DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATES

Derrick Donnell INCUMBENT NON RAG
1.  Donnell was suspended with pay [from job as Lee County SD principal] in December after an anonymous letter sparked an administrative investigation into alleged unethical behavior on the part of Donnell, who was accused of promoting some students inappropriately and changing grades. The investigation broadened in scope and ultimately included an allegation of sexual harassment based on remarks reportedly made.  Termination was recommended.
2.  According to Donzelli, district policy states that when an employee withdraws an administrative hearing request they are in an agreement that the charges against them are a fact. He said it locks the investigation into place and everything contained in the report is fact.
3.  Was contract renewed in June?
4.  Incumbent Cape Coral City Councilman Derrick Donnell has opened an account to run for re-election.
5. Completing first term as councilman
6. Community activities: Church and fraternal memberships
7. Cape Coral Association of Realtors Forum:  Councilmember Derrick Donnell was the only incumbent who fully endorsed restarting the UEP, but did so with the caveat that it had to be done "without the spin" and that a variety of payment options should be offered. "Let's re-bid it, take it one step at a time and restart it yesterday," he said.
8. N-P Forum Comments: Donnell was the easiest to connect with and whom I felt was honest and informed.
9. N-P Forum Comments: Donnell told it like it is and he was not leading the citizens on with double talk as Brandt and Deile.
10. N-P Forum Comments: District 7 -  Easily down to two candidates here – David Stokes and Derrick Donnell.  IMHO, two outstanding candidates.  Period.
11. N-P Forum Comments:  His heart seems to be in the right place, but Donnell has failed to take a leadership role where this council is concerned.
12. Bingo! I wish Donnell would speak up more, however. He is a smart guy, and really does know what is going on.
13. Donnell only offered a general comment about King's performance thus far, saying, "I believe everybody can get better."
14. Councilmember Derrick Donnell, currently seeking re-election, said endorsing the roll- back rate would be tantamount to political suicide during election season. But it was important, he said, for citizens to understand that the roll back rate represents keeping city services at the same level. With only 25 homes left eligible for the recapture rule and property values still not seeing any increases, the difference has to be made somewhere, or the city could face some difficult decisions, he said. The recapture rule is a state provision that allows local governments to "recapture" tax breaks given when property values boomed. Tax increases for homesteaded, or owner-occupied, properties were capped at 3 percent per year. When values went down, these property owners paid "recaptured" increases. Donnell said he favored the roll back rate during the candidate forum on Thursday but added Friday that it is important to take the spin out of what the roll back rate means to taxpayers. "Raising the millage is not synonymous with raising taxes," he said. "The city, at some point, has to realize you can't cut any more or you cut services. I believe that's where we are now."
15. Councilman Derrick Donnell gave King his lowest rating so far — an average of 1.8 on a scale of four. King needs to improve his knowledge as a city manager, the respect he shows for others and his ability to collaborate with others, according to Donnell.
16.  Spotlight poll, week of July 25 - 26 percent
17. Rosko Review:  Answered the question if the police department and the fire department were overpaid by saying "there is no way to overpay them for what they do."  Donnell stated raise the millage to the roll back rate.  [His] rationale was that you would not pay more in taxes.
18.  July 31 Spotlight Poll - 25 percent

   

David A. Stokes NON RAG
davestokesforcitycouncil@yahoo.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Stokes-for-Cape-Coral-City-Council-District-7/196731640370057
www.davestokesforcapecoral.com
1. Charlotte County fire fighter

2. June 26 Spotlight poll – 56 percent

3. Campaign Manager Eric Feichthaler

4. “I believe[d] that a $20,000 bonus to the City Manager was out of the question. During these hard economic times where rank and file employees have agreed to share in the sacrifice taking voluntary pay cuts and Cape Coral being Millions of dollars short in its budget it is absolutely not a good idea to give out huge bonuses.”
5. First run for elected office
6. Community activities: coach Cape Coral junior Football Association, organized fundraiser for cancer victims, member First Christian Church
7. Cape Coral Association of Realtors Forum: “The main point is these empty buildings that could have fruitful businesses and employ people. My biggest goal is to bring in a large employer,” said District 7 candidate David Stokes.
8. N-P Forum Comments: District 7 -  Easily down to two candidates here – David Stokes and Derrick Donnell.  IMHO, two outstanding candidates.  Period.
9. Spotlight poll, week of July 25 - 56 percent
10. Rosko Review:  A firefighter from Charlotte County was in favor of starting the UEP back up. He is proud of the Cape Coral Police Department and the fire department for taking a pay cut.
11. July 31 Spotlight Poll - 55 percent

 

Erica N. Warren RAG

ericaforcapecoral@gmail.com
http:// www.ericaforcapecoral.com/
1. “I am an Environmental Scientist, not an engineer”
2. June 26 Spotlight poll – 10 percent

3. Left before July 18 workshop was over.

4. Letters to Editor: "Our city can well do with a competent female to fill the seat in a body already over dominated by our masculine gender. If Miss Warren has a brain to match her most obvious beauty, she will most certainly be an asset to solution of the very important affairs of our great city."

5. Warren - "Cape Coral will have CHOICES when it comes to City Council elections! One of the main reasons I chose to run was to serve as an alternative to typical political candidates and elected officials in our city. Now that you have a choice, please exercise your right, and VOTE!”
6. Current job: Environmental scientist at HSA Engineers & Scientists; registered environmental manager with National Registry of Environmental Professionals
7. First run for elected office
8. Community activities: Treasurer, Gulfcoast Chapter of the Florida Environmental Health Association, Board of Directors, membership chair, Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals; Harney Point VFW Post 8463 Ladies Auxiliary
9. Cape Coral Association of Realtors Forum - Did not attend
10. Spotlight poll, week of July 25 - 5 percent
11. July 31 Spotlight poll - 7 percent



 

Michael Garr UNKNOWN
http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Garr-for-Cape-Coral-Council-District-7/206872619351189
pastormikegarr@hotmail.com 
1. Current jobs: Youth ministry pastor, New Testament Baptist Church, co-owner Electric Sign Guy, Evictions Express paralegal services, electric sign contractor
2. June 26 Spotlight poll – 5 percent
3. Wife, Kristina, owns “Evictions Express,” at their home address, although FL Secretary of State lists its address at 253 N Pine Island. This corporation is listed as a “property management company” and a “printing company” and “real estate management” and “legal forms.” Company has been in business since 2004, even though the corporation was not formed until Feb 2011.

4. My wife . . . deals a lot with renters so for owners who need a way of getting people out who refuse to pay . . . Evictions Express was a wise business decision.

5. From Garr’s election website, a link to http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTOverview.asp “WallBuilders' goal is to exert a direct and positive influence in government . . . by educating the nation concerning the Godly foundation of our country; (2) providing information to federal, state, and local officials as they develop public policies which reflect Biblical values . . . "

6. I have a Master of Divinity degree
7. I have been self employed since '97

8. Enters the District 7 race hoping to "reduce the cost of living in the city by reducing emergency spending"

8. First run for elected office
9. Community activities: Bike riding, working out at Around the Clock Fitness, going to the park with family, going to Sun Splash with family, date night with wife every Friday night and Saturday is family day, Sunday is devoted to serving God.
10. Cape Coral Association of Realtors Forum: Mike Garr is . . . trying to win the District 7 seat. “I’m anticipating a lot of things. I’m excited. Probably too excited,” Garr said. “I just want them to know my character, what’s in my heart.”  The forum is a chance for people to hear directly from him, Garr said.
11. N-P Forum Comments: Here are my definite choices for discard - District 7, Garr
12. Spotlight poll, week of July 25 - 6 percent
13. Rosko Review:  Expressed his thoughts on the Police Department and the Fire Department: "Only pay them what I can afford." On the millage ratewanted it "to go down or stay the same."
14. July 31 Spotlight Poll - 6 percent.

DISCLAIMER - COMMENTS ON THIS THREAD ARE GLEANED FROM NEWSPAPERS, FORUM COMMENTS, LTE's/RESPONSES, GOOGLE AND OTHER INTERNET SEARCHES, AND VARIOUS AND SUNDRY OTHER LOCATIONS. COMPILER TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR VERACITY OF CONTENTS, NOR DOES COMPILER INTEND FOR THIS TO BE CONSTRUED AS A BACKING OF ANY CANDIDATE OR GROUP.