District 6 (primary): John Cataldi
1. platform:
n Reform the city administration
n Reduce spending
n Restore public trust
n Make Cape Coral truly commercial friendly
n Develop a Comprehensive Plan/Vision for Cape Coral at build out
n Complete the UEP/FEP Forensic Audit
Wouldn’t you agree that when making a judgment about a candidate’s qualifications, it should be as much about “what they have done,” not just what they say they are going to do?
Go to: www.johncataldi-capecoralflorida.com to view pledge and resume.
2. top three issues:
a. High taxes, assessments, fees, communication/cable taxes, etc.
b. Job and business losses. Unfair treatment of citizens with UEP
3. leadership role:
Mayor presides over city council, both have same responsibility, represent the citizens of Cape Coral under a city council-city manager form of government, according to rules of city charter, adopted by the citizens. council sets policy, gives direction to city manager.
4. UEP: We are paying too much for the UEP. The need for commercial utility expansion is in my opinion different from residential. Major commercial corridors could and should be developed in advance of the residential areas. District No. 6 has most undeveloped land area. With an approved comprehensive development plan (residents with equal input as commercial land owners) the commercial marketing process would accelerate and attract businesses and jobs, relieving the tax burden on homeowners.
I am against the square foot methodology as I believe it is impractical and unfair as well. I would support a single “Unit” methodology. Commercial and high rises at a different unit methodology.
Impact fees and water rates have to be reduced.
5. budget priorities: Cut spending. Reduce the size and cost of government, return to 2005 or less, operating budget. Reduce the tax rate. If we were to apply the 2009 Cape Coral Financial Advisory Committee’s nine point savings recommendations, we would realize a $44.7 million savings. That’s $14 million more than we need. As for new ways to tax people (diversification); a tax is a tax, is a tax. Let’s give the people a tax break, they earned it.
6. potential conflicts: I don’t have any conflicts such as our sitting mayor. If elected, my responsibility will be to represent the people, not the interests of city management. I don’t believe that by agreeing with issues that people are raising, makes me “suspect” for any “potential conflict.” Solutions are what I am about, honest government, representing the will of the people, by listening to the people, for the betterment of all people.