Get to Know Doug Koestel, a Candidate for Bethlehem’s Post 4 Council Seat

Drawn to the quiet beauty and small town charm of Bethlehem, Doug Koestel and his wife Mary purchased and renovated a lovely 100-year-old home in the town about seven years ago.

The couple felt immediately welcomed by their new community, garnering a visit from then-Mayor Wayne Ridgeway himself, along with an open invitation to become as involved in the town as they liked. The two began attending town council meetings, became involved with the town’s annual Star Festival and in 2006, they opened an antique shop on Mistletoe Street in the heart of downtown Bethlehem called .

As a business owner, Koestel remained tapped in to what the town council was working on and even weighed in on the development of the town's growth plan several years ago. After attending a few meetings, he knew he wanted to become a member of the council one day, but, unfortunately, his home was located outside city limits.

That all changed last March when the Koestel family residence was annexed into the Bethlehem City Limits, and Koestel began his quest to join the town council in earnest.

Koestel got his first taste for politics when he ran and won the role of president of his fraternity at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he was raised. He recalls it being one of the best experiences of his life, teaching him many valuable skills at a young age. Following graduation, Koestel enjoyed almost 30 years in the Quick Service Restaurant Industry — moving all over the country for popular restaurant chains, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Sonic Drive-ins. At Sonic, Koestel was able to rise through the ranks to vice president of operations before retiring from the food service industry in 2009. He now enjoys building furniture and woodworking and stays involved in his community by mentoring students at .

If elected, Koestel hopes to bring a new point of view to Bethlehem’s council.

“We’ve already got a really good group there,” Koestel said. “I simply offer a fresh set of eyes. I would like to use my skills and my business background to help the city grow smartly, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

Of particular concern to Koestel, he hopes to see an improvement to Bethlehem’s infrastructure with the incorporation of a sewer system to attract more restaurants and businesses.

“Not to grow for growth’s sake,” Koestel said. “We definitely want to maintain a clean, sophisticated look in Bethlehem, and keep the small community feel. We just need additional money from some business growth in order to run the city in the best way possible.”

Koestel also supports the idea of expanding the city limits and improving the park through SPLOST funding. He applauds the council’s recent accomplishments with regard to roadway improvements, property annexation and alcohol sales within the city limits.

“I would really like to be a part of Mayor McNab’s team,” Koestel said. “I want to give back to the city in the best way I can and hope to represent the citizens of Bethlehem well.”

Mark your calendars — Tuesday, Oct. 11 is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 elections and Dec. 6 runoffs.

Check back every Tuesday for a new City Spotlight on one of two great Barrow County towns – Bethlehem and Carl.