Speed politics’ to put residents in touch with officials
The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce wants people to get into some “speed politics” next week at Tarpon Point Marina.
Designed, in part, to mirror a speed dating event, people will have 10 minutes to interact with city council members in a one-on-one setting, before a whistle is blown and they move on.
Chamber President Mike Qaintance said the idea arose because they wanted to provide a new way for the public to meet with their elected officials.
“We’re trying to inject a little bit of fun into it, doing a something different than we’ve done before,” he said. “Our hope is to better engage the general public in what’s going on in our community. We want people to be engaged because we’re facing some serious issues.”
Sponsored by The Resort at Marina Village, HONC Marine, and Waste Pro, the city’s new waste hauler, this event is free and open to the public.
The evening begins with appetizers and refreshments, and a complimentary drink ticket for wine or beer.
Each council member will have his own suite for people to visit, giving people a chance to mingle in a more intimate setting with their elected officials.
Qaintance said all of the council members have committed to the event.
He said he recommends people be prepared when they meet with council members as way to maximize their 10 minutes.
“They have to be prepared, they need to be as succinct as possible,” he added.
Previous meet-and-greet style functions hosted by the chamber have not allowed the elected officials a chance to focus, Qaintance said.
The speed politics approach will hopefully counter that, he added.
“This will be a little different, it will allow more access and focus,” he said.
Some council members will also be available at the Naughty Mermaid, the water front bar at the resort, following the conclusion of the event.
The Chamber of Commerce is asking people RSVP before next Thursday.
For more information or to RSVP for speed politics, call the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce at 549-6900.