Editor’s note: The following letter was also sent to the Dover mayor, City Council members and others.
Good morning, all!
Thank you for tabling the ordinance matter brought forth during Tuesday night’s meeting, regarding the proposal on dawdling in Dover.
I am 100% in agreement that something needs to be done, but it can’t be done by creating new laws with loopholes that could potentially be distorted and not be used for the purpose intended.
The mayor and I have not always seen eye to eye on issues, but our last meeting was one where we seemed to be on the same page. We want what’s best for Dover residents.
We cannot impose on people’s civil rights, and we can’t arrest our way out of this situation. There are already laws put in place. Those laws just need to be enforced. I only speak on matters brought to my attention by residents. Irish Mike’s has its own issues that need to be resolved. When this sort of thing happened with the Elks Lodge in downtown Dover, it was not tolerated.
The city can put a survey out with the electric bill and let residents send their feedback in to the city to say what they want and need to feel safe. A town hall meeting should be held to also inform the residents on what is being proposed, and then, it can be decided. Let the attorneys check on the legalities on the matter as well, before this proposal resurfaces. Let the constituents that voted you to represent their interests weigh in before continuing to make decisions that can undo the progress we have made!
On or about June 22, this local government promised residents that the Dover Police Department’s mobile substations would be out in the community to help combat the crime taking place within the city.
The substations are not operating in the city during prime-time crime hours. Residents have asked me why. I asked them to give the police department some time, as it was a process based on a meeting that I had with the mayor and Councilman Ralph Taylor.
This needs to take place because this is what the community turned out for, to let you know this is what they wanted. We are trying to bridge the gap in the community, not create a bigger gap.
Lachelle D. Paul
Dover
