We’re not going to take it anymore
To the Editor
At Monday night’s council meeting reference was made to the 1976 Movie “Network” by Gary King and available for viewing at www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qgVn-Op7Q
The following are comments made in that movie that appear to be prophetic as to what we all are dealing with today in Cape Coral and bears repeating in part.
“I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It’s a depression (aka deep recession). Everybody’s out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel’s worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter … We all know things are bad – worse than bad – they’re crazy.”
Here in Cape Coral, the city manager is attempting to convince the council we need a public service tax, assessments for street lighting, fire services etc. And calls it a tax diversification strategy to circumvent property tax limitations to cast a broader net of more “equitable” fees and assessments. These items are already in your ad valorem taxes and are deductible from your income taxes. The CM wants to make them separate assessments that will not be deductible and say look we reduced your taxes!
Newly appointed and former Councilmember Tate stated that you have been getting these things for free! What world has she been living in? These items have been in your taxes all along! Councilmember Donnell states, “I wish you would speak to staff to get the facts!” Mayor Burch stated your numbers are wrong! Councilmember Day engages in fear mongering in statements to the media! Guess what, all information stated came from official city documents.
The movie “Network” further states, “Well, I’m not going to leave you alone. I want you to get mad! I don’t want you to protest. I don’t want you to riot. All I know is that first, you’ve got to get mad.”
Get up, get involved, e-mail the council at council@capecoral.net and tell them “You too are mad as hell, and are not going to take this anymore!” Tell them to stop the shell game and just reduce spending! Tell them to tell the city manager to take his plan and stick it in the trash can!
Lynn Rosko
Cape Coral