Put-in-Bay Gazette October ’25 – Candidates on the Ballot in November

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Candidates for Village Council

Dave Schafer

My name is Dave Schafer, the owner of Ashley’s Island House for 9 years and I am running for Village Council. I was born and raised in Olmsted Falls and lived in Westlake for 8 years before my permanent move to Put-in-Bay. I have 3 daughters and 7 grandkids. I retired over 5 years ago and Put-in-Bay is my home. I started coming to the Put-in-Bay 24 years ago so I am not an outsider to the island. I have already been very active on the Island. I have attended about 85% of all council meetings in the last 5 years and probably make every other trustee meeting. I have also been a member of the executive board of the chamber of commerce, the CRG island group, and the Safe Island Task Force a few years ago. I am of the belief that both governments on the island have to work together. They also have to communicate. If I get elected to council my goal is to attend 80% of all township meetings so I know what is going on in the township, plus being at 100% of all council meetings if elected. I want to have an open conversation with all of the home owners and also all of the businesses on the island. There is a fine line between helping businesses thrive and also maintaining our small town community. I know almost every island business owner, and I know they want what is best for the island because they also live here. There have been lots of changes over my 9 years full time on the island. Some good and some bad. I am going to do my best to do what I think is best for the island as a whole. If you would like to learn more about me, check out Ashley’s Island House reviews on trip advisor, facebook and google. You will see what my guests have to say about me as a person. I will also put my cell phone out there if before or after the election you would like to call me and talk about anything island related (216-870-3234). Also you can email me at daveschafer1957@gmail.com with comments or questions. Thank You in advance for your support and vote.

Put-in-Bay Quick Links

• Things To Do At Put-in-Bay
• 2026 Put-in-Bay Event Calendar
• Our Favorite Places To Eat At PIB
• Put-in-Bay Ferry Service

Mike Cooper

My name is Mike Cooper, nickname Coop. I bought Valerie Mettler’s house on Loraine in 2013, where I live with my wife. I’ve been part of the island for 19 years and run two businesses here on the island. This is my home, and my source of income, and I love it here. As such, I feel a duty to step up and do whatever I can to make the island better. For years (in my taxi company and rental home), I have provided visitors and residents alike top notch clean, courteous and professional service in every way. My dedication to my customers is second to none. I can bring that same passion, mentality and leadership to the Village government. In doing so, I can help improve things for both residents and our tourist industry.
In my line of work, driving cab for my business, I have the opportunity to see the entire island, in real time, all day long. I talk on a personal level to the tourists and residents that ride with me directly every day. This kind of hands-on direct contact with the island is incredible and a much-needed perspective to help govern the island needs.
Many may not realize, but in the taxi business, we are the eyes and ears of the island, we see it all, and hear everything. It is truly an incredible way to be in touch with the needs and demands of the people.
With that said, I am also not afraid to speak up. To lead and legislate it requires a certain ability to stand up, take a position and articulate your point. I do not fear a civil debate, nor do I turn away from a challenge. My perseverance can be seen in my bold dedication to things I have accomplished. I had to overcome opposition to get my taxi business approved, and I did so with grace and respect. Even getting on the ballot for this election I faced scrutiny over a few signature technicalities. Yet, I pushed on, requested a review, presented the facts and won my placement on this November ballot. If elected, I promise to be the same warrior, advocate and eyes and ears for this Village. If this sounds like the person you want to represent you and guide this Island into a bright future, then please, Vote Michael Cooper for Put in Bay Village Council.

Phil Hahn

My name is Phil Hahn and I’ve been married 39 years to my wife Debra. We have been a village property owner for over 8 years, plus had spent over 20 years as regular visitors to the island. I have been retired for four years after 45 years of service, working for The Pfaudler Co. I held various senior executive positions the last 20 years in Global and U.S. Sales, Technical Services and Engineering, during that tenure. I had full business unit responsibilities for both the North and South American regions, for sales, services, budgets, expenses and employees
I am running for Put in Bay Village Council because I feel my experience with people and business can help the people and community I love. We can disagree on particular issues, but still be united as a Village Council and as a community to work together for the betterment of the Village and its residents.
I see the top issues for the Village of Put-in-Bay being financial soundness, public safety, economic growth and continuing building community trust in our village council.
Economic growth is needed to sustain our public safety goals and ensure we have the proper infrastructure to sustain our growth, such as police, fire, utilities, etc., and also working with established businesses for the betterment of the Village.
I am committed to representing the Village and its residents for the benefit of all.

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Jeff Koehler (Incumbent)

My name is Jeff Koehler. I am seeking reelection to the Put-in-Bay Village Council. My family has lived on the islands since the 1930s, and a small island business owner for more than 45 years. I have served under every mayor since Bob Ladd was mayor in the 1980s. This gives me an importantly unique perspective about what residents and business owners need and how our local government can be responsive. With a longtime, vested interest in the island’s wellbeing, I want to make sure the decisions Council makes today will have positive outcomes not only for today’s residents, but also for future generations.
I believe less government regulation is best, and passing new legislation that isn’t enforced is a waste of time for everyone.
I am in favor of doing away with paid parking downtown. There are much better ways for raising funds for security and streets. I would like to see a resolution of the issues by the PIB Village Water Treatment Plant property, plus investigate ways to reduce utility costs for residents and businesses.
If you have questions for me, please call me at (419) 340-0471.
Council faces multiple challenges in the coming years, and I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 4th, to continue representing you. Thank you.

Jake Market (Incumbent)

I am running again for Village Council where I currently serve as President pro tempore. Mayor Berry and I have a great relationship and have tried to keep the Village moving as a safer, financially stable and transparent local government. My goal is to continually invest in bettering the quality of life for the residents of the island community. This can only be achieved by a careful balance of commercial interests and prosperity while minimizing disruptions and congestion to the idyllic island life. Ultimately, I want my children to proudly say “I’m from Put-in-Bay!”

Candidates for Put-in-Bay Township Trustee

Eric Engel (Incumbent)

My name is Eric Engel, I am running for re-election for Put in Bay Township Trustee. I am a fifth-generation islander. I raised four girls on the island. I am in my 37th year at the Miller Boatline. I have served as volunteer firefighter, zoning inspector, zoning commission, Chairman of the Put in Bay Township Port Authority, and most recently Township Trustee.
The past 8 years have been a period of great achievements for the Put in Bay Township. If re-elected, I plan to continue moving the township forward. The knowledge that I have gained while working with county engineers has paved the way for future road projects, including Westshore Blvd. and Mitchell Rd. I have built relationships with county commissioners opening up the door for $750,000 in radio system upgrades used by the Put in Bay Police, EMS, Fire Department and the Sheriff’s office. I have facilitated over a million dollars in funding and grants. We have enhanced our cemeteries and are moving forward to grow the cemeteries on both Middle Bass and South Bass Island. Serving on the DGUTS group (Safe Island Task Force) I was committed to working with the Mayor, safety services and island businesses to provide a safe environment for residents and tourists.
I am passionate about the island community and feel it a privilege to call it home. I feel it is important to give back. For me, this has been through my time, ideas and willingness to keep perspective of the needs of everyone who makes up this island community. I am proud of the many things we were able to accomplish as a group of trustees. We were diligent and creative, we respected others input, and we saw the bigger picture for the community. This is truly the best job I’ve ever had. I would appreciate the chance to continue serving the township and its residents and ask for your vote on November 4th.

Brian Cultice

Hello, my name is Brian Cultice, and I am honored to be a candidate for Put-in-Bay Township Trustee in the upcoming November election. My family and I share a deep, multi-generational vision for the future of our islands. South Bass Island is not only where my wife, Justine, and I have built our home and our businesses, but also where we are proud to be raising our daughter, Evie.
For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, where I’ve been deeply engaged in tourism, marketing, and community development. I have also actively contributed to initiatives such as the Safe Island Task Force, the Citizens Research Group, and the DGUTS (sponsor a Sheriff) Committee. I have worked closely for the past 18 years with several island non-profits, including the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, Put-in-Bay Township Park District and The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. If you know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from a project — especially when it benefits our islands. I am passionate about our community and committed to helping shape a future that ensures its success for generations to come.
I am not a politician. I am a business owner and philanthropist who believes our township deserves a Trustee who is willing to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions in the best interest of our residents. My priorities include strengthening and expanding emergency services and healthcare access — particularly for our elderly populations on South Bass and Middle Bass Islands; pursuing long-term, sustainable housing solutions to support future generations; exploring creative ways to ease the tax burden on residents; establishing a clear, enforceable zoning framework for short-term rentals; expanding utility access; and building upon the relationship between the Village of Put-in-Bay and Put-in-Bay Township.
As both a township resident and a village business owner, I am uniquely positioned to understand the needs and concerns of our community from multiple perspectives. This dual involvement allows me to stay closely attuned to the daily rhythm of island life, providing valuable insight into the issues that matter most. I believe this level of awareness is vital for anyone entrusted with representing our community.
If elected, I intend to work collaboratively with all community leaders across the township to ensure that all of our islands continue to thrive. I will also bring the knowledge and resources I have gained from my years of service and volunteering to enhance our tourism economy and foster a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the Village of Put-in-Bay and Put-in-Bay Township.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and respectfully ask for your support and your vote on November 4th.

Jon Scarpelli

As a fifth-generation island resident and descendant of early settlers, I’ve spent my life rooted in this community. I was raised here, attended and graduated from Put-in-Bay School, and learned the value of service early on through the Boy Scouts and working construction for my family.
I’m a husband and father of five, and I’ve proudly served on the Fire Department for over 20 years—currently as Fire Chief. During my time with the department, we’ve increased our number of volunteers to meet the growing number of emergency calls, many of which stem from increased tourism and golf cart use.
Professionally, I’ve worked at OE Meyer propane for 20 years and spent 8 years in maintenance at Ohio State University. For the past 6 years, I’ve worked for the township maintenance. That hands-on experience has given me a deep understanding of township operations—from maintaining our four cemeteries and township roads to managing airport grounds, recycling, and brush clearing for right-of-way visibility.
I’m running for Township Trustee to improve communication and cooperation between the village and township, especially when it comes to policing, golf cart safety, and infrastructure. We must ensure policing costs are transparent and that we address public safety concerns through better planning and coordination.
I support expanding water and sewer systems to meet the island’s long-term needs and will continue to work closely with county officials on road safety and improvement projects.
Some concerns are the growing deer population, which impacts both safety and the local environment. We need community-driven solutions to manage this issue effectively. Fish waste has also become a large financial burden on our community. I’ll work diligently to find a more cost effective solution.
I’m committed to using my lifelong knowledge and experience to serve our residents with honesty, transparency and dedication.
I’d be honored to earn your vote as Township Trustee.

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