Commentary By Robert M. Silva

Dover Taxpayers Need Their Own Tea Party

Since last year, I have been sitting at home watching the Dover Township Council start another year of taxing, spending and making attempts to hand money to their political cronies.

They are dong this in a time when residents are working harder to make ends meet. In some cases, those taxpayers may have lost their jobs or be working for less. Let us not forget those who must live on a fixed income, too.

Government Is Supposed To Be Working

I am a believer in government; however, that government is supposed to be working – representing the people, not just a selected few who may have the money or connections.

I realize that there are problems all over Dover Township and we should all be making ourselves heard daily. Since I live in the north ward, I am speaking of what I am seeing going on there. Over the past two years, the people of the north ward have taken up battles with the council, the Planning board and large corporations over the indiscriminate building in the area.

Pay-To-Play Controls Watered Down By Council

A group provided a proposal for the anti-pay-to-play ordinance which was watered down when it was changed by the council. Why, I asked? We have fought the developer of another Home Depot right next to the wetlands on  Fisher Boulevard.

We have fought against the housing-apartment developer on Hooper Avenue across from the college and the development of a child-care center on Fisher Boulevard that would have caused a traffic hazard.

Planning Board Didn't Have A Quorum

Now that child-care center request is back before the Planning Board because the board didn’t have a quorum the first time it rejected the proposal.

At the west end of town, we see a major store, Wal-Mart, wanting to build a super center on Route 37. Wal-Mart claims it will find a tenant for its old building. Who would want to go into that site with Wal-Mart up the road?

Don’t forget the traffic nightmare getting out of the site. Even if they did, how long would the new tenant last before closing down that operation?

Dover Residents Get Another Vacated Building

What Dover residents get is another vacated building.

I have yet to see our elected representatives stand up and speak for us. I think a case in point that was the cell tower built on Fisher Boulevard. What were the members of the council and Planning Board thinking? Ratables?

 It seems residents have to watch everything our leaders are doing. I was taught in Government 101 that our elected representatives were elected to watch out for the community.

None Of The Problems Have Been Addressed

Two years ago I was part of a group attending a meeting with two council representatives. The group voiced concerns over various problems in the area. From what I have seen, none of the problems have been addressed. I was even told by a councilman in charge of recreation that he would contact me over my concerns for a better community. I am still waiting for that phone call or letter.

Government Should Live Within Its Income
Just Like The Residents Have To Do

The governing body also should learn to live within its income, just like the residents are required to do. We are not the personal piggy banks for this town, the county or state. Our elected officials are spending money they do not have and, to continue spending it, they increase our taxes. We the people however, are unable to do that.
We reduce our standard of living. Perhaps the government doesn’t realize in business overspending your budget is called bankruptcy. In their world of politics, it is called increase taxes and service fees.

Does The Council Have A Logical Plan For The Town

The council is elected to represent the people. Does the council have any idea who the people are or even a logical plan for the town? I personally feel that we have a government without representation.

Perhaps it is time for a Dover Township Tea Party.

Recognizes Service Of Frank Kenny

I wish to express my deepest thanks to Frank Kenny and his group, who keep us aware of what is going on in the township.

I have high praise for them for speaking out on quality-of-life issues and organizing the drives to stop the council from making what I consider mistakes in judgment.

I appreciate all that they are doing to keep us informed. 

   Robert M. Silva

This article prepared for publication 5/13/05.