Lisa Cohen-Adkinson

I would delete waste, duplication and spending that cannot demonstrate value to Cape Coral taxpayers, not the essential services they depend on.  I would scrutinize unnecessary vacancies, duplicative administration, excessive consulting, overpriced contracts, unused software and subscriptions, and capital projects that can safely be delayed.

What would I add?  Accountability.

Every department, contract and major expenditure should have measurable results and a clear reason for being there.  Before asking taxpayers for another dollar, we should make sure we’re getting the most from the dollars we already collect.

Every dollar counts because it’s your money.

Cohen-Adkinson for Mayor Campaign Page

Jennifer Nelson-Lastra (I)

I would remove positions that have remained vacant for six months or more and establish a policy to review and eliminate those positions unless there is a demonstrated need. We currently budget positions at 100%, even though our own studies indicate we should budget closer to 95%.

I would add recognition of earned interest revenue, similar to Lee County’s approach.

Nelson-Lastera for District 4 Campaign

Liza King

I would start with a comprehensive review of the budget, looking for duplication, unnecessary administrative spending, underperforming programs, and projects that are wants rather than needs.

My priorities are public safety, infrastructure, and the core services residents expect. We must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and efficiency. I would prioritize investments in public safety, infrastructure, traffic and transportation, while maintaining the assets we already own.

Stronger long-range financial planning is also essential so we aren’t reacting to problems after they become costly.

Every expenditure should have a clear purpose, measurable value, and accountability to Cape Coral taxpayers.

King for District 6 Campaign Page

Richard Erickson
I would cut spending that does not directly help the people of Cape Coral. That includes the proposed $3 million economic development fund, unnecessary consultants, and adding government jobs without a clear need.

I would not cut police, fire, hurricane preparedness, roads or other basic services. I would put more money toward fixing roads, drainage, utilities and our permitting system. Before we ask taxpayers for more money, City Hall needs to prove it is spending the money it already has wisely. We need to focus on needs before wants and make sure every tax dollar has a purpose.

Erickson for Mayor Campaign Page

David Newton

I would eliminate spending that is not essential to residents’ quality of life, including unnecessary beautification projects and “pet projects” that have cost taxpayers millions. Before adding anything new, we need to see the outcome of Amendment 3 and ensure our budget is properly balanced. My priority would be protecting essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and public safety while eliminating wasteful or unnecessary expenditures

Newton for District 1 Campaign Page

Tom Shadrach

Our financial policies need to be corrected to recognize the slush funds so there is a true picture of our revenues and expenditures. Cutting outside services would be a good start, such as consultants and small design firms. Bring that work in-house. Cut the scope of the Yacht Club to revenue-generating work. Outsource the golf courses, The Courts and Festival Park amphitheater. I would add the administrative costs to bring back the volunteer boards to tap into our citizen resources to improve our performance. This will easily pay back the cost with the savings they will recommend.

Shadrach for District 1 Campaign Page

James Vargas

I would review the budget line by line, prioritizing needs over wants. We should identify overspending, evaluate programs for effectiveness and determine where projects can be redesigned, delayed or delivered more efficiently. I would not make cuts that compromise essential services. I would prioritize infrastructure, public safety and permitting efficiency while investing in economic development that expands our commercial tax base. Every tax dollar represents someone’s hard-earned money. Our responsibility is to spend it wisely, eliminate waste and find ways to operate government more efficiently before asking taxpayers for more.

Vargas for District 4 Campaign Page

Annette Warren

I would start by separating needs from wants. I would scrutinize vacant positions, administrative growth, consulting and contractual services, program modifications, and capital projects that can responsibly be delayed.

Public safety, infrastructure, water quality and essential services should remain priorities. I would invest in economic development and improvements to our permitting and building processes. Cape Coral relies too heavily on residential taxpayers. Growing our commercial tax base will help distribute that burden. Before asking residents for more, we need to make sure we are spending what we already have efficiently and responsibly.

Warren for District 6 Campaign Page

The Breeze’s Sec 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.

Read the complete Breeze mayoral responses. (capecoralbreeze.com)

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.

Read the complete Breeze District 1 responses. (capecoralbreeze.com)

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.

Read the complete Breeze District 4 responses. (capecoralbreeze.com)

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.

Read the complete Breeze District 6 responses. (capecoralbreeze.com)

A Shared Message—with Different Interpretations

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.