The Breeze’s First Candidate Question Following the Primary
With the August 18 Primary behind us, the field for Cape Coral’s November 3 General Election is set. Voters will choose between two candidates in each of four races: Mayor and City Council Districts 1, 4 and 6.
For its first Question of the Week following the Primary, the Cape Coral Breeze asked the eight remaining candidates:
“What message did voters send in the Aug. 18 Primary? What is your response?”
Although their answers varied, nearly every candidate said the results reflected a desire for change, greater accountability and city leaders who listen more closely to residents.
Mayor Lisa Cohen-Adkinson Cohen-Adkinson interpreted the Primary as a clear demand for change. She pointed to rising property taxes, residents’ frustrations over how public comments have been handled and concerns about development’s effect on Cape Coral’s quality of life. Her response was to encourage voters to study the remaining candidates carefully and select a mayor who will restore the community character and quality of life that attracted residents to Cape Coral.
Richard Erickson Erickson said voters want a mayor who respects residents, their ideas and their right to speak. He also interpreted the results as a rejection of special-interest influence and growth that leaves taxpayers responsible for the resulting costs. He described himself as independent of special interests and pledged to serve as a full-time mayor who places residents and taxpayers first.
District 1 David Newton Newton viewed the Primary results as an expression of whom voters trust to represent them moving forward. His response emphasized bringing the community together, moving beyond past disagreements and concentrating on what Cape Coral can accomplish through cooperation. His message was notably forward-looking, focusing less on criticism of current city leadership and more on unity and Cape Coral’s future.
Tom Shadrach Shadrach said voters are looking for change on City Council. He identified conflicts of interest, affordability, public safety and the need for decisions based on facts, common sense and financial analysis as leading voter concerns. He said the General Election should focus on what each candidate intends to accomplish and pointed to his previous budget analysis as evidence that he would work to improve the city’s financial performance.
District 4 - District 4 did not appear on the Primary ballot because only two candidates qualified. Both automatically advanced to the General Election but were asked what message they took from the citywide Primary results.
Jennifer Nelson-Lastra Nelson-Lastra said the results showed that residents want to be heard. She cited the Jaycee Park controversy, the former council stipend and the Cape Coral Rowing Club as examples of issues where residents did not believe city leaders listened adequately. She said responding to residents—whether during Citizens Input, through telephone calls, on social media or in person—is an essential part of serving on City Council, even when an elected official disagrees with them.
James Vargas Vargas interpreted the Primary as a demand for change, accountability and transparency. He pointed to the incumbent mayor’s elimination as evidence that voters were challenging the status quo and paying closer attention to city government. His response was that he had heard that message and, if elected, would remember that he works for Cape Coral’s residents.
District 6 Liza King King said the Primary demonstrated that Cape Coral residents are engaged, paying attention and want their voices heard. She interpreted their message as a call for city leaders to listen and remain focused on issues affecting residents’ quality of life. Her response emphasized responsible use of taxpayer dollars, infrastructure investment, public safety, transparent decision-making and managing growth while protecting Cape Coral’s character.
Annette Warren Warren also said voters want to be heard, respected and represented. She believes residents are seeking responsible spending, greater transparency and leaders who listen before making decisions. Her response was to continue listening while scrutinizing city spending and concentrating resources on essential services and infrastructure. She also called for stronger relationships with state and federal officials so Cape Coral can pursue more grants and reduce the burden of growth on local taxpayers.
The common thread running through all four races was unmistakable: Cape Coral residents expect their elected officials to listen. Some candidates interpreted the Primary principally as a demand for major change and rejection of the status quo. Others viewed it as a call for greater cooperation, transparency and attention to residents’ priorities.
Those differences in tone and governing approach will now give voters important distinctions to consider as the campaign moves toward the November 3 General Election. Cape Coral City Council elections are nonpartisan. Although council candidates must reside in the district they seek to represent, all registered Cape Coral voters may vote in every council race.
This recap is provided for voter information and does not constitute an endorsement. Candidate positions were summarized from responses published by the Cape Coral Breeze.
