Praise for city’s ‘super sales team’
To the editor:
Congratulations to Cape Coral’s “super sales team:” City Manager Terry Stewart, Financial Services Director Mark Mason and company. They have successfully “switched the pitch” from cutting expenses, regarding the budget, to raising more revenue. Quite a clever move, don’t you think? The last two city council workshops consisted mostly of raising more money. What’s their proposal? What do you think? To levy more fees (taxes)? You think? It’s called a Public Service Tax! As if you really need more taxes on your electric, gas and phone bills. Hello? They are even proposing a “fire service assessment fee.” What the __? A local newspaper reported that these proposed taxes and add-ons could add an average of $28 per month. Folks, that’s only an average! Hello? How about the big increase in your water and sewer rates? How much more are you willing to fork out? Are you ready to “Escape the Cape?” Or, are you mad enough to fight for your money? “Enough is enough.” Don’t you agree? A recent Web poll conducted by our local newspaper asked the following questions: Should the city of Cape Coral cut services or raise taxes? Cut services -19 percent; raise taxes – 11 percent, some of both; keep key services intact – 23 percent; neither; “cut more fat – 46 percent;” other – 1 percent.
Obviously the “super sales team” did not read the Web poll results, or simply ignored our concerns.
Instead of trying to “cut more fat” from the proposed $116.4 million budget, or work “within the framework,” without extra taxes and fees.
City council received two proposals. (I believe it was only two). Both proposals consisted of “Gloom and Doom.” I perceived them as “management by fear!” Cutting vital services; eliminating street lights, etc. The “fear tactic” obviously is working, since many on the council, especially Councilman Day, favor “revenue stabilization and diversification.” I guess the budget is already cut to the bare bones? Really? “If you think you can, you will; if you think you can’t, you won’t!” How about “sharing the pain?” Starting from top management? Lofty salaries, overtime, company vehicles and bonuses? Hello? Let’s get back to cutting expenses rather than talking about extra taxes.
These taxes are allegedly “revenue neutral.” Say what? Did I fall off the turnip truck and get run over? My car goes nowhere in neutral! Hello?
Thank you Councilman Brandt and Councilman Deile and Councilwoman Bertolini for “still digging,” trying to cut more fat from the budget. “Keep on digging!”
Erick Kuehn
Cape Coral