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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 3

By Kevin Fischer
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008, 05:30 AM
MY SERIES OF GUEST BLOGS FROM THE FRANKLIN MAYORAL AND ALDERMANIC CANDIDATES CONTINUES TODAY WITH THE CANDIDATES IN ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 3.



3rd DISTRICT FRANKLIN ALDERMAN ALAN HAMMELMAN

Re-elect 3rd District Alderman
Alan Hammelman
Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  
“Let’s keep Franklin moving forward!” 

What we have accomplished in the first term
  1. Taken a fiscally conservative approach with City tax dollars for the three years I was seated on the Finance Committee. (Completed -Franklin has one of the
    lowest assessed Municipal rates in Milwaukee County; the City bond rating went up one level to AA2 in 2006 due to sound fiscal practices.)
  2. Created 31 Street from Rawson Ave. to Drexel Ave. (Completed in November 2007).
  3. Established a pro-business approach to growth in Franklin. (Completed – Sendik’s Grocery, Northwestern Mutual – Building #2, Johnson Bank, etc.).
  4. Returned 90%+ calls and emails from constituents in 48 hours or less. (Completed).
 My commitment to you for the second term
  1. Continue fiscally conservative practices – this will protect our new bond rating and keep City tax increases reasonable.
  2. Continue pro-business growth policies with a special emphasis on quality, high-end development of the 27th St. Corridor area shared with Oak Creek.
    This step will shift more of the tax burden on to businesses and provide much needed relief to our residents. I do not want 27th St to become another
    Bluemound Road development.
  3. Continue offering a high level of constituent responsiveness to calls and emails.
 Points which set me apart from my opponent include:
¨    Proven political experience:  Franklin 3rd District Alderman (2005 – current); 4th District Wauwatosa Alderman (1990 – 1995).
¨    Endorsements from Franklin Mayor Thomas Taylor, Common Council President Lyle Sohns and widely known senior civic leader Casper Green among others.
¨    Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including constituents, City department heads/staff and developers. 

Background
Address:  6781 S. 35 St. (Franklin homeowner for 13 years.)
Phone:  414.421.3451 (Home); 414.430.4580 (Cell).
Email:  alhammelman@yahoo.com
Occupation:  Corporate Trainer at Fidelity National Information Systems (21 years).
Education:  Masters in Education (M. Ed) from Alverno College, December 2000.
Committee assignments:  Finance Committee, License Committee, Personnel Committee.

(Appointed to 50th Anniversary Committee for City of Franklin in 2006.)

 

Authorized and paid for by Citizens for Alan Hammelman Committee. Jean Kriesel Treasurer




3rd DISTRICT ALDERMANIC CHALLENGER KRISTEN WILHELM


I should be elected to represent the people of the 3rd District for the following reasons:

I have the skills to engage people in the decision making process that will shape the identity of our city. Many citizens are intimidated by or unaware of the government process. This leads to a handful of people holding a number of committee positions. I support hearing diverse opinions that provide open government, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Consideration from others can help ensure we are not missing important points.

One of the reasons I should be elected is the fact that I communicate well with other people. My ability to listen has enabled people to be comfortable and share their concerns. I am a great candidate for Alderman because I have an ability to work well with others, yet voice my opinion when needed. I'm conscientious, I honor my responsibilities, I accept criticism, I take satisfaction from a job well done, and I give thoughtful consideration to other people’s comments when making decisions. You can expect honest and responsive answers so you will always know where I stand.

I have the experience that would allow me to fulfill the duties as the 3rd District representative. My recent career with the River Revitalization Foundation has allowed me to develop key leadership, coordination, and organizational skills that have forged relationships with a wide variety of municipalities and organizations throughout Milwaukee County. I will bring to the Council the careful budgeting knowledge of the non-profit world, which requires frugal use of funding and meticulous accountability to our donors. My aeronautical background will bring an eye for detail and detail-oriented strengths to the Council. 

I believe I have both private and public experience that will allow me to manage the job of Alderman for the city of Franklin. Appointed by both Mayor Klimetz and Mayor Taylor, I served as a volunteer on the Environmental Commission with no budget, and as a mere "recommending" body. This is one of the most  challenging positions to make a difference. Through it all, I have learned the city's various codes and ordinances.

Despite challenges, I see many areas throughout Franklin where sound land use decisions resulted from our input. While on the Commission we strengthened water quality protection, added parkland at no cost to the taxpayers, began our first citywide clean up and Arbor Day celebration and much more. Arbor Day helps the City qualify for grant funding. These accomplishments provide beauty and civic pride for our City.

You have shared my desire to be able to spend our hard-earned money within our community at quality restaurants and unique and varied retail shopping areas. I will support thoughtful, responsible development that brings jobs, and desired retail services for tax relief.

I know first hand what is working and what needs to be fixed within our system. I will explore financial issues in depth to identify ways to cut wasteful spending and make the best use of your tax dollars without cutting safety services. I will support neighborhood safety and upholding police and fire response times.

The City is at a major turning point. Your VOTE will help shape the future of our community. When you elect me, I will dedicate my time to effectively represent you and serve our community to the best of my ability.

Please visit my website to learn more at www.kwilhelm.us.

Respectfully,

Kristen Wilhelm



TOMORROW: THE CANDIDATES IN ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 4




You can see all the guest blogs at:

SPRING 2007 FRANKLIN CANDIDATES' GUEST BLOGS

Also see: Franklin School Board candidate interviews-2008



 

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Comments

Fred Keller   

I have one question for both Mr. Hammelman and Ms. Wilhelm:

Would you be willing to sign a pledge – TODAY – stating, if (re-)elected, you would vote against a City Budget, in each year of your three-year term, that included a TAX LEVY that is greater than the latest available Consumer Price Index data, published by the U.S. Labor Department, Bureau of Labor Statistics?

I would appreciate a yes or no answer.  And If not, why not?

Thank you

March 26, 2008 11:48 AM

Kevin Fischer   

Great question, Fred.

I, for one, am very interested in what both have to say.

My strong advice to each of the candidates is not to ignore your question, which might be their first inclination.

March 26, 2008 5:07 PM

Kevin Fischer   

Ald. Hammelman has responded to Fred Keller's question and has asked me to post it:

Great question Fred!

No, I would not sign a pledge because I believe the City needs flexibility in addressing ever changing economic conditions. However, I think that is a very important benchmark that I would work hard to obtain in each of the three budgets after I am re-elected. Providing a reasonable level of service balanced against crushing taxes will ALWAYS be a challenge for any City. Wait until GASB kick in!

Al

March 26, 2008 8:19 PM

Fred Keller   

I’m confused, Al.  Why should Franklin taxpayers wait for GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) to “kick-in?”  You’re stonewalling.  YOU represent this district, NOT GASB.

Respectfully, you and the rest of the Common Council, along with the Mayor, all need a polite kick in your back-sides to get this City’s over-taxing and over-spending under control.

The bloggers already have your number:

blogs.franklinnow.com/.../wag-the-dog-picks-for-april-1st-election.aspx

fullyarticulated.typepad.com/.../franklin-candid.html

fvkeller.squarespace.com/.../taxing-disagreement-franklin-voters-must-decide.html

March 26, 2008 9:12 PM

Kevin Fischer   

Kristen Wilhelm has responded to Fred Keller's question and has asked me to post the following:

No, I would not be willing to provide a "political warranty" of a 3 year no vote if the Tax Levy was greater than the CPI. There are plenty of financial decisions made locally that do not apply to the CPI. For example:

Northwestern Mutual (great company), is now in TIF District 3. From the 2008 budget, "The main purpose of the TIF District is to improve road infrastructure in the district to promote quality development."

The plan anticipates $12.8 Million in the costs of infrastructure created. As a result of the development, there was a need for a street light. Here is the Council action on January 22, 2008.

STREET LIGHT INSTALLATION- 3100 W. MINNESOTA:  Alderman Hammelman moved to authorize the City Engineer to sign a street light appendix with WE Energies for the installation of one (1) streetlight, 100 watt high pressure sodium on one aluminum pole, at a cost of $5,301.73 to be billed to the City of Franklin and the City of Franklin is responsible for the restoration and erosion control. Lights are to be installed at the street intersections. Seconded by Alderman Solomon.

All voted Aye; motion carried.

If Council meetings were better attended, there would be more accountability.

Also, measuring economic activity has limitations. The CPI focuses on approximating a cost-of-living index nation wide not a general price index. This is an estimation of inflation and it can be overestimated by .8 to 1.6 percent. Even this small percentage can compound the error over time. Adjusting the index weights every 10 years does not take into effect large changes in technolgy. There is also some bias due to unaccounted retail. The CPI is a great thing but it can also be more like dressing for the average monthly temperture rather than the daily forecast.

Can we be assured it measures the cost of things municipal governments purchase? For instance, does it track the cost of road salt, or snow plows? Then there are cities in warmer parts of the country that do not use salt or have very little to plow. An index that tracks these will provide a more accurate way of comparing the costs of operating government in Franklin in comparison to other communities.

On a personal note: Don't worry Fred, when elected I will do my best not to increase your taxes.

March 27, 2008 5:23 PM

Fred Keller   

Kristen,

I’m disappointed in your “no” answer and I’ll tell you why.

Franklinites must live within a budget (their “means”) affected by the CPI (rate of inflation).  Your constitutes can’t impose a “tax levy” to make up for those times when they may spend beyond their means and max-out their credit cards. Most make tough decisions and prioritize and compromise.

The City (and School Board) must also learn to prioritize, compromise (however painful at times), and learn to “live within their means,” just like their constituents.

In the simplest analysis; if taxes “cost” the average Franklin resident a big chunk of their annual net income, Franklin can have all the family-owned business, restaurants, upscale dining, spas, etc., but if most residents don’t have the disposable income to spend at these establishments, how long do you think they will be in business?  That may be the biggest question.

March 28, 2008 10:01 AM

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