William G. Faust Jr. is a resident of Dover.
Over the past two years, the citizens of Dover have experienced the ultimate money pit. Every time we turn around, we hear from the city manager, Mr. David Hugg, as well as from the mayor and City Council, that the sky is falling and that they need more revenue.
It seems ironic that they paint a bleak picture, and then, Council President Fred Neil comes to the rescue — with his words of wisdom that Dover electric rates and other aspects of the city are much better than those of surrounding areas. These statements bring so much comfort when our most vulnerable citizens are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Have you noticed that, when the mayor and council come to pick citizens’ pockets, they do not give the whole picture? How about telling residents how much revenue we have gained or lost over the past two years? Or giving a detailed, itemized list about what was cut from the budget and how these cuts saved us money? We need accountability from our elected officials, not an open checkbook that is kept solvent on our backs.
As I travel around Dover, I see more homes up for sale and more small businesses closing, with those properties for rent or on the market. I also have seen an uptick in buildings tagged with graffiti. A small percentage of these tags are gang-related. Graffiti on random homes and closed storefronts is not going to be a selling point or major attraction to bring families, small merchants or larger companies into Dover.
You cannot get answers at the council meetings usually, unless the mayor’s and council’s backs are against the wall. If your questions/concerns do not get addressed, and you ask for them to be put on the next meeting’s agenda, they never are. When I put this question to the mayor, he politely informed me that only Council President Neil can set the agenda. This practice does not solve the major issues facing the city because the president can then cherry-pick what is discussed.
I encourage everyone to respectfully and professionally reach out to the mayor and the full council to have their concerns or questions answered. It is time to get off the sidelines and get involved in what is occurring in our city. Lastly, I strongly urge Dover residents to come to the meetings to speak and have their presence seen and felt.
We have the power to have our city managed in a way that protects, serves and meets the needs of our citizens.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
