(Published in the Cape Coral Breeze Aug. 20, 1970)

The election is over. Those who won are happy; the ones who lost are probably disappointed. Everyone has one thing to rejoice for. The issue was earnestly pursued, both by those favoring and those opposing incorporation, but the bitterness, name calling, and divisive acts that have marked such campaigns in other communities were notably absent at Cape Coral.

It is understandable that an issue of this importance should be hotly debated. On a subject such as the incorporation of a community, there is no middle ground, you are either for it, or you are against it. Those favoring the incorporation issue did so because they sincerely felt it would benefit the community; those opposing it felt it would raise taxes, and add another layer of government. Both were sincere, and both were at least partially correct.

The Breeze has openly advocated incorporation, and we are delighted that the issue has apparently carried. The vote would appear to indicate two things: the lack of confidence in our present county government, and an expression of confidence in the work of the Committee on Incorporation.

The Committee’s work is done. They have, it would appear, presented realistic figures on the cost of operating our new city. The budget they have suggested will not be binding on the new city council. It will be up to the members of that council to come up with a budget and hopefully one that will keep ad valorem taxes within the limits proposed by the committee.

Under an able and dedicated city government, Cape Coral should have a bright future. At long last, we can enact the necessary city ordinances to insure that our city remains a fine place in which to live and raise our families. An able and vigorous city government should give us a stronger voice in the affairs of Lee County. Best of all, it will insure that we, who live in Cape Coral, will have the power to solve our own problems. If they are not solved, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

It is good to have the issue resolved. We believe that even those who opposed incorporation will agree, as time passes, that it is a good thing. It is even better to know that we are still one community, without rancor or bitterness. Let’s all work together to make our new city a model for the State of Florida.