Each week through the primary, The Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question. In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of space, about 100 words, for their response. Week six question: How would you describe your leadership style and how would you apply that style on council, a majority-rules situation, to move your ideas forward?

Peter Brandt (I)

District 2

To me, leadership is like loyalty or respect, to be earned. I have trouble accepting those who gratuitously “admit” to being great leaders. In the service, I found the way was to fend for my men when they could not for themselves, reward exceptional efforts, and penalize slackers. My men and I thought we had the best darn Division on the ship! In industry, often supervising people smarter and better educated than I, providing them with a feeling of self worth and a comfort zone was the way to motivate them to their best work. With my Council colleagues, however, the best way to lead them in the right direction is to succinctly articulate the logic and rationale behind my point of view so they can see the wisdom of it.

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John Carioscia Sr.

District 2

My leadership style is more closely related to a “democratic leadership style” with overtones of a “coaching style of leadership.” I believe my leadership style would be an asset on Council and that is a style based on inclusion and that it would promote an atmosphere of free thinking and encourage the discussion of ideas and solutions. Listening with an open mind, being fully informed and not personalizing the issue are important elements in any discussion and then modify and or compromise my position, if necessary, for the best solution. And finally, making an intelligent, logical case would certainly help a point. My training in negotiating and the skills developed as a professional interviewer, during my law enforcement career as an Investigator, would certainly be an asset when trying to move my ideas forward.

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Joe Coviello

District 2

The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. Leadership by example, integrity, honor, and strong moral character are more than just words; they are values I choose to live by. I have instilled these same values in my family and every business and community organization I have served. Having a strong sense of responsibility, I hold myself accountable for my actions and I hold others accountable for theirs. An effective leader can recondition council to be solution focused rather than problem focused. Our city will always face challenges. True success is determined by dealing with those challenges promptly, professionally, and thoroughly. This can be accomplished while treating others with dignity and respect.

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Daniel Sheppard III

District 2

Codes and ordinances in Cape Coral are outdated. They are a detriment to the healthy development of small business and discriminatory towards the working class. A more accommodating approach to business is needed due to economic realities. City restrictions on vehicular signs are an excellent example. Today’s boomers are an active demographic, young people in aging bodies. They go back to school, some volunteer in their communities, they become entrepreneurs, they employ people. They differ in many ways from their predecessors. I will be most sincere with fellow council in all my efforts.

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William Deile (I)

District 3

There are many styles of leadership – value driven, participative, visionary, delegative, to name a few, and successful leaders use a combination as events demand. In addition, one must possess a thorough understanding of our issues, our City’s strengths and weaknesses and our residents’ desires tempered by reality. Insightful thinking coupled with research and reasoned discourse grounded on a sound understanding of the above using a blend of styles is the way I seek to lead by influence and example. Bear in mind, however, that Council is not an executive position, but a cooperative effort constrained by Sunshine Laws. You cannot push others – you must pull them with you.

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Leonard Nesta Jr.

District 3

I have a Servant leadership style, with a philosophy of community spirit. Understanding the identity, mission, vision and environment. I am a servant leader that will look after the needs of the people and ask myself how can I help to solve problems .

I have a leadership style that keeps in mind my main role, looking after the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. I will be a peoples leader who looks after all the citizens of this great city. There are many leadership styles in the world today, but none better then a servant leader.

Alan Sheppard

District 3

My leadership style may best be described as being open-minded, willing to listen to all sides, and always being ready to compromise for the good of Cape Coral. The City Council needs to operate as a team, to find solutions for the City. It should not be used as personal stage for political grandstanding, or the pursuit of particular economic philosophies. My style would be to always attempt to remind myself, as well as fellow members of the City Council, that we are a non-partisan body, whose primary purpose is to serve the people. Leadership entails not only providing ideas for others, to study, accept, or reject, but to gain and share knowledge as well. It would be my hope that, if elected…, I would have that opportunity to bring a team atmosphere to the dais. True leaders are those who can bring people together to achieve the necessary goals; not encourage an atmosphere of disharmony.

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Carlos Alvarez

District 5

I would best describe my leadership style as: consensus-builder. One of my strongest talents is my learned ability to view all sides of an issue. My many years as a media interviewer and analyst will serve me well when it comes to reviewing items concerning the City of Cape Coral. As a Councilman, from District 5, I expect to serve my constituents, as well as all of the Cape Coral residents, by building bridges of commonality between traditionally diverse government factions. Solutions, not rhetoric, will be my mandate.

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Bennie Barnes

District 5

I favor leading by example is all situations. In a majority-rules situation when I need to get my idea to move forward, I present the best evidence/research to support how the idea will work and how the City and the citizens will benefit from the plan/idea. I believe in using common-sense and logical arguments supported by facts.

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Rana Erbrick

District 5

Effective leaders tailor their leadership style to fit a given situation. I favor a participative style for group decisions. I will encourage and respect the contributions of staff, the public and other Council Members in order to best explore the pros/cons and potential unintended consequences for each vote. A good leader can evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (S.W.O.T.) of the issues before the Council to find reasonable solutions. Responsible leadership also requires that you are able to communicate an idea or vision to gain the support of others or to develop a win-win compromise.

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Richard Leon

District 5

I get involved in the work I’m managing. Learning the details in a “hands on” approach. Working with others to determine the best course of action to take as a team and getting everyone involved to move forward. I don’t have all the answers but we have individuals in our city staff as well as residents who have the expertise to come up with the solutions together. Facilitating their involvement and allowing that process to take place is how I would manage my position. Also there is a disconnect from the dais to the public and I mean to use my leadership to bridge the gap from the council to the residents by getting involved with the community on a personal level.

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James McManus

District 5

My leadership style is to present & communicate ideas & solutions only after I have done the research & know the facts. Once I float a concept, I am willing to compromise and show respect while allowing others to agree, disagree or improve the concept. I would use detailed emails on complex issues to share my ideas with council prior to meetings so they can do their homework and be prepared to contribute to quality solutions that the citizens & the press can agree with. Showing teamwork & respect will get things done the right way & improve our city’s image.

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Wm. “Scott” Morris

District 5

My style is best described as a combination of democratic and transformational. In a majority rule situation the democratic style is imperative for the free exchange of ideas so that everyone has the opportunity to provide input without being put down for their ideas. Disagreements generally occur because of a lack of understanding which is caused by poor communication. An effective leader will set the vision, be charismatic in describing the vision and provide specific steps on how to bring the vision to reality. Effective communication is the way I will advance my ideas on Council when elected.

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Charles Stanton

District 5

Situational leadership would best describe my leadership style. Over the years I have experienced working with a variety of individuals and groups. No two individuals, groups or situations are the same. I have learned that Leaders must adapt, they must be flexible if they are to be effective in their exercise of influence. To move ideas forward, research must be done, facts gathered, a strong and confident proposal be presented, alternative options and contingencies should be reviewed. I was once told “PLAN THE WORK – WORK THE PLAN.” I strongly believe this is a good way to lead.

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Derrick Donnell (I)

District 7

I embrace the participative / democratic style of leadership. I try to maximize citizens input in the decision making process before I arrive at a council meeting. I also include input from citizens that speak at the meeting, staff input and fellow council member’s comments before I formulate my final vote. I find that using this style establishes a mutual relationship of respect with all parties. Regarding majority-rule, I rely on good quality data and communication skills to relay my position on issues. The objective is to gain enough votes as to be aligned with the side of the majority.

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Michael Garr

District 7

I would describe my leadership style as independent, proactive and a bit of a servant leader. I have 15 years of military experience. I started as a private and ended as a 1st lieutenant. I would do my own research, on the subject at hand, to develop my own thoughts. I would like to hear what everyone has to say on the subject and not jump to conclusions about anything. I will be patient and act promptly when needed. As a servant leader, I will serve others with the decisions because they will affect our future. Semper Fi

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David Stokes

District 7

I have always practiced a “Lead by example” philosophy. I plan on bringing forth positive ideas to promote economic development, business and tourism to decrease unemployment and take the tax burden off the residents. As a non-incumbent, if elected I will be coming in with an open mind and bring forth ideas and work with the other Council members and Mayor with a positive collaborative spirit. I plan on truly listening to residents, business owners, employees and others on Council considering their ideas and discussing them in a courteous, respectful manner.

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Erica Warren

District 7

My leadership style leans towards “democratic”. That is, I prefer to work collaboratively with everyone involved in the process. Decisions made by government can greatly affect many people; therefore, I believe it is imperative to have input from citizens and other leaders before making a decision or pushing an agenda. As part of my leadership style, I also believe in educating myself about all sides of an issue so that I am better informed. In the situation where “majority-rules” I believe that cooperation, compromise, and communication will enable me to move ideas forward.