Each week through the General Election, The Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question. In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of words, about 100, for their response.

This week’s question:

With mail ballots on their way, please answer the question you’ve been waiting to be asked.

District 2 candidates’ answers:

Laurie Lehmann

Q: What have you done to make yourself aware of citizens’ questions and concerns in Cape Coral?

A: I want to take this opportunity to apologize for misinterpreting last week’s question. I was referring to council to council. I have said all citizens need to be kept aware of goings on. Each district councilperson should be available to constituents. No spokesperson required. I am transparent and available to all citizens. I am honored that citizens feel confident in my abilities to listen and help with resolving their issues. Many have contacted me already and I look forward to continuing this as a councilperson. I have met with citizens at grocery stores, drug stores, farmers markets, the social club, pickle ball players, senior softball players and when I walk my dog. I address their concerns will continue to do so.

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Dan Sheppard (Incumbent)

I would like to give up my political advertisement space to bring the people of Cape Coral an important public message. Fellow Americans are suffering in Tennessee and the Carolinas. They were hit extremely hard by Hurricane Helene. Complete towns were wiped out by extreme flooding, storm surge over 20 feet, hundreds of people lost their lives, and rescue crews are still looking for many more people that are missing. They need our help! Please donate and/or pray for them that God may give them strength and love in their time of need. There are non-profits and churches in our community that are sending help and supplies. I know Cape Christian is one of them. Two years ago, when we were hit very hard, people from communities outside our city and other states came to help us in our time of need. Please do what you can… every little bit counts!

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District 3 candidates’ answers:

Derrick Donnell

DerrickDonnell.com

Q: What is it that I like most about living in Cape Coral?

A: As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I have had the opportunity to visit many cities both domestic and abroad. I must admit that when I visited Cape Coral in January of 1995, it was love at first sight. I called my wife and said get the girls ready, we are moving to this paradise. So, in July of 1995, we moved here and decided to build a home and raise our family. What I saw then I still see today, that is, how wonderful this city is. Aesthetically, the city is well maintained, and the number of canals provide unique, picturesque views. I also love to see children and families playing and enjoying themselves during all hours of the day because of how safe the city is. Finally, I love the people. We have caring residents that love the city and are eager to help in any capacity they can in order to maintain and enhance our city. As the young people would say, “Cape Coral Rocks!”

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Deborah Lee McCormick

McCormickforCapeCouncil.com

Q: Why am I running for City Council?

A: I’m running for city council because I’m one of us, and I want to make a real change in this city. I worked in government offices for 35 years, and I’ve been on the other side of decisions made by elected officials — and the negative impacts that they’ve had. I’ve been a resident of this city for 50 years, went to school here, and raised my daughter here. When the city council abolished citizen advisory boards, gave themselves a pay increase without putting it to a vote of the citizens, and offended residents by not collecting input on the planned renovations to Jaycee Park before the backlash, I felt empowered to run to fix the city I know and love. I will motion to reestablish citizen advisory boards, rescind the stipend and amend the city charter so a future council can’t do it again, come to a compromise and save Jaycee Park, support first responders and city employees, and make this city a place where our elected officials have our backs. 

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District 4 candidates’ answers:

Richard Carr (Incumbent)

VoteRichCarr.com

Q: Why are you the best choice for District 4?

A: I have over 30 years of experience in public administration, including 25 years as a police officer, culminating in my retirement as a law enforcement executive. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and am a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy. My entire adult life has been dedicated to public service, and I have been a resident of Cape Coral since 1993.

Appointed by the current city council, I have aligned with my colleagues on many issues, but there have been instances where I have taken a different stance. As an independent thinker, I carefully consider all sides of an issue before making decisions that impact the residents of Cape Coral. I will continue to serve with professionalism and thoughtfulness, making decisions based solely on what is best for our city. My commitment is to remain transparent about my decisions and accountable to all residents.

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Jennifer Nelson

NelsonforDistrict4.com

Q: What is your commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Cape Coral?

A: Traffic and infrastructure are paramount as our city continues to grow. Making sure projects are the right fit in terms of where in the city the project will take place. Focusing on ways to improve water quality so that our waterfront paradise will be enjoyed for generations to come. Lastly, focus on amenities for all generations to enjoy and preserve what little green space we have left in our city.

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District 5 candidates’ answers:

Joseph Kilraine

KilraineforCape.com

Q: Top priority-actions in the first 90 days ?

A: Day one: Process begins to rebuild trust, drive resident interaction & respect, forcing transparency in all matters, knowledgeable probing-inquiry adding clarity for accountability, pursuing financial sustainability-eliminating waste-unneeded endeavors. Key actions: Drive resolutions for: Ending stipend, returning residents to key-committees, calling for interactive town-hall meetings (first week after 90 days/quarterly thereafter), monthly council reporting on key measures akin to businesses e.g. ($ & schedule), YearToDate, Variances, Full-year Projections, Corrective Actions), Project updates: North Cape potable water aquifer, North Recycle plant project, North UEP project by area, … Parks-Rec including GoBond, Yacht Club, Jaycee Park, … Exercise unwavering principled-leadership: cleansing consent agenda of hidden elements, promoting full-disclosure in all.

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Charlie Pease

VoteCharliePease.com

Q: What experience do you have as a leader in our community?

A: I’m a lifelong public servant and educator, and I’ve served as the head of school at Cape Coral Technical College since 2019. I collaborate with community stakeholders and industry partners, focusing on the intersection of economy, education, and workforce. My skills in communication, problem-solving, and budget management make me a strong candidate for Council. Additionally, I actively engage with local non-profits — including advocating for school choice as a past board member of the Oasis Charter School System, supporting historical preservation as a board member of the Cape Coral Historical Society, and organizing events to raise scholarship funds. I also led the charge in 2023 to prevent the Hunter’s Run Golf Course (parks and recreation designated land) from being developed into 600+ rental apartments.

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District 7 candidates’ answers:

Michael David Harper

Q- Being a first-time candidate, what are your thoughts on the electoral process and is there anything you would change?

A- I would say it has definitely been a learning experience, and I have a newfound appreciation for those who have gone through it. I have learned so much about the city and how things work within it. The one thing I would add/change would be for the city to put on town hall meetings in the districts that have candidates running. I would have it streamed through facebook live and CapeTV, the city’s own channel. This way we can reach more people who do not have the opportunity to attend some of the forums that are being put on.

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Rachel Kaduk

RachelKaduk.com

Q – Please answer the question you’ve been waiting to be asked.

A – I am shocked that during this entire campaign, no one has asked about the Yacht Club. The Yacht Club was a historical landmark in our community with tons of sentimental value and memories. Cape Coral is in desperate need of a beautiful ballroom to host events and weddings. We are a waterfront wonderland. We always need boat ramps and docks. Council approved design plans for the Yacht Club and its pier. I will be paying attention to the construction progress and most importantly, to the cost. It is no longer funded by the GO Bond. It’s 2024. Hurricane Ian was in 2022. What year will we be able to enjoy our Yacht Club? Stay tuned!