Who’s on the Ballot Tuesday? Here’s What Put-in-Bay Voters Need to Know

When island voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, they’ll help shape the future of local government and community services. This year’s ballot includes races for Village Council, Township Trustees, and three renewal levies that directly fund emergency services, parks, and recreation.

Voting takes place at the Put-in-Bay Senior Center (195 Concord Ave.) from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Village Council (Vote for up to 4)

Five candidates are running for four seats on the Village Council.

Michael Cooper – Local business owner known for his hands-on role in island transportation and tourism. Cooper says his constant interaction with residents and visitors gives him a unique pulse on community needs. He emphasizes communication, accountability, and cooperation between the Village and Township.

Philip Hahn Jr. – Retired executive with more than four decades of leadership experience. Hahn points to fiscal stability, public safety, and restoring trust in local government as key priorities, saying economic growth and infrastructure investment must go hand-in-hand.

Jeff Koehler (incumbent) – A lifelong islander and longtime small-business owner who has served under every mayor since the 1980s. Koehler favors practical governance with fewer regulations, supports eliminating downtown paid parking, and wants to address utility and infrastructure costs.

Jake Market (incumbent) – Currently Council President Pro Tem, Market highlights his work with the Mayor to maintain transparency and improve quality of life for residents. He stresses balancing business success with the island’s small-town character and livability.

Dave Schafer – Owner of Ashley’s Island House and active in community groups including the Chamber of Commerce and Safe Island Task Force. Schafer promotes stronger collaboration between the Village and Township and regular engagement with residents and businesses.

Township Trustees (Vote for up to 2)

Three candidates are seeking two trustee seats in Put-in-Bay Township.

Brian Cultice– Business owner and former Chamber of Commerce President. Cultice focuses on sustainable housing, improved healthcare access, and clear zoning for short-term rentals. He advocates for closer collaboration between the Village and Township on shared services.

Eric Engel (incumbent) – Fifth-generation islander and longtime Miller Boat Line employee. Engel cites achievements such as road projects, cemetery expansion, and securing more than $1 million in grants for safety and infrastructure. He pledges to continue a balanced, community-minded approach.

Jon Scarpelli – Fire Chief and lifelong island resident. Scarpelli prioritizes transparency in public-safety spending, stronger coordination between local governments, and infrastructure improvements such as expanded water and sewer service.

Local Issues on the Ballot

Voters will decide three renewal levies that help fund essential island services. Each renewal would continue an existing tax—not add a new one.

Issue 6 – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Renewal
Renews a 0.75-mill levy generating about $103,000 annually to support ambulance and emergency medical operations across the township. The renewal would cost about $12 per $100,000 of property value and run 2026–2030.

Issue 7 – South Bass Island Parks Maintenance Renewal
Renews a 0.8-mill levy producing roughly $13,000 annually for park upkeep and maintenance within the township. The renewal would cost about $1 per $100,000 of property value for five years beginning in 2025.

Issue 11 – Recreation Committee Renewal
Renews a 0.5-mill levy generating about $47,800 each year to fund recreation programs and community activities through the Put-in-Bay Recreation Committee. The renewal would cost about $7 per $100,000 of property value for five years starting in 2025.

How to Vote

• Polls open: 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 4

• Location: Put-in-Bay Senior Center, 195 Concord Ave.

• Sample ballots and absentee information: Ottawa County Board of Elections

Local elections often have the biggest impact on daily island life—from roads and safety services to recreation and park funding. Islanders are encouraged to make their voices heard at the polls.