Mayor
Scott Myers
Age:43, Dover res. 20 yrs.
Occupation: Dover Mayor and co-owner, Galley Hatch Catering (Hampton) and Popovers (Portsmouth)
Public Experience: Dover Mayor, Economic Development Board, Waterfront Advisory Board, Labor Policy Comm., Dover Arena Comm., Joint Fiscal Comm. and Superintendent Search Comm.

Age: 43
Occupation: Current Dover Mayor and Owner (with partners) of Galley Hatch Catering in Hampton and Popovers On The Square in Portsmouth.

How long have you lived in Dover? Since 1988, almost 20 years
Have you served on any boards, councils or committees? I am the current Mayor, serving my second term. I have also served the city on the Economic Development Board, the Waterfront Advisory Board, the Labor Policy Committee, the Dover Arena Commission, the Joint Fiscal Committee and the Superintendent Search Committee.

As Dover becomes a more desirable place to live, how can the city keep it an affordable place for low-income residents?

The city has a healthy mix of owner occupied homes across a broad price spectrum. We also have a large component of renters in Dover. We need to continue to spend responsibly and expand economic development opportunities in our downtown and waterfront. This, along with the recent expansion of companies like Measured Progress, Liberty Mutual and Heine USA allows for the broadening of our tax base and the expansion of employment opportunities

What have you accomplished for Dover that you are most proud of and what would you like to accomplish if you are elected?

I am most proud of the public support I have garnered for beneficial, lasting improvements in Dover. These would include business expansion and employment opportunities, a development agreement for Dover’s vacant waterfront parcel to be put back on the tax roll and turned into a mixed-use site with public access and parks throughout and also the relocation of the Children’s Museum from Portsmouth to downtown Dover for the educations and cultural offerings it will offer. If re-elected Mayor, I would continue to serve the residents with a hands on, common sense approach and make responsible decisions that are good for Dover and it’s future.
 
What is an important environmental issue facing Dover?

Energy consumption is becoming more critical for a variety of reasons—cost, availability and obviously the impact on our environment. I have recently formed a Citizen Energy Advisory Committee that is working toward recommendations for the city in finding efficiencies, cleaner fuel alternatives, reduction in usage, and implementing conservation measures. All of these are of great benefit to our environment in reduced usage and emissions. Dover is working collaboratively with surrounding communities in sharing our information for the benefit of all.

What is the most recent cultural or artistic event that you have attended in Dover?

This past Saturday, I attended and helped kick-off the 23rd annual Apple Harvest Day in our downtown. I regularly attended our Friday night summer concert series as part of the Cocheco Arts Festival. As Mayor, I recently took part in the opening of a new downtown art studio for residents of all ages. I even had a guest appearance last year in an opera that was being performed at the Bell Center.

What type of new businesses would you like to see come to Dover?

We need to continue to diversify the types of business that expand in Dover. Expansion of restaurants and shops is desirable in our downtown. Expanded business growth in the technology, medical, communication and service industries would be appropriate in a variety of other locations throughout our city. 

Do you support a tax cap for Dover?

I have concerns over what a tax cap may do to Dover, but ultimately it is up to the voters to decide. I have stated publicly that if I am re-elected, and if the tax cap passes, that I will not vote to override the tax cap in the first year. If the voters want the cap, we have to give it a fair shot.

Dover has a growing art community. What can the city do to support arts and artists?