Vote Carioscia, Cosden
To the editor:
It’s been two weeks since the primaries and I have now had time to collect my thoughts as to who I will be endorsing in the Cape Coral General Election on Nov. 3. I have talked with the candidates, looked through their literature, continued my discussions with Cape Coral residents, and reviewed my relationships with each of the candidates behind the scenes on the campaign trail. I have chosen the candidates whom I feel will govern in the best interest of Cape Coral. These choices are my own and are not influenced by political affiliation, friendships, organizations, and/or special interests. Thus, my choices are: the incumbent candidate John Carioscia for District 2 and my former opponent, candidate Jessica Cosden for District 7.
District 2: John Carioscia
John is the only candidate running that has the clear insight and knowledge gained by currently sitting on Council. He helped bring this city through a difficult time period and set the city on a better path to fiscal stability and sustainability. It was not easy to usher revenue diversification into the city during some of our darkest economic times, but it was the right thing to do. John has shown fiscal restraint while also understanding that we as a city must continue to invest in growth in order to succeed. John has not been afraid to go against the grain on Council and that is something that is, in my opinion, a necessary trait of any good council member.
The most important quality I have been able to observe about Mr. Carisocia is that when he feels he has not been supplied with adequate information or suspects he might be misinformed about an issue, he is able to take pause to correct the situation and then make the best choice for the city moving forward. We often do not see that in government, and it is refreshing. From what I have come to learn about John has been a dedicated public servant and will work diligently to keep moving the Cape forward. He is a straight-shooter and I firmly believe he will continue to serve our city well. Thus, I endorse John Carioscia for District 2.
District 7: Jessica Cosden
Having been a part of this District race, I know it best. I talked about having a fresh new voice from a young professional with a family on the Council. Jessica brings that and more. I believe that Jessica’s platform and mine are most similar on the local governing level. This can be evidenced by Jessica’s desire to lower the tax burden by using creative methods to attract suitable businesses to the Cape. Furthermore, she understands that infrastructure is not a convenience, but rather a necessity, and that we need things such as bike paths, fiber optic lines, and LED streetlights. Jessica has a thorough understanding of the ins-and-outs of Cape Coral from having grown up here. Additionally, Jessica has had a varied professional background both as a reporter and in data analysis where she gained the experience of having to look at all sides of an issue, while also analyzing numbers and statistics on issues so as to help her arrive at the most logical result.
Perhaps most importantly, Jessica understands the balance we need and must pursue in Cape Coral. I believe she will make sure to examine each and every policy, budget item, and proposal brought forth to council with a fine tooth comb. In my experience she also understands, however, the ongoing need to continue capital projects, attract businesses, take chances, and to help move Cape Coral into the future. Thus, I maintain her most favorable quality as likely being the best able to balance fiscal responsibility with the ever-growing need to keep Cape Coral moving forward. Jessica is an intelligent and thoughtful person that I am certain will prove to be an asset to our Council. It is for these reasons I support and endorse Jessica Cosden for District 7.
While these are my choices, they were not easy. Kirk LaGrasta and Tim Barrier are both individuals that have shown have a lot of dedication to this city by running for council, and I consider both to be my friends. Either way, I encourage everyone to vote in this election on Nov. 3; it is important for this city!
Sam “For Seven” Fisher
Cape Coral