Katie Kempista is the daughter of Dover Mayor Robin R. Christiansen.
The annual reorganizational meeting of Dover City Council on May 11 was bittersweet, as my dad gave his final State of the City at the beginning of his last year serving as mayor of Dover and in public office.
Over the years, he has led the city through challenges that tested every community across the country — from the uncertainty during the pandemic to addressing homelessness, downtown safety concerns and economic development to the everyday issues that come with leading a growing capital city. Through it all, he has remained committed to Dover and the people who call it home.
Contrary to what so many believe, being mayor is not just about ribbon cuttings and celebrations. It is about making difficult decisions, taking criticism 24/7, handling emergencies and carrying the weight of a city’s challenges on your shoulders every single day. Yet, despite those pressures, my dad has continued to show up, listen and work hard for Dover day after day.
As he begins this final year as mayor, I hope people take a moment to recognize the commitment it takes to serve a community you love with passion and commitment. What I’ve always admired most about my dad is that, no matter how difficult things became, his dedication to Dover never changed. Since I was young, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the countless hours, sleepless nights and genuine care my dad has poured into this city. None of it has been easy, and the job certainly hasn’t come without criticism or pressure. But behind every meeting, event, late-night phone call or email has been someone who genuinely cares about this city and the people in it. Public service requires sacrifice, patience and thick skin, and I’ve seen just how much of himself he has given to this role. His dedication to public service is something our family will always be proud of!
This is one of my many proud daughter moments! Regardless of the negative criticism he has received lately, I am still so very proud of him and his commitment to serving the city he has loved!
Thank you, Mayor Pops, for your service to the city of Dover and may God bless you as you serve your final year as mayor!
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