Each week through the General Election, 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.

This week’s question is: The Cape Coral City Council consists of eight seats, seven council members and a mayor. Measures that come before the board require five votes to pass. What consensus-building skills do you bring to the table and how would you use them to build support for the initiatives you have outlined throughout your campaign?

District 2

Bryan DeLaHunt

At the age of 18, I entered the U.S. Army and began a lifetime of service to others always surrounded by a team of individuals that worked to produce positive outcomes. In the military, we worked as a team to protect our County. As a nurse I have been part of a healthcare team that strives for the best possible health outcomes for every individual. Now as I enter the end of my career, I work on a dedicated team of individuals in adult protection keeping our most vulnerable adults safe from neglect and abuse. I will not have any issue working as a team member with other council members to bring the best outcomes to our residents and city.

Dan Sheppard

I set goals. I plant seeds. I’ve built friendly business relationships with all candidates, as well as existing members, because some of us will make it through and we have to work together. I am a good listener, I will gather information on topic to be voted on from city staff as well as outside resources, use my skills to weigh out the variables and educate with facts, promote positives in the goal. Use my business skills to convince my colleagues and build support from the citizens through education and communication.

District 3

Chris Cammarota

I have lived and worked in Cape Coral these last 29 years, I have volunteered with many groups in the city including the Military Museum, several political and civic groups. Volunteering for nonprofit groups with multiple board members requires consensus building skills. Serving on the US Nimitz for 3 years taught me the importance of listening and working with others. I have owned a small business in Cape Coral for 24 years which requires great people skills, especially when selling non-tangibles.

Being married for 30 years requires a strong marriage consensus and flexibility.

My experience will fit nicely on City Council.

Tom Hayden

Consensus building starts with strong communication and listening skills. Both are my attributes. I will use each of them to articulate my positions in public settings to present new ordinances, resolutions or policies. Doing my research, then working with the city manager and department heads, and taking recommendations from the efforts of staff, are the starting points for me on any initiative. Presenting my views to my council colleagues at a council meeting or committee of the whole are the next steps. Consensus building continues by answering their questions, as well as clarifying any positions. Another important key to consensus building is accepting their input – as well as the public’s – that could help strengthen any of my original proposals.

District 5

Louis C. Navarra

This is a tough question. With so many members and each having an agenda of their own, I think my logic, my use of data, facts and compromising skills are my biggest consensus-building skills that I can bring to the table. Police reform is one of my campaign initiatives. For example: I would show in simple “make sense” terms how having a committee to oversee the CCPD would work. I will have the data. A Committee would hire/fire new police chief not City Manager. It will also review all complaints from citizens that come to the police internal affairs (IA) division. There needs to be an independent body to over see the Police just like the checks and balances in our great Constitution (a master piece of our founding fathers).

Robert Welsh

I am diplomatic, honest and responsible. I know how to listen closely to details and formulate conclusions based on fact. I will gather information from reputable resources within the city, and throughout our community, county and state when necessary and be available for open communication with Cape Coral citizens. The Florida Sunshine law only allows communication between Council Members at public meetings. Active interaction with our city manager and department heads will enable me to further any initiatives effectively.

District 7

Jessica Cosden, incumbent

Being a Councilmember means being a leader, and one of the most important qualities of leadership is consensus-building. I take pride in being a consensus builder. My approach is first to listen, so that I understand everybody else’s viewpoint and so everybody is engaged in the decision-making process. When arguing on behalf of a policy or initiative, I rely on my ability to present relevant facts and encourage questions. Whether at home, work, or Council, I have honed my ability to understand all points of view. Thus, I am able to begin working to overcome points of contention. Moving forward, I am hoping to work toward a consensus on an enhanced fertilizer ordinance.

Dr. Derrick Donnell

During my two terms serving as the district 7 council representative, I worked with different councils, each with its own unique personality. The consensus-building skill that I bring to the table is that of respecting a different point of view without judging or minimizing their position. In making decisions, I utilize the data-driven decision-making model. Specifically, I focus on the issue and not the individual. My experience has been that when collaborating with my peers, that skill builds a level of fairness and respect. I will continue to develop and use this proven successful skill to build support for initiatives that will move our city forward in a positive manner.