To the editor:

Those on council that chose to vote no on the continuation of the water project owe a number of people a great deal. First of all the “ratepayers.” Here are people who have acted responsibly, paid their fair share, and who now will be saddled with unfairly high utility bills. Many of these citizens are struggling now to pay their assessments and deal with their current rate. Next, those that hoped to secure jobs as a result of the project now find themselves going deeper into debt.

Retailers and restaurants that had hoped that the activity generated by the project would produce earning and spending power and stimulate their businesses have been disappointed. And, of course, the face of the city has been blackened, wells and septics are not going to impress industry and future growth has been severely set back.

Had the project been permitted to move forward, the council had offered a three-pronged option for payments. It was a responsible plan that was well thought out and very fair. Now it is the absolute responsibility of the mayor and the nay sayers to present a relief plan for those they chose to stick with the obligation of paying the bills. In this case I find it hard to believe that any elected official would note no and not come to the table with a plan to provide relief for those, the great majority of the cities residents, that had been unjustly affected. And, if the nay sayers have no plan they should admit their mistake, and insist on another vote.

No citizen of Cape Coral should vote for, do business with or respect an elected official that won’t admit and correct a mistake. there is no doubt that the no vote was shameful. We don’t need “babble” or inaction. Do the right thing and get some respect back.

Dick Kalfus

Cape Coral