Don’t mistake motion for action
To the editor:
In a Breeze letter to the editor on Sept. 5, Mr. Ralph LePera exercised his constitutional right to conduct a personal attack against me and others with a vitriolic diatribe that was unfounded and inappropriate, at best. In response, I choose to remain focused on the facts that are most likely at the center of Mr. LePera’s temper tantrum. As a backdrop, I have never had a substantive conversation with Mr. LePera on any topic. We do not know each other personally.
The “Contract With Cape Coral” (that Mr. LePera so vehemently railed against) is actually a concise document that proposes six guiding principles upon which sound government in Cape Coral should be based: 1. Reform the City Administration 2. Reduce Spending 3. Restore The Public Trust 4. Make Cape Coral Truly Commercial Development Friendly 5. Develop A Comprehensive Plan/Vision for Cape Coral at Build Out 6. Complete the UEP/FEP Forensic Audit.
I am at a complete loss to understand Mr. LePera’s objections to those tenets, as they simply promote fiscal accountability and responsible government that responds to the expectations and needs of our citizens. As you can see, the “Contract” does not disparage any individuals nor does it promote “subversion” nor does it represent the radical views of a “fanatical faction” that is “spitting on our flag,” as Mr. LePera claims. It would seem to me that the voters should be eager to support both John Sullivan and John Cataldi, as advocates of the “Contract,” as it lays a foundation for constructive change in a time when realignment with today’s economic reality is absolutely critical, as we move forward on “the road ahead.”
As for myself, I have routinely spoken at council meetings since last fall. I have presented many constructive suggestions and solutions that were supported with credible reference material and comprehensive analysis. I have met with staff, council members and bond counsel to explore creative ways to address the city’s deteriorating bond ratings, financing costs and utility rate issues as they relate to the needs of all citizens not in the context of the North vs. South divisiveness that Mr. LePera chooses to perpetuate. I have also shared my personal analysis of the Burton Rate Study from which I believe substantial utility rate mitigation can be achieved. In all that time, I do not recollect any LePera “sightings.”
Perhaps the growing number of citizens who are now questioning the wisdom of the current leadership’s unrelenting “spend and tax” mentality (aka 85 percent millage rate increase and “revenue diversification”) should ask Mr. LePera why he is directing so much outrage toward those of us who are willing to pro-actively commit to much needed change. I would suggest that Mr. LePera’s staunch support of the failed status quo has only served to raise the voters’ awareness of the inherent value of the “Contract” and has rallied even more support for John Sullivan and John Cataldi, who have committed to itoops. Mr. LePera, did you shoot the appendage just below your ankle?
Gary King
Cape Cora