The race for the Cape Coral mayoral seat is heating up as candidates emphasize the need for leadership that truly listens to the community. Current Mayor John Gunter is running for re-election, but challengers are pushing for change.
Former councilman Richard Leon expressed that the message from voters is clear.
“It starts from the top — we need leadership that has empathy and works with residents,” said Leon.
Leon discussed the challenges Cape Coral faces, particularly in infrastructure, which he identified as a significant issue.
“Especially in North Cape, that’s where the biggest opportunity for growth is,” said Leon. “Our commercial base is only 10% and for a city our size, that’s scary.”
Leon believes that building better trust with residents requires improved communication.
“Citizens are upset,” said Leon. “The reality is this, the communication isn’t there. We’re going to be able to work with the people hand in hand, talk with them, work on the issues, build that trust that we need to have together.”
Mayoral candidate Kara Rogers also sees room for improvement in the city and has decided to run for office.
“My primary platforms are the utilities extension plan, reforming that — it’s become a huge cost burden on the city, and at the same time, it’s not advancing quickly enough,” said Rogers.
Both Leon and Rogers agree that the next mayor will need to find a balance between Cape Coral’s growth and the needs of its residents.
“This government just needs to sit down with the residents,” said Leon.
“Maintaining the small-town feel while recognizing we are a large city … the key part is listening to the community,” said Rogers.
Mayor John Gunter is also focused on listening to the community, having officially filed his paperwork for re-election.