Bill Koehler
Bill Koehler has been representing Ward 2 on the Northeast Town council for over 20 years and is seeking reelection in the upcoming municipal election. Mr. Koehler has served on council since retiring from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1994. Mr. Koehler moved to Manitoulin with his parents in 1955, eventually moving off Island to work for the OPP. He returned in 1973 to work for the Manitoulin Detachment of the OPP and has lived in Little Current for the last 41 years along with his wife of 42 years, Sandra, and their two children. “I’m running for re-election because I think this council has done a lot and I want to continue to make positive changes for our community,” said Mr. Koehler. “The number one thing I am concerned with is tax increases. People have a hard time these days and I want to ensure that we keep municipal taxes affordable for everyone.” If re-elected, he wants council to address the Little Current subdivision. “It’s one thing that really upsets me (the lack of lot sales),” explained Mr. Koehler. “We need to sell these lots and help create growth for our tax base. I think we can do this by looking at incentives for builders.” He also wants council to review the donation budget, as Mr. Koehler feels council needs to be more frugal with taxpayers’ dollars. “I would like to see us review our donation budget,” said Mr. Koehler. “Last year I think we gave out too much money. We are giving away the taxpayers’ money. I don’t mind supporting local groups, but I am concerned with the donations we give to outside agencies. We need to develop a policy and groups need to submit their requests by a certain deadline and then we will review them.” “I plan to also continue pursuing the Connecting Link funding from the government,” added Mr. Koehler. “We had an agreement and they were obligated to complete the project (on Little Current’s connecting highways), but they (the government) walked out of the last phase of the project and left us with a $93,000 bill that we had to pay.” Mr. Koehler said that one of his strongest attributes is his perseverance. “I don’t give up on projects,” said Mr. Koehler. “I believe that people should finish what they start. The Manor (Manitoulin Centennial Manor) is another example of that. A few years ago everyone was concerned with the Manor expansion, but it’s gone by the wayside. We need to bring that issue back to the table. I know of at least four or five people right now who can’t get into the Manor. We need to look at options and lobby government agencies.” Mr. Koehler is also committed to building another sidewalk in Little Current. “We did Blake Street last year and more needs to be done,” he said. He describes his other attributes as being experienced, a good listener, approachable and a team player. In addition to council, he serves on both the POA (Provincial Offences Act) board and the Property Standards Committee. “We all know that the government’s cutbacks are ever increasing,” concluded Mr. Koehler. “So as a municipality we need to make do with what we have—lowering our budget while continuing to provide services, which is possible if we work together as a council with the support of residents.”
