Guest opinion: An open letter to City Council candidates: Please, be informed
By all accounts, the challenges facing Cape Coral are the most significant in our city’s history. The economy, utility expansion and budgets have reached a breaking point. The CRA is at a crossroads. Solutions are required and preparation is the key to finding solutions.
A dangerous trend has emerged in this election cycle. That trend is candidates seeking office without even the most basic preparation beyond paying the qualifying fee. If this sounds harsh, it is because I care deeply about Cape Coral and cannot watch this city fall victim to unprepared leaders and the “No” mentality. The idea that as a candidate, the only solution needed is to say no to the administration, no to all spending, no to utilities. That by saying no, the issues will miraculously go away. That saying no will restore the public trust. “No” is not a solution and being unprepared is not acceptable.
As I have interviewed candidates over the last few weeks, I have been amazed at some of the statements made. I am shocked at the misinformation being recited. Please stop making statements such as “not being able to drill down just yet,” “I don’t have a complete picture,” “It’s hard to be specific,” “live within our means” or “run it like a business.”
What will you do to make Cape Coral better? Be specific. Have you done anything to prepare for this job? Did you review the budget? Did you meet with anyone on staff? Have you done anything to serve this community prior to running for office? Give us details.
The politics of sound bites and generalizations cannot be acceptable any longer. That type of politics is failing us in The White House, do we really want it here? Don’t ask for my vote without giving me a plan.
– Chris Berardi is a former Cape Coral City Council member