Updated ........ Saturday, May 05, 2007
CAPE CORAL WATCHDOGS
Est... June 17, 2003
Cape Coral City Hall.... WE'RE WATCHING YOU !!!
Mission Statement
The Cape Coral Watchdogs is an alliance of Cape Coral Citizens organized to carefully monitor the Cape Coral City Government and to encourage it to always perform in the best interest of the people.
To join the e-mail group click here...
CapeCoralWatchdogs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
News/Message Line... 239-477-4608
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******** "Attorney general faults Cape Coral utilities project ********
Bidding may have violated state law, opinion finds"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070228/CAPEWATER/702280348
******** "Should the State Investigate This?" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10336
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Voters WERE informed ...
******** "Cape's bond plan bombs" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/NEWS0101/70404004/1003/ACC
******** "Cape safety building goes down" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070403/NEWS0101/70403017/1003/ACC
--------> Be Informed ... Then VOTE !! <--------
To: "web-ster"@capecoralwatchdogs.org
Subject: WHAT THE CITY DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 5:24 PM
******** "WHAT THE CITY DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING" ********
To: "web-ster"@capecoralwatchdogs.org
Subject: UPDATE
Date: Sunday, April 01, 2007 1:54 PM
******** "UPDATE" ********
******** "Con: Sal Grosso ********
City misled public on building details, vote no on referendum"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/OPINION/703290347/1003/ACC
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"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
Ronald Reagan
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An informative website ...
******** "CapeCitizens.Org - Citizens Concerned for the Welfare of Cape Coral" ********
http://www.capecitizens.org/
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What a rotten deal ...
******** "City, state testing water for bacteria ********
Wastewater spilled into Cape canal Monday"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/NEWS0105/704110411/1003/ACC
******** "Flier, Cape council focus on utilities" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/NEWS0101/70305049/1003/ACC
******** "Flier: Cape residents getting "killed" by assessments" ********
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readcapecoralarticle.asp?articleid=11446&z=10&p=
******** "City must face utility problems" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070307/OPINION/703070386/1015
******** "City, in a utilities bind, seeks help to change law" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070307/NEWS0101/703070402/-1/NLETTER01
******** "Cape will let utility contracts stand ********
Renegotiation rejected despite state's opinion"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS0101/703060379/-1/NLETTER01
******** "Cape must follow law on utilities" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070303/OPINION/703030306/-1/nletter07
******** "Cape utilities break possible ********
Lower costs may be coming for homeowners"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070303/CAPEWATER/70303002
******** "City Blunders Again" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10123
******** "Cape residents may sue over utility project" ********
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=11380&z=3&p=
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--------> !! GREAT NEWS !! <--------
******** "Pete Brandt Announces Council Run in District 2" ********
This is an excellent article John .... Thanks!!
******** "Utility assessments in the Cape are higher than in other areas" ********
******** "Cape Coral Image" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9811&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
Please take special note of the very informative and information packed post by Sam within the above link.
"Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:49 pm
Post subject: Cape Coral's Image is Broken!"
Author "dupontsr"
This is surely "Classic Sam". Thanks so much Sam!!
P.S. Sam and others have added many more posts to the above link. "Check out" the entire thread !!
Hello ... Hello ...
******** "Cape delays S.W. 6-7 utilities design work" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/CAPEWATER/70213003
******** "Couple forced to pay sewer fee ********
Delinquent bill leads county to shut off water"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070209/CAPEWATER/702090373
Thanks, John, for sharing this excellent, clear and concise e-mail with "web-ster"!
******** "Give the People a Break and Do Your Jobs" ********
Didn't a past mayor of one of our largest U.S. cities make a comment, in effect, that you can steal a lot from people as long as you give them a little back? Doesn't that statement ring true for the last two segments in the following link??
******** "Payments, refunds impact Southwest 4, 1 ********
Property owners discuss situation"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/CAPEWATER/701250332
******** "One city, one firm, fat profits" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/CAPEWATER/61230042
******** "Cape has done things its way, its way only ********
Rarely heeds audits, outside savings tips"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/CAPEWATER/61230043
******** "Up next, Southwest 5 homeowners brace for costs" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/CAPEWATER/61230044
******** "Cape Utilities" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A4&Date=20061228&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=612280802&Ref=PH
******** "Huge bills catch two households by surprise ********
It's back to work to make ends meet"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061228/CAPEWATER/612280320
******** "This is what we are getting for our $30,000+" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8564
******** "Project shrinks residents' budgets ********
Retiree forced to take job to pay for assessments"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/CAPEWATER/612140323
******** "Cape OKs assessments ********
Two-lot site in SW-4 will cost $17,992"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/CAPEWATER/61212003
******** "Cape group warns area of future utility costs ********
Southwest 5 residents receive 2,000 fliers"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061208/CAPEWATER/612080415
Frank deciphers this situation perfectly ...
******** "Cape Coral or the twilight zone" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7959&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=&sid=faf306baf951d29fadad1d2e184f9fd3
******** "Exercise in utility ********
An in-depth guide to the city's beleaguered water, sewer, irrigation project"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300356
Right On !!!!!!!!
******** "Cape leaders need to open their ears ********
City officials arrogant in handling utilities project"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300346
Are Cape Coral property owners affected by the Utility Expansion Project
getting "Ripped Off" ??
Check out the following link........ You Decide !!
* * * * * * * * ******** "Utility expansion projects compared" ******** * * * * * * * *
http://www.news-press.com/assets/pdf/A443696930.PDF
******** "Recall ? Why is the Mayor in Such a Hurry ?" ********
Thanks Larry for the following ...
******** "Are We Citizens or Captives of Cape Coral?" ********
J.S. isn't talking about "sweet dreams" here ...
******** "The Great American Nightmare" ********
******** "Nuclear Waste Dump On The Zemel Property ?" ********
Very insightful ... thank you Sal Grosso
******** "City Tax Revenues and Spending" ********
Sal tells it like it is ...
******** "More on City Spending" ********
John Sullivan gets the figures right ...
******** "Feichthaler and the Runaway Copy Machine" ********
SW 4 .... HEADS UP
THIS IS FOR YOU !!!!
******** "SW-4 This is your last chance to sue the city." ********
******** "Magical Government in Cape Coral" ********
******** "Is the Cape Coral government taking us for a ride backwards?" ********
******** "Bigger Fish to Fry" ********
******** "Different expertise was needed" ********
******** "Tail Waggs The Dog" ********
******** "... which is more important ..." ********
******** "Charges for Cape SW4 area fall $4,000 ********
Fees for new water lines still an issue"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/CAPEWATER/610260382
******** "Bald eagle's nest stalls sewer project" ********
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readcapecoralarticle.asp?articleid=9291&z=10&p=
******** "Just Rosado? What about the others?" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6771&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
******** "Our editorial stand" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/60929051
******** "Assessment confusion hinders real estate market ********
Sellers in SW-4 left in a tough spot by questions on utilities expansions"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300350
******** "Cape Life reviews project in our search for answers" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300345
******** "Cape not alone in problems with utilities" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300347
******** "Utility projects common in state" ********
Cape Coral not alone"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/60930001
******** "City having to pay growth piper" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/CAPEWATER/609300355
Just keep paying more $$$ !!
Will it end before we run out of $$$ ??
******** "Cape water, sewer rates to rise through 2010 ********
Increases of 7 percent, 10 percent for next 2 years"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/NEWS0101/609190385/1003/ACC
******** "Auditor's notes shed new light on Cape utility project" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/CAPEWATER/309140001
******** "Added fees push utility assessment over $28,000" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/CAPEWATER/60912041
******** "Terrorism concerns block newspaper's request" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/CAPEWATER/309120001
******** "MWH gave city $25K for charter schools" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060911/CAPEWATER/60910018
******** "Kessler e-mail states when he will provide proof of allegations" ********
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readcapecoralarticle.asp?articleid=8588&z=10&p=
******** ''Audit accuses city of violating Florida laws" ********
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readcapecoralarticle.asp?articleid=8368&z=10&p=
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------------> PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING !! <------------
Regarding the Monday evening's Council Meeting @ 5:30 on August 21 28 September 5 11 18 25 October 10 16 23 30 November 6 13 20 27 December 4 11, 2006 January 8 22 29 February 5 12 26 March 5 12 19 26 April 9 16 23 30, May 7, 2007 it is important for everyone to become familiar with the State Audit Finding No. 20: "Contracts for Utility Expansion".
******** http://www.news-press.com/assets/pdf/A429050525.PDF ********
Most definitely the State Attorney General's opinion must be requested by the City Council.
******** Note ********
Why the "crossed-out" dates ??
On November 13th ...
Once again the City Attorney was instructed to prepare a letter requesting the State Attorney General's legal opinion of State Audit Finding Number 20. Let's see how long it takes her to do this !
BUT, what about Findings 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, & 24 that also appear to possibly to be in violation of State Statutes ? The State Attorney General's opinion must be requested on each of these as well !!!
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******** "What about the State Attorney investigation regarding MWH?" ********
http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6805&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
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“The most terrifying words in the English langauge are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.”
Ronald Reagan
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Be sure to visit news-press.com
"The News-Press Home"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
"The News-Press Cape Coral"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?CATEGORY=NEWS0101
and also, "The News-Press Cape Coral Water & Sewer Assessments"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=CAPEWATER
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Be sure to visit nbc-2.com
"nbc-2.com"
http://www.nbc-2.com/index.shtml
"NBC2 Online - Cape Coral News"
http://www.nbc-2.com/News/CapeCoral/
Watch NBC2 News !
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Kessler Report: http://www.news-press.com/assets/pdf/A434399716.PDF
"Kessler International - Forensic Accounting, Computer Forensics, Corporate Investigation" website:
******** http://www.investigation.com/ ********
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Note of Thanks
The Cape Coral Watchdogs are very thankful for the excellent continuing coverage of the Cape Coral Utilities Project "Disaster" provided by The News-Press.
THANK YOU !!!!!!!
Be sure to subscribe to The News-Press !
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******** Click here for: State Senator Burt Saunders ... letter 6-30-06 ********
******** Letter Requesting Contribution from State Senator Burt Saunders ... 7-24-06 ********
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******** "ACTION TO TAKE" ********
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A Step in the Right Direction
Due to the potential corruption exposed in the Kessler Audit, on July 17, 2006 the Cape Coral City Council that evening voted to temporarily halt the SW 4 utilities expansion project. A Cease and Desist order was then delivered to the contractor, MWH. The Council decided to resume discussion on the project Aug. 28, 2006.
And Now A Step in the Wrong Direction
******** "Work resumes on Cape utility project ********
Residents get chance to question council tonight at meeting"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/CAPEWATER/608020403/1003/ACC
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Junk Mail
Our City Manager, Terry Stewart, recently spent $20,000 of taxpayers' money (without Councils' authorization) to send a "propaganda letter" to property owners. This truly was ...
Doesn't this say it all??
City Council should take action immediately to stop this type of gross wasteful use of taxpayers' money, and find another pocket from which to take this $20,000 (other than the taxpayers) !
******** "Cape residents receiving city utilities letter" ********
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/CAPEWATER/60802037
Cape Coral City Council will have their next regular meeting, 5/7/07, @ 5:30 PM.
"There is in the nature of government an impatience of control that disposes those invested with power to look with an evil eye upon all external attempts to restrain or direct its operations. This has its origin in the love of power. Representatives of the people are not superior to the people themselves."
Alexander Hamilton - Federalist Papers, 1787.
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Following is the link to the State Audit summary report :
http://www.state.fl.us/audgen/pages/summaries/2006-182.htm
It appears that Findings 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 20, & 24 may be in violation of State Statutes !
Following is a link to the State Audit full report :
http://www.news-press.com/assets/pdf/A429050525.PDF
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Click for: Information of Interest
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--------> Contributions are necessary and always appreciated... <--------
Cape Coral Watchdogs
P.O. Box 151651
Cape Coral, FL 33915-1651
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Contact
Click on the address: "web-ster"@capecoralwatchdogs.org if you wish to send me, "web-ster", an e-mail. You may want to share information and/or personal experiences you've had as a result of the utility expansion projects.
If you would like a response, please provide your name and a contact phone number in your e-mail. Please indicate if you would like your comments to be restrictively or generally shared. No reply promised, but your e-mail will be read.
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Be certain to join the Watchdogs e-mail group. Just click on the e-mail address (noted near the top of this page), and send the blank e-mail.
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Beverages Taste Best From This Treasured Classic Collectors Mug !!!
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