Guest Commentary | Transparency: What a load of garbage!
Transparency. We all campaign on it. We all promise it. Apparently, it’s easier to talk on the campaign trail than to actually practice it.
Let’s talk trash … Literally.
Cape Coral canceled its original Solid Waste RFP (Request for Proposal) and issued another requiring bidders to include plans for a transfer station (aka a DUMP … with a roof!) Meanwhile, Waste Pro had purchased property in District 7 for a reported $13.5 million (Lee County Property Appraiser’s website), and land-use changes were moving through the city.
Who knew what, and when?
Now here’s the fun part … the transfer station could ultimately become city-owned, with taxpayers paying for the land and construction. That’s quite a shopping spree with someone else’s wallet. Something it seems city hall loves to do.
And where is this proposed site? District 7, of course! Near sensitive wetlands and our Academic Village (Kismet & Del Prado). We already have mulching and concrete crushing operations happening there, and now dredging spoils are part of the picture (new RFPs have designated this exact site).
I investigated the property myself. What I found raised more questions than answers.
Why District 7? Why not the Yacht Club? Cape Harbour? Seven Islands? The Old Golf Course? Redfish Pointe? Sandoval? Or better yet, across from City Hall near the Police Station? Somehow, I doubt those neighborhoods would be rolling out the red carpet and welcoming this.
Here’s what really stinks: I’m the elected District 7 representative, and city staff didn’t inform me. If Council isn’t being told, how can residents possibly know?
Apparently, staff makes the plans, Council takes the punches, and taxpayers pick up the tab.
Are we really turning PRIME real estate into GRIME? District 7 gets the trash. Take it out!
Transparency shouldn’t require a drone, a detective, and a councilwoman digging through the garbage to find the truth.
So … City Hall, who made these decisions, when were they made, and why weren’t we told? Or were SOME members of Council a part of it? We did hear the mayor on the record …
Rachel Kaduk represents District 7 on the Cape Coral City Council.