A Stronger, Smarter, More Transparent Cape Coral

As Mayor, I will provide decisive, resident first leadership that cuts through bureaucracy, fixes what’s broken, and protects the qualities we love most about Cape Coral. Families are tired of endless red tape, rising fees, reckless overdevelopment, lagging infrastructure, excessive permitting hurdles, and bureaucrats who forget they serve the public not the other way around.

My commitment is simple: slash wasteful spending, streamline government, restore real transparency and accountability, fix infrastructure first, and keep taxes flat. We will make Cape Coral safer, more affordable, and fun again by putting you, the residents, ahead of special interests and unchecked development. Every decision will be guided by common sense and conducted in plain sight and presented to the council in order to equally approve of the changes, while representing our communities interests first. 

As a military veteran with over 32 years of service, I have fought for freedom both on and off the battlefield. I understand service means delivering results, not engaging in backroom deals or excuses. Cape Coral deserves better. Together, we will have transparency and accountability we make it work.

No Stipend. No Raise. Salary Frozen. 

Reckless spending has strained our city’s finances. I will lead by example: my salary stays frozen, with no extras, no stipend or perks. Every dollar must go toward real priorities, disaster preparedness, infrastructure repairs, public safety, and essential services, not elected official benefits. Some official representatives are making huge salaries while so many residents are struggling to just pay their bills and put food on the table. 

Restoring Public Voice in City Hall

Residents deserve to be seen, heard, and respecte, not treated as an afterthought. 

I will work with the City Council to return the public podium to the center of the meeting room, positioned for direct, eye-to-eye engagement with council members. No more isolating citizens near the door or parking lot. 

We will prioritize meaningful public input before key votes and resolutions. Meetings will open with genuine opportunities for residents to speak on agenda items, ensuring the Council hears from you first, not after decisions are already made. Cape Coral’s elected leaders answer to the people.

Revitalizing the Cape Coral Yacht Club  Functionally and Affordably

The Yacht Club has remained largely non functional for years following Hurricane Ian, depriving residents of a cherished waterfront asset. Current proposals for a $197–225 million+ rebuild, including a community center, parking garage, resort-style pool, and full marina have nearly doubled in cost and risk significant taxpayer burden through potential new utility taxes or debt. Many residents question the luxury scope and “pay-to-play” model.

Basic fixes, like reopening the boat ramp and pickleball courts, have dragged on far too long, raising serious concerns about project management and priorities.

**My Action Plan:** 

I will aggressively advocate with the City Council and city manager for immediate opening of the boat ramp so the citizens can once again enjoy access to open water and phased, minimal-viable restoration focused on immediate functionality: reopening the boat ramp (including necessary channel dredging if needed) can be done immediately, with the least amount of labor and expenses, then repairing seawalls and docks, restoring the beach, and reactivating pickleball courts that are already there, We can do all of this at the same time while keeping the cost to taxpayers as low 

As possible and get the Cape Coral Yacht club open to the public so that they can enjoy it like it was set up be. 

Once basic operations return, we can work on planning for the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill as a revenue generator. I will push for aggressive pursuit of private partnerships, sponsorships, targeted grants, and public-private building and leases for the club house, public bathrooms marina and food services to keep costs down. 

Target: Deliver a functional, self-sustaining Yacht Club for under $50 million without new taxes. We can protect taxpayers from a $200-million+ luxury project that most do not want. We rebuild smart, not extravagant.

Fixing the Broken Permitting Process

The current permitting system is slow, expensive, unpredictable, and riddled with glitches in the EnerGov portal. Contractors face inconsistent reviews, mid-process rule changes, and lengthy delays. This drives homeowners to skip permits or hire unlicensed workers, while backlogs strain the building department.

My Action Plan 

I will champion an independent third party audit of the EnerGov system and Development Services Division. Working with the Council, and everyone we can include and we will streamline the online portal, add dedicated staff for high volume reviews, enforce strict internal deadlines (exceeding state requirements where possible), and introduce a “one-touch” fast-track for simple residential permits with a focus on completing the process in a more timely manner. 

Permit fees will be reviewed and re-examined carefully, then tied strictly to actual costs   

Permit fees and requirements will be reviewed to see if they are necessity, no more padding the general fund. Real time public dashboards will track wait times and promote accountability. The goal: faster, fairer, more affordable permitting that encourages compliance.

Stopping Overdevelopment and Preserving Our Low-Density Character

Explosive growth has pushed Cape Coral’s population toward 243,000, with thousands of high-density multifamily and commercial projects approved. The result: strained roads, overcrowded schools, overwhelmed canals and drainage, increased traffic, and pressure on utilities. Our city was designed as a low-density waterfront community—we must protect that livability.

My Action Plan 

I will propose and advocate for an immediate moratorium on new high density rezonings until citywide infrastructure capacity is independently verified. We will update the Land Development Code to maintain appropriate density limits in residential neighborhoods and require developers to fully fund their proportional share of infrastructure upgrades (roads, water, sewer, parks) upfront. 

Priority will shift to filling vacant single family lots and incentivizing workforce housing on already served land.

A annual Growth Impact Report could help will keep residents informed if we could produce one. Smart, sustainable growth, not unchecked development.

Relieving the Burden of the Utility Extension Project (UEP)

Northern Cape Coral residents face steep assessments under the UEP, often exceeding $32,000 per equivalent parcel for water, sewer, and irrigation, with total financed costs reaching $60,000–$100,000 over decades. Families who purchased homes and saw delays and cost increases deserve fairer treatment.

My Action Plan

I will lead efforts to secure every available federal grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA programs, and other sources to offset costs. Have the developers pay their share. Working with the Council, we will explore restructuring remaining assessments with longer grace periods, interest caps, and hardship protections for seniors and fixed income households. Unused reserves and developer impact fees will be leveraged to provide relief. No family should lose their home over utility extensions. We will complete the work more equitably and efficiently.

Transforming the Old Golf Course into a Community Asset

The 175-acre former golf course along Palm Tree and Country Club Boulevards has become an eyesore and safety concern. Residents want practical green space, not another high-cost project.

My Action Plan

I will advocate for a low-budget, multi-use community park featuring walking and biking trails, open lawns for events, picnic areas, native landscaping, and integrated stormwater management. We will utilize existing master-plan funding, pursue state recreational grants, and partner with volunteer groups and local businesses for amenities like playgrounds or dog parks. 

No new taxes or luxury facilities. Within two years, this blighted site can become a beautiful, low-maintenance asset that enhances property values and quality of life. (If community support emerges for a restored golf component alongside park features, we will explore hybrid options that respect environmental and zoning realities.)

Demanding Full Transparency and Accountability

Taxpayers have a right to know exactly where every dollar goes—salaries, contracts, incentives, and expenditures. Backroom deals have no place here.

My Action Plan

I will push for a comprehensive public Cape Coral Transparency Portal with real-time budget data, pay scales, contractor bids, and project spending. All major development agreements will be posted online at least 30 days before approval. I will push for watch dog or citizen review boards for (or equivalent oversight) will review large contracts. 

Additionally, I will advocate for standing Citizen Oversight Committees composed of residents with full access to review major projects from RFP through completion. These committees will flag issues, recommend accountability measures, and help ensure projects finish on time and on budget.

Protecting Privacy: No AI Surveillance on City Vehicles

Proposals to equip garbage trucks with AI cameras for automated code enforcement represent government overreach and violate the spirit of Florida’s privacy protections. Residents should not live under suspicion from their own trash service.  We shouldn’t have to bury old refrigerators in our back yard.  We don’t want spy-drones hovering over our yards.

My Action Plan

I will strongly oppose and work to prohibit all AI surveillance on city vehicles. Code enforcement must focus on legitimate complaints, not neighborhood sweeps. Funds will be redirected to actual public services. Privacy and freedom come first.

Strengthening Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Management

Living on the coast means we must be ready for storms. While responses have improved, we can recover faster and protect lives and property more effectively.

My Action Plan 

I will advocate for an independent oversight committee to review of our Emergency Management operations, focusing on evacuation plans, shelter capacity, debris removal, utility restoration, and post-storm permitting. We will pursue additional state and federal funding, pre-position resources, and expand community education. Residents will get clear guidance and faster recovery support. Cape Coral will aim to become Florida’s best-prepared coastal city.

Supporting Our Veterans

Cape Coral veterans deserve better access to care. While routine services are available locally, hospital-level care often requires travel to facilities in Tampa.

My Action Plan

I will champion this cause by working with Florida’s congressional delegation (starting with FL-19), Lee County veterans’ services, and local advocates to build support for expanded VA services in our area. This will involve petitions, coordination with the VA, and pursuit of federal appropriations. It will take persistence and time—but our veterans’ sacrifices make it worth the fight.

Improving Boater Access and Waterway Management

The Northwest Spreader Waterway is our primary (and often congested) route to open water, creating long, difficult trips for many boaters due to shallow areas, tides, and silt.

My Action Plan 

I will support engineering studies and citizen input for potential new stormwater conveyance or filtration channels that maintain natural mangrove filtration while improving boat access and water quality. Any proposal must navigate strict federal and state permitting (Army Corps, DEP, etc.) and balance environmental concerns. We will prioritize boater needs alongside ecosystem protection through transparent public process.

Advocating for the protection of our elders and vulnerable adults

What gnaws at me the most and keeps me up at night is how predators exploit the kindest and most generous among us through elder abuse, extortion of vulnerable adults, and scams that target folks who are lonely, trusting, or desperate for a fix. As mayor, I won’t just talk about it; I’ll roll up my sleeves, listen hard, and fight for ironclad protections so no one’s warmth gets turned into someone else’s payday. Everyone deserves safety, not betrayal.

A Note on City Government Structure

Cape Coral has grown rapidly. Many residents, including me, believe a strong mayor system would bring clearer accountability and more decisive leadership for a city of our size. While the Council recently rejected placing this on the ballot, I will continue advocating for residents to have the opportunity to vote on it in the future. In the meantime, I will provide the strongest possible leadership within our current framework—working collaboratively with the Council and city manager while remaining directly accountable to you, the voters.

This platform is more than promises—it is a practical game plan rooted in fiscal responsibility, common sense, and unwavering loyalty to the people of Cape Coral. As your Mayor, I will fight for results, protect our neighborhoods, control costs, and build a future our families can truly afford.

There is so much but this is the beginning of my platform. As mayor, I will work with city staff and community leaders to get this done smarter and cheaper so the people of Cape Coral actually benefit from it instead of paying more. 

Together, let’s make Cape Coral stronger, smarter, and more responsive. I’m ready to get to work!!

Paid for and approved by Richard “Rick” Erickson, candidate for Cape Coral Mayor, 2026