YEARS AS WELL. >> IS TALK OF GIVING THE MAYOR MOORE DAY-TO-DAY POWER WILL NOT GO TO THE VOTERS AT LEAST FOR NOW. RIGHT NOW, THE CITY MANAGER RUNS THIS CITY COUNCILMEMBERS TALK TODAY ABOUT CHANGING TO A SYSTEM. >> WHERE THE MAYOR HAD FAR MORE OPERATIONAL POWER THAN HE DOES NOW. COUNCIL MEMBER KEITH LONG PROPOSED THE IDEA. WHAT I KEEP HEARING HERE IS REALLY THAT WE WELL, WE DON’T TRUST. >> THE PUBLIC. WE DON’T WE DON’T THINK THEY’RE SMART ENOUGH TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE WRONG WITH REGARD HOW THE CITY’S GOVERNMENT AND SO I WOULD REMIND YOU ALL THAT. THOSE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON’T TRUST TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS THAT YOU DON’T FEEL THAT THEY’RE CAPABLE OF THE SAME PEOPLE TO PUT CAPABLE ENOUGH TO PUT IT WHEN YOU UP THERE ON THE STATUS. AND SO I BELIEVE WE DO DESERVE THE RESPECT. WE SAID THE DECISION TO HAVE THE GOVERNOR. IT SOUNDS LIKE A >> WE DO NOT HAVE A. MAJORITY OF THE 5 THAT WANT TO MOVE THIS FORWARD AT THIS TIME APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE DID UP TO THIS POINT. AND THE OLDEST OFTEN A COUPLE PUT IT ON THE SHELF. >> OTHER MEMBERS SAID IT MAKES SENSE TO HAVE SOMEONE WITH ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE RUN A LARGE CITY RATHER THAN ON THE ELECTED OFFICIAL. IF THE VOTE PASSED, VOTERS WOULD HAVE MA
Cape Coral leaders vote against shift to strong mayor system
Updated: 12:46 PM EST Feb 11, 2026
Cape Coral city leaders discussed a proposal to change the city’s government structure from a city manager system to a strong mayor system, which would have granted the mayor more authority over city administration. The city council voted 4-3 against the proposal. Three council members voted yes, three voted no, and Mayor John Gunter also voted no.This change would have eliminated the city manager’s authority over city administration and given that power to the mayor, allowing the mayor to oversee daily operations, manage the budget process, direct department heads, and handle hiring decisions. During a council meeting late last year, Council member Keith Long proposed the idea, stating it was not against the city manager but aimed at fixing a flawed system. Long believes the current system gives too much power to an unelected leader.Current Mayor John Gunter supports the proposal, suggesting it could be a better fit for the fast-growing city. He said most cities the size of Cape Coral are already run by a strong mayor system, citing Miami, Lakeland, and Pensacola as examples of Florida cities that have recently transitioned. Gunter claims the change could also save residents money in the long run.However, City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn disagrees, arguing that the current system is more efficient and effective.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral city leaders discussed a proposal to change the city’s government structure from a city manager system to a strong mayor system, which would have granted the mayor more authority over city administration.
The city council voted 4-3 against the proposal. Three council members voted yes, three voted no, and Mayor John Gunter also voted no.
This change would have eliminated the city manager’s authority over city administration and given that power to the mayor, allowing the mayor to oversee daily operations, manage the budget process, direct department heads, and handle hiring decisions.
During a council meeting late last year, Council member Keith Long proposed the idea, stating it was not against the city manager but aimed at fixing a flawed system. Long believes the current system gives too much power to an unelected leader.
Current Mayor John Gunter supports the proposal, suggesting it could be a better fit for the fast-growing city. He said most cities the size of Cape Coral are already run by a strong mayor system, citing Miami, Lakeland, and Pensacola as examples of Florida cities that have recently transitioned. Gunter claims the change could also save residents money in the long run.
However, City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn disagrees, arguing that the current system is more efficient and effective.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.