Cape Coral Mayor’s Race (Primary): James Burch (inc.)
1 & 2: platform, top three issues:
A. Continue to search for savings and reductions in spending, while maintaining our quality of life.
B. Attract business, review zoning and land use to facilitate higher ratio of commercial use to stabilize the tax base by working with Lee County Economic Development Office
n Implement Sector Planning and Community Planning
C. UEP:
n Continue to look for savings; modify contracts; phase out and transition the Program Manager as soon as possible, as projects become manageable by smaller firms and staff.
n Continue funding programs that allow those harshly affected by this economy to receive the benefits of today’s pricing but enable them to pay later.
D. Promote our self image and aspire to a leadership role in SW Florida by positive thinking and actions. Reach out to all leaders and businesses, county and statewide, to promote the largest City in SW Florida.
3. leadership role:
n As a facilitator insure all the Council Members have all the information needed to become comfortable with each issue so they may cast the most informed vote.
n As a communicator make sure lines of communication are open between staff and Council Members; Communicate Council decisions to our constituents.
n Reach out to local, state and national leaders as the Mayor of our City to enhance our City’s vision.
4. UEP: A. SW 6/7 should continue to prevent further burden on the existing rate payers and take advantage of pricing. North Cape (N 1-8) should return to population density and environmental based schedules. Consideration must be given to economic growth, as utilities are a necessary.
B. There is no “one size fits all” solution. I believe the large parcel assessment methodology was more appropriate allowing for full assessment of the first 200 feet depth and 70% discount on the remainder; requiring the owner install the pumps, piping, etc. later when developed.
C. Impact fees, Reservation fees are an appropriate method to have “growth pay for growth.”
5. budget priorities:
n Continue to search for savings and reduce spending while maintaining the quality of life. Reduce the tax rate from the “not to exceed” 8.77 rate currently set.
n Diversity is essential and the entire State must find ways to rely less on the Ad Valorem Tax System.
n Continue to look for ways to reduce staff and overhead (currently reduced budget of 20% and staff from approximately 1900 to 1600 from previous administration).
n Continue to work with unions to gain cost cutting concessions.
n Work with management to reduce overtime and unnecessary expenses.
6. potential conflicts: I would contend that it is not how you vote but when you elect to do so and on what grounds when it comes to a potential conflict.
It is much more difficult to abstain than to vote as I understand my elected duty to state my opinion as I have come to believe based upon my experience, my campaign pledges, my research and the will of the citizens of Cape Coral that elected me.