Cape Coral considers shift to strong-mayor system

For more than 50 years, the city of Cape Coral has operated under a city manager form of government. Now, city leaders are considering a significant change—one that would put the mayor in charge of running day-to-day city operations.Under the proposal, Cape Coral would move to a “strong-mayor” system, giving the elected mayor direct authority over city administration. That includes overseeing daily operations, managing the budget process, directing department heads, and handling hiring decisions.Mayor John Gunter says the change would give residents a stronger voice and clearer accountability.”The elected official who is elected by the residents of that particular city or municipality is held accountable to their residents,” Gunter said.The idea was raised by Councilmember Keith Long during a recent city council meeting. Long emphasized that the proposal is not a personal criticism of the current city manager, but rather a critique of the system itself.”This is not an attack on the city manager individually,” Long said. “For me, it’s an attack on the system.”Long argues the current structure places too much power in the hands of an unelected official.”It places the most powerful person in the city government outside of the reach of the voters,” he said.Supporters of the strong-mayor model say it could be a better fit for Cape Coral’s future. Gunter points out that as the city continues to grow—potentially reaching a population of 400,000—many cities of similar size already operate under a strong-mayor system. He also argues it could cost less than the current model.However, the city manager disagrees, saying the existing system is more efficient and effective. According to the city manager, studies show professionally managed city governments are more efficient than those run by elected officials.”Studies showed that a city management government run by a professional city manager was 10% more efficient than one that was run by an elected official,” the city manager said.Even Gunter acknowledges there are risks involved.”If a strong mayor gets into office and say he or she isn’t doing a very good job, you’re stuck with them for four years,” he said.Any change to Cape Coral’s form of government would ultimately require voter approval. Gunter says the issue would not appear on a ballot until at least 2030.Before that can happen, the proposal must return to City Council for further discussion and a formal decision. Gunter said that discussion is likely to take place in January.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. —

For more than 50 years, the city of Cape Coral has operated under a city manager form of government. Now, city leaders are considering a significant change—one that would put the mayor in charge of running day-to-day city operations.

Under the proposal, Cape Coral would move to a “strong-mayor” system, giving the elected mayor direct authority over city administration. That includes overseeing daily operations, managing the budget process, directing department heads, and handling hiring decisions.

Mayor John Gunter says the change would give residents a stronger voice and clearer accountability.

“The elected official who is elected by the residents of that particular city or municipality is held accountable to their residents,” Gunter said.

The idea was raised by Councilmember Keith Long during a recent city council meeting. Long emphasized that the proposal is not a personal criticism of the current city manager, but rather a critique of the system itself.

“This is not an attack on the city manager individually,” Long said. “For me, it’s an attack on the system.”

Long argues the current structure places too much power in the hands of an unelected official.

“It places the most powerful person in the city government outside of the reach of the voters,” he said.

Supporters of the strong-mayor model say it could be a better fit for Cape Coral’s future. Gunter points out that as the city continues to grow—potentially reaching a population of 400,000—many cities of similar size already operate under a strong-mayor system. He also argues it could cost less than the current model.

However, the city manager disagrees, saying the existing system is more efficient and effective. According to the city manager, studies show professionally managed city governments are more efficient than those run by elected officials.

“Studies showed that a city management government run by a professional city manager was 10% more efficient than one that was run by an elected official,” the city manager said.

Even Gunter acknowledges there are risks involved.

“If a strong mayor gets into office and say he or she isn’t doing a very good job, you’re stuck with them for four years,” he said.

Any change to Cape Coral’s form of government would ultimately require voter approval. Gunter says the issue would not appear on a ballot until at least 2030.

Before that can happen, the proposal must return to City Council for further discussion and a formal decision. Gunter said that discussion is likely to take place in January.

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.