Middlesboro Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Michael
Orr
Michael Orr is running for mayor of Middlesboro in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Boone L. Bowling.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Boone L. BowlingIncumbent
- 02Michael OrrYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Retired police officer who served 22 years, including as Middlesboro Police Chief.
In the May 19, 2026 primary for mayor, Boone L. Bowling received 1,089 votes, Michael Orr 376 and Travis Moody 191. Middlesboro News · May 20, 2026
Boone L. Bowling and Michael Orr debated at the Middlesboro Civic Center in October 2026 in a debate moderated by WRIL's Brian O'Brien. Middlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026
On the record: Michael Orr
7 sourced01Taxes and fees1 sourced position
as reported by the Middlesboro News; not a direct quote
Said he would be against any increases in taxes or fees.
Forum answerMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
02City spending1 sourced position
Said tax dollars are being wasted on overtime, with several department heads almost doubling their salaries.
The waste of tax dollars that’s being used in this town, the way overtime is being spent — several department heads are almost doubling their salary in overtime.”
Own statementMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
03Data centers1 sourced position
as reported by the Middlesboro News; not a direct quote
Said he would favor a data center opening in Middlesboro, provided it pays its share for water and electricity.
Forum answerMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
04Flock cameras1 sourced position
as reported by the Middlesboro News; not a direct quote
Said he favors Flock cameras as a law enforcement tool and that anyone misusing them should be punished.
Forum answerMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
05Fire station1 sourced position
as reported by the Middlesboro News; not a direct quote
Said the city should reopen Fire Station No. 2 to better serve the west side of town, including the hospital and schools.
Forum answerMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
06Police body cameras1 sourced position
as reported by the Middlesboro News; not a direct quote
Said he favors police officers wearing body cameras.
Forum answerMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
07Law enforcement1 sourced position
Said he would hire a certified ABC director and stop alcohol abuse on Cumberland Avenue and four-wheelers and golf carts on sidewalks.
We’ve got to stop the alcohol abuse on Cumberland Avenue. I will hire an ABC director that is certified, stop the four-wheelers and golf carts on the sidewalks, make sure that city equipment is not used on private property,”
Own statementMiddlesboro News · Oct 13, 2026Link
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