Follow the charter
To the editor:
I have written this letter to the Cape Coral City Council:
In reviewing the tape of Monday night’s meeting wherein there was a discussion of the mayoral appointment and the procedures for voting for same, the following was observed:
The only motion and vote that took place was to accept a plurality as the determinate for the selection of the mayor. This motion passed by a 4-3 margin with Councilman Deile, Brandt and Grill voting against it.
There was no other vote or motion taken on this particular issue! The Cape Coral City Charter clearly spells out the Voting procedure in 4-3 (c) and is set forth herein and as having been set forth at length. To wit: No action of Council, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall be valid or binding unless adopted by the affirmative vote of four (4) or more members of the Council.
I would humbly suggest that you all slow down and not rush the process. You can select the finalists at Monday’s meeting and request that the finalists submit Financial Disclosure forms. You can then set a subsequent meeting after having the time to review your thoughts on the different candidates together with an examination of their disclosure forms. At this subsequent meeting, you can allow more time to question the different candidates and then vote.
The person getting the “majority” vote pursuant to the City Charter would then be the appointed mayor. You have 30 days by the City Charter to accomplish appointing someone as mayor. It makes no sense whatsoever to rush the process. Clearly the mayor is the main ambassador for the city and deserves the due diligence of the Council to ensure that the choice made is the absolute right one.
If you choose not to follow the City Charter explicitly, your choice would be invalid and expose the city to litigation. Take your time and do it right and by all means do it in conformity to the City Charter.
Lynn Rosko
Cape Coral