The Issues

A clear contrast on the issues

PUBLIC SAFETY

Mayor Thomas Taylor's rhetoric on public safety does not match his record. In fact, spending on government and administrative costs has grown faster than spending on public safety during his tenure. Basil Ryan believes this is not the right priority. We should not be growing government at the expense of safety. Ryan is also strongly against a sexual predator facility locating in Franklin.

TAXES AND SPENDING

Property taxes are up 16 percent and spending is up 30 percent under Mayor Thomas Taylor. Bizarrely, Taylor recently defended the hikes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and he sent out a direct mail piece in which he underscores the fact that he never promised to NOT raise taxes. No kidding! The numbers bear that fact out. The difference is that Basil Ryan won't defend double-digit tax and spending increases. He will end them. This can be done without sacrificing the quality of life for which Franklin is known.

TIFS

Basil Ryan believes that the current mayor has been too quick to grant TIF districts that don't have an immediate benefit on the tax base. Basil Ryan believes that TIF districts should be utilized when they are really necessary. They should not be Franklin's "default" approach to development. Development should be thoughtful. It should be planned. And, whenever possible, it should offer an immediate benefit to the taxpayer.

COMMUNITY CHARACTER

Basil Ryan believes that development in Franklin has been somewhat haphazard, creating within the community a patchwork of cluttered business districts and rural country lands. The city needs a consistent, coherent land use plan that will ensure that our city can continue to grow and thrive without sacrificing its character. Along these lines, Basil Ryan, as an alderman, opposed the extension of Sycamore Street. The community's character must not be expendable.

OPEN GOVERNMENT

Basil Ryan believes that the citizens deserve a voice at City Hall. He would govern with openness and integrity and would make sure that citizens are heard.