Following received by : "web-ster"@capecoralwatchdogs.org  11-17-06  3:45 PM
Subject : Recall ? Why is the Mayor in Such a Hurry ?


At the November 6th Cape Coral City Council meeting a Mr. Rodney asked 
a very pertinent question. Why was the council in such a hurry to move 
ahead with the utility expansion program in view of the three 
troublesome audits, high cost especially when compared to similar 
projects in Florida, allegations of violations of law, an FBI 
investigation and overwhelming citizen displeasure? He also spoke about 
it being necessary not only to do the right thing but also to give the appearance
of doing the right thing. The haste was defended by the Mayor as necessary.

At the November 13th council meeting a Mr. Grosso asked why the city 
had been dragging its feet for several months over the issue of asking 
for a no cost opinion from the Florida Attorney General concerning the 
allegations by the Florida Auditor General that the city had violated 
many state statutes and city ordinances in conjunction with the utility 
expansion project. This juxtaposition of haste and procrastination is 
interesting.

It is an open secret that the Mayor intends to resign his position next 
year to run for Bob Janes County Commissioner's seat. Is he by 
condoning haste trying to create some sort of legacy to help him climb 
the power ladder? Is he by avoiding the question of the legality of the 
city's actions hoping to be in a new elected position by the time the dirt is
dumped?

Could it be that the Mayor is so seduced by the siren song of ambition 
and the intoxication of power that he is blind to what is happening and 
has actually deluded himself into believing he is doing good? Or to 
look it through a more cynical lens is he willing to mortgage the 
future of the city for the anticipated future support of special 
interests to advance his political career?

Perhaps it is time for the citizens of Cape Coral, like those of Marco 
Island and Fort Myers Beach to initiate a recall petition.

Old Fart