Franklin Will Decide On Mayor, Council Members Tuesday: 2023 Election

FRANKLIN, WI — Two candidates have been campaigning for months in an effort to become the next elected mayor of Franklin. On Tuesday, the decision comes down to voters.

Incumbent Mayor Steve Olson is looking to defend his seat against challenger John Nelson. Nelson is vacating his seat on the common council as he runs for mayor. Many in the city will also see elections for a new alderperson in their district, while all will be voting for the next justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We'll also be seeing several referendums at the statewide and county levels.

Here's who is running for alderperson, and if they responded, a link to their Patch candidate profile:

• Yousef Hasan is running unopposed for District 3 Alderperson.
• Paul Rotzenberg is running against Courtney Day for District 4 Alderperson.
• Lee Fry is running against Jason Craig for District 6 Alderperson.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday and close at 8 p.m. If you get in line by poll closing time, you can stay to vote.

What to know about registering to vote and returning an absentee ballot:

Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so as long as you get to your polling place on election day with photo identification and proof of residence, you'll be able to cast your ballot in the election.

If you still have an absentee ballot to return, make sure you get it to your clerk by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. It has to be in person and you can only return your own. Also, note that the state's supreme court outlawed the use of drop boxes for ballots. It is too late to mail a ballot back and expect its safe return.

Here's what to know about the mayoral candidates in Franklin:

Mayor Steve Olson was first elected to his seat in 2014. He is running against District 6 Alderman John Nelson. Both candidates told Patch that they are conservatives, and both have a long resume of public service positions, but both also had several differences.

The biggest issues for the office of mayor:

Nelson said the most pressing issues facing the office of mayor are interlinked.

"Debt, Development, Decorum, and Direction," said Nelson. "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."

Nelson also told Patch that he would work to ensure internal directions at the city follow public statements to lower costs, prevent lawsuits and build better development relationships.

For Olson, the most pressing issue is sustaining growth to fund city services and to work toward a permanent solution with state government.

"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," Olson wrote to Patch. "Due to Aldermanic turnover, my institutional knowledge will be invaluable in keeping the city moving forward."

The critical differences between the candidates:

Olson told Patch that the most critical difference between himself and his opponent is decades more management and government service experience, plus contacts and relationships.

"I've done the job and grown our community by 37 percent during my tenure as Mayor," Olson asserted. "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."

Nelson also touted his years of public service experience as what sets him apart.

"I've developed a solid ability to manage different personalities and resolve conflicts," Nelson told Patch. "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."

Read the full candidate profiles for both mayoral candidates:

Steve Olson For Mayor Of Franklin

John R. Nelson For Mayor Of Franklin