To the editor:

I am running for Keeler Township Supervisor to maintain the programs I helped initiate and implement and begin once more to strive for the goals I set during my 27- year tenure as supervisor.

There is work to be done. First and foremost, we need to bridge the differences among us as a township.

Secondly, the county ambulance millage will be coming up for renewal. I want to work in cooperation with

Van Buren County to change that millage to an ambulance/fire millage. If the wording is changed the tax revenue could be used for fire or ambulance support. This would meet Pride Care’s goal of not needing tax support in the future and would give Keeler and Sister Lakes Fire departments solid funding.

Keeler Township is one of the most stable and financially sound townships in the county. During my tenure as Supervisor, I have never needed to ask for an increase in the millage rate for general operations and still set aside funds for the future.

Keeler Township has purchased three fire trucks over the years for the Keeler Township Fire Department.

By setting aside funds to purchase the trucks in full, we have saved the taxpayers and the township years of interest.

I have the most experience in the financing and operation of the Sister Lakes Sewer System. I was responsible for the refinance of the bonds in 2009 that will be a direct savings to property owners of $1.2 million in interest.

Keeler Township was the first to contract with the Van Buren County Sheriff Department and this program is now used by multiple townships and cities.

I promoted two revisions of the township zoning ordinances. We were one of the first townships to have protection against adult entertainment.

Updated zoning ordinances allow the township to prevail in enforcement cases before the Van Buren Circuit Court and Michigan Court of Appeals. I have promoted zoning ordinance enforcement using court orders for demolitions of structures, clean-up and junk car removal.

Pride Care is certified by The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) that recognizes excellence for standards that are higher than required for state and local licenses. Every one of Pride Care’s contracted municipalities in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties has renewed its contracts.

I am a proven decision maker and when I listen to the citizens of Keeler Township they tell me “no new taxes.”

All goals can only be accomplished and brought to reality by working with citizens, township board members, planning commission, township fire departments, adjoining townships, Van Buren County Road Commission and Van Buren County Board of Commissioners.

Please consider my record and cast your vote for me as your Supervisor in the Aug. 7  primary.

William J. Kays

Keeler Township