I recently read various newspaper articles, including an Opinion written by William G. Faust Jr. (“Dover handled mayor’s absence poorly”) and felt the need to comment with all the controversy surrounding this matter. It may be time that City Council comes up with a better policy for addressing absences and who can excuse them. Lately, while watching the City Council meetings on Dover TV, I have observed other elected officials missing. City Councilwoman Donyale Hall has been physically missing from meetings. At a recent meeting, a Dover resident (William G. Faust Jr.) stood up and publicly asked where Ms. Donyale Hall had been, getting no response from her colleagues sitting in the chamber. I am not picking on Ms. Hall, even though she is my council representative in the 2nd District and should be representing me at these meetings. I am trying to express that citizens elect the mayor and council to represent them and be present at these meetings to ensure that the people who elected them are being represented and that their votes are put on record.
The Daily State News shared that Councilmen André Boggerty and Roy Sudler were absent from an important meeting Monday, April 13, when a vote was taken to remove a high-ranking official (“Dover council votes to fire Hugg from city manager post”). I heard and saw nothing to the effect that they were both excused from that meeting.
I believe serving as an elected official is not just a title; it is a responsibility to represent the voices and needs of our community.
When an elected official is absent for extended periods, important discussions and decisions move forward without the full representation our residents deserve. This not only undermines public trust but also delays progress on issues that affect our daily lives.
While personal challenges can arise for anyone — like sudden illness, a family member’s health issues and work-related obligations — transparency and accountability are essential. If an elected official cannot fulfill his or her duties, the honorable course is to step aside, so someone else can serve effectively. Our city deserves leaders who are present, engaged and committed to the work they were elected to do.
Judith Blue
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
