Candidate Profile: Steve Olson 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. We will be publishing profiles as soon as we receive answers from the candidates.

Here is what we learned from Mayor Steve Olson and why he believes he should be re-elected:

Age as of election day:

67.

Position sought:

Mayor, City of Franklin.

Party affiliation:

N/A. Conservative.

What is your educational background:

BA, Marquette. Masters coursework.

What is your current occupation and work background?:

Currently Mayor of the City of Franklin. Retired from 43 years in Technical Sales, Sales Management.

What previous elected or appointed offices have you held?

Mayor, 9 years; Alderman, 12 years, Numerous boards and commissions, County EMS Council, MMSD Executive Committee.

What is your campaign website?:

www.olsonforfranklin.com

Why are you seeking office?

Current development momentum and financial constraints requires my experience and knowledge.

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

Sustaining growth to fund the services the city requires and work toward a permanent solution with the State government. I continue my path of encouraging managed growth in commercial/industrial as well as residential sectors. I have strong relationships with state, county and local leaders working to fix the state funding formulas for cities as well as work toward consolidated services with neighboring communities. Due to Aldermanic turnover my institutional knowledge will be invaluable in keeping the city moving forward.

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

Decades more management and government service experience, contacts and relationships. I have a broad base of support across all demographics and without ties to developers. I've done the job and grown our community by 37% during my tenure as Mayor. I have the experience and the background for the job. The Mayor must have a wide background. Understand financing, both municipal and construction; know municipal ordinances and good planning practices. Must know a bit about each of the departments in the city including engineering, DPW and how streets are maintained and plowed. Be knowledgeable about Fire/EMS and law enforcement to advocate for their needs. And a Mayor must be involved. Must participate in all types of events including parades, Christmas tree lightings, Veterans memorials, seniors events, business events. This all takes time and experience.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Maintaining and improving effective management of the City government. Providing steady leadership for the planning, funding and execution of new infrastructure (sewer, water, water tower, water provider, Fire Station 4, parks and trails) and replacement and upgrades to our equipment and vehicles while managing our debt. Retaining and recruiting employees in a challenging employment market continues to be a priority that requires my experience.

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

The value of the community has grown by more than $2 billion or 37% during my tenure. We’ve added police and firefighter/paramedics. We are filling two new business parks and have a tremendous sports themed development in the Ballpark Commons. We have a new and wide selection of housing options not available when I took office. All of this while maintaining out of pocket property taxes close to the amount paid when I took office. All increases in taxes have been paid for by the new construction and that protects the existing taxpayers from tax increases.

What is the best advice ever shared with you?

Remember where you came from, treat everyone as you’d like to be treated. Listen.

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

Being Mayor of Franklin is a full time position that demands dedication to the people and employees and a vision for the future. It cannot be a “stepping stone” position or a resume builder because the Mayor IS the boss and must be the decision maker. I’ve done the work for nine years quite successfully. We’re at a crossroads with the amount of development that’s on its’ way and the infrastructure needs of the community that can’t afford inexperience and indifference. The momentum requires experience and stability to follow through to success. All of my efforts are focused on delivering the best municipal services to the taxpayers and visitors to our city that is possible.