Recently, a few news organizations have reported about releasing the whole report prepared by 21st Century Policing Solutions in regard to the alleged actions of the mayor of Dover and the chief of police against Councilmembers Brian Lewis and Dr. Roy Sudler.
It was reported that the mayor’s actions were not criminal but were “nasty politics,” which are covered under the First Amendment. These so-called nasty politics cost the citizens of Dover $50,000 for the study to be conducted. These nasty politics may be covered under the First Amendment. However, what about the moral and ethical actions of the mayor and the possibly questionable actions of the chief of police? If this hot potato cost the city nothing, then there would be less to complain about. We are not talking about pocket change but $50,000 of hard-earned tax dollars from the citizens of Dover.
Where was the outcry when this situation was just starting to unfold? Nobody on City Council spoke out to protect the reputations of Councilmembers Brian Lewis and Dr. Roy Sudler.
Councilmember Dave Anderson believes that he did a righteous thing by trying to get this report published. The mayor’s portion of the report was supposed to be released. There is nothing righteous or grand about Anderson’s actions in this matter. I believe he is making more out of this situation to make a name for himself for when he runs for mayor. Hopping onto the bandwagon after the hard work is done by others is nothing to boast about.
These wasted funds should be reimbursed by the parties that caused the situation at hand.
The $50,000 could have been used to help those on public assistance pay their electric bills during the summer or to stock food pantries that assist those in need.
Some of our elected officials need to get backbones and do the right things, even if they are difficult and cause some feathers to be ruffled. The city is broken in so many ways and needs a major overhaul across the board.
It’s something to think about before the next election.
This was submitted by a very concerned citizen.
William G. Faust Jr.
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
