William Hare

By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER — A resolution released by City Council after a Freedom of Information Act request has revealed that former Council President William Hare may be censured for an ethics complaint reported Oct. 3, 2023.

According to the document, Councilman Hare made contact with a city employee about her duties last year that "should not have been made." 

The resolution reads that the city Ethics Commission, on an undisclosed date, unanimously approved the censure after a hearing that featured testimony from both Councilman Hare and the employee. The group believes the incident to be a violation of ethical standards in Dover's code.

The document also notes, however, that Councilman Hare was "pursuing a complaint issued by this employee on behalf of a constituent."

Council members will vote on whether to pass the censure at a later date.

City clerk Andria Bennett said Wednesday that code requires that proceedings involving an ethics violation by a city official must remain confidential until a decision is made by the Ethics Commission.  

In response to the commission's decision, current City Council President David Anderson, who was elected the entity's leader Monday, said in a statement: “In the interest of transparency, I am authorizing the release of this proposed resolution regarding a fine public servant. As you can see from the 4 corners of the text, Bill Hare is indeed guilty — of being too enthusiastic to serve his constituents."

“He made a mistake not keeping work contact at city hall following the normal procedure when he had just received important information. In my opinion, the actions do not rise to the level of censure as presented. The public needs to see what we have so rumors and speculation will go away." 

Councilman Anderson was unanimously elected to lead the nine-member council, which included a vote from Councilman Hare, who was not nominated for the role.

Contacted Wednesday, Councilman Hare said he had no further comment.