The recent controversy regarding investigations into IRS penalties and related matters first publicly disclosed in a special Cape Council meeting on January 2nd represents a challenging, and possibly very expensive, set of circumstances with which the city must now deal.
Without getting into any reported details of the matters referenced, and emanating from no less than three prior probes, the nature of the administrative and criminal investigations underway should raise flags of caution in how Council proceeds on these matters. Prudence dictates allowing those astute in conducting these investigations (one criminal and one administrative) to run them to ground and, when complete, their findings can be the basis for Council action.
It was prudent for Council to rapidly and publicly surface the matter. Against
It is often more difficult for those inclined to be decisive in resolving difficult situations who feel an urgency to act.
To this end, Council’s restraint and decision to wait appears well taken as the potential liabilities that may attach to premature and/or unsubstantiated actions could represent major jeopardy in claims against the city. It could also jeopardize the legal value of evidence developed, thus potentially impacting the rights of those involved.
When after all the facts and findings are known, it will be Council’s judgment, inclusive of the level of trust and confidence that Council members then have in those in City Management, as to required action.
Respectfully, Cape Coral resident Joe Kilraine, Candidate for City Council District 3
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