Vote ‘The Road Ahead’ slate
To the editor:
The group known as “The Road Ahead” has been much maligned in the media of late. Let’s set the record straight, they are concerned with the current direction of the city, i.e. high taxes, rising fees, assessments, and utility rates, crushing debt, high unemployment, yo-yo decision making, arrogant government, record setting foreclosure rates and out-of-control spending.
They are firmly committed to working to bring trust back into our city government and return vibrancy to the economy. They believe, that together, we can solve our problems, but not by dividing the populace into groups fighting one another.
They developed and support the actions and items recommended below. Those candidates that have pledged their agreement to implement these measures should receive the support of all the citizens of Cape Coral with their vote.
Beginning with the first Cape Coral City Council session following the November 2009 elections, the supported candidates have pledged to introduce and pass resolutions with the following intentions:
1. We make the commitment to bring a positive change in the direction of the city, by putting an end to the manipulating and deceptive practices used by the administration to sway public opinion. We need to stop these practices.
2. After rolling back the operating budget to a realistic, manageable and more affordable 2005 level, limit future spending increases to the rate of population growth plus inflation. We will avoid all unwarranted, unfair, and harmful increases in taxes, assessments and fees.
3. Facilitate greater public participation, communication and influence, including referendums on major issues. Require retention of, and legally permitted access to, all public records to enable clarification of the ethics of public officials and other relevant matters and entities.
4. Develop a new economic plan to attract and retain businesses that benefit the city and public interests; streamline the permitting process; and listen to input, with an open mind, to address the needs of small business. Business brings jobs and diversifies the tax base to relieve the tax burden on the homeowners. This must be a priority.
5. By listening to all sectors of the city, the Council should develop a roadmap for reaching our ultimate vision. All actions should contribute to the desired goal.
6. Conduct, unfettered, the forensic and operations audits of the UEP/FEP.
This contract was on Signed this 15th day of August, 2009, by the following candidates John Sullivan for Mayor, Jim Martin for District 1, Chris Chulakes-Leetz for District 4 and John Cataldi for District 6.
I am proud to be involved with the Road Ahead Group and I humbly encourage all residents to support the candidates named above in the Primary and on Election Day, as being in the best interest of Cape Coral.
Lynn Rosko
Cape Coral