The race is on for the next District 4 city council representative in Cape Coral. To better inform voters, candidates responded to a blanket set of questions by The News-Press / Naples Daily News 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 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 was removed before her term expired.
The two candidates who receive the most votes will 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.
Matthews is running against candidates Richard Carr, Jennifer Nelson and Robert Sutter for the District 4 seat.
The candidate
- Name: William Matthews
- Age: 45
- Previous Experience: According to his campaign website, Matthews has advanced degrees in accounting and finance, and has worked for 20 years as a finance professional across several industries.
- War Chest: Matthews has raised $3,650 since April 1 in money and in-kind donations, and spent $309.30, according to his campaign finance forms. He received $1,000 worth of marketing materials from Empress Marketing & Profession, and was given $100 worth of metal sign stakes. Other than that, he has largely self-financed his campaign with one $2,000 check.
What do you see as are your district’s top priorities? If elected, what is the very first issue you’d tackle?
My district is unique because it does not have enough commercial to work and play. These days we have storage units and car washes which add zero value to the quality of life to the residents. Consistent flooding in the right-of-way also poses a threat for safety vehicles to access the area during an emergency. Further, my district was among the first areas to receive city water and sewer and it’s quickly reaching its useful life. We’ll need to start replacing it when the city finally completes the connections in all other areas.
What experience do you have in leadership that has prepared you for this role? What is your greatest accomplishment as a leader?
I have led numerous teams of professionals in many different projects throughout my career, ranging from budget analysis to corporate audits to community outreach and development. The knowledge and experience I have gained while leading and collaborating with other professionals has allowed me to develop a best practices approach to any situation. I will institute these best practices into every aspect the position of city council holds to ensure we have transparency, accountability, and that all the information is acquired before making a decision.
Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents?
My vision for the city is rooted in community well-being and sustainable development. I deeply understand the needs and concerns of residents and I’m dedicated to representing their interests on the council. With degrees in finance and accounting, coupled with a solid professional background in these fields, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. My practical experience and educational foundation uniquely qualifies me to make informed decisions on financial matters affecting the city's budget and resources. As a voice for the people, I will prioritize transparency and stay committed to keeping residents informed about city policies, decisions, and budget allocations.
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?
My approach to dealing with growth management, road construction, and preservation is with a balanced and holistic perspective. Addressing these critical issues would be guided by the following principles:
- Smart Growth Policies
- Community Input
- Balanced Development
- Infrastructure Investment
- Long-Term Planning
- Open Space Protection
- Environmental/Historic Preservation
By collaborating with stakeholders, prioritizing smart growth practices, investing in proper infrastructure, and valuing environmental conservation, my approach will promote a vibrant, livable, and resilient city for all residents.
The city council recently voted in a stipend that increased council pay by between $3,333 and $5,000 a month – roughly doubling what council members were making before. What’s your stance on the stipend? How would you address council pay?
The stipend is one of the first issues I will tackle when elected to council. I will move to rescind the stipend and amend the city charter so this can never happen again. All city council compensation should be presented to the residents for their decision on the matter. At no time should city council be in a position to increase their income by any amount, let alone a 100% increase, without public support. As elected officials, the city council works for the people. I can’t understand why this current council has forgotten this basic concept.
What specific efforts will you advocate for, as it relates to affordable and workplace housing?
I believe as a city we need to advocate for the proper infrastructure before we can consider building more housing. Our city is at a pivotal point when it comes to development because we do not have the proper infrastructure in place. City council is developing for the now and that has placed us in an unsustainable and costly position. Currently, in North Cape, residents pay an outrageous price for city utilities. But what’s worse is that all the utilities in South Cape are coming to the end of their useful lives and will have to be replaced.
What will you do to protect water quality and reduce stormwater runoff? What policies will you push in taking action against polluters?
Initially, I would review existing policies and evaluate whether they are truly being enforced citywide. I would also spearhead the creation of a portal where residents can easily report potential violations or illegal dumping, and this information must be publicly available through formal reports. Further, there are successful methods that other municipalities are already implementing in their stormwater systems to protect water quality, such as vortex mechanisms which are installed at the street level to effectively separate sediments/pollutants from the water that reenters waterways. It’s essential that we consult with experts in other cities, to learn from their successes and mistakes.
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?
Transparency is a major priority for me. This council has forgotten that they work for the people of this city. The only mechanism we have in place to hold this current council accountable for their actions over the last six years is to vote them out.
I will hold monthly town hall meetings and have a constant flow of information through my website, other social media outlets, and monthly emails to keep all our neighbors apprised of everything being worked on. The city manager should understand that public information will be made accessible as this is the only best practice.
