With my extensive background in law enforcement, “I believe that the safest place in the world is, Cape Coral, the place we call home." I am committed to doing everything in my power to keep it that way!  Read More

The stipend was approved before my appointment. After thorough consideration, I chose to decline the stipend as one of my initial official acts as a Councilmember. I will persist in my efforts to reverse or reduce the stipend once there is sufficient agreement, requiring five votes. I have already taken all the actions within the authority of a single Councilmember.
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Another decision made before my appointment was the elimination of several citizen volunteer committees that weren't mandated by law. I endorse citizen committees that have previously existed or could form in the future to provide input on various topics. I strongly believe that such committees enhance public involvement and buy-in as we advance our growing city forward. Moving ahead, I will actively seek opportunities and advocate for the establishment of committees that can benefit our mission. 
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We must aggressively find solutions for clean water and roads that support our city's growing population.
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The recent Council's pay increase without citizens' participation has fractured public trust. I’m dedicated to restoring that trust. I strongly advocate for transparency in government, particularly at the local level. Throughout my over 30 years of government service, I've learned the importance of ensuring that all facts are readily accessible to the public in a clear and straightforward manner. This approach not only helps to dispel misinformation and rumors but also fosters trust in government employees and officials. I will always be accountable to the citizens of Cape Coral. 
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As a new boater, I will do everything in my power to maintain our waterways and ecosystem. 

I pledge to uphold a professional demeanor consistently while fulfilling my duties as a City Councilmember. Professionalism is integral to my approach and has been a cornerstone of my career. It's the public's rightful expectation that we serve them with enthusiasm, honesty, and diligence. If re-elected, I'll remain committed to acting professionally and prioritizing the well-being of the city and its residents.
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1. What do you see as are your district’s top priorities? If elected, what is the very first issue you’d tackle?
   
   
   We are elected citywide and responsible for the betterment of the entire city. However, in District 4, the "old golf course" has sat abandoned for many years. I will do everything possible for the city to acquire the land and maintain the green space to enhance the quality of life for all who wish to enjoy it.
    
2. What experience do you have in leadership that has prepared you for this role? What is your greatest accomplishment as a leader?
    

   I have been in leadership roles in public administration and law enforcement for over 25 years. I hold a bachelor's degree in public administration and am a graduate of the FBI National Academy, which focuses heavily on leadership. My greatest successes as a leader are instances where I was able to positively influence those I worked with, helping them advance their goals and careers.
    
3. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents?
   
   

   I have been the District 4 council member since my appointment in December 2023. Having lived in District 4 for 31 years, I have an excellent historical perspective on the city's past and future direction. Additionally, my diverse background in public administration provides significant experience to draw from when making decisions. 

   
   

   I approach decision-making with common sense, analytical thoroughness, consistency, transparency, and inclusivity. I maintain a calm, professional demeanor and possess excellent communication skills, which are critical for influencing and guiding decision-making. I have no personal agenda and always prioritize the best interests of the city and its residents.

    
4. Cape Coral has been growing significantly, but some residents believe the city is getting too big. If elected, how would you proceed with regard to laws dealing with growth management, road construction, and preservation?
   
   

   The city is growing due to people's desire to live here. As a pre-platted community, we still have room to expand. However, diversifying that expansion with needed commercial and light industrial development will lessen the financial burden on our residents. This rapid growth requires constant review and monitoring to ensure we have the appropriate resources to support it. We must facilitate growth while balancing its impact on the environment, infrastructure, and surrounding property owners, all while meeting the needs of the entire city. I will do everything possible to make this inevitable growth as smooth and positive as possible. 

    
5. The city council recently voted in a stipend that increased council pay by between $3,333 and $5,000 – about 1/10 to 1/6 of what councilmembers were making before. What’s your stance on the stipend? How would you address council pay?
    
   My position on the stipend is clear. The vote for the stipend occurred on the same night but prior to my appointment to the city council. After my appointment and consultation with the city attorney and city manager, I learned that I was not required to accept it and opted to not receive it as part of my salary.  I did not agree with how it was implemented without public involvement. Specifically, I believe compensation changes should be done as outlined in the city charter through a voter referendum. I will work to repeal the stipend and present an appropriate referendum for public consideration on future council compensation.
    
6. What specific efforts will you advocate for, as it relates to affordable and workplace housing? 
    
   I believe having housing options for individuals of all income levels is important. I advocate for developer incentives to bring more low-cost housing options to our residents. Additionally, I would support our city in pursuing all available grant money to assist those meeting specific income criteria in purchasing homes. I do not support lowering building standards by reducing size or other requirements to meet these needs. Affordable housing does not need to detract from surrounding properties to provide affordable opportunities for our citizens.
    
7. What will you do to protect water quality and reduce stormwater runoff? What policies will you push in taking action against polluters?
    
   I will ensure that we implement effective policies and codes requiring new development to minimize runoff into our waterways. Our city already boasts one of the most stringent ordinances, limiting fertilizer application and more, to reduce runoff. I will ensure the City Manager oversees our staff's efforts in enforcing these ordinances to prevent violations that could harm our water quality. Educating the public is crucial in reducing harmful runoff, and I am committed to effectively communicating this message to our community.
    
8. What needs to be done on transparency and accountability in local government, and how will you instruct the city manager on best practices in providing public information and accessibility?
   
   
   I am a strong advocate for transparency in government, especially at the local level. The city must adhere to Florida's Sunshine laws outlined in FSS 119. As Councilmember, I will ensure that the City Manager leads our staff not just to meet legal obligations but to make transparency integral to our operations. With over 30 years in public service, I understand the importance of providing clear and accessible information to the public. This approach not only dispels misinformation and rumors but also builds trust in our government employees and officials. I am committed to being accountable to the citizens of Cape Coral.

1.       As a political candidate, how do you balance the potential economic benefits of increasing the tax base through private wetland development with the crucial environmental benefits wetlands provide in mitigating storm surges and reducing the financial impact of flooding on residents?

 In my decision-making methodology, public safety and negative environmental impacts would take precedence over financial benefits to the city.

2.       As a political candidate, under what circumstances would you entertain transferring city-owned conservation zoned and/or greenspace land to a private developer

Green space and conservation land are distinct, and I would consider them separately. I hold conservation land in higher regard and would prioritize its protection in any decision to transfer the land. If there is ample green space adjacent to the area needed for transfer, I would carefully weigh both the positive and negative impacts before making a decision.

3.       As a political candidate, how would you address a situation where a landowner, who has reaped tax benefits from their land being zoned as a natural preserve for decades, now seeks to change the zoning, increasing its value, to sell the property to a developer?  What is your responsibility to the citizens of Cape Coral in ensuring that one of the last remaining large tracts of land is preserved for wildlife and future generations to enjoy?

The historical land zoning classification and any associated tax benefits would not influence my decision to change or maintain zoning for development. My primary responsibility is to protect our environment, wildlife, and public safety, ensuring the best interests of the citizens of Cape Coral. 

4.       As a political candidate, who would you consult to understand the impacts of the proposed Redfish Pointe development on the city’s water, sewage, electric service, traffic, fire and police departments, hurricane preparedness, wildlife, and impacts to residents?

I would consider information from various sources in all forms, placing greater weight on recognized expert opinions over less reputable resources. I would also listen to the residents most impacted in the surrounding area, giving significant value to their input.

5.       Freeform response:

I fully support Lee County Conservation 20/20 acquiring the property at Redfish Point. I believe this is the best outcome for all involved. I will do everything possible to advocate for this, whether I am elected to office or not. 

This issue began before my appointment. Since assuming my role, I have conducted internal research, listened attentively to all public comments during meetings, corresponded with stakeholders, visited the park multiple times, and met with residents who oppose the project. While many concerns have been addressed, they still seem to fall short of expectations. Unfortunately, I don't believe all expectations can ever be fully met but efforts continue to be made. Although I haven't finalized my decision, I find myself leaning towards those opposed, primarily due to concerns about the project's cost to taxpayers. VOTED AGAINST 8/21/23
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