Jennifer Nelson

Update:

The final list of applicants for the District 4 Cape Coral City Council seat includes: Richard Carr, Theresa Frosoni, Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Luby, William Matthews, Jennifer Nelson, Robert “Bob” O’Connor, David Orlowski, Anthony Rainone, Jesus Rodriguez, Karen Solgard, Robert Sutter and Blair Veloz submitted an application to be considered for the vacant District 4 seat.

Original post:

The incumbent who lost her Cape Coral City Council seat in a tight runoff in which the winner is now suspended from office has submitted her application to be considered the vacant seat.

Jennifer Nelson added her name this morning to an applicant list of now eight as of Friday afternoon.

Councilmember Richard Carr , District 4 Cape Coral City Council seat.

Richard Carr, Robert “Bob” O’Connor, Anthony Rainone, Jesus Rodriguez, Karen Solgard and Robert “Bob” Sutter are also vying for the District 4 seat, which was left vacant after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Patty Cummings following her arrest on three felony counts alleging she falsified her residency within District 4 when she qualified to run for the seat and was subsequently sworn into office.

Blair Veloz, a local business owner who said said she grew up in the Cape, also said Friday she submitted an application.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the City Council position, driven by a profound passion for our community and a commitment to its lasting prosperity,” she said via email later Friday afternoon. “For my future family, my three beautiful nieces, my aging parents and the families and generations who now and in the future will be here. They trust we are looking out for their best interest, and we have a commitment to grow with them in mind. Together, let’s build a future that reflects the spirit and aspirations of our hometown.”

Cummings has been charged with fraudulent application for driver license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, allegations she has steadfastly denied.

Nelson, who narrowly lost to Cummings in a runoff in 2022, provided the following statement related to her application:

Janine Mohl

“I love this city. A city that has been good to me and my family. After much thought and consideration, I submitted my application. The amount of residents, groups, and colleagues who reached out asking me to submit was touching. I was the only lawful candidate in my race and election integrity is a very important issue facing our city. Many residents have lost trust in our city elections and leaders. My hope would be to help restore their faith. I will be able to jump in and be up to speed quickly should council decide that is important to them. If council decides to go in a different direction, that’s ok too. I’m still going to live my best life in our beautiful city.”

Cummings received 50.89 percent of the vote to Nelson’s 49.11 percent, 28,380 votes to 27,382.

Because there are three years remaining in Cummings’ term, the appointment of an interim District 4 rep will be effective until Cummings is reinstated by the governor or through the General Election in November 2024.

Applications from residents who live in District 4 and otherwise qualify will be accepted until 5 p.m. today, Dec. 1.

Council then will interview those hoping to fill the seat on Dec. 13 during a public meeting.

Bob O'Connor

Applicants will enter council chambers one at a time where they will be allotted 3 minutes to address Council and then and will answer a question of council’s choosing. To best assure fairness, applicant cell phones will be collected prior to the meeting as the same question will be presented to each.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the withdrawal of one applicant. If will be updated again once the final list of applicants is received. That list was not available from from the city late Friday afternoon.

Anthony Rainone

Jesus Rodriguez

Karen Solgard

Robert Sutter