Vote for proven good government
To the editor:
In the upcoming Cape Coral elections, it’s boiled down to two political camps: those who are campaigning to fire the administration and cut spending and city services even more; and those who want to continue to make the city the best in our region.
Cutting waste and fat; cutting taxes and spending; alleging misdeeds and promoting distrust – these are standard campaign rhetoric.
Distrust of government is an American tradition. Some voters may disagree with council decisions, but that does not mean there is corruption or wrong-doing. It means there was open discussion, and the majority ruled.
The issue in this election is whether the balance of power on the council will tilt toward retribution and bare-bones services; or on ensuring Cape Coral lives up to its promise as the largest city in Southwest Florida.
Expectations for cutting spending are too high. One million dollars in reductions amounts to less than $20 per household, on average: that’s about five cents per day. That’s not enough to make a difference for most home budgets; and it means losing services and driving down the value of the city even more.
This is not to say we shouldn’t cut costs when we can, and this mayor and council have done that. After months of deliberation, with hours of input from our citizens, this mayor and council cut positions and spending to levels that are as low as they were in 2005-06. Per capita costs of government are far lower today than a few years ago. This is a true rollback.
This smaller budget was the result of positive collaboration among the city manager’s team and the mayor and council. It is a financially sound budget that is politically acceptable. This is good government. We should want more of it.
Going forward, with the new statewide limits on millage rates and an uncertain real-estate economy, our elected officials need to understand the intricacies of government finance and to tackle contentious issues with an open mind. It’s every bit as important that they be even-tempered, effective communicators who can represent us well in dealings with county, state and federal officials.
How ironic that even as some campaign for deeper cuts, our city government has been winning state and national awards for financial reporting, economic development, parks and recreation, information services, public works, police and fire; not to mention being a pioneer in cost-saving lean-government process improvement. Compared to many cities, Cape Coral is recognized as leading-edge. This is good government. We should want more of it.
Our city government was created because of the conviction of our founders that Cape Coral should control its own destiny: a destiny defined by safety, quality, efficiency, service and value. The city’s Vision and Comprehensive Plan are forward-looking, optimistic, progressive and positive.
If we want more jobs and a better business climate, then Cape Coral must stand out as the best and most desirable city in Southwest Florida, not just the cheapest. Those who appeal for our vote with a suspicious, bargain-basement mentality cannot achieve that greatness.
Negativity and suspicion (distrust of government) will motivate many people to go to the polls. What a shame it would be if those who believe in a greater city would not show up and be counted.
We can keep Cape Coral’s great spirit alive by electing Burch, Bertolini, McGrail and McClain.
Mike Jackson
Cape Coral