After former Cape Coral City Councilmember Patty Cummings was removed from office for allegedly misrepresenting her home address, Richard Carr was selected from among a slate of candidates to finish out her term. Now, he has put himself on the ballot for 2024 election in hopes voters will elect him to the seat he currently occupies.
To better inform voters, candidates responded to a blanket set of questions by The News-Press that covered everything from their top priorities, should they be elected, to their stances on water runoff, city planning, and affordable housing.
District 4 is bordered on the south by Cape Coral Parkway, extends just a few blocks north of 26 E Terrace, extends one block east of Country Club Boulevard, and two blocks west of Skyline Boulevard.
The position is elected at large. Terms are generally four years long, and members are limited to two consecutive terms. However, the winner of this race will serve a two-year term because Cummings left the seat before her term expired.
The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Aug. 20 primary move on to the general election in November.
Council members are paid a base annual salary of $37,368.96. Last year, the council approved monthly stipends worth another $39,996 a year.
Carr is running against candidates William Matthews, Jennifer Nelson and Robert Sutter for the District 4 seat.
- Name: Richard Carr
- Age: 59
- Previous Experience: Appointed to the District 4 seat after former council member Patty Cummings was removed from the role. Former police officer; managed city's code enforcement division for more than six years.
- War Chest: Carr has raised $7,895 for his campaign and spent $3,515.83 since April 1. Carr loaned himself several thousand dollars of the course of his campaign. He also received $1,000 from 78 Political Committee, an Orlando-based political action committee that donates primarily to Democrats, $1,000 from the Conservative Leadership Caucus headquartered in Tallahassee, and another $1,000 from the CCPFF PC (Cape Coral Professional Firefighters Political Committee), which had its Political Action Committee status revoked in Florida in 2013, according to the Florida Department of State's Division of Elections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The city council recently voted in a stipend that increased council pay by between $3,333 and $5,000 monthly – roughlydoublingwhat council members 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.
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.
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.
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 Florida State Statute 119. As a council member, 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.
