Campaign Promises Can Harm Public Good

Some of our City Councilors have tied themselves in knots. To get elected, they signed pledges not to raise taxes - without first understanding the crumbling condition of our infrastructure, which had been deteriorating for years due to property tax rollbacks and deferred maintenance. 
At Monday’s (Aug. 25) special meeting, they faced the reality: without a modest millage increase to 1.29% - an increase of less than $100 a year for high-value homes, and $17 for modest ones - the city cannot maintain roads, stormwater systems, or even modest services. Still, the pledge-signers chose to cling to their campaign promises rather than adjust in light of facts that affected the entire community. 
Ethical leadership demands more. When new information shows that a campaign promise harms the public good, the responsible choice is to act for the community’s welfare, not political optics. A utilitarian view is clear: breaking a bad promise is better than letting the majority suffer from deteriorating infrastructure and declining services. 
The Council acknowledged the need for more funds by floating ideas like bridge tolls or a $20 million bond - options that only delay solutions and burden the future. Meanwhile, we can’t give staff cost-of-living raises, maintain the shade tree program, or even fix the Mackle Park fountain. 
It’s not too late. At September’s meeting, Councilors can do right by Marco Island. They can raise the millage rate to 1.29% and approve the LCEC agreement, which would add 3% to bills. These small steps will keep Marco Island the vibrant, well-kept community we all cherish.