Cape Coral rejects strong mayor charter proposal | GB Daily

Cape Coral City Council rejected a proposed charter amendment to shift the city from a council-manager government to a strong mayor-council structure, halting plans to place the measure on this year’s ballot. Only three council members supported advancing the proposal, which would have created an elected mayor responsible for city operations rather than a hired manager. Opponents said the change could limit efficiency and was premature as the fast-growing city continues to build out. Council members instead agreed to place a separate measure on the Aug. 18 primary ballot clarifying that the mayor pro tem is elected by majority vote of the Council after an election. Additional ballot measures are expected to be discussed later this month.