Victory!

Final results, still unofficial but with all votes counted

Michael Orth 353 votes 71.31%
Andrew Schmidt 141 votes 28.48%

Thanks to everybody who worked on my campaign. Thanks to the voters of the 15th district. Finally, thanks to my wife Jammie and kids for supporting me. I couldn't do it with out all of you.

Polls Open from 7am to 8pm

All residents of the 15th district vote at

Forest Park School, 6810 45th Avenue.

Ad in the Kenosha News

Kenosha News Endorsement

Today the Kenosha News released their endorsements for City Council on their web page (Click here to see complete story). The story will be published in the April 3, 2010 print edition. An excerpt follows:

Michael J. Orth is seeking a second term in this district. In the last election, he defeated long-time incumbent Frank Pacetti, who is now the city administrator...

... In his one term, Orth has demonstrated a sincere interest in city government. He certainly deserves some of the credit for working out a way for the city to keep the swimming pools open for 10 weeks in the summer instead of six, and he has shown an interest in making the city more bicycle-friendly, an effort this newspaper supports. He deserves to be re-elected.

Unedited responses to Kenosha News questions

The Kenosha News edited the responses submitted in today's election preview. Here are my complete answers to the 3 questions:

1.Of the following concerns – police, fire, road maintenance/snow plowing, parks and public transportation – which deserves the most attention from the incoming City Council, and why?

As a member of the city council one quickly learns that one does not have the luxury to pick or choose which topics or challenges to address or focus on. The job of the council is to provide all of these services in the most efficient, cost effective way. In the past 2 years we added 7 police officers and invested in improved communications for the Fire Department. We tripled investment in roads leveraging both State and Federal dollars. Snow plowing operations were evaluated and new equipment was purchased to do a better job of clearing the snow. The Parks department was re-organized and folded in to the Public Works department to provide cost savings and efficiency. Transportation is an excellent example of the city accessing federal grant dollars to fund equipment and operations. While making these improvements over the past 2 years we were still able to cut the 2010 budget by nearly $600,000. Going forward we need to continue to find cost savings and continue to access state and federal dollars to improve the city. For my district I’d like the city to continue to focus on water and storm sewer infrastructure. The Forest Park Sanitary & Storm Sewer Study, which is currently underway, I believe, will be a model for tackling similar problems throughout the city.

2.Would you support continuing furlough days and reductions in the number of city employees in order to balance next year’s budget? Why or why not?

I will refer to my previous answer; the job of the council is to provide services in the most efficient, cost effective way. Furloughs are not a permanent solution to financial difficulties. Real solutions include making bold decisions like the Parks Department reorganization. As Park Chairman I insisted that Parks administration evaluate how scheduling is done, particularly in the summer months. By shifting schedules and work hours we were able to eliminate unnecessary overtime saving over $40,000 in 2010 and in future years as well. As a city these are the kinds of long term solutions to budget shortfalls we need to be looking at.

3.Would you support a city-sponsored loan program, or similar type of program, to encourage new developments in the city? Why or why not?

Yes if it can be properly funded and administered. On a small scale this is what we did with the Housing & Economic Loan Program (HELP). Dollars that were underutilized, sometimes languishing for several years, were recouped and made available for micro-loans to citizens at a minimal interest rate to do necessary home repairs. All without raising taxes! This program supported jobs for hired contractors and helped citizens fix and repair their homes and beautify the city. As the loans are paid back the dollars will again be available for future use. The question suggests providing similar opportunities for business; I think it is an idea that has merit. The city has frequently invested in attracting businesses over the years using TIFs and developing the Kenosha Business Park. I believe these are the investments the government can and should make to attract new jobs and get people back to work.

Thanks for your support!

Thanks to everyone who attended my Meet & Greet tonight. I appreciate your support. Now on to the final campaign push leading up to election day April 6th. If you plan on being out of town the week after Easter you can vote now by going to the city clerk's office at 625 52nd Street. VOTE Michael Orth for Alderman! Again, thanks to everyone who came out tonight.

Meet & Greet / Fundraiser

Pizza and Politics / Cash Bar
When: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Tailgaiters
4706 75th St (Hwy 50), Kenosha

I hope to see you there!

Checks should be made out to "Michael Orth for Alderman"

If you are unable to attend you can mail a contribution:

Michael Orth for Alderman
6211 40th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53142

Please print out an invitation (click for pdf copy) and share with your friends!