Golden opportunity missed ?
To the editor:
After hearing on the news that the City Council of Cape Coral has once again changed its mind on the Utility Expansion Project, I asked myself “Are we letting a Golden Opportunity escape from our grasp?”
With President Obama visiting our area of Florida to highlight the dire straits that portions of our country are in, ours being among the worst with 10 percent unemployment and one of the highest, if not the highest foreclosure rates in the country, I believe we are in the prime position of being a pilot project for the federal government to actually show what a well-run stimulus package can do.
On the newscast, I heard a representative from the consulting firm mention that 500 jobs will be lost due to the shutdown of the Utility Expansion Project. If this is true, then I submit that there is an additional 2,000 to 2,500 potential job loss/job creation that is affected by this.
What I would like to see Cape Coral’s City Council to do is to approach the federal government for a grant (that we would actually pay back). The way this grant would work is a loan/bond would be made available for the Utility Expansion Project that would be interest free (the stimulus package would pay the interest) for a period of time, say 10 years. After this period the city would then begin to pay off the loan. The monies derived from this loan could be used for engineering/construction, paying existing homeowner’s impact fees, and paying for construction hook-ups all interest free for a period of 10 years. During this period of 10 years each property owner being assessed for their portion of the cost could have the option of being able to pay any or all of their cost to the city or begin a payment plan after the 10 year period.
Cape Coral is set up to be a beautiful pilot stimulus project. We have septic systems on too small of lots and we also have a dual water system (great for water conservation). What greater selling points to the federal government could we ask for:
1. Create/save 2,500 to 3,000 jobs
2. Help the environment by installing a sewer system and conserving water by installing an irrigation system that utilizes reclaimed waste water.
Keep in mind that these jobs should not be looked at as temporary, even if they are at first dependent upon a project that does not last forever. These jobs need to be viewed as a spark that is needed to jump start a stagnant economy that have the potential to create further jobs and provide the area with additional revenue for future work. We don’t have to be economists to understand that one man working and spending his earnings puts another man or more to work.
I actually believe that this is the way the federal government should approach “giving money” for infrastructure to all cities and states. Don’t just give the money away – loan it – but fund the financing (interest amount) with the federal money so the cities and states can afford to borrow.
And, let’s be honest about one thing: Even in “good financial” times nobody wants to pay for new sewer and water lines, especially if they already have a septic and well system that seems to be functioning. The problem is the system is not functioning properly. Remember the dry seasons and dry wells ! And while people may believe they have a functioning septic system (until it backs up into their house), chances are it is polluting their yard along with their neighbors.
John DeLacey
Cape Coral
Connie Mack not listening
To the editor:
I have written the following to U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV:
Mr. Representative where are you? Mr. Representative were you listening?
You in particular but also the Republicans in Washington appear to be restrictionists; you all have caused the problem and I can only guess you do not want to be part of the solution? This is fine. There is a new team in town which I believe is willing to take a risk on America and its people and that is the way to go!
My opinion is that you have not read the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. There are no earmarks for which you want. What you do want is not good for Lee County, Florida and the country – to remove education items both directly and indirectly – construction of schools. Why is it always the first item Republicans want to remove from any bill is dollars for education? And, when you do have a bill associated with education it is not funded? Education is at the heart of the next generation.
Mr. Mack, find out what is happening in Florida. Lee County and Florida needs help and wants help.
Rich Bornfreund
Cape Coral