What Kind of Leadership Are You Really Voting For?
Franklin Mayor: John NelsoN
Allegations & Investigations
What to Know Before You Vote
Public records and local reporting have raised serious questions about Franklin Mayor John Nelson’s conduct in office and in prior law-enforcement roles, including complaints of sexual harassment, avoidance of accountability, abuse of power, and ongoing investigations into misconduct in public office.
Pattern. Power. Avoidance. Trust.
Pattern Across Multiple Agencies
Sexual harassment allegations and complaints were reported in more than one law-enforcement agency. The mayor dismisses these claims as a “witch hunt,” but that does not erase the same patterns of behavior reported by multiple agencies.
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​​​​Abuse of Power/ Position
Nelson supervised a woman who brought forward harassment complaints. Instead of reporting them, he tried to move her to another position. She later alleged that he sexually harassed her during that time, raising concerns about misuse of power.​
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​Avoidance of Accountability
Resigned/retired while investigations were still ongoing. Nelson resigned in 2012 before investigators could interview him about the MCSO harassment complaint and retired from Waterford in 2024 during another harassment-related investigation. The public still wants answers, not avoidance
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Trust & Scrutiny in Public Office
Even as mayor, John Nelson is under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office by the West Allis Police Department. The investigation raises serious questions about trust, character, and judgement as Franklin's mayor.
Urban Milwaukee: Internal records from John Nelson’s prior 26-year employment with Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office includes an allegation of sexual harassment complaint, suing former sheriff David Clarke for racial discrimination, and cheating on an exam from a 2006 internal investigation.
TMJ4: Waterford Police opened an internal investigation with 20 misconduct allegations connected to Nelson’s time as an officer at Waterford. He retired before the investigation could finish, with records and interview material becoming public afterward.
FOX6: A newly unsealed search warrant says West Allis Police are investigating Franklin Mayor John Nelson for possible misconduct in public office. Allegations involving a conflict of interest and misuse of city resources tied to marketing/social media campaign work.
Why This Matters
On April 7th, Franklin voters will go to the polls for the Franklin election and will decide if they will vote for John Nelson for Mayor. They will decide what kind of conduct they are willing to overlook and what kind of leadership they are willing to stand behind. For voters, these issues go directly to suitability for office. Allegations involving harassment, abuse of authority, and misuse of public position are not merely personal matters. They cut to the heart of character, judgment, and public trust. Leadership is about more than slogans or appearances. It is about how a person treats others when they hold power, how they carry themselves in positions of responsibility, and whether they reflect the basic standards a community should expect. Franklin deserves leadership that earns trust, shows respect, and honors the dignity of the people it serves.
2026 Spring Election Voting Information ~ Franklin, Wisconsin
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IN PERSON - ABSENTEE VOTING
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 through Thursday, April 2, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, April 3, 2026
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
IN PERSON – ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Go to Elections and Voter Information for polling locations
Before You Vote, Ask Yourself What Kind of Leadership Are You Endorsing?
