Stephan Pierce is a resident of Dover.
To the citizens of Dover,
I know what many of you are thinking: “He’s only 20 years old.” And you’re right. I’m young. But here’s what’s actually scary: For decades, we’ve accepted the same faces, the same “good boy” system and the same results. Meanwhile, Dover’s real issues — our drug crisis, homelessness, lack of recreational opportunities and struggling schools — haven’t been addressed in any meaningful way.
I want to be crystal clear: I am not running for mayor to serve myself or some political machine. As your mayor, I will work for you and your families. That means I’ll be out in the community, not hiding behind a desk. You’ll see me in your neighborhoods, your businesses, your schools and your churches — listening, learning and acting. My job will be to understand what you want for this city and to fight for it.
Dover deserves better. We don’t have a real plan to address substance abuse. We don’t have proper accommodations for our homeless neighbors. We don’t even have a functioning movie theater for our kids. That’s unacceptable for the capital of the First State.
I’m not afraid to say it: We can and will do better. We will invest in recreational activities to give our youth positive outlets. We will push for stronger collaboration with the school system — even though it’s not a city entity, we cannot afford to be disconnected from what’s happening in our classrooms. We will restore dignity and trust in our police department. And we will put integrity and transparency back at the center of city government.
My age doesn’t disqualify me — it drives me. It means I bring energy, urgency and fresh eyes to problems that have been ignored for too long. I don’t have ties to the old system. I’m not here to protect the status quo. I’m here to make sure Dover becomes a city where families thrive, where young people have opportunities and where everyone has a fair shot at a decent quality of life.
The truth is that Dover’s best days aren’t behind us. They’re ahead of us. But only if we’re willing to demand better — and work together to make it happen.
I’m ready to fight for that future. And I’m asking you to believe in it, too.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
