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 of the Week is:

The city of Cape Coral has identified numerous parcels it has designated as enclaves. Are you in favor or opposed to bringing these parcels within the city limits via involuntary annexation if the

property owners are opposed?

The 2022 municipal election for Cape Coral City Council features four races — the seats for mayor and Districts 1, 4 and 6. While candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan, citywide races, meaning every registered Cape voter, no matter their party affiliation or city address, may cast a ballot in every race.

Here are this week’s responses:

MAYOR

• John Gunter, incumbent

As mentioned, the city has identified small parcels within the city that meet the definition of a “enclave.” Florida Statute 171.046 outlines that the legislature recognizes that enclaves can create significant problems in planning, growth, management, and service delivery, therefore declares that it is the policy of the State to eliminate enclaves. Some of these parcels may only be one or two lots on a specific city street surrounded by other incorporated lots. I feel these smaller pockets within our city that meet the State definition of a “enclave” could be discussed by City Council on a case-by-case basis. Any involuntary annexation to broaden the boundaries of the footprint of our city I am opposed to that endeavor.

Website: votejohngunter.com

• Tom Shadrach

I am in favor of involuntary annexation after all attempts of voluntary annexation have failed. Enclave residents receive all the benefits of the city without contributing to the tax base. Also, enclaves make management of first-responder services and utilities confusing, adding extra work to city employees. I would incorporate them into Cape Coral using temporary zoning and conformance requirements that are similar to their Lee County standards for a transition period to be determined on a case-by-case basis but not to exceed 10 years.

Website: shadrachformayor.com

DISTRICT 1

• Dr. Carol Rae Culliton

The topic of annexation caused several heated discussions a few months ago when a property owner desired to voluntarily annex parcels of land that were adjacent to Cape Coral. My initial feeling would be that the city should avoid any type of involuntary annexation. However, when dealing with the subject of enclaves there are times when exceptions are necessary. Florida Statutes “encourage” cities to annex enclaves, which places the city in the position of having the State supporting any annexation. If the city needs to have the enclave part of the city for something like utility expansion, street widening, etc., I feel the city should make every effort to negotiate to turn a what could be a hostile involuntary annexation into a voluntary annexation. Property values being as they are today, a property owner would benefit from have a “city” property as opposed to an “unincorporated” property. Sometimes, even city governments need to “sell” their options instead of forcing their options.

Website: CullitonforCapeCoral.com

• Bill Steinke

Having adversarial citizens in 12 pockets of our city does not correlate well with building a sense of community that is desired. In business, a similar circumstance is referred to as a “hostile takeover” and it rarely — if ever — works out well. Two principles an early mentor of mine taught me were: “Seek first to understand — then be understood” and “Win – Win, or no deal.” As our City grows and develops, issues arise effecting and including the residents and businesses outside of and adjacent to the City Limits. An underinformed and cautious mind always says “no.” I would support and foster communication and relationship building with those enclaves to understand their concerns, share the issues and needs of the City and work to develop solutions that are acceptable to the majority involved — paving the way for a voluntary annexation beneficial to all, prior to taking an adversarial approach.

Website: www.BillSteinke.com

DISTRICT 4

• Patty Cummings

If the property owners are opposed, then leave them alone. It has worked all this time why mess with them now. Also let them know if they, or the subsequent owner change their mind later, the costs to annex will be borne by them.

That may include substantial expense for sewer and water services.

Also, we have enough problems to deal with now, do we really want to fund ANOTHER lawsuit?

Website: www.votepattycummings.com

• Jennifer I. Nelson, incumbent

I am in favor of annexation that is beneficial to the property owner for development and allows for orderly implementation of water and sewer to be installed. Protecting our environment is paramount especially since water quality is one of our largest economic drivers in the SWFL region.

Website: jenn4capecoral.com

DISTRICT 6

• Wayne Hecht

These parcels are within the borders of our city but are legally part of unincorporated Lee County. They were not made part of the city in 1970 when the municipality was incorporated. Annexations of these parcels will provide for cohesive economic development, consistent land use and zoning with adjacent city properties, and provide increased funding for city services such as police and fire. Annexation is consistent with state policy, and I am in favor of bringing these “enclaves” into the fold. However, I am opposed to the city trying to annex any properties located in Matlacha/Pine Island.

Website: waynehecht.com

• Keith Long, incumbent

Involuntary annexation is a delicate matter, as you are dealing with property owner’s rights against the City’s need, in certain instances, to annex certain parcels of property for the continuation of infrastructure, etc. Of those parcels identified, there are some that appear to me to be more of a convenience to have them involuntarily annexed into the city rather than a need–those I will not support.

Website: https://www.votekeithlong.com