Reaction mixed to mayor’s decision not to run again
Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki’s announcement earlier this week that she has decided not to run for a second term has drawn mixed reactions from fellow council members.
Her post on Facebook before last Monday’s council meeting stated her decision stemmed from wanting to concentrate on building her management consulting company, the fact her children are now in college and the amount of hours required to be mayor. She chose to focus all of her energy on her company.
“I do marketing and strategic planning to help grow companies and develop HR services,” said Sawicki in a telephone interview. “I formed the company when I was running for mayor. I had 26 years leading on the insurance industry in marketing.”
Sawicki was elected in 2013 in a close vote over incumbent Mayor John Sullivan. After the election was challenged by Sullivan and others, Sawicki became the city’s first female mayor. She immediately dove headlong into her new role.
“I was disappointed when I learned it after the council meeting,” said Councilmember John Carioscia. “I thought she was doing a good job for the Cape. She was energetic and personally I would like to have her stay because she is a team player. Now we have to contemplate who will replace her because we have several projects going now that we as a council need to maintain some continuity.”
Councilmember Rick Williams also was caught by surprise, saying, “I’m disappointed. I think she did a great job and I hate to see her go.”
“I just wish her luck and that the city has an opportunity to pick a new leader and move on,” said Councilmember Richard Leon. “We will continue to work together until November for the best interest of the city.”
In her announcement not to run, Sawicki listed three years of reduced millage rates and a new Economic Development Plan among her successes. She cited growing the commercial tax base from 8 to 12 percent and the establishment of an online permitting process.
She also has immersed herself in the Lake Okeechobee water quality initiative with other Southwest Florida Mayors. She has been the driving force behind the Bimini Basin Project and other major city initiatives.
“We made a lot of progress on the water quality side,” Sawicki said. “It’s a group effort with Lee County and other mayors.”
At this point, five candidates have announced their intent to run for mayor. Former Cape Coral City Council member Derrick Donnell and current council member Rana Erbrick are announced candidates as are Sherry Leonard and Realtors Michael Hallow and Kevin Koch.
Sawicki’s decision will not impact her intention to campaign for the mayor’s seat, Erbrick said.
“I think the Mayor made the right choice for her and her family and for the city,” said Erbrick, who was unopposed in her re-election bid for the District 5 council seat in 2015. “It has no effect whatsoever on my decision to run for the office.”
Sawicki said she made the announcement now to allow plenty of time for other citizens interested in keeping the city moving on its current path to consider running for the office.
“Now is no time for complacency,” Sawicki wrote. “Strong and caring leaders won’t get elected unless we all take the time to get educated on the issues and, most importantly, VOTE I believe it’s critical we elect forward-thinking people who will continue to improve our city and grow it to its full potential.”
Asked if there was any chance she would change her mind about running or seeking any office in the future, Sawicki never hesitated.
“No,” she said. “I’ve given an awful lot of thought about it. I have no aspirations of seeking a higher office. I just wanted to serve my community.”
She said none of the personal or public controversies she has endured had any impact on her decision not to run. She simply wants to focus on family and her own business.
“Each of us on council has to make their own decision for ourselves and do what is right for the community,” Sawicki said.