Sexual Predator Placement

Click here for updates prior to January, 2005

READ The press coverage on the news links page

Link to the State of Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry

(This registry provides minimal information and may not be accurate.  Contact your local Police Department for up-to-date information.)  As of 12/1/05 the listing now includes last reported local addresses.  Be aware that if an offender is "non-compliant" the state has not confirmed the last address listed.

Franklin, Wisconsin residents be aware that this registry INCLUDES offenders at the House of Correction (8800 S. 68th St.).  Contact Franklin Police for a more accurate listing and more information.

Link to a map of sex offender locations

Link to the Franklin "Child Safety Zones" Map.

UPDATE 3/5/10

On Thursday, March 11 at approximately 10:00am (probably at 10:45), the Committee on Corrections and Courts of the State of Wisconsin Assembly will hold a hearing on AB-759, a companion bill to the Senate bill SB-548.

Franklin will have a contingent there to testify against the bill.  That group currently is Mayor Taylor, myself, the Chief of Police and potentially others.

Our testimony is valuable, but frankly, not as valuable as that of the citizens.  Please send a message to the following list of legislators with your opposition to the bill(s). 

Here are the major points that we'd like the legislators to hear:

-  These two bills seriously erode the long held tradition and law of "home rule."  This law permits local municipalities to enact ordinances that enhance the health, safety and welfare of the community.  Preempting our sex offender ordinances will certainly hurt our ability to protect our children.

-  Our ordinances work.  After three years, we've accepted back into our community two sex offenders who have come from this community, yet we've turned away 13 who have come from other communities.  We'll take our own, just don't make us take everyone else's.  As a legislator, you must pass fair and equitable laws.  In southeastern Wisconsin, specifically Milwaukee County, if our ordinances are pre-empted then we WILL become the dumping ground for the City of Milwaukee's sex offenders as well as our own.  That is not fair.

-  If every municipality was responsible to take their own offenders back, then we wouldn't have this problem.

Here's who you should send messages to:

From the Assembly Committee on Corrections and Courts:

From the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing:

And to the bills sponsors:

Hearing from Franklin residents is good.  Hearing from their own constituents carries FAR more weight.  Send an e-mail to all of your Wisconsin friends asking them to e-mail their representatives with the talking points above.

Here's the bill again:

UPDATE 3/1/10

The fight against placement of sex offenders in our community is a never ending battle.  Milwaukee State Senator Lena Taylor continues her assault on the children of our community and all other communities who have enacted restrictions on where sex offenders who commit offenses against children may live.  Senator Taylor and her partner, Senator Fred Kessler (also of Milwaukee) plan to introduce SB-548, a bill with two distinct purposes.

Section one prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances restricting movement and residency of sex offenders.  This clause will nullify the voice of every resident of every community who has made the conscious decision to help protect their children by supporting and enacting common sense ordinances regulating where sex offenders can live and visit.  The second paragraph then goes on to prohibit any other community from enacting similar ordinances.

The balance of the bill, although not well thought out and effective, provides additional support for GPS tracking of sex offenders.

THIS BILL IS BAD FOR FRANKLIN AND THE REST OF THE COMMUNITIES WHO HAVE ORDINANCES PROTECTING THEIR CHILDREN.  IT PROVIDES SAFE HAVEN FOR SEX OFFENDERS.

The common council will probably pass a resolution opposing this bill. 

I will be working a plan to defeat this legislation through my contacts with the communities who have enacted ordinances as well as other strategies. 

Here's the bill: 

UPDATE 10/16/08

The City of Franklin has been successful in enforcing its' sex offender residency ordinances.  In August, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John Franke issued a permanent injunction against Steven R. Hanke, forcing him to move from a home that he illegally lived in within 600' of a school.  Franke found that Hanke violated both the Franklin zoning ordinances and the safety zone laws and must move from the community.  Hanke filed a motion for a temporary stay before Judge Maxine White.  That motion was denied by the court.

The Franklin Police Department remain diligent in their enforcement of our ordinances.  3 other "residents" have voluntarily complied with our ordinances and have left the community.  Another registered sex offender was found to be driving an ice cream truck in our community in violation of our child safety zones.  That offender was reported to his employer and is no longer a threat to children in the city.

UPDATE 1/29/07

I had the honor to spend a few minutes on Newstalk 1130AM radio with Kevin Fischer discussing a news article that appeared in the Journal-Sentinel this morning.  We discuss the ordinances we have passed and the comments in the paper.  Listen to the program by clicking here.  It's about 12 minutes.

UPDATE 1/20/07

Billy Lee Morford is a resident on S. 26th St. in Milwaukee.  He is a free man and because of this, he may choose to violate Franklin ordinances to visit an address on S. 100th St.  His picture is below:

Picture taken 3/06

Morford is a registered sex offender (not to mention a sexually violent person) and as such is not permitted to be within 2,000 feet of various locations across the city.  A map of those exclusion zones may be viewed and printed by clicking here. 

If you see Morford or any other sex offender in these areas please call Franklin Police at 425-1420.

The City has passed two ordinances to restrict residency and areas where sex offenders may enter.  They also specify that no person who is adjudicated as a sexually violent person may establish a residence in the City unless they were a resident of the City at the time of their last conviction.  You may read/download the ordinances by clicking on them.

      Zoning Code 15.03                                         Municipal Code Section 167

UPDATE 12/18/06

Tomorrow morning the children of Milwaukee will be considerably less safe from sex predators as Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Wagner is forced to set Billy Lee Morford free.  Wagner's decision will be based on the efforts of the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office and their inability to secure testimony from a qualified Psychiatrist who would say that Morford is "more likely than not" to re-offend.  They called 7 psychiatrists.  Five wouldn't say.  Two said he shouldn't be released but later they recanted because Morford supposedly is too sick to re-offend.  According the the DA's office, he's not sick enough to be placed in a nursing home and he's probably got a year to live.  Let's see.  We've been hearing how harmless the guy is for about 5 years.

Morford, as all other sex offenders and predators, is prohibited from establishing a residence in most areas of Franklin.  Should he choose to visit someone here, he and his ilk are prohibited from entering "child safety zones."  A map illustrating these zones is available by clicking here.

UPDATE 11/26/06

On Tuesday evening, 11/21/06 the Franklin Common Council unanimously passed an ordinance providing residency restrictions for certain classes of sex offenders (crimes against children).

This landmark ordinance prohibits sex offenders who have been convicted of crimes against children from establishing residency within 2,000 feet of properties commonly frequented by children.  Those include schools, parks, trails, playgrounds, churches and other areas.  The ordinance also provides these same areas as "child safety zones" prohibiting these same sex offenders from entering these areas under penalties.  A third portion of the ordinance specifies that no sex offender who was not a resident of the city of Franklin when convicted of his/her latest offense may not establish a residence within the city limits.

On Thursday evening, 11/30/06 the Plan Commission will take public comment on similar language to be incorporated into the Unified Development Ordinance (Franklin's zoning code) that will also define sex offender housing as a land use and specifying it's application in zoning districts.

The draft ordinance may be read here.  The enacted ordinance will be published shortly with technical changes.

The zoning ordinance may be read here and is subject to changes after Thursday evenings Plan Commission meeting.

UPDATE 11/18/06

Franklin must provide their own protection for the children of the community.

Working with the City Attorney and Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin two ordinances have been written to provide a measure of control by the City over where certain classes of sex offender may reside and be present.

On Tuesday evening, November 21, the Franklin Common Council will take public comment on a new chapter for the municipal code that will restrict residence locations for certain classes of sex offenders within the city.  The ordinance as presented contemplates 2,500 foot "exclusion zones" for a list of areas and facilities frequented by children in the city.  Some of those areas include churches, schools, playgrounds, parks, nature trails and other areas.  The ordinance prohibits defined sex offenders from establishing residences within 2,500 feet of the properties.

The ordinance also defines the 2,500 foot radius as "Child Safety Zones" prohibiting the defined sex offender from entering the areas.  Penalties are defined within the ordinance.

I will also introduce language that will prohibit any sex offender who was not a resident of the City of Franklin when they were convicted of their latest crime from establishing a residence within the City.

Read the ordinance.

On November 30, the City of Franklin Plan Commission will take public comment on a revision to our Unified Development Ordinance (zoning code) that includes the language above in addition to defining a family unit, restricting any 980 supervised released sex offender to one individual per housing unit and making the residential use in all zoning districts of a 980 offender a special use requiring additional approvals by the Plan Commission and Common Council.

Read the ordinance.

UPDATE

The City has received a response to our Petition for Declaratory Ruling in the form of a letter from DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson and DOC Secretary Matt Frank.  Note the date on the letter.  Here's the letter.

Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor responded the following day.

This exchange of letters was followed by a meeting with Mayor Taylor and several city staff and several members of the DOC and DHFS staff that resulted in another letter from Nelson and Frank pledging to not place predators in Franklin and to continue discussions.  That letter is the subject of continuing differing opinions by Aldermen.  I'll post a clean copy of the letter here shortly.

UPDATE 9/18/06

The City of Franklin has yet to receive a response from DHFS, DOC or Sandridge Secure Treatment Facility on our "Petition for Declaratory Ruling."  Despite earlier reports in the press about responding in a timely manner, no answers have been forthcoming.  The Common Council will discuss the next step at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 2.

The State Legislature has formed a committee called a Legislative Council to review all legislation relating to sex offenders and sexually violent persons and recommend appropriate changes to the full legislature.  The citizens of the state are fortunate to have one of the Presidents of Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin on this 15 member panel.

More details on the activities of this panel will follow.

UPDATE 7/27/06

The City of Franklin has taken a legal step to determine what practices and rules are in place and used by the Department of Health and Family Services, the Department of Corrections and the Sand Ridge Secured Treatment Facility to manage and treat Sexually Violent Persons.

Today a "Petition for Declaratory Ruling" was filed with each of those departments seeking a declaration on several issues.  They include:

- A declaration of rules used to manage SVP's on supervised release

-  Policies and rules regarding notification to the community for release of SVP's.

-  Whether sole use of a DOC database satisfies the Chapter 980 requirements to notify Police Chiefs.

-  A release of names of "chaperones" of SVP's along with their addresses.  (There could be a chaperone of one of these guys living next door to you.)

-  A ruling on whether or not "tinkering" and "puttering" constitute employment under the statutes.

Full Texts of the filings may be downloaded.

Department of Health and Family Services Petition

Department of Corrections Petition

Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Facility Petition

UPDATE 5/26/06

Kevin Fischer, staff aide to State Sen. Mary Lazich was substitute host on the Mark Belling radio program this afternoon.  Fischer spent about a half hour letting his listeners know some of the details behind the GPS bill and the behind the scenes efforts of one State Representative (Tony Staskunas, D, West Allis) to kill the bill.  Listen to the program by clicking HERE.

UPDATE 5/24/06

Another huge win for the children of Wisconsin.  Monday Governor Jim Doyle signed into law several bills that will protect our children from sex predators and assure that those who do offend will spend a long time in jail.

The Governor signed AB591 which provides for lifetime active GPS monitoring of certain classes of sex offenders and all sexually violent persons.  Governor Doyle was also instrumental in keeping the bill fair.  The bill specifies that offenders and sexually violent persons will be returned to the community they came from rather than concentrating all predators from the county in one spot.  This legislation was fought by West Allis Rep. Tony Staskunas who, along with Milwaukee Rep. Fred Kessler and Pedro Colon presented amendments designed to send all sex offenders and predators to Franklin and Oak Creek.  I'll post the audio of their comments soon.  The Governor put the brakes on these three.

Also signed into law is Jessica's Law which provides for a manditory minimum sentence of 25 years for sexual assault of a child under 14.

But the war is not won.  As mentioned above, there are legislators who intend on acting in a vindictive manner and who have singled out Franklin and Oak Creek to place predators.

UPDATE 4/10/06

CONGRATULATIONS.  GOVERNOR DOYLE HAS SIGNED AB-536 INTO LAW. 

With a stroke of his pen, Governor Doyle acknowledged the flawed idea that one facility should house up to 12 or more sexually violent persons in Milwaukee County.  Doyle signed the law this afternoon in Madison.

Congratulations to members of Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin.  Sandy, Kristin, Tamara, Ruzica, Kim, Michelle, Shari, Andy, Tony and all the rest.  Your vision for a better state has brought this first dream to a reality.

Now on to GPS.

UPDATE 4/7/06

Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin Co-President Sandy Maher-Johnson was a guest this morning on the Charlie Sykes show on WTMJ-AM 620 to discuss placement of sexually violent persons, current legislative efforts (cancelling funding for the transitional facility, GPS tracking, Jessica's Law) and Billy Lee Morford being in Franklin un-announced.  I also called in.

Here the segment by clicking here.

UPDATE 4/6/06

Today on the Mark Belling Radio Program, Kevin Fisher guest hosted.  He spent more than an hour discussing the Billy Lee Morford issue and the way the State of Wisconsin has handled the matter.  Click here to listen to the program (750mb WAV file)

UPDATE 4/4/05

Last Thursday Franklin Police discovered that Milwaukee County's only Sexually Violent Person (predator) has been visiting our community for at least the past 18 months, maybe longer without ANY notification by the Department of Health and Family Services.

A special Common Council meeting was held on Saturday, 4/1/05 to discuss the circumstances and raise awareness for the citizens.  A motion was passed to investigate grounds under which the City of Franklin would sue the State of Wisconsin for it's blatant disregard for the safety of the citizens of this committee.

On Tuesday evening, 4/4 a task force of elected and community leaders met to begin the process.  A complaint has been filed with the various departments relative to the address being visited by Mr. Morford for potential zoning, building and health and fire code violations.  In addition, research into the circumstances of the visits, their history, the actions of Mr. Morford in our community as well as the statutory limits and justifications are on-going.

Here's what we know as of today:

• Billy Lee Morford is the only sexually violent person, convicted under Wisconsin Stats. 980 to be on "supervised release" in Milwaukee County.

• He is currently residing at a "temporary" placement on N. 51st St. in Milwaukee.  All practical people and several judges have deemed this location as inappropriate for this predator.

• According to reports to Franklin Police, Morford has been visiting and working at a friends home at 8135 S. 100th St. in Franklin for at least 18 months.

• It is reported that Morford has been in the city for approximately two days a week for the past 18 months.

• Morford did not spend the night at this residence.

• For the first 12 months (approximately) Morford was accompanied by a State contracted security guard

• For the past 6 months (approximately) Morford has been accompanied by a "chaperone" who is the owner of the residence on 100th St.

• Morford was arrested at this residence in 1994 on charges of child enticement.  The charges specified that Morford tried to lure a 10 year old boy into performing lewd sex acts while on the property.

• Charges against Morford were referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney who declined to prosecute Mr. Morford.

• Mr. Morford has been charged and convicted of 3 cases of child enticement and various sex crimes against children as far back as 1968.

• He has as well been charged with child enticement in Kentucky in 1994.

• The Department of Health and Human Services revoked Morford's privilege to visit the Franklin resident temporarily on Friday afternoon.

• On Monday, the Department permanently revoked the privilege citing the 1994 arrest, stating that they were unaware of the arrest.

• On Monday, 4/3, the Franklin Common Council heard from State Representative Jeff Stone and State Senator Mary Lazich that the DHFS has responded that Morford was not working at this residence but was "tinkering" there and that notification was not warranted because he was not employed.

The City continues to pursue its' rights to protect our community.  The State continues to ignore our rights. 

Updates as new information becomes available.

Several radio shows have featured the topic.  Click here for the audio.

UPDATE 3/11/05

1 FOR 2

One of the bills worked on by Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin has passed the legislature and is now on the way to the Governor's desk for his signature.  The bill removes state funding for a transitional facility for sexually violent persons in Milwaukee County and formally dissolves the committee empanelled to find locations for the predators.  The plans put forward were for a facility to house 12 predators at a time.  The state committee failed to produce three sites as required by statute.

The Governor signing is NOT a sure thing.  The vote to kill the funding was on a party line vote and Milwaukee Democrats will surely be lobbying the Governor to veto the measure.  Call the Governor and urge him to sign AB-536.

The other bill that was put forward would have required that sexually violent persons be returned to the community that they came from (in Milwaukee County.)  That bill faced stiff opposition in the legislature from Representatives from both parties.  Several amendments were presented in an effort to kill the bill.  The legislature finally sent the bill to the Joint Finance Committee for more review, effectively killing it for this legislative session. 

During the debate, several city of Milwaukee legislators announce on the floor of the house that Franklin was the IDEAL location for predators.

We are STILL A TARGET.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE CITIZENS FOR A SAFE WISCONSIN WEBSITE.

UPDATE 3/5/05

Tuesday, 3/7 the State Assembly will take up the two bills that CFSW has worked so hard on.  One would kill funding for the "Transitional Facility" for Sexually Violent Persons and permanently disband the committee assigned to find three locations for such a facility.  The second bill would require that SVP's in Milwaukee County be returned to the community that they came from (with protection for the victim).  There have been attempts by some Milwaukee legislators to add language intended to kill this bill.  A call to your legislator in support of an UNAMENDED bill would be helpful.  Watch this space Wednesday morning for the good news.  Then it's up to the Governor.

There are other bills working their way through the legislature:

- Life sentence for the 2nd strike offender

-  Residency restrictions for offenders and predators

More on those as they work their way through the process.

UPDATE 2/14/06

Last week Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin descended on the capitol and provided testimony in support of two bills being considered by the legislature.  One would remove the $1.4m in funding to build (or buy) a facility to house up to a dozen predators.  The second would require that predators be returned to the community that they were in when they committed their crime.  No one spoke against the bills and members of CFSW were pulled into meetings with various legislators during their visit.

Also, yesterday the Inter Governmental Cooperation Council asked Dr. Stan Stojkovic to provide the group of mayors an update on the siting committee's activities.

Dr. Stojkovic appropriately pointed out that the committee had filed their report with the state and that their inability to find three sites completed their duties.  He offered no comment on "what's next."  I provided the group with a re-cap of the various bills before the legislature and that portion of the meeting ended quickly and quietly.

Update 12/1/05

The State of Wisconsin's Sex Offender Registry now lists the offenders last known address.  This improvement is a direct benefit from the actions of the Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin and their efforts with the Governors office and the legislature.

Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin will give a presentation to the Franklin Common Council on their activities and initiatives on Monday evening, 12/5 at 6:30pm in the Common Council Chambers, Franklin City Hall, 9229 W. Loomis Road.  All are invited to attend.

Update 11/14/05

Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin will meet tomorrow evening at the Franklin Public Library.  They need a lot of help in fighting placement of sex predators in Franklin and protecting the children of the state.  Here's the information:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2005

7:00 – 8:15 P.M.,  FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

SIEVERT ROOM

 

PLANS CONTINUE FOR A SEX PREDATOR HOUSE

§        The State Supreme Court is considering an order for the construction of the facility. 

§        The Milwaukee County DA has filed briefs asking the courts to order the construction of the facility.

§        This would likely be an annex on the grounds of the House of Correction.

§        This is a non-secured facility and no funding is available for supervision or monitoring of the facility.

§        Predators will be free to come and go in our community. 

§        They will no longer be incarcerated!

§        This facility may house as many as 60 predators over 5 years!

§        These predators have a re-offense rate of up to 75%!  They are the worst of the worst!

Update 11/4/05

Last evening WTMJ 4 broadcast a report on Illinois sex offenders (and predators) living in SE Wisconsin without local officials knowing about them.  Franklin has 2 of these.  One has been a resident of Franklin for many years, is known to our Police Department and has been compliant with the terms of his release and is listed on the State offenders site and in the City of Franklin PD Sex Offender binder available for public inspection at the PD.  The other is currently incarcerated at the House of Correction.

Update 10/6/05

Today the State Supreme Court will hear an appeal by Shawn Schulpius on where he will live in transition back into the community.  Part of the hearing is a request to 'FORCE MILWAUKEE COUNTY TO BUILD A FACILITY.' 

This appeal is being heard in front of Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson who has yet to respond to my questions about statements that she made before The Department of Justice Law Enforcement Executives luncheon in Madison in August. 

It will be interesting to see if the Chief Justice can separate her disdain for Milwaukee County and its' citizens and rule on the law.  Remember that she said that Waukesha County gets it in social programs and placement of sex offenders and that perhaps Milwaukee County will get it when they get a facility forced on them.

Update 9/20/05

Governor Doyle will have a press conference today at 3:00pm at the Milwaukee Police Department's 3rd District Station to announce a program that he calls "SAFE" an acronym for Sex Offender Apprehension and Felony Enforcement program.  Details are not available, but a press release by the Governor indicates that the program will include changes to the offender notification laws (sound familiar) as well as GPS monitoring (an echo?).

I'm glad he's seen the light and is joining the effort to protect our children and neighborhoods.

More tomorrow.

Also, no word from Chief Justice Abrahamson on my three questions (see below.)

Update 9/7/05

Over the weekend I dropped a letter into the mailbox to Chief Justice Abrahamson.  She's not available via e-mail, so I had to resort to snail mail.  There's no way to know if she'll get the letter (she should have it by now) or if she'll respond.  Out of respect for her, I'll wait a few days before posting the contents.  Read more below and you can figure out what the letter says.

Update 9/1/05

Here's the text of the initial proposal of AB-591 in the State Assembly by Rep. Suder and Kleefish (and others).  Note that the public hearing originally scheduled for 9/7 has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, 9/13.

Update 8/24/05

Today I made the fifth e-mail request of Chief Justice Abrahamson's office for the three simple questions that I've asked below.  Her office has stopped responding to me.

I am interested in what the Chief Justice has to say about the remarks attributed to her.  If they were mis-characterized, I'd like that response, but at a minimum, I'm looking for confirmation of the date and group to which she delivered the remarks.  Not a big deal. 

But I'm getting the stall.  My constituents wouldn't put up with it and state law says it can't be done.  But it's happening.

Also, here's the approved minutes of the action taken by the Common Council on August 9, 2005 on the list of tasks that I presented:

Update 8/19/05

On 8/9/05 I introduced 10 tasks for the City of Franklin to perform to help to protect the community from placement of sexually violent persons in our community.  The Common Council showed support although a few items were tabled for timing purposes.  One item directs the Chief of Police and City Attorney to draft a formal policy on public notification of the presence of a sex offender in our community.  The policy would specify notification requirements as well as information provided to the general public through the Police Department's notification binder (already in place and available at the PD Headquarters on Loomis Road) and through the soon to be updated website.

Today the Journal-Sentinel published an article on activities of several other communities in sex offender notification.  That article is available here and on the NEWS page.

Update 8/17/05

Members of Citizens for a Safe Franklin are off to the state capitol today to meet with several legislators.  Their goal is to secure support for their proposed legislation making several substantive changes to Wisconsin's sex offender and sex predator legislation.

Also, no word from Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson's office on my three questions (below.)  Frankly, I'm very disappointed that someone has made a decision to not provide the information.  There are other sources of the information, but when someone is attributed with comments, you'd like to hear them confirm or deny them.

I've sent my requests through the Court's PR officer informally.  I may need to change my approach.

Update 8/12/05

In an effort to independently confirm details of the comments attributed to Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson I have contacted her office to obtain:  1) the speech, 2) the name of the organization where the speech was presented and 3) the date.  Again, in an effort to get another perspective.

The Chief Justice is traveling, her secretary is off, but her public relations person e-mailed me the following:  "I can assure you that her remarks were completely mischaracterized. She simply discussed Waukesha's justice coordinating committee and that it represents good public policy to bring people together for discussions of criminal justice issues." "She told me that it was a Waukesha group but she's out of the state and her secretary is out today so I have no way to check the exact date or the name of the group."  Sorry, but it would seem to me that she could have easily asked and received "Last Tuesday, a name of a group and "no, I didn't say that."  But that didn't happen.

She did NOT answer my three questions.

I ask three simple questions in an effort to support a persons who were AT the speech and whom I trust.  It would be a wonderful act of responsiveness for the Chief Justice to answer the three questions.  That's the only way I'll be able to determine if her disclaimer has merit.

I'm still waiting patiently for the answers.

In the mean time, after posting this at about noon, again, Kevin Fisher (who works for my State Senator Mary Lazich) picked up on it and had brief comments on the Belling radio show.  Sen. Lazich has asked Kevin to work with the Citizens for a Safe Franklin on the legislation that she and Rep. Stone are drafting for the next session of the legislature.  Here's what he had to say.

At least one "Blogger" has been following this story closely.  Thanks to the Badgerblogger for helping get the word out.

Update 8/8/05

This afternoon, Kevin Fisher sat in for Mark Belling on the "Mark Belling Late Afternoon Radio Show" on WISN Radio.

Fisher spent almost an hour and a half discussing the current situation with siting a facility for Sexually Violent Persons in Milwaukee County.

The full recording of this show is available by clicking here.

Update 8/2/05

Yesterday Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson gave a speech before the Milwaukee County Law Enforcement Executives Association.

In that speech, I'm told, she expressed a view that she has little (sympathy) for the problems that DHFS is having in siting a facility for sex predators in Milwaukee County.  According to my sources, she said that other counties can find places for 980 commitments and there's no reason that Milwaukee County can't.  She apparently said that the supreme court may have to take care of the matter.

It's this kind of judicial activism that scares me and threatens the peace and prosperity of our community.  The State Supreme Court has no authority to tell any other unit of government to build anything.  But I'm just a citizen.

Evidently, Justice Abrahamson is not planning to run for her seat again in 2009.

Citizens for a Safe Franklin will be meeting on Thursday evening, 8/4 at 7:00pm in the Sievert Conference Room at the public library to discuss the next steps.

Update 7/20/05

The Citizens for a Safe Franklin have proposed to State Senator Mary Lazich and State Representative Jeff Stone substantial changes to the current laws dealing with sexually violent persons and sex offenders.  Read their proposal by clicking here. 

Senator Lazich has commented on the proposal and has already begun the process of presenting the proposal to the legislature.

Read Senator Lazich's comments on the proposal.

HERE IS THE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE

UPDATE 7/12/05

"The situation is dire" according to siting committee chairman Stan Stojkovic.  He personally recommends that the court order the county to build a facility.  Very few other details were released regarding the contents of the now secret report.  The public won't get a glimpse until late tomorrow via the State's DHFS website.  Here's the link.

Sexually Violent Persons Transitional Facility Siting Advisory Committee - Home

Again, Stojkovic and one committee member bemoaned the lack of support from local leaders.  He and they again speculated that the State Supreme Court may strike down 980.  And I'll predict that it will snow here in Milwaukee tomorrow.

Stojkovic did respond to a question from a reporter by saying "there are viable sites in Milwaukee County but without political support they couldn't be used."  Given that statement, I believe that he and others on the committee would still push for the House of Correction site if they felt that they could make it happen.

At several previous meetings, Stojkovic committed to placing supplemental material in an appendices attached to the report.  He specifically mentioned reports and correspondence from the various communities.  That has apparently changed with such information now being delivered to the state in a couple of accordian folders.  Evidently, only committee information is being attached to the document.

Also, it was interesting that no member of the committee attached their own comments to the report EXCEPT Stojkovic.  Reaction from some of the committee members leads me to believe that that was a surprise to some of them.  I find it telling that the chairman and author of the report chose to make his own additional opinions known.

Following the committee's press conference, Citizens for a Safe Franklin held their own press conference that was attended by more than a dozen citizens, 4 of the 5 TV stations that do news and a couple of print reporters. 

The committee outlined its' answer to the lack of recommendation by the siting committee.  Shari Hanneman and Sandy Maher-Johnson outlined the request to the state legislature to do the following:

• Strike the provision in 187 that established the siting committee

• Take the $1.2million in funds for the predator facility and re-assign it to a sophisticated GPS monitoring program for ALL sex offenders including predators.

• Provide tax incentives to states, counties and municipalities who accept predators into their communities.

• Set specific distances for violation zones for offenders and predators.

• Provide substantial re-work of the State's sex offender registry to provide meaningful information to the community.

State Senator Lazich and State Representative Stone have committed to pushing this legislation through the legislature.

UPDATE 7/6/05

Citizens for a Safe Franklin will hold a press conference at City Hall on 7/12 at 6:00pm to present their plan to change state law to better protect our children and neighborhoods from sex offenders and sex predators through use of GPS devices, enhancements to the sex offender registry and changes to allow specific payments to communities and counties who take sex predators from other communities.  CFSF NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.  Please come to City Hall for the press conference to show that you want your children protected.

State Senator Mary Lazich and a representative from State Rep. Stone's office will be on hand to receive the document and comment on the final report of the Siting task force (see below.)

UPDATE 7/2/05

As a community we'll be celebrating the birth of our country on Monday.  Franklin residents have much to be proud of.  The spirit of independence and liberty runs strong throughout our community.  As a "young" city we have come together on many, many issues. 

I feel one of the biggest is the assault by outsiders to put the worst criminals imagineable within striking distance of our children. 

But the residents have, for now, turned back that assault and I look forward to celebrating our temporary independence from these criminals and the outsiders who want to put them here when we celebrate the nation's birthday.

A reminder that on Tuesday, July 12 at 4:00pm the siting committee will act to approve their report to the state and reveal the report at a press conference at the State office building on 6th and Wells Street. 

I'll be there.  So will a fair number of Franklin citizens.

I expect the report to chronicle the efforts of the committee.  I commend them for their time and effort. 

I expect that there will be a significant amount of gnashing of teeth within the report about the failure of local elected officials to assist the committee in finding a site here in the county.  I believe that this section will be totally politically motivated and mis-directed.

I also believe that the report (although only the committee and a judge has seen it) will be structured in such a way as to continue to point to Franklin as a potential site.

Look for a posting here as soon as humanly possible with as much of the report as I can post.

Happy Independence Day.

Franklin's parade begins at 11:00am on the 4th on Loomis Road between Forest Hill and Drexel Avenue.  Party in Lion's Legend Park all weekend culminating with fireworks at 9:30pm.

UPDATE 6/19/05

A reminder that this coming Tuesday, Dr. Stan Stojkovic will reveal his draft report to the Sexually Violent Persons Transitional Facility Siting Committee at their meeting in the State Office building at 6th and Wells Street.  That meeting will be held in room 40 at 4:00pm.  Expect a report rife with complaints of lack of support from "local" officials and hand wringing about the potential that the state supreme court will strike down Chapter 980.

I'll be there along with a number of other citizens to keep an eye on the committee.

UPDATE 6/13/05

This past week a Cudahy Alderman has joined in the fight to inform his constituents about sex offenders.  He's getting some good publicity on his effort to allow the people of Cudahy to view more information about sex offenders in Cudahy through the production of an up to date binder about all offenders in Cudahy.  He's been maintaining the book for some time but now wants the Police Department and Library to maintain the book.

FRANKLIN HAS SUCH A BINDER AND HAS HAD ONE FOR YEARS.  We have not done a good job of publicizing it, but this information has been available at the police department for a long time.  We will be incorporating the information in our website as well.

For additional information on any sex offender in the city, contact Police Captain Clark Groen at 425-2522.

Also, read the attached article on a new subdivision in Lubbock Texas designed to prevent any sex offender from living in the subdivision.  The developer named the subdivision "Milwaukee Ridge" and refers to Oak Creek changing their zoning ordinance to prevent more than one offender in a house.  Click Here.

UPDATE 5/28/05

In just about a month, June 21, 2005 the Siting Committee will review a draft of their final report to the State on their efforts to place a facility for up to 12 sexually violent persons in Milwaukee County. 

The author of the document will be Dr. Stan Stojkovic, the committee chairman.

Through comments made at the last committee meeting, there will be an effort to keep the public in the dark about the contents and slant of the report. 

Committee members have asked for a closed session to discuss the report.

Committee members have requested that the draft NOT be subject to the open records (and meetings) laws that have been put in place to guarantee that the public knows what their government is doing.

Citizens for a Safe Franklin is investigating their legal rights to assure that the document be open to public scrutiny.  I'll be working with the Franklin City Attorney and our Special Counsel on the same issue.

Also, through comments made by the committee and more specifically, Dr. Stojkovic, it's my impression that the document will center on why the committee chose its' final two sites and why they feel that they were (are) viable to house 12 predators.  In other words, I believe the report will be "the local politicians didn't give us the tools to get our sites approved and we didn't like all the public outcry, so here are the sites YOU the State should look at."

It's also been made known that Dr. Stojkovic will be writing a thesis or other "scholarly" document on the process.

So, the battle continues.  The public from all parts of Milwaukee County needs to attend the meeting on June 21 at 4:00pm in rooms 40/42 in the State Office Building on 6th and Wells and DEMAND the document be public and available to anyone.

This committee has become quite self serving and apparently is no longer interested in serving the public.

UPDATE 5/25/05

There are people in the area and the world for that matter, who believe that all the outcry about sex predators is not properly focused and should not be so harsh toward the "offender."  Some people have posted on blogs that the children are at fault.

So, take a few minutes and read this District Court of Appeals decision on a case brought by Shawn Schulpius who is a convicted sexually violent person.  Read where a circuit court judge ruled that he was a "predator" and would re-offend but that he had to be released even in light of expert testimony against release.

Read about this "man's" crimes and then tell me that these "people" should be placed back into our communities.  Then tell me that Judges who issue short sentences are doing the right thing.

UPDATE 5/20/05

This week Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor sent the siting committee a letter in response to their blanketed request to ALL officials in the area asking for support, staff, money, sites, public relations, ect. (see below) stating that in essence, Franklin isn't in a position to help in any way by replacing the legally charged responsibilities of the State of Wisconsin.  I'll post the letter shortly.

I'm not in the habit of posting links to news articles on this page, but an opinion piece by Milwaukee radio talk show host Mark Belling is so on-point that I have to post it.

Read it by clicking here.

The siting committee will be meeting at the Wisconsin State Office Building at 6th and State in room 40 on Tuesday, 5/24 at 4:00 to review the outline of their report.

UPDATE 5/18/05

Yesterday Milwaukee County Executive signed the resolution from the County Board restricting the sale of county owned property for the purposes of transitional facilities for sexually violent persons.  I'm pleased to say that the County Exec thought enough of the efforts and impact on Franklin to sign the resolution on the grounds of the Little League complex in front of many Franklin, Mequon and County elected officials, Franklin Police and Fire command staff and many, many of the Citizens for a Safe Franklin.  Exec Walker presented pens from the signing to Shari Hanneman, Steve Olson, Mayor Taylor and Mayor Nurenburg from Mequon.

Citizens for a Safe Franklin continue their efforts to protect our community.  They will be meeting every other Saturday to map strategy.  More on their efforts as the progress warrants.

The City of Franklin will be submitting a letter to the siting committee tomorrow in response to their letter.  I'll post the letter as soon as the Mayor signs it.  We'll as well be submitting a request that many of the documents submitted by the city and citizens be included in the final report of the committee.  That letter will as well be posted soon.

Here are the important dates:

Tuesday, May 24, 4:00pm the committee meets to review the outline of the final report.

Tuesday, June 21, 4:00pm the committee will review and revise their draft of the report.

Tuesday, July 12, 4:00 the committee will review and approve their final report.

UPDATE 5/11/05

The siting committee met again yesterday.  Although the meeting was legally posted (sent to the newspapers and put up on bulletin boards in public buildings) the committee and DHFS staff will no longer distribute agendas to those parties (City of Franklin) who have requested them.  Their position is legal, but certainly not in keeping with the spirit of the State of Wisconsin open government legislation.  The City of Franklin is looking into what action it can take to require notice from this state agency.

The meeting Tuesday was dominated by discussion about the lack of support from local officials to this committee of the State.  Milwaukee Alderman Sue Brier made her first appearance in several months and led the discussion of lack of support.

There are a few private property owners who have offered their property to the committee.  It is apparent that while the committee will acknowledge the offers that they will not actively pursue these properties.

It appears from the tone of the discussions over the past several meetings that the committee is most interested in finishing their report and disbanding.

Future meeting dates as were announced Tuesday:

May 24, 4:00pm at the State Office Building

June 21, 4:00pm at the State Office Building

July 12, 4:00pm at the State Office Building

Also, at the request of a couple of on-line publishers, I've written an article titled "The Politics of Predators" which outlines what I believe to be the political motivations involved with this issue.  You can download a copy here.

UPDATE 4/29/05

Yesterday, Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge David Hansher rejected what was an apparent negotiated deal to move convicted sex predator Billy Lee Morford from Milwaukee to Door County.  Apparently the Department of Health and Family Services and the Milwaukee County negotiated with Door County to take Mr. Morford and house him with another Chapter 980 predator somewhere in Door County.  This type of arrangement is permitted under the current 980 Statute and is an arrangement that I've been encouraging for well over the past year.  In business we call this a "willing seller, willing buyer" arrangement.

Morford is currently living in a house on N. 51st Street which has been deemed inappropriate by all parties involved with his placement EXCEPT Circuit Court Judge Hansher.

I'm concerned that Hansher's decision is an indication that we'll see sex predators used by Judges who have a "message to send" or who have a political or social agenda.  My concern is that they'll in-validate deals such as this that would protect the densely populated community in Milwaukee County in an effort to further some social or political cause. 

My question to Judge Hansher:  "Why would you NOT send Mr. Morford to Door County where he'll be well away from the neighborhood that is terrified of him and the children who, merely by their proximity, tempt him for the north woods and the absence of such temptation?  Why would you not want to restore the peace to the neighborhood currently consumed with his presence?"

We will all need to remember the names of these judges the next time they come up for re-election.

Update 4/27/05

Here's the letter that was received by Mayor Taylor from Dr. Stojkovic requesting assistance from the City of Franklin (among others).  I'll post any response from Mayor Taylor if and when it becomes available.

UPDATE 4/26/05

State Senator Jeff Plale (D, South Milwaukee) and State Representative Mark Honadel (R, Oak Creek) have introduced a bill in the state legislature that would remove the requirement in Section 980 of the State Statutes that requires a sexually violent person to be returned to their original county for civil commitment.

The Plale/Honadel bill can be read by clicking here. 

The next step for this bill is review, hearing and action before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the same committee who heard testimony and acted on the legislation that we know as Act 187.  This bill will need a lot of support from Milwaukee County residents who are concerned with the safety of their children and neighborhoods.  We will need to provide Rep. Honadel and Sen. Plale assistance as this bill works its' way through the legislature.  I have offered Rep. Honadel all the resources of the Franklin community in the passage of this bill.  Watch this web site for more information.

I'm also pleased to announce that the Franklin Common Council and Mayor Taylor will officially recognize and express appreciation to the leaders and members of Citizens for a Safe Franklin at the Common Council meeting to be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 3.  The meeting and recognition will be held in the Franklin Common Council Chambers.

The entire Franklin community is encouraged to come and thank the members of this group in their tireless efforts to prevent this assault on our community safety.

UPDATE 4/14/05

The legal subcommittee of Citizens for a Safe Franklin was to meet today to discuss options and actions available to Franklin residents in fighting placement of sexually violent persons in our community.

In a separate action today, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee voted 6:1 to recommend a resolution to the entire Board calling on the state to change Chapter 980 to correct the apparent problems in placing 980 predators back in Milwaukee County.  Supervisor Lynne DeBruin voted against the measure, hoping for stronger language.  The resolution does not prevent sale of County owned property for such a purpose but does call for the State to place predators in remote less populated areas.

Citizens for a Safe Franklin will meet on Saturday to discuss the next steps in protecting our community.

I have outlined a list of 11 tasks that I will be asking the Franklin Common Council to consider in protecting our community.  I expect that that discussion will be held on either May 3 or May 4.  I'll post my memo soon.

UPDATE 4/11/05

The State Siting Committee met this evening to discuss getting help for their task.  As a matter of opinion, I believe that this committee may soon come apart.  It's apparent to me that some are either frustrated enough or believe that the task is not doable that they're ready to quit.  There are others on the committee looking to finish the task and a mix of all who have unspecified political agendas to complete, all of which are normal for a committee this large and diverse with such a daunting task.

The majority of the evening was spend discussing a letter that will be sent essentially to every politician and bureaucrat in Milwaukee County and in Madison.  The letter is a recap of the activities performed by the committee and a request for assistance in various forms.  The letter will ask for a reply within 30 days.

Which made me make the public statement that if the committee's intent is to accomplish their goal, then they need to send the letter to one person. 

The person who has the authority and responsibility and resources to accomplish the task, that being Governor Doyle. 

I admitted that that may seem to be a political stance, but more importantly, it's a practical reality.  Governor Doyle is responsible for the administration for the State of Wisconsin.  All departments report to him in one manner or another.  DHFS (who is ultimately responsible to place and monitor 980 criminals) reports to him.  The Department of Corrections, Department of Administration, Department of Transportation all report to him and all have resources that may be valuable and useful to the committee. 

In addition, it places responsibility and accountability on one person and their resources, not a hundred individual politicians and bureaucrats who WILL all say...  "I'm happy to help but it's the responsibility of (insert any department name here) to actually do the work." and they'll all be absolutely correct. 

The committee ignored my statement, as is their right to do, and moved on to agree to send their package of information to the world.

So, in making that particular decision, it's apparent to me that this is an effort to eventually disband the committee.  In 30 days they'll receive one or two letters of support and very little real support behind the letters, they'll realize that they're getting no support and they'll vote to finish the report of their activities and declare their task finished.

Several additional pieces of information surfaced as well.

There is a hearing about the placement of Billy Lee Morford scheduled for the end of the month.  The State (through the Milwaukee DA's office) has been petitioning to change his location.  The issue remains, where will they put him?

The next meeting of the committee will be May 10, 2005 in a room at the State Office building.  More information will be posted here prior to that meeting.

UPDATE 4/6/05

Yesterday afternoon the siting committee, after long debate, voted 10-2 to REMOVE BOTH COUNTY OWNED SITES FROM CONSIDERATION.  The dissenting votes were County Supervisor Toni Clark (who has little apparent compassion for victims of sexual predators) and Chairman Stan Stojkovic.  Our war is not over yet however.  On another motion, the committee agreed to look at all "cities (implying all municipalities in Milwaukee County), county and state owned land in the county."  Franklin is 1/6 owned by Milwaukee County.

So, the biggest battle has been won.  The war continues.

Update 4/4/05

We have yet to receive the agenda for tomorrow's siting committee meeting.  I sent the committee a letter supporting Hal Kochi's research into the many, many available sites offered by the City of Milwaukee.  I as well again offered the committee the opportunity to visit the neighborhood.  We'll see what happens tomorrow evening.

The Citizens for a Safe Franklin met on Saturday and added to the group of volunteers.  I personally was excited by the number of new faces and ideas.  Along with the political campaigns, a flyer was dropped to all 10,000 homes this weekend with information about the issue.

Tonight the Franklin Common Council will again meet with legal counsel about our defense strategy.

Check back tomorrow evening for an update on events from the siting committee meeting.

Update 4/1/05

The Assistant Director of the Department of Health and Family Services FINALLY asked a question that Franklin knew the answer to...  "can the department "take" County land for the transitional facility."

The answer is NO.  We've known that for a long, long time yet Dr. Stojkovic has maintained his position that the County is meaningless.  That attitude is extended through the committee to some members of the press... namely Joel McNally who's wife sits on the committee.

The arrogance of this committee continues to amaze me.

Here's the legal opinion to DHFS.

DO NOT give up.  There are still avenues this committee can take to place this facility in Franklin.

Update 3/29/05

Several activities are scheduled:

Citizens for a Safe Franklin have scheduled a strategy and working group meeting for Saturday morning, April 2 in the Sievert Room at the Franklin Public Library at 10:00am.

The state siting committee has scheduled a meeting for April 5, 2005 at 4:00pm at the State Office Building at 6th and Wells St.  I haven't seen an agenda yet.

There seems to be a mis-conception that there currently are sex predators released in our community.  THIS IS NOT CORRECT.  There is only ONE predator currently released in Milwaukee County and his name is Billy Lee Morford.  He is currently living on N. 51st Street in Milwaukee.  There are 15 sex OFFENDERS living in Franklin.  These people have been convicted of "lesser" sex crimes and have served their criminal sentences.

Governor Doyle continues to refuse to get involved in this issue. 

State Representative Jeff Stone has taken up the site selection cause and forwarded one of our concerned citizens research of available CITY OF MILWAUKEE lists of available properties.  Rep. Stone has sent a letter to the Siting Committee outlining these sites.

Read his press release and letter to the committee.

Update 3/24/05

The effort continues.  Citizens for a Safe Franklin continues planning activities to prevent the placement of Sexually Violent Persons in Franklin.  A legal subcommittee has been formed and many individuals are contributing time and money toward the effort.  The press continues to cover the efforts.  We need to continue to inform and educate however.  The Journal-Sentinel still believes that these criminals are merely "habitual sex offenders" and radio commentary, although supportive, is unable to differentiate between a sex "offender" and a "predator."  The Journal-Sentinel published an editorial this morning criticizing "local" leaders for not being leaders.  Read my rebuttal (that will probably not get published.)

On Tuesday, March 22nd, prior to the public hearing in front of the Siting Committee, Franklin resident Christian Lindsey spoke to Ruth Lundsford, the grieving grandmother of Jessica Lundsford who was abducted and killed by a sex OFFENDER (now a predator) in Florida last week.  Chris obtained permission from Mrs. Lundsford to use the audio recording.  Listen to it by clicking HERE.

CITIZENS FROM FRANKLIN, MEQUON AND NORTHWEST MILWAUKEE COUNTY NEED TO TURN UP THE HEAT ON TWO PEOPLE WHO CURRENTLY ARE NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR LEGALLY MANDATED RESPONSIBILITIES. 

CALL, WRITE AND E-MAIL THE FOLLOWING:

Jim Doyle

Governor

115 East State Capitol

Madison, Wisconsin  53702

608-266-1212

e-mail

Helene Nelson

Director of Health and Family Services

1 E. Wilson Street

Madison, Wisconsin 

608-266-9622

nelsoh@dhfs.state.wi.us

According to Chapter 980, Wisconsin State Statutes:

980.06 Commitment. If a court or jury determines that the
person who is the subject of a petition under s. 980.02 is a sexually
violent person, the court shall order the person to be committed to
the custody of the department for control, care and treatment until
such time as the person is no longer a sexually violent person. A
commitment order under this section shall specify that the person
be placed in institutional care.

-and-

980.07(5) If the court finds that the person is appropriate for supervised
release, the court shall notify the department. The department
shall make its best effort to arrange for placement of the person
in a residential facility or dwelling that is in the person’s
county of residence, as determined by the department under s.
980.105. The department and the county department under s.
51.42 in the county of residence of the person shall prepare a plan
that identifies the treatment and services, if any, that the person
will receive in the community. The plan shall address the person’s
need, if any, for supervision, counseling, medication, community
support services, residential services, vocational services, and

alcohol or other drug abuse treatment. In developing a plan for
where the person may reside while on supervised release, the
department shall consider the proximity of any potential placement
to the residence of other persons on supervised release and
to the residence of persons who are in the custody of the department
of corrections and regarding whom a sex offender notification
bulletin has been issued to law enforcement agencies under
s. 301.46 (2m) (a) or (am). If the person is a serious child sex
offender, the plan shall address the person’s need for pharmacological
treatment using an antiandrogen or the chemical equivalent
of an antiandrogen. The department may contract with a
county department, under s. 51.42 (3) (aw) 1. d., with another public
agency or with a private agency to provide the treatment and
services identified in the plan. ...

 If the county department of the person’s county of residence
declines to prepare a plan, the department may arrange for another
county to prepare the plan if that county agrees to prepare the plan
and if the person will be living in that county. If the department
is unable to arrange for another county to prepare a plan, the court
shall designate a county department to prepare the plan, order the
county department to prepare the plan and place the person on
supervised release in that county, except that the court may not so
designate the county department in any county where there is a
facility in which persons committed to institutional care under this
chapter are placed unless that county is also the person’s county
of residence.

Update 3/22/05

Read the Resolution Passed Unanimously by the Common Council Monday Evening

A crowd estimated at about 1100 people met in front of the State Committee charged with siting a transition building for sexually violent persons.  My estimate is that there were about 600 Franklin citizens in attendance, all with signs, buttons and well prepared speeches.

About 75 people spoke to the 15 member committee for almost 3 1/2 hours.

Factual cases against their possible recommendations were made by speaker after speaker.  Franklin's speakers presented some extremely compelling and impassioned speeches, all delivered with respect and intelligence.

The committee has yet to announce their next meeting date.  Several possible actions could come from tonight's hearing.  The committee could decide to forward the two sites, remove both sites or add new sites.  Several speakers from both Mequon and Franklin continued to mention Jones Island and the Menominee Valley as possible sites.

I'll of course keep you updated.

Update 3/20/05

What can you do?:

Call the officials:

Governor Doyle 608-266-1212  (not on our side)
DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson 608-266-9622  (not on our side)
State Rep. Jeff Stone 888-534-0082 (on our side)
Senator Mary Lazich 800-334-1442  (on our side)
County Executive Scott Walker 278-4211  (on our side)
 

Sign the petition
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Predator/petition.html
 

Join the citizen effort:
Lori Hubbartt – lhubbartt@wi.rr.com
Shari Hanneman – hanneman@wi.rr.com

ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday evening, 6:00pm at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park and make your voice heard.

The latest argument by do-gooders and City of Milwaukee people on the committee and in the media: 

"If we don't find a place for them, then we'll have to release them without any transition." 

To that I say, "Fine...  better to have one or two than 12 in one spot!"

Some have asked me "why is this committee forcing this down our throat?"  I give them my answer but listen to WISN Radio's Mark Belling's answer.

Update 3/18/05

The Citizens for a Safe Franklin have changed their meeting location for tomorrow to the Courtroom at the Franklin Police Department at Loomis Rd. and Forest Hill Avenue.  The meeting will start at 10:15am.  The purpose of the meeting is to define strategy for the public hearing on 3/22 and to make final logistical arrangements.  Please attend if you can.

Update 3/16/05

The state Siting committee met tonight in open session on essentially two agenda items. 

One was a motion to strike the two County owned parcels from the list of potential sites.  That motion failed, effectively ignoring County Executive Scott Walkers letter informing the committee that NEITHER proposed location was available for sale.

The second motion was to cancel the public hearing scheduled for 3/22.  That motion as well failed.

The meeting place for the public hearing has CHANGED.  The meeting will now be held in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park.  Time and date have not changed.

Also, this evening the Franklin Common Council retained the services of Quarles and Brady law firm to protect the interests of its' citizens.  Q&B will begin immediately working with the City Attorney and council members on defense of our safety.

The citizens committee is now officially named "Citizens for a Safe Franklin."  They are accepting donations and help.  Signs are available at City Hall and at the Library.  There is a fee for the signs (cost).

Citizens for a Safe Franklin will hold a meeting at the Library Saturday morning at 10:15am in the Fadrow room for those interested in speaking at the public hearing on 3/22.  If you're interested in speaking it would be to the benefit of the city to work with the group on your message and timing.

The on-line petition grows exponentially.  Please make sure you and your neighbors sign it.  You DO NOT need to live in Franklin.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Predator/petition.html

Here are the two documents that are the basis for our current situation:

Chapter 980 of the Wisconsin State Statutes defining Sexually Violent Persons

Act 187, amending §980 and setting up the Siting Committee

Update 3/15/05

Almost 350 people packed the Library tonight to voice their opposition to the placement of sex predators in Franklin.  Speakers shared personal issues and concerns about this proposals that were riveting, compelling and sometimes emotional to the point that some had tears in their eyes.  This show of unity and resolve is unique to the good people of Franklin and I for one thank all of you.

Plans were laid out for the hearing on the 22nd at State Fair Park.  More information will be posted here soon.

The Siting Committee has called a meeting for tomorrow evening.  The two agenda items are 'discussion of the remaining sites' and 'discussion of the public hearing.'  We'll have City staff in attendance and we'll be in a position to respond quickly.

If you're keeping score and put your faith in what people say, there's only one site left on the list.  That's 3751 W. Mill Road.  The County Exec has said that the House of Corrections and the County Line Road sites aren't available and the owner of the site at 4198 N. Holton has taken his property off the list.

But, as usual, the Committee has other ideas.  So Franklin continues the fight. 

Public Hearing Tonight, 3/15/05 at the Library at 6:30pm.

Update 3/12/05

The Citizens Committee is up and running.  Leaders of the group met this morning at the Franklin Public Library to review strategy and make plans for the two public hearings (3/15 at the library, 6:30pm and 3/22 at Wisconsin State Fair Park at 6:00pm).

Contacts:

Lori Hubbartt at lhubbartt@wi.rr.com

Shari Hanneman at hanneman@wi.rr.com

Lori and Shari along with about a dozen other citizens have arranged for signs, busses and other items as well as public information to help stop placement of predators in our city.  The group can use all the help they can get in this vital battle.

City leaders are preparing for the public meeting at the Library Tuesday evening as well as fine tuning strategy to prevent a predator facility in the city.  Contact your alderman for more information.

Update 3/10/05

A BATTLE WON!  The war goes on however.  County Executive Scott Walker announced late Wednesday that the two County owned sites on the siting committee's "short list" ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE.  Walker is reported to have sent a letter to that effect to the siting committee Chairman Dr. Stan Stojkovic.

We ARE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET.  All plans continue as before.  The public meeting for Tuesday the 15th is on.  Busses have been hired for the Public Hearing on 3/22.  Your city officials continue their political and legal work.  The citizen group continues to get out the message.

WE NEED TO BURY THIS RECOMMENDATION SO DEEP THAT NO FUTURE COMMITTEE AGAIN DECIDES THAT FRANKLIN'S A GOOD PLACE FOR PREDATORS.

In other actions, I have spoken with Dr. Stojkovic.  He and his committee are invited to our meeting on 3/15.  I have also submitted our "Case Against" document for the record.  In addition, I asked for a hearing before the committee to explain the document and add additional financial impact information that we're now developing.  I have not received an answer from Dr. Stojkovic yet.

Read the Journal-Sentinel article on the Walker Letter.  Click here.

Update 3/9/05

Download "The Case Against:  Why placement of sexually violent persons in Franklin fails to meet State standards"

Update 3/8/05

There has been significant discussion about next week's meeting and parents bringing children to the meeting.  This may not be a meeting appropriate for children.  There may be comments and statements on the nature of offenses of these predators that might be discomforting for children.  Please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to bring children.

Update 3/7/05

There is significant interest in Franklin's story by the media.  Council President Sohns has been interviewed by CBS 58, WTMJ and WISN already this evening.  More will be at City Hall for their news programs tomorrow.  Please make some time to be at City Hall sometime during the evening tomorrow, Tuesday, 3/8/05 to be available to offer your views on the possible placement in our community.

Here's the City Schedule of Activities:

Tuesday, 3/8.  Common Council members and citizens will be available at city hall for comment on the announced possibility for placement of a sexual predator transitional facility at about 4:00PM through about 6:30pm then again in time for the 9:00pm and 10:00pm newscasts.

Tuesday, March 15 the Common Council will hold a public meeting at 6:30pm in the Fadrow Room at the Public Library. 

Wednesday, March 22 the Committee charged with recommending the possible locations will hold a public hearing to take additional information from the public.  Sign up to speak is between 6:00pm and 7:30pm.  The hearing starts at 6:00pm.

Wisconsin State Fair Park

Tommy Thompson Pavilion

Here's a map of the proposed locations.  Note that the Oak Creek site and the 108th and Silver Spring sites have been dropped from consideration but are still shown on the map.

And just in case you're curious about what addresses were on the list, here's the committee's working list.  The Yellow highlighted ones are on the hit parade.  I'm sure that you'll notice that there's no prospects on the North Shore nor 'Tosa, nor Brown Deer or Fox Point.....

UPDATE 3/5/05

Franklin is, indeed one of the 6 possible sites to be recommended to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and the Department of Corrections as a suitable site for construction of a "transitional facility" for sexually violent persons.  We know them as sex predators.  I received a letter today informing me that the siting committee has identified 9201 S. 68th St. as a potential property.  We all know this non-listed address as the House of Correction grounds.

The formal announcement of the six possible sites (4 in Milwaukee, 1 in Oak Creek and 1 in Franklin) will be made by the committee at a press conference on Tuesday, March 8.

Here's the letter I received:

Here's the current plan and we need YOUR participation.

Franklin elected officials and RESIDENTS will be at Franklin's City Hall Tuesday evening between 3:30pm and 10:30pm to be available to the media for comments on the proposal by the siting committee.  You are welcomed and encouraged to be at city hall sometime during those hours to potentially offer your opinions.

The committee will hold a public hearing at State Fair Park on 3/22 at 6:00pm until 7:30pm to take comment on these sites.  You are strongly encouraged to appear and make comments at this "hearing."

Franklin will hold it's own hearing on the matter.  MARCH 15, 2005 at 6:30pm in the Fadrow Room at the Public Library.  I have committed to making sure that the committee gets the tape and notes from this meeting for their records.

We will be mailing every household in the city notice of both hearings.  Word of mouth is also very, very important.  Tell your friends and neighbors about this serious issue. 

More will be posted soon.

Here's the press release for the media for Tuesday's meeting.

Update 2/24/05

The state committee has settled on a list of possible sites within 3 communities.  One in Franklin, one in Oak Creek and 4 within the city of Milwaukee.  They have NOT announced the addresses nor have they informed the local officials.

The committee has stated that they will notify the elected officials of the possible sites on March 7, prior to the public announcement on March 8 at a press conference.

The committee will then hold a public hearing on the six sites at the Wisconsin State Fair Park (not in any of the possible communities) on March 22nd from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.  They will allow comments of two minutes or less.

The elected officials and staff of the city of Franklin are working very hard behind the scenes to prevent the placement of sexual predators in our community. 

We will notify the entire city of our plan of action shortly.

UPDATE 1/26/05

The state committee charged with finding a site within Milwaukee County has postponed announcing the sites that they are responsible for locating.  Their original calendar had a press conference scheduled for today and a public hearing for 2/8.  Neither will happen pending additional research and information on a number of sites under consideration.

The committee chairman was interviewed this morning on WUWM radio about the activities of the committee.  You may listen to the 5 minute interview by clicking here.      Required

I'll post further developments and information as soon as it becomes available.

UPDATE 1/12/05

The state committee charged with finding a site within Milwaukee County has changed their dates and procedures to finding a place to house predators. 

The committee was late in sending letters to prospective property owners.  Twenty properties were identified.  13 owners were found with addresses.  7 are apparently identified as reachable by phone only and have yet to be contacted.

The committee will finalize their list and recommendation in closed session on 1/25/05.

They will hold a press conference on 1/26/05 to announce their proposed recommendation and provide the address(es) of the anticipated sites. 

They will also announce a PUBLIC HEARING on Feb. 8 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at State Fair Park.  At this hearing they will limit public comment to 2 minutes via a sign-up procedure.

The City of Franklin's City Attorney has filed an open records request (along with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) for the letters affecting Franklin properties.  The attorney for the board has indicated that they will DENY THE REQUEST for these letters.

It appears to me that the committee is using every effort to stop public input in protecting the properties in our community.  To my knowledge, no community leader in ANY community has been asked to provide any input or additional information about any prospective location.  THE COMMITTEE IS MAKING THEIR DECISIONS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS IN A VACUUM.

Along with the leaders in our community, I will continue to work hard to protect your children and property.  Working with city staff I will lead the effort to stop any placement of sexually violent persons (the nice term for sexual predators) in our community. 

The Common Council will discuss legal options available to us Tuesday evening at 6:30pm., 1/18/05.

UPDATE 1/8/05

The state committee charged with finding a site within Milwaukee County has selected several sites within the county for possible placement of Sexually Violent Persons (sex predators). 

During the week of 1/3, the committee sent letters to a number of property owners across the county apparently asking if the owner would consider selling their property to the state. 

RUMORS are that Milwaukee County will or have received such a letter about property surrounding the House of Corrections.  We have no proof of such an offer. 

Because all discussions have been held behind closed doors and letters of interest in public purchase of private property, I have asked the Assistant City Attorney to file an open records request with the state to secure any letter of intent to any person or entity who owns property in Franklin.  The state will probably take until 1/26 to fulfill the lawful request.

I have also sent an e-mail to the County Executive and both county supervisors asking for their support in turning away any request from the state to buy any land in the city of Franklin.

It would be a crime if the county chose to sell land to the state to place sex predators in our neighborhoods after failing to even discuss turning some of this land into tax paying developments.

The city attorney's office and I are staying on top of this issue.  When the situation dictates public input I, along with the common council will be certain to inform our constituents of the issue and action that can be taken.