Tyron E. Scott is a resident of Dover.
I recently read an Opinion by Mr. Will Garfinkel, titled “Public interest lacking in Dover government." Mr. Garfinkel’s letter is right on cue with his assertion that the public (Dover citizens) just don’t have an interest anymore in what their city elected officials are doing. A previous Opinion, “Major shake-up needed at Dover City Hall,” would make one wonder why a shake-up is needed. Could it be, as the writer brings out into the light, higher taxes, service and utility fees forced on the taxpayers by city elected officials? Or could it be the unnecessary and wasteful spending on projects that could be placed on hold for the time being? Yes, these could be some reasons why a shake-up is needed, especially when homeowners will probably have to come up with an additional $100-$200 to pay their city taxes and/or fees after the next fiscal budget is passed. This is money that could be used for groceries, medicine, child care, utility bills, insurance premiums, etc., in these tough economic times. But taxpayers again will be forced to tighten their belts because our current city elected officials won’t tighten theirs.
Now, getting back to Mr. Garfinkel’s letter: The problem is, if you don’t get involved or express your discontent with something or someone, that problem will just continue. Some call it the “same old status quo.” People in Dover seem to not be interested in local politics until they want something. But I feel you should always want and need from your local elected officials. You should always want and need transparency in your tax dollars. You should always want and need a safe and healthy environment. You should always want and need to have the same quality-of-life issues that others benefit from in neighboring cities and towns.
This coming April, there are elections for Dover City Council seats. There should be more candidates filing to run, but maybe the residents of Dover lack the interest until they need something. The deadline to file is Jan. 31.
I encourage people to consider running for City Council seats if they would like to have a voice in decisions about city budgets, infrastructure development, critical services like police, fire, streets and parks, and much more. It’s an opportunity to guide the development of our growing city. On council, a small group of nine elected representatives make decisions about how the city will spend its tax collections to serve the community.
Just remember not to complain when it becomes more costly to survive, but it’s business as usual in Dover city government.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
