Candidate Response – Chris Berardi
Candidate Information
District: District 7
Name: Chris Berardi
Occupation: Realtor
Website http://BerardiForCouncil.com
Email: Chris@BerardiForCouncil.com
Phone: 239-560-0183
What is your vision for the City of Cape Coral? What will the city look like after your first full term in office?
As the largest city between Miami and Tampa, Cape Coral must become the regional leader for commerce, transportation and recreation. We must think like a major metropolitan city, while maintaining the quality of life that has made Cape Coral “Paradise.” My vision is that Cape Coral will be a vibrant city that provides its residents with abundant, high paying job opportunities by day and shopping, dining and entertainment options in the evening.
The goals of my first term as a councilmember are; A reduction in the size and cost of government, development of a minimum of two Commercial Activity Centers, welcoming the first businesses to the Zemel Annexation Properties, completion of 10 to 12 CRA projects, widening Pine Island Road, landscaping medians of all major thoroughfares and the opening of the Chantry Canal Boat Ramp and Festival Park.
What do you see as the largest challenges facing the city? What are your plans for addressing these challenges?
The Three most important issues we must address are to Increase Economic Development, Control the Cost of our Government and Beautify our City.
In addressing Economic Development the next four years will provide us with great opportunities. We will be creating the vision for the Zemel annexation properties, developing Commercial Activity Centers, and focusing heavily on the CRA. For many of these items we will have only one chance to “Get it Right”. We also must assist our current business base in expansion efforts.
Controlling the Cost of Government must start with passage of the Ordinance I sponsored this year related to spending controls and surplus funds. I am hopeful that after November’s election we will see this ordinance passed and these items sent to referendum. In addition, we must cross-train our city employees, allow some employees to work from home, take advantage of new technology, involve the private sector to offset expenses, and examine our fleet/vehicle policies.
Beautifying our city will require median and main thoroughfare landscaping, done at little cost to the taxpayers by utilizing public/private partnerships. We must also increase code enforcement. This should be cost neutral, as violations should pay for the services provided.
What are your plans for improving the economic situation and general appeal of our city for current and future residents and businesses?
Economic development encompasses several aspects. If our local real estate and construction slowdown has taught us anything, it is that a diverse economy is vital to a healthy city. The Community Redevelopment Area, Zemel annexation properties, commercial activity centers, and Pine Island Road corridor must be developed in a way that meets the needs of our city as we grow. These projects must increase our commercial tax base from its current 8% to offset our residential tax burden and to provide the services a growing city requires. A blend of medical, education, clean industry, and small business development should be pursued. This development must blend with its residential neighbors.
Regarding the general appeal of our city, our exceptional police and fire service must continue to be supported. Development of Festival Park is an important aspect of the northern portion of our city. Median landscaping and tree canopy programs must be developed. Code enforcement efforts must be increased. Many of these issues will require the help of our residents and the partnership of our business community.
What are your plans for controlling the costs of government services, assessments, taxes and fees to our citizens and businesses?
Controlling the Cost of Government must start with passage of the Ordinance I sponsored this year related to spending controls and surplus funds. In addition, we must cross-train our city employees, allow some employees to work from home, take advantage of new technology, involve the private sector to offset expenses, and examine our fleet/vehicle policies. We must also negotiate with our Lee County Commissioners for a greater share of the taxes our residents pay to the county.
Assessments and Fees are just another way of saying “taxes”, and I do not support increases. I believe that finding efficiencies of operation and cutting unnecessary spending are much better ways to find the dollars needed to support the critical operations of our city.
What are your plans for using new communication and business tools provided over the Internet for residents and businesses to contact you, or for you to share your ongoing work with residents?
Currently, I utilize a “Blackberry” so that I have the ability to receive and respond to emails or phone calls instantly. I believe that blogging and podcasts will also provide outlets for communicating with our residents. Finally, although not “new technology”, I will continue to speak at any club, homeowners association, or event to which I am invited.
September 1st, 2007 at 9:16 am
“As the largest city between Miami and Tampa, Cape Coral must become the regional leader for commerce, transportation and recreation.”
Exactly how do you intend to do this, what specifically makes the Cape conducive to being a “regional leader” in any of the categories stated?
“We must think like a major metropolitan city, while maintaining the quality of life that has made Cape Coral “Paradise.””
Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe; “thinking like a major metropolitan city” is exactly what is eroding “Paradise” ?
“Assessments and Fees are just another way of saying “taxes”, and I do not support increases. I believe that finding efficiencies of operation and cutting unnecessary spending are much better ways to find the dollars needed to support the critical operations of our city.”
This will come as no surprise to Chris since he and I have had this same conversation. Taxes apply to everyone who lives or owns property here.
Fees and assessments only apply to those who; a) are receiving a betterment to their individual property b) who are using a service that not all property owners may have c) those who have a negative impact on an existing infrastructure. Learn the differences before making rash statements.
September 12th, 2007 at 5:28 am
[...] Rosko will comprise District 3’s race. District 5 will be Eric Grill and Gloria Baron, and Chris Berardi and Derrick Donnell in District [...]