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!

Wisconsin Progress Endorsement

Today I received an endorsement from Wisconsin Progress. Wisconsin Progress (www.wisconsinprogress.org) is a grass roots organization that promotes progressive candidates for office throughout the state. In 2008 they were a big part of my effort to unseat an 18 year incumbent. I am proud to have their support for my re-election campaign in 2010.

Firefighters' Endorsement (IAFF Local 414)

Thanks to IAFF Local 414 for their endorsement of my re-election campaign. Kenosha's Prefessional Firefighters were an important part of my victory 2 years ago and I welcome their support again in 2010.

One of the most valuable experiences I have had as an alderman is the Fire Ops 101 training provided by Local 414. Fire Ops 101 gave me the opportunity to see first hand both what it take to be a fireman and what firefighters need in terms of support from both local and state government.

As a member of the Public Safety and Welfare Committee I helped re-allocate resources in the CIP to purchase state of the art 21st Century communications equipment for the Fire Department that will bring Kenosha up to date with the latest federal guidelines for first responders. In addition, we added dollars to the budget to provide for additional thermal imaging cameras that will help save both citizens and firefighters' lives. I place a high priority on public safety and will continue to support our firefighters as alderman of the 15th district. Again I thank them for their support.

KEA Endorsement

Thanks to my colleagues in the Kenosha Education Association for their endorsement in 2010.

As a teacher at Tremper and member of the Kenosha Education Association I have daily contact with our community and understand the issues facing Kenosha. I view the education community as having a vested interest in city politics. I will bring a strong pro-education voice to the Kenosha city council. The city is served best when the different taxing authorities work together to strengthen our neighborhoods and schools. As chairman of the Park Commission I am working on negotiating a cooperative agreement between the City and KUSD to build a spray/water feature park at the Brass School site. A recently completed agreement between KUSD and the Kenosha Park Commission regarding Anderson Park softball diamond #2 for the Tremper girls softball team is another excellent example of how the work of the city and the mission our schools come together to improve the quality of life in Kenosha.

This year the city and Kenosha Unified School District will need to continue to work together as a new comprehensive high school comes online. Making sure students have safe access to Indian Trail and managing the increase of traffic in the neighborhood surrounding the school will be an important issue. As alderman of the 15th district which represents a portion of the 60th Street corridor this is an issue of vital importance. I look forward to working with KUSD and city administration to solve the upcoming challenges.