To the editor:

From my understanding, the Cape Coral Civic Association was once a beneficial force in the community. In fact, I believe it played a major role in getting Cape Coral incorporated. Having once served on the committee that successfully sought incorporation of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, I know something of the difficulties involved in such an endeavor. Unfortunately, under the current and recent leadership, I believe Civic has strayed from the beneficial force it once was.

Because of this, I have decided to decline their invitation to participate in their Candidate Forum on Aug. 23. To those members of the public who attend on Aug.23, I apologize for not giving you the opportunity to hear my positions on the City’s issues at that venue. Thus I encourage you to attend, or at least view on Cape TV the City’s Forums that will be held on Aug. 25 and 26. District 2 will be on the 25th, thus that is the one in which I’ll be participating.

My message to Civic declining their invitation is presented below:

Because of the vitriol, bias, and representation of misinformation as the “truth” that seems to frequently characterize the Cape Coral Civic Association’s approach to community issues, I must decline your invitation to participate in the Candidate Forum you are holding on August 23. I’d appreciate it greatly if you read this to your audience that evening.

Pete Brandt

Cape Coral City Councilman

District 2