Connect Franklin

DE&I Divisive, Exclusive, Intolerant

Connect Franklin markets diversity and inclusion as a way to garner support, which is not surprising given many of the leaders are on or are connected to Franklin Village’s DE&I committee.

Intolerant

It is shocking to compare Michael Seltzer’s online posts to the image marketed by the Connect Franklin group.

In the groups position paper they spend many paragraphs explaining how they are inclusive and how they want to unite the village. Then they immediately shift to inferring those that disagree with them are racist.

… purposely not building sidewalks in an attempt to keep certain classes of people out of their towns.

http://connectfranklin.live/position-paper/

Then they attack those with alternate viewpoints.

We do find it unfortunate that some Villagers who oppose the ballot proposal have resorted to personal attacks, the spread of misinformation, threats of frivolous legal action, and suggestions that voting for the proposal is undemocratic and gives up rights. These tactics only serve to divide the Village rather than unite it. The trustees of the “Vote No” group ran for office on a platform of “transparency and integrity,” yet they support a campaign that hides behind anonymous distribution of flyers and website postings (in clear violation of Michigan Campaign Finance laws). Instead of proposing safe alternatives, they use smear and fear tactics that only serve to incite negativity and divisiveness.

http://connectfranklin.live/position-paper/

The group did not stop with this, they made up lies to get people with alternate viewpoints blocked from being able to counter their lies.

Intolerance of the Truth or Alternative Viewpoints

The group used their Nextdoor Leads and Community Reviewers to censor one side of the argument, and leave up posts from their side that were actually in violation of guidelines.

Rick Notter abused is position as a Nextdoor Lead and was the number one censor of content in the Village of Franklin during the election cycle by a landslide. He removed an enormous number of posts because they were contrary to the issue/candidate he was pushing. One user had 100% of their posts/comments restored after Nextdoor reviewed and determined they were removed without merit.

Exclusive

The group claims to want to “connect franklin literally and figuratively”, but they exclude and bully anyone with alternate views. Using closed groups for communication, and kicking out those they feel don’t belong.

Divisive

Lying to Residents about what Yes and No Votes Mean

Josandra Notter lied to residents. A No vote simply meant residents are the ones to approve sidewalks where a yes vote meant council could take this right from voters. Neither vote “closed the door on sidewalks”, this was a lie meant to scare people to vote yes, misleading them into thinking it was needed to get sidewalks. See the proof of this deception in the letter released by the village’s lawyer on the issue @ https://franklinvillagers.org/vc-issues/

Paying for Facebook adds to get views

The group paid to promote videos and content far beyond the Village of Frankin simply to get likes & views

Collusion with Village Council

Group Structure