William G. Faust Jr. is a resident of Dover.
I had to read Dover City Council President Fred Neil’s letter several times to ensure that I was understanding it correctly (“Dover Police Department is under siege”). His letter shows him to be out of touch with what is going on in the city. As a self-proclaimed news reporter, he should have chosen his words more carefully.
What I found appalling was his comment, “City Council hears from very vocal individuals, who pay little or no taxes, who consider themselves experts in the criminal justice system and who provide advice not practical for all of Dover.”
My question to Council President Neil is, how much tax do I need to pay to have my concerns and fears taken seriously? Citizens do not have to live in Dover to have worries about its safety. Many have friends and family living in Dover, and their individual safety is of utmost concern. What about individuals who work here? Is their unease not important?
Residents do not need a Ph.D. in criminal justice to know that there are many issues facing the police department. To speak up about an issue or concern does not make you a vocal individual.
I feel Council President Neil should publish a retraction for the above statement in quotes because it is insensitive to the citizens of Dover who are on fixed incomes or public assistance, or who make too much money to get help from certain programs. I also find it ironic that, in his letter, he never addressed the uptick in gun violence, which has resulted in serious injuries and death. Plus, there is no mention about the ongoing homelessness situation, the ongoing prostitution issue and the ongoing illegal-drugs situation, which have all crippled our fair city.
It is not being vocal to ask for accountability from our mayor, City Council, city manager and city workers. As a resident of Dover, I am held accountable to pay my taxes on time and to follow ordinances to ensure a safe area.
If Councilman Neil refuses to publish a retraction for his comments in the letter, I believe he should be censured by the Public Integrity Committee and City Council immediately.
My views are submitted as a concerned citizen, who wants safe streets and a safe municipality. I also support the hardworking officers who patrol Dover daily. However, the mayor and council need to use all available resources wisely to turn the city around, so residents feel safe.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
