To the editor:
I've always championed what I believe are the best interests of the majority of the residents of Cape Coral. When I was joined a little over a year and a half ago by four other Council Members who also seemed committed to serve and represent the majority of residents' best interests, great things have been accomplished for you. With a goal of reducing, or at least containing, taxes, fees, and cost of services, while continuing to provide essential services in a quality manner, we have proudly been able to achieve the following:
Overall Spending - Reduced by $15 Million
Utility Rates - Reduced projected increase by two thirds, potential for full elimination for next several years
Pine Island Road Widening - Initial projection required City to pay $54 million in interest, now structured at $1 to $2 million at most
City's Financial House - We've put it in order by setting and adhering to sound financial policies that earned improved bond ratings. City's already saved $56 million over the life of the most recent bond issue. The next bond issue set to go out promises similar savings.
Veterans Clinic - Leveraged with great advantage to provide the Cape with economic stimulation
Economic Development - From over 600 contacts made by our Economic Development Office, over 20 new businesses have established creating nearly 500 new jobs with another 20 plus businesses still in development having a potential for another 2500 jobs
Swim Center - REJECTED! No viable business plan. Saved the city at least $27 million in unsupportable debt and the "giveaway" of 171 acres of city-owned land
North Cape Road Repaving - With "found" money, repayment of a loan from the gas tax fund, we started repaving the worst of the roads
South Cape - LCEC transmission line undergrounded; repaved Cape Coral Parkway, a portal into our City
Viscaya Parkway - Repaving the access to the Viscaya Industrial Park and one of our two Foreign Trade Zones is nearing completion
For the past four years I've been honored to serve as one of your Council members. Please honor me again to serve you another four years so the recent momentum of accomplishments will not be squandered, and we can continue to greater savings/accomplishments.
Pete Brandt
Council member, Dist.2
Candidate for re-election
