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This Just In...
Kevin Fischer is an award-winning veteran broadcaster who has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for nearly three decades.
Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, “INTERchange,” on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, in Franklin.
FRANKLIN CANDIDATES' GUEST BLOGS-ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 4
By Kevin Fischer
Thursday, Mar 27 2008, 05:30 AM
MY SERIES OF GUEST BLOGS FROM THE FRANKLIN MAYORAL AND ALDERMANIC CANDIDATES CONCLUDES TODAY WITH THE CANDIDATES IN ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 4.
FRANKLIN DISTRICT 4 ALDERMAN PETE KOSOVICH
Kevin, Thank you for the opportunity to be heard through your blog.
A little over 5 years ago, I became involved in Franklin, because the politics were an embarrassment to the city. Basil Ryan was not conducting business in a respectful, professional manor. He was driving developers away through his actions. He was playing games. Mr. Ryan and other aldermen were abstaining from voting, which resulted in the lack of a quorum, blocking action on certain items. Mr. Ryan even sued the city over the reappointment of long standing committee members to the Planning & Parks Commissions. Franklin was establishing a very negative reputation. Mr. Ryan also has had many encounters with the police and the court system as can be verified through the CCAP court.site.
In Dec. 2002, I learned of an effort that was looming on a recall of Basil Ryan. It was suggested to me by a local business that I run for Alderman. I was directed to a group of concerned Franklin citizens who were organizing the recall effort. I won their confidence, and we were successful in the recall of Mr. Ryan on Nov 3rd, 2003. In April 2005 he ran again for Alderman of the 4th District and simultaneously ran a write in campaign for mayor. When Mr. Ryan was defeated, he said he was done with politics in Franklin. He is back again, in an attempt to become Franklin's Mayor. God help us!
Over the last few years, I have been part of the progress we have experienced in Franklin. We have received National recognition as a City of the Future. We are the envy of many communities on the quality of commercial development coming to Franklin. We have brought the second phase of Northwestern Mutual to Franklin. We have brought a Sendik's, the Wheaton Franciscan Medical Complex, The Fountains of Franklin is underway, Staybridge Suites is being built. There was a recent announcement of an additional $70 million medical complex, and a Franklin Hilton. The Business Park is nearly sold out and TIF tax relief dollars will be kicking in soon.
Franklin is expanding with quality commercial & residential development. I would like to serve another term to continue to be part of its growth. I bring a voice of common sense to city issues and I am a "Man of the people". I am a small business owner for 28 years and have a business sense about city matters. I am always accessible at my business, and I am able to respond to peoples concerns in a timely manner. I believe we can keep Moving Franklin Forward under the current leadership.
When I became involved in Franklin politics, I did it for the good of the City. I was there when we were fighting to keep sex predators out of Franklin, I will continue the fight. I will keep working to hold your taxes down by attracting quality Economic Development. We will continue to improve the quality of life in Franklin. Keeping it safe, and maintaining our country-like atmosphere.
Things are running very well under Mayor Taylor and the current Council. I believe in the old saying...If it isn't broke - don't fix it!
Please vote for Pete Kosovich on April 1st, Thank you!
Thanks Kevin,
Sincerely, Pete Kosovich
FRANKLIN ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 4 CHALLENGER STEVE TAYLOR
The reason that I want to be the next alderman on the 4th district is because I feel it is my civic duty to serve the public. No matter where I have lived I have always gotten involved in some capacity. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with bachelor’s degrees in political science and public administration. I figured that while I was studying how government works I might as well apply it in a practical manner. I ran for the La Crosse City Council as a junior and got I elected to a four-year term. I served all four years, three of which I was the vice chairman of the finance and personnel committee. I moved to East Lansing, Michigan in 2002 with my future wife so she could get her masters degree. While living there I was appointed and served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for two and a half years. In December, Mayor Taylor appointed me to the Environmental Commission. As an alderman, I will be able to make a positive impact by combining the experience I gained from serving in those two other communities along with what I have learned while living here in Franklin.
While campaigning many residents have told me that they want a more vocal representative. They want someone who is more responsive and more willing to take a stand on the tough issues. I respect Alderman Kosovich a great deal. It is refreshing that two candidates running for the same office can conduct themselves in a positive manner and only on the issues. At the end of the day I know that the two of us will continue to have a positive working relationship.
As for the issues, I think there is a difference in some areas. I believe our local taxes have increases too much. Every taxpayer has a budget. When economic times are tough, we have to tighten out belts. The city should have to do the same. It can not continue to pass the buck on to its taxpayers. There are for sale signs popping up everywhere around the city. People are leaving because they can’t afford the taxes. We have seniors on fixed incomes that want to be able stay in their homes until they are ready to go. I know these things because while out campaigning this is what they are telling me. I will take a long and hard look at how we spend your tax dollars.
We need more nonresidential development in the city in order to lower our tax burden. Projects should take forever to get approved. Why does a project in Franklin take nine months to get final approval while other communities take ninety days? I am not saying that we give in to all of a developer’s demands but we need to be more business friendly and speed up the process.
I got into this race to try to make a difference. I will answer only to those who reside in the 4th district, those who take the time to vote. I am aligned with no one. At the end of the day, the people in the 4th district will decide who they want to represent them. If they elect me, they are my bosses. If I don’t do they job they sent me to do they will be able to vote me out three years later. I will be honored to receive their vote on April 1st.
Steve Taylor
You can see all the guest blogs at:
SPRING 2007 FRANKLIN CANDIDATES' GUEST BLOGS
Also see: Franklin School Board candidate interviews-2008
I thank all the candidates for their participation in this project. Please review all the information you can about the candidates, and then make an informed vote Tuesday, April 1.
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