Garrison City voters prepare to set a new course—The Wire surveys three candidates vying for mayor and 13 for city council.

Dover’s government was shaken up this summer when fourth-term Mayor Scott Myers resigned to accept a position as city manager of Laconia. He was replaced on an interim basis by Dean Trefethen, who will seek to retain that post in the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. But Trefethen will have to survive a three-way mayoral race with long-time critics Mary Hebbard and Don Medbery.

Although voters in the Garrison City opted for Myers in four straight election cycles, some citizens were glad to see him go. A familiar group of Dover residents have been highly critical of the council’s spending habits, often voicing their dissatisfaction at city meetings, and some of them are now running for office. But do their sentiments reflect those of the community at large? Evidence from past elections would suggest not. We’ll see if the next ballot results tell a different story.

In addition to the three vying for mayor, 13 candidates are competing for eight remaining seats on the city council. Seven of them are incumbents, while the remaining six are newcomers. The only incumbent not running for reelection is Dennis Ciotti, who joined the council in August to fill the vacancy created when Myers left.

The Dover City Council includes six wards, plus the mayor and two at-large seats (one of which is filled by the deputy mayor). The candidates in Wards 1, 2 and 5 are running unopposed, but there is a three-way race in Ward 3, two-way races in Wards 4 and 6, and three candidates competing for the two at-large seats.

The candidates will be running on several contentious issues. The tax cap enacted in 2008 continues to draw controversy, as the council voted to override the cap in 2010, then later removed it from the City Charter after the Supreme Court struck down a similar cap in Manchester. An amendment on the ballot this year would revise the formula that determines how much city spending can increase under the cap.  

Another hot topic relates to parking. Some business owners have been critical of the expanded metering system installed in the downtown area early this year. A proposal to add a downtown parking garage has met mixed reactions.

Dover councilors will be tasked with approving a city budget that maintains essential services without raising taxes too much—a distinct challenge as the economy continues to founder. Meanwhile, the council must work to promote economic development and oversee the ongoing waterfront development project.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and Dover Listens will host a series of candidate forums later this month. A forum for mayoral and council candidates will be held on Monday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m., at the City Council Chambers in City Hall. A forum for School Board candidates will follow on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in room 306 of the McConnell Center. Both forums will be broadcast live on Dover’s local Channel 22 and will likely be rebroadcast several times.

Dover Listens will also host “community conversations” with candidates on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m., at the Rivermill at Dover Landing.

Check back with The Wire in the issue of Nov. 2 to find a roundup of polling places and hours for the municipal elections on Nov. 8, or visit www.ci.dover.nh.us for more information.

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CANDIDATES FOR DOVER MAYOR

Mayor Dean Trefethen, age 57

occupation: design engineer

years living in Dover: 27

public service experience: 8 years on the Council, including 3 as Deputy Mayor and now a few months as interim Mayor; 16 years on Zoning Board, 6 as chair

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Positive: The growing awareness of our citizens of how the budget is crafted and how it affects their lives through the course of the year. Negative: The increasing shrillness of critics of the Council. People should be able to make their point while being civil.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? Economic development to provide jobs at all levels, from entry level on up.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? The goal is to minimize any increases, and to accomplish that, the entire budget needs to be reviewed. We need to keep looking at priorities of how we spend our money and find economies in as many places as possible.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The long-term effect of the tax cap has been to pit groups of people with different priorities against each other. Everyone wants their favorite programs or services funded and are willing to cut others. However, people don’t agree on the same priorities. It is particularly acute with those favoring full funding for education, but there are other areas as well.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? I think we need a parking garage and we have a tentative proposal for one right now, but there is still a lot of work to do to understand the costs and finances of this or any proposal. I don’t think using property tax dollars of residents is the answer, though.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? We have an Arts Commission whose mission it is to do that. The Council can be supportive of the arts in general, but we must make sure we have the right people on the commission to make improvements in our offerings. The Council is the appointing authority, so we need to encourage and appoint the right people to the commission.

 

Donald Medbury, age 70+

occupation: management consultant, business owner

years living in Dover: 9

public service experience: several years assisting political candidates

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Positive: Doing long overdue necessary road repairs and paving. Negative: Parking Meters

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I would introduce competency to the city government as well as a common sense approach to management.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? I would tighten the purchasing and bid requirements. And invite more contractors through a better sweeping advertising process. I would cancel the city’s membership in the Local Government Center (LGC) and manage the city’s insurance needs in-house through aggressive negotiations.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? It has curbed some senseless spending, but not enough. The evidence that it is working in its present form is evident as the current mayor, manager and a majority wish to change it. The electorate signed hundreds of petitions for the current form of tax cap. The citizens would not be well served by the changes that are on the November ballot through another charter change. It does what it was intended to do and the only reason for changing it would be for the managers to have a better advantage, increased base salary and benefits.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? Very good if it is privately funded, no municipal bonding or city participation and positively no TIFFs.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I would welcome a more open approach and seek the talents of the senior citizens to participate in the expansion of the Arts. I would also seek the youth in the local schools for participation in all ways.

 

Mary Hebbard, age 47

 occupation: self-employed office manager/treasurer for Ticked Off, manufacturer of Ticked Off tick remover; co-owner of Hebbard Farm, raising cattle, free-range chickens and producing organic compost

years living in Dover: 22 

public service experience: regularly participate in public meetings of the City Council, Planning Board, Charter Commission, Transportation Advisory Commission, Solid Waste Commission, and Class VI Roads and Rail Trail subcommittees

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive development is the availability of City Council, School Board and Planning Board meetings on demand at the city’s website, which provides convenient access for citizens to the meetings. The most negative change is the institution of the four-day work week in City Hall. The quality of service has diminished—lines are long, the staff is stressed. Being closed on Fridays is a huge inconvenience for citizens and others attempting to do business at City Hall, even other city departments. We need to go back to the five-day work week immediately to adequately serve citizens and staff.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years?

To reintroduce government for the people by the people by upholding citizens constitutional rights and changing how meetings are conducted. 

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? No. It is the task of the City Manager to develop the budget. 

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or

negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The tax cap was voted in by the people to curtail the extensive spending of past city councils, members of which still sit on the council today. This council continues to reject the will of the people, continuing the spending by overriding the tax cap.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? Strongly opposed. The city has manipulated parking availability throughout the city through resolutions and ordinances, and the installation of parking meters in order to force the false necessity of a parking garage. This is wrong. As the Rizzo study stated, Dover does not have a parking problem, it has a parking management problem.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? Step aside and let people create as they wish – it is not the responsibility of government to subsidize the arts.

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CANDIDATES FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, AT-LARGE SEAT

Deputy Mayor Karen Weston, age 60

occupation: owner of Janetos Superette

years living in Dover: born in Dover and lived here most of life

public service experience: currently on the NH WIC Advisory Board, chair of the Joint Building Committee for Horne Street School, chair of the Traffic Advisory Commission, member of Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs group; previously on the North End Fire Station Building Committee, The Woodman Park Joint Building Committee and a subcommittee on the waterfront development project

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Dover has now hired an economic development director who has been actively working on trying to attract a variety of business to Dover. He has been successful in some of his endeavors and this has added to Dover’s economy. I also must add that the waterfront development will be starting up this next year. Our major failing is that our infrastructure is failing dramatically, specifically the condition of our roads.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? To address our infrastructure. The longer we wait, the conditions will worsen and in turn will become more expensive.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? I think that the city needs to take a hard look at sharing like services with the School Department.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The cap has given the Council a form of guidance in turn that makes us take a hard look at fiscal responsibility and budget planning for the future. It is good to know of the two-thirds majority vote needed to override the cap if need be. We realize that there may be circumstances that will arise where you need to override.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? A parking garage had been needed for many years and the reality is that we need parking in the downtown to make it vibrant. I do not think it should be at the expense of the taxpayers. It should be a public/private partnership.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I am a strong supporter of the arts. I would help in most any way that it would take to develop it here. I would promote outreach to any and all to develop a plan for Dover.

 

Donald C. Andolina, age 77

occupation: retired

years living in Dover: 10

public service experience: selectman in East Kingston (15 years), Dover Planning Board (8 years), Dover Utility Commission (2 years), McConnell Center Advisory Committee (2 years), state rep. (2011–2012)

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The positive change over three years was to bring in the NH Children’s Museum and changes in traffic patterns. The most disappointing development plans were caused by the delay in developing the water front.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? Keep Dover affordable by creating discretionary budgets starting with anticipated revenues and to budget discretionary expenditures within anticipated revenues.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? Identify waste and practice better planning within priorities.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The tax cap kept spending under control. I did not think that there were negative effects in those years.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? I believe it is essential to allow for growth. Funding could come from the private sector under desirable agreements with the city.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? Encourage and support growth in the various arts.

 

Councilor Robert Carrier, age 59

occupation: general contractor

years living in Dover: whole life

public service experience: current councilor, past president of Dover Baseball, member of Recreation Advisory Board, past member of joint building committees

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development?

The most positive, I would have to say, is the continuation of plans for the development of the waterfront. I really don’t have anything that’s totally negative. We have our battles to fight, but there’s nothing totally negative.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years?

Infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, equipment, buildings.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where?

We’re fairly running on bare bones right now with staff. I can’t see where we can cut much more spending unless you start laying people off, and people will really be sacrificing with services.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far?

I didn’t vote for the tax cap. I don’t believe in the tax cap. I think it takes voter confidence away from the city councilors to do their job. As far as what we look at, we always try to cut as much as we can and have a good budget that we can present without tax increases. That’s our job, and the tax cap is just hanging out there. We have to look at the city as a whole to keep it moving forward.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage?

Absolutely, all in favor of it, but without tax dollars.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover?

Just promote them. Just help out in any which way that I can, lobby for them, whatever I have to do. I’m all for them. It brings us to a good point in the city and people come from all over to see a lot of the stuff that we offer—the Children’s Museum, the Cochecho Arts Fest, the Apple Harvest Fest—it puts us on the map.

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CANDIDATE FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 1

Edward Spuler, age 41

occupation: Supervisor at United Parcel Service at the Dover facility.

years living in Dover: 9+ years

public service experience: Current member of Dover Utility Commission, current Dover Ward 1 Moderator, past Board President of Exeter Center of Creative Arts

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? I think the best change that has happened in Dover over the past two years has been increased community involvement. Whether it has been citizens coming forward to fight for their cause at council meetings, people volunteering at area locations, or just more neighbors getting together, I feel more sense of community in Dover now than I ever have. The most negative thing has been the downward economic turn, and people losing their homes who could no longer afford them.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I hope to continue this trend toward increased community involvement. I think we are all better off when we work together toward a common goal. I hope to find an equitable way to fund the needed programs and keep an eye on the bottom line. I think we need to treat city spending as if it were our own and not spend beyond our means, in this way our children can grow up free of debt that we incurred.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? I do not have specifics at this time, but I know that when I was young I made some financial mistakes that took a long time to reconcile and get out from under. I do not want the citizens of Dover sharing that type of experience. We have to be willing to sacrifice for a long-term gain and for the future of our city and our children. There are many great programs and we need to distinguish between our needs and wants while finding creative ways to make things happen. I think the pool is a good example of how we can try to move toward being self sufficient.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? I think in these unprecedented economic times, it is hard to say. Again, times have been hard for all of us and I think it certainly makes the hard choices come to the surface when a cap is placed on the budget. I think the positive effect may be that we have made some hard choices earlier than some other municipalities, which have not had a tax cap as long as Dover has.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? I think a garage would be great for the future of Dover. However, with a lot of pressing economic issues on the table right now, I am not sure when the timing may be right for this venture.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I worked and taught in the arts for over 15 years. I think Dover has a lot to offer the Seacoast in terms of the arts. I think our main issue is marketing to the community. I think we have improved that over the past few years, but I feel there remain many great artists and events that people may not be aware of right here in Dover.

 

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CANDIDATE FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 2

Councilor William Garrison, age 46

occupation: self-employed sales consultant

years living in Dover: 11

public service experience: current City Councilor, Ward 2

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Positive: Economic development (waterfront project, Children’s Museum, sale of mill to an aggressive and creative entity, industrial park development, public/private ventures for proper infill on land for retail/office/parking) that will position the city to grow at a controlled rate while benefiting the business and citizen community. Negative: tax spending cap.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? Sustainability of a sound infrastructure to include properly maintaining physical city assets, keeping departments intact and making budgetary decisions as a councilor to manage cost containment over a broader spectrum. In other words, make the decisions to preserve the strength of our community without short-sighted cuts and expenditures that only serve the immediate issues and cost us more in the long term.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? I feel that the city manager and department heads have been very creative in implementing cost saving initiatives and have made careful cuts within the city budget to adjust to these economic times. It is, and should be, a work-in-progress that always considers the long-term impact.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The budget process has been swayed by the cap with more of an emotional versus monetary impact. Adopted budgets have been above and below the cap by decisions of the Council with consideration of the economic conditions while considering the long-term impact. The question of whether drastic cuts would have too large an impact or drastic increases would be too luxurious should be in the minds of all councilors throughout the process and without the false sense of security of a cap.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? I feel that a garage or some greatly improved parking system will need to be in place in the coming years as the downtown continues to grow. This process will take time and money. The decisions that this Council made regarding generating revenues over time by the users to offset the impact to the taxpayer will prove to be some of the best forward thinking and fiscally responsible action in this day.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I don’t know that I would take an active role as a councilor, but would encourage the Commission and citizens to get out in the public eye to promote the arts in any form. Exposure at the council meetings, local media, events, etc. would do a lot to boost awareness and movement with the community as a whole.

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CANDIDATES FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 3

Marc Jennings, age 37

age: 37

occupation: small business owner

years living in Dover: 15-plus

public service experience: zero

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? I think the bridge connecting Washington and River streets was a great improvement. The most negative I think would be the new meter system in downtown. We just don’t need it; it deters patrons from visiting local shops and businesses.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? Remove the parking meters, support the tax cap, make sure the schools are properly funded, and try and get a department store of some kind to lease where Ames was located. This space has been vacant for years.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? No.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The positive is that the city must live within its means and can’t raise taxes faster than people are able to pay for them.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? Would never support such a waste of money, there is no practical place to build one anyways.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I would want to try and bring more activities through the winter months to the city, maybe get some ideas from other communities.

 

Councilor Jan Nedelka, age 40

occupation: Eight years as engineer/manager in private industry, now stay-at-home dad. Also volunteer as state coordinator for the AARP Tax-Aide program.

years living in Dover: 7

public service experience: Dover City Councilor 2010-’11, Dover Arena Commission, Dover Planning Board

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? I think the most positive change has been the increase in public involvement. People were angry we even talked about closing the pools, and now we have a Pool Advisory Committee of citizen volunteers that has reduced the costs of the operation by ~$75,000. People held rallies when we talked about not funding the full $1.2 million in increased budget the School Board recommended, but now parents are motivated and paying attention. More people involved, more people informed, more people in the dialog—that’s huge. 

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My primary goal over the next two years would be to improve the relationship and dialog between the City Council and the School Board. There’s a real communication gap. We need to stop thinking about things in the framework of “the city” and “the schools” and remember it’s all Dover.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? There are opportunities to reduce costs by combining some administrative functions with the schools, and further reducing losses by the pools. As technology  develops, I expect we can further reduce energy expenses as well. The latter items I expect to be multi-year efforts, rather than overnight fixes. 

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? It’s increased political pressure to control the tax rate, which is fine, but it’s done so with a message of false simplicity. Many people were angry we voted to override the cap in 2010, pointing out that Nashua did not override their cap. Our override was to pass a budget with a 1.3 percent increase in the tax levy; Nashua raised theirs by 2 percent but did not override their cap. Which is better: a lower number with an override, or higher taxes without one? 

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? We do need a long-term solution. I’m not convinced a single monolithic garage is the right one—we might be better off with a few smaller parking facilities or platforms. If the solution falls under the framework of user fees we’ve established in the current policy or through a public private partnership, without using direct property tax dollars, I’m satisfied. 

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? If “foster the arts” means paying for them, I don’t see much more we can do in our economic environment. We’ve already reduced the amount of funding to the Cochecho Arts Festival, and we’re desperately short of volunteers on the Arts Advisory Council. That said, we can probably do some positive things tying our existing arts community in with ongoing economic development, and highlighting the Cochecho Arts and Technology Academy. I’m open to suggestions.

 

Michael Crago, age 60

occupation: retired Army paratrooper, Green Beret Medical Service Corps Lieutenant Colonel, doctor of public health, health services manager and quality management system manager, auditor, consultant and trainer

years living in Dover: 11

public service experience: 20-plus years U.S. Army Medical Department Service and two years of volunteering at the VA Regional Medical Center at Long Beach, Calif.

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? I’m not aware of any significant accomplishments that represent positive change for the city of Dover. I perceive raising taxes to pay for the consequences of poor governance and management decisions to be the most negative developments in the last two years, i.e., the mishandled Dover Port Project, Washington Street Bridge, etc.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My top priority is to hold the line on sustaining essential city services without having to raise taxes.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? As a candidate for policy making, I am not going to micro-manage the purview of the city manager’s responsibilities and authority. I believe, through sound management practices, which includes measuring and analyzing performance to ensure that we get planned results, combined with sound zero-based budgeting principles, the city’s manager can efficiently and effectively identify which essential services will be financed requirements, and which discretionary services will be unfinanced requirements.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? It protected the citizen taxpayer from irresponsible tax increases.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? I believe it to be unnecessary. That said, I would survey the Dover business community to determine whether they think that we have inadequate parking resources.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I would first start by surveying successful cultural and fine arts service providers in the greater N.H. Seacoast, Lakes, and Southern Maine coastal areas to ask what they would need to relocate their programs to Dover, e.g., go to the source providers and ask them what they need to determine if we are in a position to provide it.

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CANDIDATES FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4

Councilor Dorothea Hooper, age 78

occupation: adjunct instructor of history and humanities at Southern New Hampshire

University

years living in Dover: 17

public service experience: 8 years on the Dover School Board; 2 years on the Dover City Council; 1 year as a state representative, Strafford County, District 5

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? We have a thriving Children’s Museum bringing tourism and business into Dover, we have held our own in a terrible economic atmosphere, citizens have stepped up to the plate to help keep budgetary items under control, and we are moving closer to the development of the waterfront. The most negative is probably the struggle we have been having with the budget due to the downshifting and cutting of programs by the state, which puts a burden on local taxpayers to pick up the slack. When the state stops funding aid to children, the handicapped and the elderly, the local community bears the brunt of it.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I would like to see us develop the various parking lots around Dover to provide more retail space stretching out from the center of town as well as more residential growth downtown. Down the road, with the development planned, we will need to provide more parking opportunities. We seem unable to lease mill space to businesses due to a lack of parking. While I understand change is sometimes hard for long-time residents, you cannot stop growth but you can make sure it is carefully planned. I also think we need to keep on top of our infrastructure—care for it now or pay more for it later.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? We need to keep looking at “wants” vs. “needs.” The problem we face is one person’s wants are another person’s needs. As the economy keeps getting tighter we must continue to look for places to cut spending. It might mean curtailing some services instead of eliminating them. It might mean having more citizen committees to help raise funds to keep specific services. A large part of the city budget is dictated by what happens in the state and county. This is just a “belt-tightening” few years that we have to get through until the economy brightens.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? I have been very open about my feeling that citizens should elect representatives who will approach city finances with common sense. That said, we have a duly voted tax cap in Dover. I believe the newer version that will be on the ballot in November is a good compromise. It will allow the council to work with a more realistic cap if accepted by the voters.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage?

Down the road, with the present growth in our city, we will eventually need a parking garage. We are now at a population of almost 30,000. With new businesses, residents, and waterfront development, we will need increased parking.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I think there is good community support for the arts. We have summer concerts, two museums in town, local establishments that provide a venue for local musicians, and multiple student performances throughout the year. I would love to see the development of a little theater in town if a venue such as the former Strand theater could be found. Probably having a councilor sit on the Arts Commission and report back would provide additional advertisement and encouragement to the commission.

 

Rick Hebbard, age 52

 

occupation: self-employed inventor, owner and president of Ticked Off, manufacturer of Ticked Off tick remover; owner of Hebbard Farm, producing organic compost; owner of New Hampshire Traffic Control, providing traffic control services 

years living in Dover: city native 

public service experience: former vice chair of Dover Utilities Commission; member of the Planning Board Gravel Pit subcommittee, the Planning Board Class VI Roads subcommittee, the Planning Board Scenic Roads subcommittee, and the Planning Board Rail Trail subcommittee; former vice president of Garrison Hill Park & Tower Committee

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change for the city would be master manipulator Scott Myers leaving Dover. The most negative change would be Dean Trefethen appointed mayor.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? To root out the corruption within that has been plaguing this city for years.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? It is the job of the Manager to bring forward a budget within our means.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or

negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The tax cap, enacted by the will of the people, has been disregarded repeatedly by the City Council, which is a slap in the face to the taxpayers.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? When the administration gets done with manipulating the facts and figures on the parking, we will all still know that there is no parking problem—there is a parking mismanagement problem.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? The Garrison Hill Tower is a work of art, yet no public money was used to rebuild it. Apparently, here in Dover, public money is not used for the arts.

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CANDIDATE FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 5

Councilor Catherine Cheney, age 51

personal information

occupation: business manager and information systems consultant

years living in Dover: 11

public service experience: Caring Citizens Christmas Carolers, Manchester Chamber of Commerce—Music at the Heart of It Committee, volunteer for Boy Scouts of America, member of Parish of the Assumption Choir, city councilor, Joint Building Committee chair, Fiscal Planning Committee co-chair, Strafford County Commissioner

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Activities coming from volunteers such as the Covered Bridge Committee, the Swimming Committee, the Friends of Willand Pond, the Christmas lighting efforts, and downtown flag display efforts. The city taking advantage of the recent challenge in Manchester on their tax cap and presenting a Charter Change to overturn our existing tax cap is the most negative development.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My priorities are to represent Dover citizens and businesses on issues pertaining to services and quality of life. To help keep Dover a very desirable place to live and work in. I will keep a watchful eye on spending and question practices and policies with the taxpayer in mind. I will continue to promote open government and public outreach.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? In these economic times and always, many public functions such as fireworks and other efforts have been transferred to our community and out of the tax bill. It is not a lot of money, but it has created a volunteer atmosphere of pulling together and getting positive things done without the entire tax base supporting these efforts.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The spending cap has not been adhered to by the Council and is overridden each budget. At minimum, the spending cap does present a quantifiable item over which budget discussions can take place. This limitation on spending helps the Council and the city to have a common entity to work with—the amount of allowed spending the citizens would like to see, or less.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? When a business owner or developer comes to Dover to build the garage, I think it will be welcome as long as they can run their own business without cost to the taxpayers or businesses.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? I would support permits for art and music. I am a musician and would like to see a jam-night/talent shows continue and/or have art in one of our buildings on a rotating basis (library, McConnell Center, etc.). This should not cost the taxpayers.

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CANDIDATE FOR DOVER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 6

Councilor Gina Cruikshank, age 45

occupation: accountant

years living in Dover: 6

public service experience: Dover City Council, Dover Chamber of Commerce volunteer, elementary & middle School volunteer, basketball and baseball coach

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change has been that the current City Council works much more cohesively. Instead of personal agendas, we have civil and rational discussion on the issues. The result is a better decision-making process that serves the Dover residents much more effectively.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? To continue to serve the city to the best of my ability. Times are tough and the budgetary decisions we are faced with are even tougher. While we do the best we can to keep tax increases to a minimum, the long-term fiscal effects of every decision must be considered.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? We are literally down to a bare bones budget. There are very few items we can cut without affecting public safety, infrastructure or education (pools, library books and street lights were the ones discussed), and the taxpayers made it clear in large numbers they were against those cuts.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? The positive effect is that it gives us a clear dollar goal to strive for. The negative effect has been a spiking index number and confusion about some of the language in the tax cap, resulting in frustration by both tax cap advocates and opponents.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage? It depends on the details. It is important that the taxpayers do not bear the burden of the costs of building the garage, but it is equally important that we can provide the parking necessary to bring new businesses to the downtown core to provide jobs and ease the property tax burden on the residents.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? Support those efforts whenever possible. The Dover schools, both public and private, do a fantastic job of this, as does the Arts Commission, the Dover Chamber of Commerce and Dover Main Street.

 

Michael Weeden, age 20

 

occupation: student and part-time dietary aid

years living in Dover: 20

public service experience: state representative, 2010-present

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Dover over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change to take place in Dover over the last two years is the Cochecho Waterfront Development. This will increase business and recreation within the city and will create jobs in the local community. The most negative development to take place in Dover over the last two years is the institution of the paid parking meters. This has negatively impacted businesses in the downtown area.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? If elected, my top priority would be to maintain the tax cap. The tax cap forces the City Council to spend limited tax revenues in a responsible way. I want to protect the taxpayers, many of whom are already struggling to pay their own bills.

Are there specific areas where you think the city could cut spending as it crafts future budgets? If so, where? I believe that all areas of city spending should be considered when crafting future budgets. If elected I would like to see a comprehensive review of all city expenditures.

The city’s tax cap has now been in effect for nearly four years. What positive and/or negative effects do you think the cap has had, so far? I do not believe the tax cap has had an effect because the current City Council has consistently voted to override the cap. If elected, I would support the tax cap and vote for a budget within the limits of the cap. The citizens of Dover voted in 2007 to institute the tax cap, and I support their decision.

How do you feel about the idea of constructing a downtown parking garage. I am opposed to building a downtown parking garage. I do not believe it would be a wise investment at this current time.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Dover? Over the past several years, Dover has made progress in fostering the arts. I would like to see the painting of murals in the downtown area that depicts the rich cultural history of our city.

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