Residents support police millage but criticize political sign; one speaker urges governance reform

Several Franklin residents used the council's public-comment period on July 13 to voice support for the proposed police millage and to raise concerns about village governance and political signage.

"I am here to support our millage," resident Mike told the council, urging people to "ignore the noise and negativity and misinformation" and urging neutrality from local institutions after he criticized a Huda school for posting a political sign. Mike said the sign "represents a candidate who has knowingly stated his disdain for Israel and its right to protect itself," calling the display "insensitive and inflammatory." President Goldberg thanked him after his remarks.

Howie Siegel, who introduced himself as a Franklin resident and an audit partner, said he will vote for the millage but asked council members to address governance weaknesses he said had surfaced recently. "As much as I support our police department, I do not support keeping the existing governance and control structures of the village without making changes," Siegel said, citing "wire transfer issues" and long-standing budget concerns.

Stuart Wooders, also speaking as a member of the public, defended trustees Ferris and King against recent criticism and urged respect for volunteers who step forward to serve, noting that appointments are temporary until elections can occur.

President Goldberg read one written communication, from Sydney and Barbara Stutz, opposing lethal methods for any deer-management program being considered by the village.

No formal council action was taken on the points raised during public comment. Several council members later agreed to move a more detailed finance discussion to an upcoming finance committee meeting.