Election 2026 | Question of the Week 5, Mayor’s Race
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.
Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan races. Council members qualify in their respective districts but are elected at-large. This means all registered city voters may cast a ballot in each race regardless of where they live and the party to which they are affiliated, if any. This year’s Primary, on Aug. 18, features three Cape Coral City Council races: Mayor and the seats for District 1 and 6. District 4, with only two candidates, will be on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.
The candidates below are running for the mayor’s seat on the Cape Coral City Council:
Question of the Week:How should the city proceed on the Yacht Club rebuild?
• Lisa Cohen-Adkinson
I remain deeply disappointed the Council moved forward with demolition while the property’s historic classification was still under court review. The citizen advisory committee — the only group allowed to inspect the damage — reportedly said it didn’t justify demolition. The city tore it down anyway. That wasn’t a rebuild decision; it was a decision made behind the public’s back. Going forward, I want a fully transparent, needs-first rebuild, pier, beach, launch pad, functional restrooms, not lavish spending. And I want real accountability for how this decision was made without the community’s voice or the court’s ruling. If nothing happens to hold them accountable, then what reason would there ever be to not do something like this without community’s approval ever again?
• Richard Erickson
The Yacht Club is one of Cape Coral’s most treasured landmarks, and we owe it to taxpayers to rebuild it responsibly. The project should preserve the historic character residents love while avoiding unnecessary features that dramatically increase costs. We need a practical, phased approach that focuses first on reopening the amenities families use most, while maintaining transparency throughout the process. Every major contract should be carefully reviewed, and value engineering should be used wherever possible. We can restore the Yacht Club without turning it into another example of runaway Cape Coral Council spending.
• John Gunter (I)
The Council has directed staff to proceed with utilities for the Boathouse restaurant, marine fuel infrastructure, civil site work and beach amenities, and I support that required infrastructure. Beyond this, I will not support additional project commitments until we publicly review the public‑private partnership proposals.
• Richard Leon
The Yacht Club was more than a building, it was part of our history and identity. While I believe it could have been preserved at a fraction of the cost now being considered, our responsibility today is to move forward wisely. We should take a practical, phased approach that restores what residents value most, a beautiful public beach, family-friendly spaces, and open green space. Every improvement should be fiscally responsible, protect public access, and respect taxpayers. Our goal isn’t simply to build something new, it’s to preserve the spirit of the Yacht Club for future generations.
• Kara Brooke Rodgers
The city has already committed to the Yacht Club’s infrastructure build out, and I recognize that reality. But committed doesn’t mean we stop asking questions. Before moving further, I want council to pause and honestly examine what Cape Coral can afford right now, especially with property tax reform potentially cutting city revenue starting in 2027. We can’t let sunk costs push us into decisions that hurt this city for years to come. If a phase can be scaled back or delayed without losing what’s already been invested, that should be on the table. Affordability, not momentum, should guide what comes next.
• Dan Sheppard
We should proceed with finalizing the city’s critical seawall and utility infrastructure, creating a shovel-ready foundation for a public-private partnership (P3) to revitalize the Yacht Club into a premier, world-class destination that attracts high-caliber investment across our city. Our goal should be to utilize public-private partnerships (P3s) to fund essential community infrastructure and services, ensuring long-term tax stabilization and relief for the community.