The Political Landscape

With the arrival of the summer in southwest Florida, most of us have grown accustomed to late afternoon downpours. As the full intensity of summer's heat begins to build, so, too, will the pressure on the Cape Coral City Council members as the next round of council meetings convenes.

With council elections for several seats looming on the horizon, it's quite possible that the "on again, off again" Utilities Expansion Project might, once again, change course.




Maybe veteran councilman Tim Day said it best when he stated that public outcry over the city's imposition of assessments on residents had 'forced the council to re-examine the issue'. I mean..ya' think ? A special public forum has been called to hear residents concerns and answer questions about the project. Count on that July 14 meeting to sound more like an angry mob than an afternoon tea party.

Having spoken with several Cape Coral homeowners intent on fighting the apparent injustice, I'd agree that some revision of the present system will almost certainly need to be made. Given the wealth of home and land owners affected (and the dearth of payment options available), the fireworks at Red, White, and Boom may pale by comparison to what we see from that group if nothing gets revised.

I read recently that Lee County property values fell an average of 23 percent from last year, population growth has slowed and housing starts are way down, too. If all of that is true, then Cape Coral should start looking at possible long-term budgeting solutions. Staff, core services and pay may all have to be cut further. I mean, we don't want to have to cut the budget for Economic Development, right ?

Whatever happens with the decision on going forward with the utilities expansion could dictate a lot of changes, especially in council chambers at city hall. Some changes are inevitable as elections approach and, as I remember, Cape Coral is looking for a new mayor. No doubt, the landscape is about to change.

Thanks for the feedback..I REALLY appreciate it ! _Wray