(Examples listed: Yaskawa US, MDG, Saputo Cheese, Carma Labs, Krones)

What Nelson claims:

That these employers were directly recruited or secured through mayoral leadership and that jobs are “family-supporting.”

What the record is:

• Large employers locate based on:

  • State and regional economic development incentives

  • Workforce availability

  • Transportation access

  • Utility capacity

  • Private real-estate development

• Nothing shows that:

  • That Nelson led negotiations on wages or job quality, location or building value

  • Binding commitments regarding “family-supporting” compensation

  • Any involvement by Nelson in the recruitment of these companies

  • That any discussion on taxable value and involvement in the community were held with Nelson

FCN Analysis

The claim conflates economic growth occurring during Nelson’s tenure with direct causation by the mayor. The phrase “family-supporting jobs” is not defined and is unsupported by wage data in the campaign material.

Conclusion: General economic activity cited, but causal and qualitative claims are unsubstantiated.

What the card implies

That Mayor Nelson was instrumental in bringing Costco to Franklin.

What the record shows

• Costco site selection is driven primarily by:

  • Demographics

  • Traffic counts

  • Parcel size

  • Market demand

• The Franklin Costco followed:

  • Standard zoning and development approval processes

  • Recruitment by the landowner

  • Common Council review and approval

• No evidence shows Franklin was selected due to mayoral advocacy rather than market factors

FCN Analysis

The mayor did not “deliver” Costco. The project followed a typical commercial development path instigated by an extremely powerful and skilled landowner, not anything said or done by the City of Franklin. Approval authority rested with the Council, not the mayor acting alone.

Conclusion: Factually accurate that Costco opened in Franklin.  The development happened in spite of Nelson.

(Example cited: Children’s Wisconsin Clinic)

What the card implies

That expansions were the result of mayoral policy initiatives.

What the record shows

• Medical clinics:

  • Are typically private or nonprofit expansions

  • Follow healthcare system planning, not municipal policy

  • Children's facility moved locations within the city.  Closed one, moved to another.

• Recreation and community services:

  • Offered no "list" of new recreation and community services.  No development has occurred on the last 110 acre park acquisition in 2022.

• No specific ordinances, initiatives, or funding programs are cited on the card

FCN Analysis

The claim references developments that occurred during Nelson’s tenure but does not demonstrate direct mayoral leadership nor action. Without policy citations, this functions as a temporal association, not proof of leadership action.

Conclusion: Unsupported by specific policy actions.

(Claim: Over 4,000 acres protected)

What the card implies

That green space preservation occurred because of the mayor’s actions.

What the record shows

• No new Franklin parkland since 2022

  • Was already designated prior to Nelson’s term

  • Is protected through zoning and conservation easements

  • Park development limited to conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts.

  • No proposals presented that would have diminished natural or parks areas.

• During the same period:

  • High-density and commercial developments were approved

  • Some developments incorporated green space as a legal requirement, not a policy choice

• No new preservation ordinances are cited

FCN Analysis

Unfounded claim of natural resources protection and parks enhancement. No evidence of any park/trail/open space acquisition or improvement, no evidence of attack on natural areas by development

Conclusion:   Claim is baseless

Milwaukee-Area Major Media Reporting on Franklin Mayor John R. Nelson

Background

• John R. Nelson is the sitting Mayor of Franklin, Wisconsin.

• Prior to serving as mayor, Nelson spent more than two decades in law enforcement, including:

  • 26 years with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)

    • Departed position amid an internal investigation

  • Service as a lieutenant with the Town of Waterford Police Department

    • Departed position amid an internal investigation

Waterford Police Department Misconduct Investigation

• In May 2024, Nelson was placed on paid administrative leave from the Town of Waterford Police Department.

• The leave followed the filing of multiple internal complaints against him.

• The Town of Waterford retained an outside investigative firm to conduct a review.

Allegations reported by media outlets included claims of:

• Sexual harassment or inappropriate comments toward female officers

• Showing inappropriate images to coworkers

• Creating or contributing to a hostile work environment

• Unprofessional communications

• Misuse of department time or resources

• Conducting mayoral or campaign business while on duty

• Preferential treatment or retaliation involving personnel matters

• Investigative materials referenced by media included dozens of interviews and a lengthy investigative transcript.

• No criminal charges were filed in connection with the Waterford investigation.

• Nelson retired from the department in October 2024 before the investigation concluded publicly.

Waterford Police Department Misconduct Investigation

Key outlets reporting on administrative leave, investigation, and allegations:

• FOX6 Now — Franklin mayor misconduct allegations
  https://www.fox6now.com/news/franklin-mayor-misconduct-allegations

• WISN 12 News — Franklin mayor retires from Waterford Police Department
  https://www.wisn.com/article/franklin-mayor-john-nelson-retires-from-waterford-police-department/62642447

• WISN 12 News — Mayor calls Waterford allegations a “witch hunt”
  https://www.wisn.com/article/franklin-mayor-calls-waterford-misconduct-allegations-a-witch-hunt/64627139

• Wisconsin Right Now — Mayor placed on administrative leave
  https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/franklin-mayor-john-nelson-is-on-administrative-leave-from-waterford-police-department/

• Urban Milwaukee — Growing list of sexual harassment allegations
  https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/05/01/franklin-mayor-faces-growing-list-of-sexual-harassment-allegations-workplace-investigations/

Public Denials and Town Hall Meetings

• Nelson has consistently denied all allegations, characterizing them as:

  • A “witch hunt”

  • Politically motivated

  • “Guilty until proven innocent”

  • Character assassination

• In April 2025, Nelson held a public town hall meeting at the Franklin Public Library to address the allegations.

  • Questions were submitted in writing and read aloud by a moderator.

  • Media outlets reported frustration from some attendees regarding the format.

• Nelson stated publicly that:

  • He was never disciplined for the alleged conduct

  • Complaints were exaggerated or misrepresented

  • Media coverage was unfair or incomplete

• Former Waterford officials and residents present disputed some of Nelson’s characterizations, stating complaints had been taken seriously by town leadership.

Coverage of Nelson’s public responses and town halls:

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / JSONline — Mayor denies allegations at library meeting
  https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/south/2025/05/01/franklin-mayor-denies-allegations-against-during-franklin-meeting-at-library/83354638007/

• WTMJ Radio — “Guilty until proven innocent” town hall coverage
  https://wtmj.com/news/2025/05/01/it-is-guilty-until-proven-innocent-franklin-mayor-addresses-misconduct-allegations-during-police-tenure/

• CBS58 — Mayor addresses sexual harassment allegations at town hall
  https://cbs58.com/news/franklin-mayor-addresses-sexual-harassment-allegations-among-other-concerns-at-town-hall

• JSONline (video) — Mayor addresses misconduct allegations  https://www.jsonline.com/videos/news/2025/05/01/franklin-mayor-john-nelson-addresses-misconduct-allegations/83380207007/

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Records & Lawsuit

• In November 2024, Nelson filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball.

• The lawsuit sought to block the release of his personnel and disciplinary records from his time at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

• The records had been requested under Wisconsin’s public records law.

• Nelson argued disclosure would:

  • Invade privacy

  • Cause reputational harm

• Media reporting noted:

  • Wisconsin law generally favors disclosure of disciplinary records for public officials

  • Nelson was a sitting mayor and former senior law-enforcement officer

• At the time of reporting, no final court ruling had been issued.

Reporting on Nelson’s lawsuit to block record release:

• Urban Milwaukee — Nelson sues sheriff to block record release
  https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/11/19/mke-county-franklin-mayor-john-nelson-sues-sheriff-to-block-record-release/

• TMJ4 / Lighthouse — Disciplinary record reporting (background) https://www.tmj4.com/about-us/lighthouse/franklin-mayors-disciplinary-record-at-mcso-shows-allegations-of-sexual-harassment-and-cheating-on-exam

Campaign Finance Investigation

• In 2025, media reported that the West Allis Police Department opened an investigation into potential campaign finance issues involving Nelson’s mayoral campaign.

• The investigation was described by police as a “campaign finance type investigation.”

• Nelson publicly:

  • Denied wrongdoing

  • Called the investigation a “farce” and a “witch hunt”

• No criminal charges had been filed as of the latest reporting.

Coverage of West Allis PD investigation:

• TMJ4 — Mayor responds to campaign finance investigation
  https://www.tmj4.com/about-us/lighthouse/franklin-mayor-responds-to-police-investigation-into-alleged-campaign-finance-issues-resident-shares-concerns

• CBS58 — Campaign finance concerns discussed at town hall
  https://cbs58.com/news/franklin-mayor-addresses-sexual-harassment-allegations-among-other-concerns-at-town-hall

Emergency Franklin Common Council Meeting

• Amid increasing public scrutiny, the Franklin Common Council convened an emergency meeting.

• The meeting addressed:

  • Ongoing investigations

  • Media coverage

  • Public concerns about transparency and governance

• Residents expressed mixed views, with some calling for accountability and others defending the mayor.

• Council leadership stated the meeting was intended to restore public confidence.

Reporting on city response and emergency meeting:

• Wisconsin Right Now — Franklin emergency meeting coverage
  https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/franklin-emergency-meeting/

Broader Context & Related Figures

• Major local media outlets have also reported on other Franklin-area political figures (including Steve Taylor and Mike Zimmerman) as part of broader political and governance context.

• These reports are generally framed as background and contextual, not findings of wrongdoing related to Nelson.

Composite background reporting:

• Wisconsin Right Now — Profile: Franklin Mayor John Nelson
  https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/franklin-mayor-john-nelson/

• Wisconsin Newspaper Association — Mayor defends police record https://wnanews.com/2025/05/07/franklin-mayor-defends-police-record-against-misconduct-allegations/

Key Milwaukee Media Consensus Points

Across Milwaukee-area major outlets, reporting consistently reflects that:

• ✔ Multiple misconduct allegations were investigated administratively

• ✔ Nelson was placed on paid administrative leave

• ✔ An external investigation was conducted

• ✔ Nelson retired before investigative conclusions were publicly finalized

• ✔ Nelson has repeatedly denied all allegations

• ✔ He has taken legal action to block release of law-enforcement records

• ✔ He is the subject of a campaign finance investigation

• ✔ No criminal charges have been filed to date

Franklin Community News (FCN) — Consolidated Summary

Timeframe covered: February 2024 – October 2025

Sources: Franklin Citizen News investigative reporting, editorials, document reviews, and first-person accounts

Core Theme of FCN Reporting

Across more than a year of reporting, Franklin Community News (FCN) documents and analyzes what it describes as a systemic breakdown in governance, transparency, and accountability in the City of Franklin, centered on:

• Mayor John R. Nelson

• Senior city administration (notably the City Administrator)

• Certain elected officials and political allies

• Relationships between city leadership and influential developers

• Escalating conflicts with independent press and critics

FCN’s reporting relies on public records, emails, contracts, investigative transcripts, affidavits, settlement documents, and public meeting records, and repeatedly distinguishes allegations and interpretations from judicial findings.

Allegations of Misconduct & Abuse of Office

FCN reports allegations that Mayor Nelson and associated officials engaged in conduct that critics characterize as:

• Misuse of public office

• Retaliation against critics and journalists

• Blurring of official duties and campaign activity

• Improper influence over law enforcement and administrative processes

Key allegation categories include:

• Use of municipal authority in disputes involving critics

• Coordination among officials in response to dissent

• Attempts to influence or obstruct investigations or records disclosures

• Rhetorical attacks on FCN as “fake” rather than factual rebuttals

FCN emphasizes these are allegations documented through records, not criminal convictions.

Law Enforcement & Investigation Concerns

FCN reports extensively on:

• Misconduct allegations tied to Nelson’s Waterford Police Department tenure

• Conflicts of interest arising from Nelson’s dual roles

• Handling of complaints, citations, and investigations involving critics

• Questions about whether law-enforcement processes were used inappropriately or selectively

The reporting cites:

• Investigative interview transcripts

• Police reports and citations

• Timeline inconsistencies

• Public statements contrasted with records
  
  

Administrative Governance & Staff Retaliation

FCN documents disputes involving:

• Direction given by city leadership to staff

• Handling of open records requests

• Termination of senior planning staff who raised code-compliance concerns

• A $60,000 settlement with a former planning director alleging retaliation

These stories focus on process failures, pressure on staff, and transparency concerns, not adjudicated findings of criminal liability.

Campaign Activity vs. Official City Business

FCN reports repeated instances where:

• Public resources, PR staff, or official platforms allegedly overlapped with political messaging

• Town halls and communications were characterized as campaign events

• City-funded communications mirrored campaign narratives

The reporting frames this as potential campaign-finance and ethics concerns, not proven violations.

Development Policy, Developers & Public Subsidies

A significant portion of FCN’s reporting focuses on:

• ROC Ventures and principal Mike Zimmerman

• Public subsidies (TIF, infrastructure support)

• Post-development valuation increases (e.g., Ballpark Commons)

• Questions about whether public incentives were necessary

• Alleged outstanding obligations under development agreements

FCN argues these raise fiscal accountability and governance questions, especially given later market success.

Press Freedom & Escalating Conflict

FCN documents a growing conflict between city leadership and independent journalism, including:

• Officials publicly labeling FCN as “fake news”

• Allegations of harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against the publisher

• Open records disputes

• Alleged attempts to influence or suppress reporting

Several articles are explicitly first-person accounts by the publisher and are presented as such.

Public Trust, Recall & Editorial Conclusions

Over time, FCN’s reporting evolves from investigation to evaluation:

• Articles documenting unfulfilled campaign promises

• Editorial conclusions arguing Nelson is unfit for office

• Coverage of recall efforts

• Calls for accountability framed as civic, not judicial, remedies

FCN consistently notes that recall, public scrutiny, and transparency are democratic mechanisms rather than legal determinations of guilt.

Complete List of FCN Source Links (Organized by Topic)

Allegations, Investigations & Governance

1. https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/11/allegations-franklin-mayor-nelson.html

2. https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/03/allegations-franklin-mayor-conspired-to.html

3. https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/03/franklin-mayor-nelson-obstructs-states.html

4. https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/09/expose-how-franklin-officials.html

Law Enforcement & Waterford PD

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/04/is-town-of-waterford-pd-implicit-in.html

Administrative Conduct & Staff Retaliation

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/04/fired-franklin-director-of-planning.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/03/franklin-city-administrator-directs.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/10/unqualified-from-start-how-kelly-hershs.html

Campaign Finance & Political Activity

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/04/nelson-allegedly-uses-city-pr-staff-for.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/04/nelson-calls-town-hall-campaign-event.html

Press Freedom & Publisher Accounts

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/03/dear-john-nelson-your-harassment-of-me.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/10/franklin-mayor-nelson-bribes-publisher.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/09/nelson-and-eichmann-decry-fcn-as-fake.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/04/on-february-22-2024-franklin-community.html

Development, ROC Ventures & Subsidies

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/02/mike-zimmerman-and-roc-ventures-owe.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/02/franklin-bought-and-paid-for-by-roc.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/09/ballpark-commons-valuation-skyrockets.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/10/when-market-can-build-why-subsidies.html

Editorial Conclusions & Recall

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/04/recall-john-nelson.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/05/john-youre-fired.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2025/07/why-john-nelson-is-unfit-to-serve-as.html

• https://www.fcnewswi.com/2024/08/mayor-nelson-unfulfilled-promises-11.html

Economic Development Timeline: Olson Administration vs. Nelson Administration

This timeline reflects commonly reported development timelines based on public records, council actions, and media reporting. Large commercial and industrial projects typically span multiple years and administrations.

Saputo Cheese (Franklin Processing Facility)

Estimated Investment: ~$85 million

Jobs: ~500

• Olson Administration (Pre-2023):

  • Initial site selection and regional expansion planning by Saputo

  • Early discussions with city planning staff

  • Zoning and infrastructure groundwork consistent with long-range plans

• Nelson Administration (2023–present):

  • Final approvals and construction phase

  • Project announcements and public credit during mayoral term

Context: Project planning and attraction began prior to Nelson taking office; execution continued during his term.

Carma Laboratories (Carmex Headquarters Expansion)

Estimated Investment: ~$38 million

Facility: ~225,000 sq ft

• Olson Administration:

  • Longstanding presence in Franklin

  • Expansion planning tied to internal company growth

  • Zoning and site readiness already established

• Nelson Administration:

  • Final expansion approvals and construction

  • Public announcements during mayoral term

Context: Expansion of an existing Franklin employer planned prior to mayoral transition.

Yaskawa America

Estimated Investment: ~$182 million

Jobs: ~1,000

• Olson Administration:

  • Initial recruitment efforts and regional negotiations

  • Long-term economic development strategy positioning Franklin for large employers

  • Preliminary land use and infrastructure planning

• Nelson Administration:

  • Project finalized and publicly announced

  • Construction and implementation phase

Context: Multi-year corporate site selection process spanning administrations.

Modine Manufacturing

Estimated Investment: ~$26 million

Jobs: ~400+

• Olson Administration:

  • Modine already established in Franklin

  • Expansion groundwork and industrial zoning in place

• Nelson Administration:

  • Final expansion approvals

  • Public rollout and construction milestones

Context: Expansion of an existing employer rather than a newly recruited business.

Microbial Discovery Group

Facility: ~117,000 sq ft (leased and finished)

• Olson Administration:

  • Industrial park development and zoning framework

  • Site readiness enabling private leasing decisions

• Nelson Administration:

  • Lease execution and facility build-out

  • Public announcements

Context: Private leasing decision enabled by prior industrial planning.

Krones Inc. (Logistics Center)

Facility: ~240,000 sq ft

• Olson Administration:

  • Industrial land use planning

  • Infrastructure investments supporting logistics development

• Nelson Administration:

  • Final approvals and project completion

  • Public announcements

Context: Project fits long-term industrial development strategy predating current administration.

Costco (Scheduled Opening 2026)

• Olson Administration:

  • Commercial corridor planning

  • Market feasibility groundwork

  • Site readiness and zoning history

• Nelson Administration:

  • Final approvals and announcement

  • Construction phase underway

Context: Retail site selection driven primarily by market conditions; approvals finalized during Nelson’s term.

Key Takeaway for Voters

Most large-scale economic development projects in Franklin:

• Begin years before construction

• Span multiple administrations

• Involve prior councils, planning staff, and market forces

While Mayor Nelson’s administration presided over final approvals, construction, and announcements, many projects were initiated or substantially advanced under former Mayor Tom Olson. Understanding the full timeline helps distinguish project origination from project completion and promotion.