Re-Elect Michael Orth - 15th District Alderman - Kenosha

Victory!

2010-04-07T08:26:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

All residents of the 15th district vote at

Forest Park School, 6810 45th Avenue.

Ad in the Kenosha News

2010-04-04T00:15:00.000-05:00

Kenosha News Endorsement

2010-04-02T22:25:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-30T07:06:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-03-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-18T08:59:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-18T07:11:00.001-05:00

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)

2010-03-06T14:46:00.007-06:00

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

2010-03-03T18:44:00.000-06:00

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.

Michael Orth for Alderman Facebook Group

2010-02-27T21:33:00.003-06:00

Do you facebook?

Join the campaign online and stay up to date!

Follow the link to facebook.

UAW Endorsement

2010-02-20T14:31:00.003-06:00

I am happy to receive the endorsement of the United Auto Workers again in 2010. Many challenges face Kenosha in the coming years and with cooperation we can hopefully maintain a strong presence of the UAW and engine production in our community through partnership with FIAT. I look forward to working with the Union leadership to protect jobs and secure the future of the workers and retirees of UAW Local 72.

Vote Absentee

2010-02-10T19:13:00.003-06:00

To vote absentee contact the City Clerk’s Office at 653-4020 or visit http://www.kenosha.org/departments/clerk/absentee.html for more information.

The absentee application form is available online. Fill it out and submit it to the clerk's office to have a ballot mailed to you.

AFL-CIO Endorsement

2010-01-06T00:06:00.002-06:00

I was honored to receive an early endorsement from the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council in my re-election campaign for Alderman of the 15th district. I welcome the support of the labor community. My late father Harry, who worked for AMC for 30 years would be proud, as am I to gain the trust and respect of the labor community. The past two years have been difficult for the working people of the city of Kenosha and the impending changes at Chrysler in the near future will require experienced leadership on the City Council.

Re-elect Alderman Orth!

2009-12-28T00:24:00.002-06:00

It has been an honor to serve the 15th district for the past 21 months. I ask for your support in my re-election campaign. I will continue to fight for equity in government services, lower taxes and accountability. I look forward to the upcoming campaign and encourage you to vote on April 6.

Common Sense

2008-04-22T13:37:00.002-05:00

Last night was the first City Council meeting for the newly elected aldermen, including myself. Most of the agenda consisted of routine approvals of regular business items. Then we got to agenda item 14 and 15. Item 14 was to grant a class B beer and wine license toe The Coffee Pot on 7th Avenue, which was granted. Item 15 was to allow them to extend the use of that liquor license to the outdoor dining area that was already approved. The recommendation from the committee was to deny the outdoor use of the just approved beer and wine license. It makes no sense to approve of a business plan to expand their operations, and then vote to limit their ability to be successful. I proposed we vote against denial and the move to approve the outdoor extension. The Council has the right to approve the outdoor use even though it technically is in conflict with an overly general ordinance. Alderman Misner and Downing agreed to have the item referred back to committee to rework the ordinance in order for the Coffee Pot to move forward with their plans. I was happy to have helped a local business expand their operations to better serve the people and patrons of Kenosha. I look forward to continuing to interject common sense solutions into Council decision making.

Oath of Office and Committee Assignments

2008-04-06T22:13:00.003-05:00

On April 15th at 7:30pm there will be a City Council meeting at which the new Mayor Keith Bosman and the Aldermen will be sworn in and assume their duties of their elected offices. Following the administering of the oath of office aldermen will be assigned to committees and then vote on committee chairpersons and President of the City Council. All are welcome to attend the meeting.

Victory Party Photo

2008-04-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

From left to right: 13th district Alderman Ray Misner, 15th district Alderman-elect Michael Orth, 4th district Alderman G. John Ruffolo, Mayor-elect Keith Bosman, 8th district Alderwoman Katherine Marks, 14th district Alderman-elect Daniel Prozanski, 10th district Alderman-elect Anthony Kennedy, and 1st district Alderman Eric Haugaard.

Victory!

2008-04-02T07:03:00.001-05:00

THANK YOU!

The vote total as reported on the Kenosha County website was

Michael Orth 809 66%

Frank Pacetti 408 33%

I look forward to representing you as your voice on city council. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.

Kenosha News Excerpt

2008-04-02T07:02:00.001-05:00

15th District

A City Council veteran was defeated handily in the 15th District.

Michael Orth, also a Tremper government teacher, defeated nine-term Alderman Frank Pacetti, 809 votes to 408, according to unofficial totals.

Pacetti, the longtime chairman of the council's Finance Committee, said he was not sorry about his loss. He noted that he did not campaign actively this year.

"The voters have decided they want a change," Pacetti said. "That's great. It's probably time for the torch to pass."

Orth said he believes the district's residents were looking for an alderman who would better represent their community.

"Frank was a great asset to the city, but the people in the neighborhood wanted somebody who's going to work specifically for them," Orth said.

Confused Logic

2008-03-28T00:09:00.004-05:00

The Kenosha News, beyond all logic, has decided to endorse my opponent. But thanks to their confused editorial board I would like to share with you their wisdom.

In the 3/27/08 edition they endorsed my opponent with the following,

"For 18 years, Frank Pacetti has been a leader on the council and generally been a voice of reason and common sense. He is opposed this election by Michael Orth, a first-time candidate, who contends that the incumbent is not responsive to residents.

At times it might be fair to say that Pacetti's speaking style is less than diplomatic or even blunt, but we generally find it refreshingly clear, and we believe that the City Council needs his experience and leadership. We recommend a vote for Pacetti."

I have never challenged Mr. Pacetti's experience, but rather his lack of responsiveness to the districts needs. In my statement published in the 3/25/08 Kenosha News it was reported that,

"Since the April 2006 election our alderman has missed 40 percent of city council meetings."

Now today, 3/28/08 the Kenosha News in its endorsements for County Board the editors supported Mark Modory stating,

"When the Kenosha News checked attendance records for county supervisors last year, we found most members of the County Board had very good records. There were two exceptions. One was a member who had surgery and had been recovering in a nursing home. The other was 10th District Supervisor David Arrington, who missed 10 of 30 County Board meetings and 10 of 37 committee meetings in the 14-month period examined. At one point, the Board took the unusual step of having the minutes show one of his absences as unexcused, an effort that carried no penalty but expressed supervisors' frustration with their colleague's frequent absences. We share their opinion."

The Kenosha News correctly states that it is unacceptable for a County Board Supervisor to miss 33% of the scheduled meetings, yet they endorsed Frank Pacetti who missed 40% of City Council meetings since the last election in 2006. That is confused logic!

Here is a detailed accounting of Alderman Pacetti's attendance:

April 17, 2006 Present
May 01, 2006 Present
May 15, 2006 Present
June 05, 2006 Present
June 19, 2006 ABSENT
July 05, 2006 Present
July 17, 2006 Present
August 07, 2006 ABSENT
August 21, 2006 ABSENT
September 06, 2006 ABSENT
September 18, 2006 ABSENT
October 02, 2006 Present
October 16, 2006 Present
November 06, 2006 ABSENT
November 20, 2006 Present
November 28, 2006 Present
November 29, 2006 ABSENT
December 04, 2006 ABSENT
December 18, 2006 Present
January 03, 2007 Present
January 17, 2007 Present
February 05, 2007 ABSENT
February 21, 2007 ABSENT
March 05, 2007 ABSENT
March 19, 2007 Present
April 02, 2007 Present
April 16, 2007 Present
May 07, 2007 Present
May 21, 2007 Present
June 04, 2007 ABSENT
June 18, 2007 Present
July 02, 2007 ABSENT
July 16, 2007 ABSENT
August 06, 2007 ABSENT
August 20, 2007 Present
September 05, 2007 Present
September 17, 2007 Present
October 01, 2007 ABSENT
October 15, 2007 Present
November 05, 2007 ABSENT
November 19, 2007 ABSENT
December 03, 2007 Present
December 04, 2007 Present
December 05, 2007 Present
December 17, 2007 Present
January 23, 2008 ABSENT
February 04, 2008 Present
February 20, 2008 Present
March 03, 2008 Present
March 17, 2008 ABSENT

Meetings Missed: 20
Total Meetings: 50
Total Missed: 40%

You Deserve Better Representation!

Other inconsistencies in their endorsements:

The Kenosha News endorsed Keith Rosenberg “because of his early commitment to the race and because of his enthusiastic knock-on-every door campaigning.“ While Frank Pacetti turned in his nomination signatures at the last moment and has done absolutely NO campaigning in the 15th district whatsoever.

The Kenosha News endorsed Kathy Carpenter because Kurt Sinclair, “is less engaged with the district than in the past.” I have yet to meet a citizen in the 15th district who is satisfied with Alderman Pacetti’s “engagement”. He has missed 40% of City Council meetings since the last election, and the most frequent complaint I hear is that constituents have not had simple phone calls or emails returned.

And finally it strikes me as odd that the editors, who never speak directly with the candidates, are the ones doing the endorsements. This seems to give a ridiculous advantage to the incumbents. Note that of the 10 contested races with an incumbent running the Kenosha News endorsed 9 of 10 current aldermen!

Voice of the People

2008-03-27T08:12:00.000-05:00

My wife wrote a letter to the Kenosha News VOP. She wouldn't let me see it until it was published. It ran in the Thursday 3/27/08 edition of the Kenosha News.

Orth is ready to lead in 15th District

I grew up in Kenosha. I love this city. I think it’s a great place to raise a family, with a beautiful lakefront, great schools, and quality city services. However, I don’t think I understood truly what the responsibilities of an alderman were until I returned to Kenosha with my family and bought a house, becoming a part of a neighborhood and community.

Council members advocate for district residents, to be sure, but they also have full control over the city’s agenda. Because there is no mayoral veto power, unlike for governors and the president, aldermen have the power to steer Kenosha in the direction they feel is best, both on behalf of their district and the city in general. This election is vital to Kenosha’s future.

In my district, Michael Orth will provide caring, knowledgeable leadership. He hears and understands the concerns of our district’s residents. It takes immense dedication and research, though, to make informed decisions for Kenosha. I am probably the best one to tell you how deep and broad his knowledge goes, because I’m his wife. Michael has always been involved in politics, reading about events and issues from city to world, but I was most enamored with how he also breathes in the world around him. He remembers events from when he was just a little kid, like Teddy Kennedy challenging Carter in 1980. The hours of reading and research, his life experiences, have developed his best quality. Every decision he makes is quality, practical, rational, informed.

Vote for Michael on April 1. He will listen. He will understand. He will serve.

Jammie Orth

Final Push!

2008-03-26T10:38:00.001-05:00

This will be an intense week! On Tuesday the Kenosha News featured the race for the 15th district. Today we begin our final lit drop (doorhanger.pdf). If you can assist with the lit drop stop by my house anytime. I'll provide you with a map and door hangers. This weekend ads will run in the Kenosha News. Here is a preview. And most importantly make sure to vote on Tuesday, April 1st. If you are going to vote alone, take your neighbor with you!

Kenosha News VOP

2008-03-26T10:20:00.002-05:00

This morning I awoke to a VOP letter written by a former student of mine. Certainly it is inspired by comedien Stephen Colbert and includes several allusions to stories I tell as a teacher of world history. Jordan was recently featured in the Kenosha News for his eloquence and broad vocabulary, and this VOP article shows his verbal acumen. Jordan is also a resident of the 15th district. The following is taken from the Wednesday 3/26/08 print edition of the Kenosha News:

Orth is the right choice for 15th District

Fellow residents of Kenosha’s 15th Aldermanic District, alias The Fightin’ Fifteenth!:

Your voice has been strangely muted in the City Council, but through no fault of your own. The incumbent alderman, however honorable his intentions, has neglected to attend 40 percent of Common Council meetings. If he were O’Hare International Airport for a day, he would have canceled over 1,000 flights — which is obnoxious, even by ORD standards.

Our beaming, fresh alternative is Mr. Michael Orth, a veritable polymath concerning local and world history — he knows more about the Hapsburgs than Count Otto II himself — and with his extensive historical knowledge, he is the candidate who will sidestep the past’s pitfalls and who will lead Kenosha into a sunnier future (him and Al Gore, both).

Mr. Orth is a reliable promoter and practitioner of self-accountability, which encompasses both knowledge and attendance. He is the kind of person who understands our city, who believes in Positive Progress, who actually will respond to inquiry (ask about his collective farm potato, or his views on municipal services, whichever you prefer), and who does not run red lights from the left-turn lane. Since he is a teacher, he cannot afford to make questionable campaign donations, even if he wanted to.

As a taxpayer, a teacher, and a parent, he understands the role of the local government, the value of education to our community, and the necessity of a steaming mug of hot cocoa after a day of sledding. And as an alderman, Mr. Michael Orth would serve our district proudly and honorably. To all residents of the Fightin’ Fifteenth: Vote Michael Orth April 1.

Jordan Hildebrandt

Kenosha News Article

2008-03-25T10:09:00.004-05:00

Excerpt from Kenosha News (link to full article)

15th District

Incumbent Frank Pacetti is being challenged by Michael Orth in the 15th District.

Orth, who is running for office for the first time, said residents aren’t satisfied with Pacetti’s representation for the district or his contact with them. “They feel they’ve lost the voice in city government,” he said.

He said Pacetti has missed a number of council meetings since the last election. “His experience is not experience we can count on,” said Orth, a government and history teacher at Tremper High School.

Orth said aging streets and sewers are major concerns of district residents. With a new high school on the horizon, managing development along 60th Street — the north border of the district — will increase in importance for student safety, he said.

Pacetti, who’s campaigning for his 10th term, disagreed with Orth, saying his experience is valuable in helping to run the city. He said he wanted to provide continuity during significant turnover at city hall, including having a new mayor and at least five freshmen council members.

He said the city and county need to work together to save money, including possible consolidation of both governments’ parks, public works and law enforcement departments.

“There’s nothing off the table,” he said. “Nobody wants fewer services, but nobody wants to pay for all of them. People ask, how do you get more for less? This is the answer.”

Pacetti, JHT Holdings executive vice president, said consolidations might lead to loss of some jobs.