Tangle web
To the editor:
“What a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive!” If you watched the last council meeting, Feb. 8, the mumble, fumble group was at it again. To Schwing, or not to Schwing, reemerged (thought that was settled last meeting) and absorbed another worthless hour of council’s time. Plus, a developer (please read, I contributed to your campaign, mayor, because I believe in good government) demanded almost another hour so he could share with council his grand plan for commercial rezoning in the southern part of the city. That’s not all! The City Attorney, patiently and graciously, tried to explain to an impatient and short-tempered mayor, that he can not single handedly appoint a “negotiator” that will answer directly to him, so he can control negotiations with the city unions.
The Gang Ahead Group (G.A.G.) campaigned to dismantle the “VAST EMPIRE” in city hall (as pointed out by Mr. Brandt), that the gang believes deceives council and cheats taxpayers. The way the mayor and his cronies plan to do this to “appoint” their “city manager” from their “pool” of their campaign friends. That is why you see these constant “monkey-wrench” tactics to stall and confuse the issue of the appointment of the current “interim city manager.” They are not interested in Mr. Schwing, or a search for a city manager from northern Florida and perhaps southern Georgia, which is absurd on its face, because they already have someone in mind. Names have been floated! Ask them, maybe they’ll be truthful! Watch them; they “vowed” to vote as a block!
It was further apparent that the mayor intends to have the “union” negotiator, he wants to hire, answer directly to him. He said so several times, and although the City Attorney tried to dissuade him by clearly stating the Council/Manager form of government, regulated by Florida Charter statute, prohibits the mayor’s personal meddling in city operations, he brushed her objections aside just as he did with his scheme to “tax (a rose by any other name, is still a rose)” property owners in the north Cape for services they will not get within a reasonable time frame.
This Gang Ahead Group and their handlers have a grand plan for the city, even if it circumvents the charter. Perhaps, as the angry lady who comes regularly to chide council with her innate wisdom stated that there is a “barking dog” here. Maybe so, but please remember that our early ancestors domesticated the dog to act as an early warning against imminent danger. There are some dangerous, self-deluded characters on this council.
Just be honest boys, stop the deceptions and admit it! You won the election, you own the city. You are going to do it your way in spite of the City Charter.
This mayor who self-anointed himself the savior of the city who would “restore trust in government” seems to be doing everything except that. If you think the chaos created by this group can’t get worse, think again. The budget is yet to come!
Wake up Cape Coral!
F. C. Perry
Cape Coral