects need improved, upfront vetting.

What is the best advice ever shared with you?

Never burn a bridge.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I enjoy some rural feel to our city. The last farmlands remaining in the County are here, and they have significant unrealized value. I believe we can fully develop Franklin while preserving a part of our heritage and charm. It makes Franklin unique from communities that may now regret losing some of their historic characteristics.