Franklin Common Council candidates share their views on the controversial Strauss project and public financing for developments
Incumbent Ald. Mike Barber will face Marcelino Rivera III for the District 5 seat in the April 5 election.
Barber has been on the Franklin Common Council for about six years.
Rivera was a founding member and former executive director of Franklin Community Advocates (FCA), a local nonprofit that brought a lawsuit against the city of Franklin in December 2020 opposing the new Strauss meatpacking facility.
The election is for a three-year term on the council.
Now News Group posed three questions to the candidates ahead of the election to gauge their positions on community issues. Their answers were limited to 100 words and subject to editing for length and clarity.
Do you think Franklin utilizes tax incremental financing well, too little, or too often to promote development and why?
Mike Barber: In knowing the requirements, the processes, the analysis, the reviews, the approvals, the consultant evaluations, receiving staff input, and after doing our due diligence, Tax Incremental Financing is voted on by the Council. I think that when Franklin has utilized this tool to promote development, it has been highly successful, and with an early return on investment to the taxpayers. It is a tool that is used as it is needed and as it is warranted, making it appropriate every time it has been used. So, I would say we use it well.
Marcelino Rivera III: In the past, Franklin has used tax incremental financing properly and successfully. Frequency is less relevant than appropriate use and the expenses placed on other parts of the municipality. New water systems, increased fire services, road maintenance, etc. increase the immediate and direct expenses to residents. Paying off TIF debt delays tax income into the city's budget. When using TIF, it’s critical to vet projects ensuring borrowing is necessary and used properly. The idea is to help areas that need a push rather than subsidizing development that could have been achieved without delaying revenue and taking on more debt.
What makes you the best choice to tackle controversial developments, such as Strauss, both within and outside of District 5?
Barber: I have a working knowledge of how our city functions, how our staff functions, what the community wants from city government, and what citizens would like to see in the city. I have 10 years of service with the city and have been an elected Alderman for 6 years. During this time, I have communicated with 5th District and city residents about what the city is doing, and I have sought input on the issues that I am being asked to vote on in Committee and at Council. My goal is to balance what is best for all our stakeholders.
Rivera: Approaching situations with open dialog and consistently adhering to publicly presented plans are key to avoiding controversy. Frequent rezoning and ad-hoc changes to the Comprehensive Master Plan have directly impacted developers and residents. A town-center, shopping, parks and trail systems each require predictable procedures and a path forward. I support a central community vision that brings us civic pride. I understand the importance of hard work, listening and contributing to the conversation for the benefit of the community. My job as a Systems Analyst emphasizes critical thinking skills I will use to better position and grow our city.
What are areas unique to District 5 you feel could be better utilized, and how would you suggest the city do so?
Barber: There are prime corridors in District 5 in which future development must be coordinated to meet the needs of the city’s residents, with the vision for our city, with landowners and with developers. These corridors are around 76th Street and Rawson Avenue, and the area north of Rawson between 51st and 68th. They need to be compatible with ongoing development, the existing residential areas, and the desire to have more attractive and vibrant opportunities in Franklin. I will collaborate with staff and committees to have a Comprehensive Plan for complimentary shopping, entertaining and dining as” Go-to Destinations.”
Rivera: District 5 has a large portion of the Oak Leaf Trail that could benefit from additional connections. We have a unique opportunity to turn the active Quarry into a park once it closes. Citizens deserve this to become a public, not private park, especially those aggrieved by blasting moving closer to their homes. D5 also has lands that need improvement near 76th and Rawson and west of Sendik’s. Surrounding cities have worked toward a plan and brought it to fruition, while we are falling farther behind. Today's world requires high-tech skills, hard work ethics and innovative thinking I utilize daily.
Candidates
Mike Barber
AGE: 78
ADDRESS: 7931 South 61st Street
PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: Franklin’s 5th District Alderman in 2016 and again in 2019, Personnel Committee, Civil Service Sub-Committee, Economic Development Committee, Quarry Monitoring Committee, Board of Health
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of the Franklin Historical Society, Franklin Noon Lions Club, Franklin Volition. Participated in Franklin Civic Celebration, Franklin Christmas Parade, Franklin Arbor Day, Franklin Bicycle Rodeo, Franklin Trunk or Treat, Franklin Movie Night, served as an Election Inspector
CONTACT: 414-750-0607, mbarber10@wi.rr.com, www.aldermanmikebarber.com
Marcelino Rivera III
AGE: 43
ADDRESS: 5536 West Allwood Drive
PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: New to politics — Currently Employed IT Systems Analyst In health care for nationally recognized hospital system
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Destination Imagination Mentor, Volunteer for Our Next Generation- Career/Educational Mentor, Volunteer for Sojourner Truth — Domestic Violence Victim Support, former Executive Director of citizens group, Franklin Community Advocates
CONTACT INFO: 414-510-5026, RiveraforDistrict5@yahoo.com, www.riverafordistrict5.wixsite.com/website
Contact Erik S. Hanley at (262) 875-9467 or erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter at @ES_Hanley.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Franklin Common Council candidates talk Strauss, TIF, future projects
