In a recent Opinion, “Dover can be safer, stronger, more prosperous,” I take offense to Mayor Robin Christiansen’s comments that Dover is flourishing, safe and stable. Yes, I believe the city can become that way but certainly not under this administration as it stands. In his piece, Mr. Christiansen sounds like a used car salesman. What is really concerning is when he mentions how great Dover will become with thriving opportunities through the revitalization plan. It makes me anxious to think about how this will come to fruition with the current state of affairs in the city. It’s no secret that we have major issues with crime, drugs, prostitution and panhandling, just to name a few things that are holding Mr. Christiansen’s dream of a flourishing city back. It’s OK to dream, but sometimes, you have to wake up and smell the coffee. As it stands now, the only individuals I see who are guaranteed to line their pockets will be the Downtown Dover Partnership’s director, developers and real estate agents. I foresee the downtown project being a money pit. We are putting millions into it, and I feel we are not going to break even. The key question is, who is going to be held responsible when the downtown project fails to produce the revenue and the desired effects that are being promised?
As far as the comments pertaining to Police Chief Tom Johnson: Can Christiansen please provide insight on why at least 93% of the Fraternal Order of Police branch that represents the Dover officers voted no confidence in the chief’s leadership? Please give us facts and details that support this stance. I don’t think this situation developed out of the blue. What the citizens are seeing is an unhealthy display of leadership, and they deserve an undivided police force. Change is needed to turn this situation around. This is just another public relations nightmare that the city has on its hands. This situation is not conducive to bringing new business or families into Dover because of safety concerns. We need to look at the big picture. Is time going to heal or fix this situation?
Chris White
Dover
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