The Platform
Serving The Community
Promises Made 2020 Election Campaign Objectives:
- Bring about hospital expansion or new hospital
After I was elected, I took action by speaking to the Lee Health board about the current
and prospective healthcare needs of our citizens. After our meeting, they investigated
the potential expansion of our city further. After this initial meeting, I had additional
meetings to address this issue and emphasize the rapid growth of our city. Since then,
Lee Health has purchased additional land and is constructing new medical offices at
Bimini Square. In addition, I'm pleased to report that plans for a new hospital in Cape
Coral are underway. Not only does this address healthcare needs, but provides more
employment opportunities.
2. Promote projects that raise the financial demographics of the city
Some projects I have supported are Medical projects, Bimini (Basin) Square, the new
Yacht Club, Market Place Project, purchase of the old golf course (Palm Tree/Country
Club) that will be come new destination for citizens, Seven Islands project, YMCA with
in-door Sports Center and Competitive Olympic size pool, and revitalization of Jaycee
Park. All the projects above will increase the financial value of the surrounding
properties and fulfill our citizens' needs.
3. Completing necessary infrastructure for commercial growth and residential needs
• expanding UEP in the North
• completed infrastructure needs in the CRA
• completed pipeline from Fort Myers to Cape Coral for future irrigation needs
• doubled the budget for road resurfacing
• completed many miles of median beautification throughout the city
• Promise to invest in more public safety
• Hired additional Police Officers and Fire Fighters
• Construction of Training Facility for Fire and Police
• Three new fire houses constructed and opened
• We are known as One of the Safest Cities in SW Florida
• We rated 16th Safest City in the Country
Promote more community involved projects saving tax dollars
• Donate a Median Program where local business and/or organizations can donate a
median beautification at no cost to the citizens
All the above were promises I made and kept for my first four years in office. And
managed to achieve all of this through a pandemic, hurricane, hyperinflation, without
raising the mileage rate. Because of the impact of the improvements to the city and the
tremendous value increase I foresee a mileage role back.
Dan Sheppard Bio
Family
Cathy (wife) and six children: Ashley, Daniel, Dalton, Dante, Donovan, and Lena.
Cape Coral Residency
November 1988
Education
Graduated High School and Trade School in 1981
Business Experience
In 1984, I founded my first business in New Jersey as an Architectural Millwork Designer and manufacturer. Over the years, it expanded significantly, serving prominent clients, including casinos, hospitals, and major retail chains such as JCPenney and USPS. After several years, I also started three different retail stores and kept them open until I moved to Florida. In 1999, I launched Sheppard Landscape in Cape Coral, which was formally incorporated in 2005. Approximately 13 years ago, I established Palm Source Pine Island, LLC, located in Pine Island. We are a wholesale palm tree farm that supplies a diverse range of palms to landscape companies. The companies we work with are primarily in the country's southeast, but we have also worked with companies in Texas and the Bahamas.
Weekly Breeze Questions
Week 1 Question:
Why am I running:
Dan's Answer:
I’m running again to continue protecting the quality of life for our citizens. By investing in public safety we ensure to keep our reputation as one of the safest city in the state of Florida. I will also support having the best school, parks, and sports facilities while protecting our water ways and wildlife. I will continue to support the water and sewer projects, maintenance and improving of our roads and beautification so that we can continue to add value to our community and be a magnet for good investment.” Top Three issues: Public safety, Jobs, and Infrastructure
Week 2 Question:
Should the stipend approved by Cape Coral City Council in addition to member salaries be retained, rescinded or modified?
Dan's Answer:
I believe that the stipend should be rescinded due to the way that it was passed without debate. In addition, I believe that the salaries of all employees of the city should be reviewed and adjusted to be in the 85th percentile of market rates. This would allow the city to attract and retain top talent. Due to increases in the cost of living, there are currently 60 unfilled positions with the city and we continue to lose high-quality staff due to competition with the private market.
Week 3 Question:
How will you weigh projects with a potential citywide benefit but also a perceived
neighborhood impact?
Dan's Answer:
As a 26 year resident, I understand it can be hard to accept change. We all have
memories/history. As our city family grows we must look at necessary adjustments to all
infrastructure.
First, is there a need for the particular project, will it raise the quality of life for our
citizens while ensuring environmental studies are done to protect our wildlife/waterways.
Second, Is there a way to fund the project without raising taxes; encourage citizen
participation for input.
Third, will it have positive financial impact citywide; will it be a magnet to encourage
investment in the betterment of our city’s future.
Week 4 Question:
How would you define your position on public-private partnerships?
Dan's Answer:
Public-private partnerships bring valuable amenities to our city at minimal taxpayer expense. For instance, Sunsplash, once a city-operated facility costing millions annually, is now leased to a private entity, providing the same amenities without taxpayer burden and generating city revenue instead. This approach allows us to meet community needs like the new YMCA SportsCenter with an Olympic pool, fulfilling long-awaited demands efficiently and economically. This is why I support and will continue to support this practice.