The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife submitted questionnaires to the eight candidates for Cape Coral City Council for their consideration. CCFW submitted the following responses to The Breeze, which also will publish any additional Q&As, if received.

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.

MAYOR

Tom Shadrach

Climate Change

1. What policies would you put in place to prepare Cape Coral for the impacts of Climate Change, such as sea level rise, beach & mangrove erosion, and more frequent hurricanes? Will you vote against development in the mangroves of Cape Coral (i.e., Piney Point)?

I am for preserving our mangroves. They are essential for purifying our water. Any development that affects our mangroves must require replenishment. Concerning climate change, our building standards should closely monitor and follow what is being done at the national and state level.

Water Quality

2. Cape Coral has 400 miles of canals, what will you do to reduce the significant amount of fertilizer, pesticide and weed killer the city currently utilizes that winds up in those canals. Are you in favor of banning RoundUp, a carcinogen?

More education of our residents is required and stronger enforcement. I am a big believer that we need to protect and improve water quality in our city.

Green Space

2. Do you think that there is currently a balance of green space and development in our City? What will you do to ensure that green space (conservation/preservation land, not recreational parks,) will be set aside? Think: Four Mile Cove, Yellow Fever Creek, etc.

We need to consider our canal system as a factor for “green space.” Many people move to Cape Coral for our canals versus land-based nature areas. I support Four Mile Cove and Yellow Fever Creek areas as well as all our regional State Parks.

Protecting Wildlife

3. Cape Coral’s “Environmental Sustainability” policy includes the following: 1) “Minimize the impacts of development where it threatens the habitat of endangered species,” and, 2) “Protect and preserve the habitats of burrowing owls and gopher tortoises through education and enforcement. How would you accomplish these goals?

From what I observe this policy is followed and enforced. I will continue to support and enforce these protections.

Working With Nonprofits

4. Do you think that the City should partner with nonprofit organizations, where possible? Would you collaborate with CCWT in the creation of programs and activities that benefit the environment & wildlife of Cape Coral?

Yes, I believe nonprofits can do things faster and with more focus than city government. I believe a grant process should be put in place to aid efforts that nonprofits are doing to enhance the city for our residents.

a) FWC Project Grant

Florida Fish & Wildlife is offering a grant to fund “Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Projects.” Municipalities may apply. The award could be as high as $500,000. Would you be in favor of a CCFW/City Grant application partnership in order to expand our burrowing owl preserve?

I would have to look at the terms and make sure it supports what our residents want. But yes, any way to promote conservation and limit the burden to the taxpayer, I will support.

b) Cape Coral Wildlife Trust Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (a sister organization of CCFW,) has purchased fifty-seven conservation lots.

In 2018 the City created the “City of Cape Coral Wildlife Conservation Program,” to relieve CCWT of utilities fees, up to $100,000. Would you support an extension of this Program?

Residents have the right to purchase property and the responsibility to comply with our laws, regulations and zoning. Any type of subsidy from the city would require a discussion on how that cost would be recovered. I carefully watch for any impact to property taxes and utility costs to our overall resident base.

Old Golf Course

5. What do you think should be done with the old golf course?

The City should purchase the property, mitigate any environmental hazards and lease the property for the public benefit, such as a golf course (again), a botanical garden, or other services the residents in the area would like. No more residential development on that property. It is too congested already.

Plastics

7. What will you do in order to reduce the one-time use of plastic for Cape Coral?

Cape Coral should follow the national and state guidelines.

Website: shadrachformayor.com

Also running for mayor is incumbent John Gunter

Website: votejohngunter.com

DISTRICT 1

Dr. Carol Rae Culliton

Climate Change

1. What policies would you put in place to prepare Cape Coral for the impacts of Climate Change, such as sea level rise, beach erosion, and more frequent hurricanes? Would you vote against development in the mangroves of Cape Coral (i.e., Piney Point)?

We need to take a serious look at climate change and what affect we as a city have on our climate. There will not be much change until the State and the Federal Governments recognize that climate change does exist.  When it comes to the mangroves, I would be against any development that affects mangroves.

Water Quality

2. Cape Coral has 400 miles of canals, more than any other City in the world. What will you do to reduce the significant amount of fertilizer, pesticide and weed killer the city currently utilizes that winds up in those canals. Are you in favor of banning the sale of Round Up, a carcinogen, within our City limits?

I feel the city does a lot to limit the use of fertilizers and control runoff.  Realistically, until Lake “O” is cleaned of its pollution we will continue to have water quality issues. As for “Roundup”, we do not use it. We all need to make personal choices about the products we choose and their effects on the environment.

Green Space

3. Do you think that there is a balance between green space and development in our City? What will you do to ensure that green space (conservation/preservation land, not recreational parks.) will be set aside? Think: Rotary Park, Four Mile Cove, Yellow Fever Creek, etc.

I do not know the current  green space/development ratio. Environmentally, it seems the more green space, the better.

Protecting Wildlife

4. Would you collaborate with CCFW in the creation of programs and activities that benefit the environment and wildlife of Cape Coral? 

Of course. I have been working with other non-profits for years. Only good things can happen when agencies work together.

5. FWC Project Grant

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a grant to fund “Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Projects.” The award could be as high as $500,000. Would you be in favor of a CCFW/City of Cape Coral partnership, in order to expand our Burrowing Owl Preserve?

I would be strongly in favor of a CCFW/City grant to expand the Burrowing Owl Preserve.

Cape Coral Wildlife Trust

6. Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (a sister organization of CCFW), has purchased fifty-seven conservation lots. In 2018, the City created the “City of Cape Coral Conservation Program to relieve CCWT of utilities fees, up to $100,000. Would you support an extension of this program?

I would support an extension of the City of Cape Coral Conservation Program.

Website: CullitonforCapeCoral.com

Bill Steinke

Climate Change

1. What policies would you put in place to prepare Cape Coral for the impacts of Climate Change, such as sea level rise, beach & mangrove erosion, and more frequent hurricanes? Will you vote against development in the mangroves of Cape Coral (i.e., Piney Point)?

Certainly, our current situation, reeling from a natural disaster heightens one’s thoughts regarding these subjects. I was here and lived through 8 named storms in 2004-2005 – then dormant for years. Then 2017 Irma took a quick turn and we were reminded of how unpredictable the effects can be – not flooding, but an evacuation of water that caused a mass number of seawalls to fail. I will continue to be (as I have been in the past) supportive of changes to our building codes (i.e. higher finished floor elevations and road crowns, taller seawalls, required wind protection, etc.) as well as land use practices that make us as “storm proof” as possible.

Water Quality

2. Cape Coral has 400 miles of canals, what will you do to reduce the significant amount of fertilizer, pesticide and weed killer the city currently utilizes that winds up in those canals. Are you in favor of banning Round Up, a carcinogen.

Many steps have already been taken to reduce the impact of civilization on our canal system (fertilizer restrictions, pervious/impervious requirements to reduce sheet-flow, etc.). That being said, if you can’t use a particular element during certain months, then why should it be allowed to be sold locally during that time? I am certainly in favor of taking actions that are favorable to our environment. As far as Round Up is concerned, I can honestly say that I would need to study the issue and get the facts before making a determination.

Green Space

3. Do you think that there is a balance of green space and development in our City? What will you do to ensure that green space (conservation/preservation land, not recreational parks,) will be set aside? Think: Four Mile Cove, Yellow Fever Creek, etc.

With Cape Coral being a pre-platted City, without a lot of green space allotted in the beginning, it’s a struggle, although efforts like the conservation area established north of Four Mile Cove (I live across the canal) is a perfect example of coming together to access available resources to protect our natural habitats. Green space and estuaries play a very important role in our ecosystem and they will be considered in all land use decisions I am a part of.

Protecting Wildlife

Florida Fish & Wildlife is offering a grant to fund “Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Projects.” The award could be as high as $500,000. Would you be in favor of a CCFW/City grant Partnership, in order to expand our Burrowing Owl Preserve?

The aftermath of Hurricane Ian will prove to have an effect on our Burrowing Owl population. I’m certain that the flooding has destroyed innumerable nests and the winds have displaced and unfortunately eliminated a large number of our Owls. I would be in favor of an effort to regain the ground we have lost in that resurgence and further advance the revitalization of our Burrowing Owl population.

Working With Nonprofits

Of course. I have always been a collaborator. I believe in including as many stakeholders as possible to gain as much perspective as possible when making decisions.

Cape Coral Wildlife Trust

6. Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (a sister organization of CCFW), has purchased fifty-seven conservation lots. In 2018, the City created the “City of Cape Coral Conservation Program to relieve CCWT of utilities fees, up to $100,000. Would you support an extension of this program?

As long as the lots continue to serve the purpose for which they were intended, I would support continuing the partnership between the City and CCWT.

Website: www.BillSteinke.com

DISTRICT 4

Jennifer I. Nelson, incumbent

Climate Change

1. What policies would you put in place to prepare Cape Coral for the impacts of Climate Change, such as sea level rise, beach erosion, and more frequent hurricanes? Would you vote against development in the mangroves of Cape Coral (i.e., Piney Point)?

Development is a balance between community, environment, and growth. Reviewing the environmental study for any development is crucial to ensure that balance. Preserving our natural habitats is particularly important with any development as many people move here to experience our natural resources. I would focus  on coastal resiliency efforts for our city. Reinforcing our city along the water to protect our assets from storm damage is crucial to our survival. 

Water Quality

2. Cape Coral has 400 miles of canals, more than any other City in the world. What will you do to reduce the significant amount of fertilizer, pesticide and weed killer the city currently utilizes that winds up in those canals. Are you in favor of banning the sale of Round Up, a carcinogen, within our City limits?

In 2018, I received a second vote to redevelop the fertilizer ordinance that passed in 2020. I am in favor of education. Educating our residents on our fertilizer free months, what pesticides are organic and contain no harmful chemicals, and partnering with our region to develop a regional community awareness campaign that educates on what harms our water quality and what can you do as a resident or visitor to help. This broader approach will have a bigger impact on our region versus just our city. 

Green Space

3. Do you think that there is a balance between green space and development in our City? What will you do to ensure that green space (conservation/preservation land, not recreational parks.) will be set aside? Think: Rotary Park, Four Mile Cove, Yellow Fever Creek, etc.

We are seriously lacking in green space per population according to the national average. My hope is that the old golf course will be remediated of the arsenic and the city is able to purchase this much needed green space to develop as a prime amenity in our city.

Protecting Wildlife

4. Would you collaborate with CCFW in the creation of programs and activities that benefit the environment and wildlife of Cape Coral? 

Yes. I would welcome working on programs that educate our residents on our wildlife and better ways to protect our environment.

5. FWC Project Grant

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a grant to fund “Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Projects.” The award could be as high as $500,000. Would you be in favor of a CCFW/City of Cape Coral partnership, in order to expand our Burrowing Owl Preserve?

Absolutely. Again, our unique wildlife draws ecotourism to our area. Anything we can collaborate on together will benefit our wildlife and our city.

Cape Coral Wildlife Trust

6. Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (a sister organization of CCFW), has purchased fifty-seven conservation lots. In 2018, the City created the “City of Cape Coral Conservation Program to relieve CCWT of utilities fees, up to $100,000. Would you support an extension of this program?

Yes. I worked with our previous city manager on the exemption of utility fees in 2018.

Website: jenn4capecoral.com

Also running for the District 4 seat is Patty Cummings

Website: www.votepattycummings.com

DISTRICT 6

Also running for the District 6 seat are Wayne Hecht and Keith Long

Website: waynehecht.com

Website: https://www.votekeithlong.com