A differing opinion

Bravo, Bravo...

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Amen, sister! Given the make-up of this bunch (which includes a lot of the people who backed King, Sullivan, Deile & Co.), I'm glad you did the homework for us and put it all out here. Forewarned is forearmed, say I! Thanks!

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I like the idea of putting these two issues or any other issue on the ballot. It gives the voting public more input which is always a good thing. I also do not like what this council is doing but the leader of Cape Coral Taxes is so far out there and out of touch there is no way I could support or be part of that. If someone sensible and knowledgeable had started this and was running this movement it may have a chance. It is an election year and we will see what the people really think of the council’s actions when the results are in.

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Cap Cape Taxes is simply the new name for the Road Ahead. Same players, same tactics, and the same rhetoric.

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@JustanotherBill: You say, "If someone sensible and knowledgeable had started this and was running this movement it may have a chance." I say, no one with sense and knowledge would run that movement, because if they had attended any of the City's presentations on the PST and Fire Fee they would understand the necessity of it. Now you could walk away from the presentation and yell "LIARS" but then you would be a RAG, with an agenda. It's about trust. It's about the big picture.

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The movement is based on getting two issues on the ballot for voters to decide: whether there should be an ordinance that caps taxes and spending based on cost of living increases and whether Cape Coral elections should be city-wide or single district. Wanting to get issues before voters to decide isn't a bad thing. I think what Bill is saying is, if it was someone who used "sensible and knowledgeable" arguments to get these two issues on the ballot, he would support their initiative because allowing voters to decide is a good thing. But, because they are using arguments that don't support the real initiative, he doesn't support it. Did I get that right Bill?

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Kirsten, thanks so much for your excellent letter and truth telling. I am amazed that so many are so ignorant of the truth--but not that RAG/capcape is uttering false info. Lovejoy is now opposed to what he advocated when he ran for mayor in 2009! Parents need to understand what is at stake if the tax diversification doesn't take place. Their kids will have NO parks/sports programs to attend; there will be no vacation camps/child care. Elders will lose all elder activities--Lake Kennedy, Rotino Center, Yacht Club, etc. There will be no Special Populations programs. Leest didn’t attend the entire Burton Report Presentation so he was unaware—and still is—of the result of cutbacks. Sulli has enough money that he gave $50,000 to a local veterans group. Dille gets a state pension, a military pension and after working in Cape as council may even qualify for social security. Can we talk about hypocrisy here? Will Leest get municipal and social security when he retires?

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Now if we could just get more than 7 or 8 posters to get out, explain this to their friends and neighbors and then make sure everyone votes . . . wishful thinking?

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Kirsten: excellent LTE. Finally someone who speaks "grosso-ese". Your letter is well written, civil and clears up much of the double talk this group perpetuates.

Move to the head of the class.

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If voters were to decide on any taxes, NO money would be available to run the City. Parks would close, Police & Fire would have lay-offs and other core services would be impacted. I want my Parks, Police & Fire services, along with the rest of the core services. I voted for officials to do what is right. If they don't, I'll vote them out, but to leave taxes strictly on a referendum, NO. If one has a hrad time figuring out what the right thing is to do, just look at what the "other" side wants, than vote against it. Saves a lot of time and effort.

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This is one GREAT letter. Thank you for taking the time.

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Kristen, yes you are right and thank you. 1Sandy there are many nondemocratic counties on this planet that may be a better fit for you. Here in the United States we expect to have a voice in how our tax money is spent. New taxes should always be put on the ballot and let the majority rule. If it is necessary good politicians will be able to convey that.

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Excellent reply to Cap Cape Taxes. You took time to delve into facts and disproved their position. I must however disagree with part of your very first sentence. You suggest that one political opinion is no better or worse than another. I disagree, because the educated, well-informed person's opinion is certainly more valuable than the uninformed one. In this election, I will judge which candidates have explored the facts before giving an opinion. Usually knowledge leads to better opinions. Again thanks so much for your letter, Kirsten. Now we know why you "liked" their site. HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

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Kirsten Thompson All the facts and numbers have come from the State of Florida, are you saying that the City lied to the State, that would make sense they lie to the people.

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Loveless: Give us a break! You twist and turn 'facts' and numbers and lie. You are one of the final Grosss-o followers. How many others have decided he is full of gas? Speaking of others, Clearly council is listening to majority of citizens. Just because your small 200 person minority is not driving the city agenda doesn't mean council is not listening. The WHOLE CITY hears you and your uneducated follower--WE ARE IGNORING YOU!!!

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Steve, please share your source documents of the data received from the State. Would you like my email address? Or is it a link you can share?

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I love the spirit of our country!! We get the choice to agree or disagree with a political position. The freedom of assembly, freedom of speech etc...

I choose not to agree with a group that chooses to send a photographer, possibly a known stalker to take pictures of little boys and girls. That group loses credibility and lacks morality.

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Kristen did the homework but failed the TEST.

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Packer surly you jest . Why else would smoke be coming out the bottom of your trouser legs? You are pure BS

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No Dimmie that is not case.... Now.... Answer this... Are you lightswitch saying that Cap Cape taxes did not publicly display pictures of little boys and girls possibly taken by a known stalker? In the past you have shown strong moronic ability to run and skate from questions as soon as folks back you into a corner. This one is simple for even a liar like you... Well Dimmie did they or did they not... Yes or no... Time to show me how it is BS

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If it is another name for Road Ahead Gang that is actually good for the MAJORITY of the home owners.

They seem to be saying to the city you have the largest increase in the city with property values.

You will receive an increase in relation to a 7.13% increase in valuation.

You have implemented a 7% tax of electric kilowatts houses used.

You will receive a separate Fire Assessment to pay 62% of the cost of a fire dept.

WHAT IT SHOWS THE PEOPLE THE CITY MISMANAGED LAST YEARS BUDGET.

FALSIFIED A REALISTIC BUDGET THIS YEAR.

WANTS TO CONTINUED UNFETTERED SPENDING IN PROPORTIONS NOT NEEDED WITH A POPULATION THE CITY HAS. WE GOT LAND LOT'S OFG LAND. BIG DEAL.

I'D SAY THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS ARE FED UP WITH THIS SLICK SIX AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND WHAT THEY WANT TO CONTINUE TO TRY TO DO!

THE BUILDING IS NOT HERE ANYMORE AND BUSINESSES ARE CLOSING MAYBE AS FAST AS THEY ARE OPENING.

Cape is not the fast grower it once was and is a credit nightmare!

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Hey here is a great idea to stop the city from continuing to borrow its future away.

Let's tax Electricity. provide 62% of the Fire Dept budget as a separate bill?

Well gee why not do it with Police Dept? The entire Public Works Dept?

Establish a separate Road TAX mailed monthly.

Charge a Vehicle TAX, boats, personal watercraft, traillers, RV's as a separate Tax?

Why I bet we can then say Cape Coral, Fl has NO REAL ESTATE TAX. (Only non ad valorem TAXES).

All because the city is the largest in the state of Florida. With the 11th largest population THAT CAN'T MAKE ENDS MEET.

Here is a prediction to go along McClain choosing not to run. I said he would not be there term 2, McGrail will not be reelected, a pot bellied pig would get more votes. City Managers have a 7 yr. average career in a city. John will not make four here. He has been here a yr. so far!

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Packer what I am sayingh is your a fruit loop!

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Thanks Dimmie!! As always it is too easy... LOL.!!!! You post an insult, folks ask a question, you run from it!! Too easy!

Bawahhahahaha!!!! What lie you gonna come up with next?? You gonna tell us Construction is not here anymore? Hahahahahaha !!!!!!!!

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Parks & Rec is subsidized by the general fund by over 2 million dollars. Parks is not fee based and that has been the situation for many, many years. If it gets funded by user fees, hundreds turnout complaining. Cape Coral is more socialist than capitalist.

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