Victory!

Thank you to those who supported me. Special thanks to my family. It was a well run campaign on both sides. I am happy to have earned the support of so many new voters in this reconfigured 15th district. I look forward to another term, working together to make Kenosha better!

VOTE TODAY!

The cloak has come off...

My opponent has been running saying he was an independent. Today I received the email posted below. Turns out Ben Bakke, who ran against State Senator Bob Wirch is the puppetmaster holding Peter Martin’s strings. We don't need this kind of politics in the 15th district. Read for yourself below, and by the way the resolution passed unanimously because what was proposed and enacted by Governor Walker was bad for Kenosha and the idea of local control.

From: Kenosha Gop
Date: April 1, 2012 1:43:25 PM CDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Lit drop 2:00 pm for Pete Martin
Hello All,

We're looking for volunteers to help do a lit drop for Peter Martin. He is running against Michael Orth....you remember Michael from his anti Walker Ordinance that he proposed on the Kenosha City Council floor that actually passed. Time for him to GO....meet at 5301 65th Place Kenosha WI. Call Ben Bakke 262-960-2900 with any questions!

Vote Tuesday - Vote Michael Orth for Alderman

First, thank you to everyone who helped me this campaign season. I greatly appreciate your trust and support of me. Tuesday is election day. In the 15th district you have a choice. I ask for your vote. My opponent has decided to run against council instead of against me. I understand why. It hasn't necessarily been easy to serve during these difficult times in our city's history. But I believe I have been a strong independent voice on city council. I have both supported the mayor and worked with members of council to forward the ideas that I believe are best for the city. I was the deciding vote to support the Mayor's budget this past year. I wasn't willing to risk the delivery of city service to support a political gimmick. If the proposed amendment to the budget had passed, the city would have assumed that gas prices were going to go down, we now know that assumption was grossly mistaken. I make my decisions based on facts, not emotion. Planning is key to effective government. As Parks Commission Chairman I shepherded a new comprehensive outdoor recreation plan through committee and council. That plan is a guide for the next ten years of park infrastructure development. Included in that plan was a strategy for how to pay for it. We were able to secure over $700,000 this spring from outside sources to begin this work. It is that same careful planning that is now taking place as part of the downtown plan that I support.

Having been born and raised in Kenosha I know that times have been tough these past few years, but we've been through tough times before and have always come out stronger with a new understanding of who we are and what we can accomplish together. I remember the early 80s when my dad would get laid off from American Motors, we survived. I remember as my sister worked the last shift, and watched the last car roll down the Chrysler assembly line. I watched as they dynamited the smokestack at the lakefront plant. We couldn't imagine the the harbor development that rose from the rubble like a Phoenix from the ashes. I am confident we will again witness the transformation of Kenosha as we emerge from this recession and deal with the cleanup and redevelopment of the Chrysler site. The same is true of the uptown and downtown. But it takes a long-term commitment and understanding of who we are and who we want to be. Just any development won't do. Walmart on the southside is like the Medigen debacle of 20 years ago. It isn't right for the community.

I'm proud to have been endorsed by so many diverse groups throughout Kenosha. Police and Fire makes up nearly half of the city's workforce. My opponent didn't even bother to sit down and discuss their concerns and issues. I'm proud to accept the endorsements of the Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 414 and the Kenosha Professional Police Association Board of Directors. Their endorsement shows my commitment to public safety issues. They know they can count on me to support them so they can protect and serve you.

This is my third campaign for Alderman. I am happy to have the support of the 2 candidates I defeated the previous 2 elections. Their support means a lot and shows my commitment to work with everybody for the good of the city and our neighborhood. If I received your vote in the past I hope I have earned your vote again. If you didn't vote for me in the past I hope you will consider voting for me after watching me fight for you. If you are new to the 15th district, I hope you have taken the opportunity to examine my record and have decided to vote for me on Tuesday. Be sure to vote on Tuesday. Vote Michael Orth for Alderman!

Progressive Majority endorses Michael Orth for Alderman

I am proud to be endorsed by Progressive Majority (www.progressivemajority.org). Progressive Majority fights for equality and fairness for all. They also encourage strong protection of the environment. As Park Commission Chairman I have worked to improve our parks in environmentally sound ways adding natural trails and rain gardens and improving mechanical systems to be more ecologically friendly.

AFSCME People endorses Michael Orth for Alderman

Thanks to AFSCME People for their endorsement of my campaign for re-election as Alderman of the 15th district. I appreciate the support of hard working members of AFSCME especially those in Local 71.

UAW Southeastern Wisconsin CAP Council endorses Michael Orth for Alderman

I thank the UAW-CAP Council for their endorsement. My dad worked at American Motors and was a UAW Local 72 member. Some of my fondest memories as a  child were at the Local 72 summer picnic collecting up baseball helmets as prizes with my brother Robert and enjoying the fresh roasted corn!  Every time I see "Turtles" candy I still think back to the UAW Christmas party! My dad would be proud, as am I to accept the UAW-CAP endorsement.