Link to recording of Candidate ForumLWVLee Candidate Forum Cape Coral City Council Districts 2,3,4,5,7, July 8, 2024 (youtu.be)The City of Cape Coral operates under the Council-City Manager form of government. City council members are elected at large from seven districts. The mayor also is elected at large and is the eighth member of council. The mayor presides over council meetings. The City Council enacts ordinances and resolutions, adopts the budget, comprehensive plan and land-use regulations. The Council appoints the City Manager, City Auditor and City Attorney, as well as the members of all boards and commissions. The City Manager hires all department directors and oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. Source: extracted from https://www.capecoral.net/government/city_government/overview/index.php
fullname
Derrick Donnell
lastname
Donnell
Background
Previous City Council Member
Education
Doctorate Degree
contactemail
votefordrdonnell@yahoo.com
Campaign Phone
2396775257
Incumbent (Yes or No)
no
• Restoring confidence and trust in the City Council
• Adopting Smart Growth Policies
• Maintaining a fiscally responsible budget
• Strong critical listening skills
• The ability to analyze data void of bias.
• Fair and consistent decision making
• Data driven decision making.
• Former Cape Coral City Council Member District 7, 1-billion-
dollar budget
• Former Commissioned Financial Officer, U. S. Marine Corps
• Former Lee County School District Administrator
• Former Director of Professional Standards, Equity and
Recruitment for the School District of Lee County
• Safety: Cape Coral continues to grow at a rapid rate. Our policies must be developed to address both the current and projected needs of our police, fire and first responders. This is a fundamental responsibility of Council to ensure the safety of all residents.
• Growth: We must prioritize smart growth policies to ensure an excellent quality of life for our residents
• Water Supply: It is essential for the Council to monitor and support efforts to ensure that all residents have on demand access to clean water.
• The Council needs to revisit the Land Use and Development Regulations (LUDR) for the purpose of identifying and modifying any areas that would increase efficiency.
The term “affordable” itself evokes different meanings from different people. Yes, we need “attainable” housing in our city. We should come to a consensus of what “attainable” means to us here in Cape Coral, then we should strategically develop policies for the construction and placement of the homes within our city.
The Council should continue to support the Utilities Master Plan. I plan to discuss with Council the need for quarterly updates as to the status of the Water Quarterly Reports, Water Conservation, and the Utilities Expansion Project (UEP).
I am a public servant. I work for and am at the will of the public. I will support all initiatives that allow for transparency and access for all actions that Council takes. I will not support any barriers like fees that would restrict the public’s access. I will encourage citizens to get involved in opportunities the city offers for them to be enlightened. One example of this is our Citizens Academy. I will also champion an effort to reinstitute committees such as the Budget Review Committee.
The issues impacting my district are traffic, sidewalks, canals, and park maintenance.
I plan to ensure that the schedule for any actions by the city that are to take place in my district are communicated in a timely fashion. This will allow residents to be informed as to what and when to expect any actions from the city, so they can be prepared. This also will allow the residents time to prepare and participate in the process if they so choose.
fullname
Deborah Lee
lastname
McCormick
Background
Resident and homeowner of Cape Coral over 49 years
Education
Graduated from Cypress Lake High School 1974, Completed Legal Secretary 1 year course at Fort Myers Business College
contactemail
dmccormick4131@outlook.com
Campaign Phone
239-560-4024
Incumbent (Yes or No)
No
Rescind the stipend. Amend the city charter so future councils can not do this again. Bring back the Citizen Advisory Boards so citizens have a say in city government.
I have resided in Cape Coral for 49 years. I retired as a civil servant with the State of Florida. I have served and want to continue to service the people of Cape Coral.
One main challenge is our residents wells are going dry in NW Cape. We need to speed up getting city water to these residents as soon as possible.
I believe residents should have a voice as to what type of residential structures go up in their neighborhoods. Many people are concerned about all the high rise apartment complexes that are being built.
If there was a tax break for people who own homes to lower the rent for those looking to live in Cape Coral.
We need to work with the Southwest Water Management to provide safe and pure water to our residents. I feel we do not need to rely on Fort Myers for some of our water supplies.
I believe residents should have 5 instead of 3 minutes to speak before the City Council during citizens input. I will pay attention to what people have to say and not dismiss their comments.
Majority of the people I have talked to do not feel that the Mayor and City Council care about what they say and how they feel about critical issues in our city. I will be available to all citizens in Caoe Coral not just the people in my district.
