On December 13, 2023, the Cape Coral City Council approved a stipend for themselves, effectively doubling their own pay. This decision was made without due diligence of public input and is viewed as an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. The council's action raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in our local government. As residents of Cape Coral, FL, we believe that public officials should be held to the highest standards of integrity and fiscal responsibility.

It is crucial that our elected officials prioritize the needs of their constituents over their personal gain. What this City Council has done by circumventing our City Charter, requiring the voters of the City of Cape Coral to approve any salary increase, goes against the very spirit of our form of government. 

We respectfully request that the Cape Coral City Council rescind this self-approved stipend immediately. We urge all concerned citizens to sign this petition and make your voices heard in support of responsible governance in our city.