Candidates for mayor

Geoff Cosh

Geoff Cosh may not be an incumbent in the Killarney race for mayor, but he has a great deal of experience, having served on Killarney council as councillor from 1977 to 1985, reeve from 1985-1988, again as a councillor from 1999-2000 and again from 2003 to 2006.

He currently sits on the Killarney airport committee and when he isn’t working in Sudbury for the Canadian Hearing Society, he is at his second home in Killarney.

“My wife Dot is from Killarney and we have lived here since 1973,” explained Mr. Cosh. “We raised our four kids here, but in the late 90s I had to move to Sudbury for work and now I split my time, but I’m looking forward to retiring in a few years and moving back permanently.”

With 16 years of council experience, Mr. Cosh knows the issues of the municipality including the tax increase for cottagers (Ward 2 residents).

“Some people have seen their taxes jump from $100 to $1,500 a year (because of amalgamation, the ward system and assessments),” said Mr. Cosh. “People are upset, but I don’t think it’s been properly explained that a lot of this money goes to outside sources, not the municipality. I feel there needs to be better communication between the municipality, council and the residents, such as improved accessibility to council meetings for seasonal residents. This can be done through the (municipal) website, email or mail.”

“We also need to take a look at everything—increasing businesses in the area, looking at costs and maintaining services,” continued Mr. Cosh. “As well, there needs to be research done into ensuring the life span of our landfills. Looking at all avenues open to us—reasonable and tax effective solutions.”

“I think my council experience speaks for itself,” said Mr. Cosh. “I can speak clearly and effectively for residents. When I was reeve and we were looking at implementing sewer and water I pitched our case to government officials in Toronto which resulted in 94 percent of the funding for the project being covered.”