Councillor Koehler makes re-election bid

BY Arthur Williams / Prince George Citizen
September 22, 2014

Councillor Albert Koehler announced his bid for a second term on Friday.

Koehler said if reelected he hopes to advocate for a balance of investment in basic infrastructure, maintaining a fair tax regime and making the city a more attractive place to live.

“I thought about it and I have a passion for this city. I feel I am not done yet,” Koehler said. “This is a really good place, and it is worthwhile to get involved and make it a better place. It’s easy to complain… but if there is something not right, let’s look at making it better.”

The city has to take care of essential services like paving roads, snow plowing and repairing aging infrastructure, he said.

But that must be balanced against maintaining a competitive tax framework, with increases that don’t exceed the cost of living. The city’s tax rates have risen rapidly in recent year, he said, making

“It’s about making sure our tax framework isn’t just low, but fair,” he said. “We have to get the message out that we are open for business.” (more…)

Koehler seeking second council term

Albert Koehler is seeking a second term on city council.

The incumbent announced his plans Friday afternoon.

Koehler says he has worked closely with post-secondary education institutions regarding programs and successfully lobbied for more innovation and diversification, during his three years on council. He has campaigned to

reign in municipal tax increases and last year was successful in having council limit the tax increase to 2.5 per cent, however a push  this year for 1.5 per cent limit didn’t get the support of council. (more…)

Inside the Box

EDITORIAL BY NEIL GODBOUT | PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

The only thing wrong with Coun. Albert Koehler’s idea of capping the general tax increase for the 2015 budget at 1.5 per cent is that he didn’t go out and get four other members of city council to support him.

The idea is sound because it would force some tough budgetary decisions upon administration and council while also putting control of the budgetary process back where it belongs. City manager Beth James informed city council Monday night that administration are already working through budget models where the tax levy increases by three to six per cent. In other words, James and senior administration will tell a story to the next mayor and city council about all of the necessary spending that needs to happen and leave little room for the elected officials to chart their own direction.

There is no malice or empire building going on here by James and her team, despite the bloggers who see conspiracy theories under every desk at City Hall. Rather, that three to six per cent increase factors in status quo spending, increases in wages and benefits agreed to under existing union contracts, increases from vendors for good and services and setting aside funds for initiatives already approved, such as renovating the Civic Centre Plaza. In other words, anything below a three per cent increase in next year’s tax rate will involve spending cuts.

Koehler doesn’t want the status quo. He still believes taxpayers should pay for inflationary increases but he also believes municipal government hasn’t done enough to control its spending. (more…)