Cape Coral Mayor’s Race (Primary): Stephen Lovejoy
1. platform:
A) I believe we must have tax reform. The system we have now leaves the door open for government to raise our taxes without just cause. Ad Valorem taxing is not working at this time. We cannot allow government to have a free hand in taxes, just look at what has happened over a few short years
Year 2000: $54 million budget 102,000 people,
Year 2004: $89 million budget 130,000 people
Year 2007: $166 million budget 170,000 people.
B) We have to return our city to the people. Since 1994 city leadership has been if favor of special interest. That needs to stop. The city must make decisions for all of the citizens of Cape Coral. All major city projects need to have an external background investigation performed to see who owns the property and who will benefit from the project.
C) We must help our citizens who are facing hard times and possible foreclosure. I am proposing that the city set up an arbitration program with the banks. Negotiators for the people must become a part of the foreclosure crisis. The time to step for the people is now.
D) Controlled growth is a necessity for this city. The city must prepare itself for growth, not grow and then prepare.
E) Dollars leaving Cape Coral…Why? Lee County will be our next agenda. I have spoken with countless people about the money we send to Lee County and no one has a solid answer as to what we get for that money.
2. top three issues:
There are more than the “top three” issues. There are multitudes of Top Issues, however I will discuss the following. Tax reform, Helping our citizens in financial trouble, and Reducing the size of government. I have addressed these issues in question one above.
3. leadership role:
The Mayor’s roll is governing the city for the people. The Mayor must be able to direct and lead the city council, the meetings, the city managers, and all other city staff. He must set the agenda for issues and be sure the council members understand the issues.
It is the duty of the Mayor to maintain orderly meetings that operate on time and remain in focus.
Council’s job is similar to the Mayor in that they also must have only the interest of the people they represent. They must know and understand what they are voting on. If council members are not well informed on issues set on the agenda, they must notify the Mayor and request work shops (per Sunshine Law).
4. UEP:
Poor planning and lack of foresight has fractured this city. We have no option other then too stand tall and complete the project. That does not mean I am an advocate to the current proposed plan. As your Mayor I will come to the table with new ideas for financing and employment for the people of Cape Coral.
I will meet with the contracted companies involved and our own public works department to determine how much of the project the city can take on itself.
5. budget priorities:
All issues are priorities when it comes to the budget.
I will be agreeable to allowing the millage rate not to exceed 5.9 as opposed to the 7.7 to 8.1 proposed by our current council and Mayor.
This would create a substantial decrease in the proposed taxes. I do not believe there are three specific cost cutting measures because that would potentially amputate needed services. All departments will be reorganized and new budget figures will be put in place.
The city will continue to meet the needs of the people. I will enforce all reductions and or changes made when I am Mayor.
It’s a common “buzz” word to diversify our tax base with business taxes. We must set the standard on how the city can tax us and how money is spent.
6. potential conflicts:
None
For complete detailed answers please visit www.lovejoy4mayor.com