CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral mayoral candidate Lisa Cohen-Adkinson has announced plans to file an emergency injunction against the city over the next phase of the utility extension project, prompting criticism from her opponent, Rick Erickson, regarding her use of campaign donations.
“But I have decided to put my money where my mouth is,” Cohen-Adkinson said during a public meeting, explaining that while she lives in Southwest Cape Coral and her assessments are paid, she feels it is her duty to help residents in Northwest Cape Coral.
“You get to a point where you feel like you have no other choice but to take legal action,” she said.
Cohen-Adkinson shared the announcement on social media and during the meeting, stating that she has retained attorney Anthony Sabatini to assist with the legal challenge. A caption on her mayoral campaign Facebook page reads, “I’VE RETAINED ATTORNEY ANTHONY SABATINI TO STOP IT, AND EVERY DOLLAR RAISED GOES TOWARD THIS FIGHT. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TODAY. TOGETHER LET’S PUT THE FUTURE OF CAPE CORAL BACK IN OUR HANDS.”
Erickson criticized the move in a statement released last night, questioning the transparency of how campaign contributions are being used.
“The announcement is also being used to solicit contributions to her mayoral campaign for the stated purpose of supporting the fight. Who ends up paying these legal fees? Residents are entitled to transparency about how those contributions will be used, how any legal expenses will be paid and reported,” Erickson said.
A review of the donation link shared by Cohen-Adkinson shows that it directs users to her campaign page.
Political consultant Dennis Pearlman said campaigns are used to raise awareness and motivate people, but donors should be cautious when clicking through political websites.
In response to the criticism, Cohen-Adkinson issued a statement Thursday, saying, “My personal wallet is funding the courtroom battle. When you donate to my campaign, you aren’t paying a lawyer. You are directly funding our outreach, our advertisements, and our community town halls where we actually sit down and listen to the taxpayers.”
Attempts to reach both candidates and Sabatini for further comment have so far been unsuccessful.
As of now, no official legal filings have been made.
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