Information is power, and extremely important during a critical election.

In the race for mayor in Franklin the campaign literature is out and the candidates have done interviews with the website Patch (congrats to them BTW for doing the articles).

Differences between the incumbent Mayor Steve Olson and his opponent, outgoing Franklin Alderman John Nelson are vast. Brochures and the Patch interviews are clear demonstrations.

Olson’s mailers are filled with QUANTITATIVE data and specific accomplishments. Take a look. The mayor as mayor has been very busy. Quite simply he has presided over the greatest period of growth in Franklin’s history.

Compare to Nelson’s latest piece. It’s dominated by:

1) PLATITUDES:  A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. a remark or statement that may be true but is boring and has no meaning. A platitude is a trite and obvious observation, in particular, one that’s expressed as if it were fresh and significant. Platitudes have been criticized as giving a false impression of wisdom

2) GLITTERING GENERALITIES: Propaganda statements that are designed to connect with audience members by speaking to the beliefs and/or values that are dear to them. The intent of this kind of statement is to create a favorable impression in the minds of message recipients. The goal is for those who receive the message to identify with the statement and whatever idea, product, service, or political candidate it is designed to promote.

Nelson talks about his experience, six years on the Franklin Common Council. So he’s certainly had opportunities. But try as I might, I’ve not been able to find any significant examples of note where he’s taken advantage. Case in point:

The alderman claims the process of putting together the annual budget, the most important task for Common Council members like Nelson, is flawed.  OK. Serious accusation. So what’s he done about it?

Officially Nelson has been a part of the process for six years, albeit not an active participant but a passive one. He voted to approve the budget for five  years…without ANY changes. He’s received an extensive comprehensive annual financial report five times …with NO questions. He’s authorized, then accepted a professional, independent audit five times…with NO questions. As mayor Olson returned review of the budget to the Common Council’s Finance Committee a few years ago. Nelson was on the Finance Committee for five years. He’s been on the Common Council for five budgets. Did he ever propose a change to the budget regardless of how small or large? The answer is no.

And that is the aldermanic legacy of Nelson. There is none. Because he’s done nothing. Nothing.

Check out his latest campaign piece. You will see seven (7) instances of Nelson saying “I will.” You won’t see any references of “I have (insert specific action taken and/or accomplished).

Nelson, like Joe Biden, has had time to make corrections, to offer and make good on promised solutions. Hasn’t done it. What makes anyone believe that suddenly he “will” get the job done?

The vote on April 4th is Steve Olson.