Karen Weston
For mayor: Karen Weston (Incumbent)
Age: 64
Occupation: Co-owner, Janetos Superette
Years living in Dover: Lifelong resident.
Prior public service experience: Dover city council (at-large member for six years, mayor for two years); member, Transportation Advisory Commission, Dover Business Industrial Development Authority, Joint Building Committee (for Horne Street and Woodman Park Schools and North End Fire Station), waterfront design sub-committee; Dover Main Street and Chamber of Commerce member; Government Affairs Committee member; N.H. WIC Advisory Board member.
As rental housing development increases downtown, what can the city do to keep Dover affordable for middle- and working-class residents?
In order to keep Dover affordable, we will need to increase our revenue. We need to focus aggressively on economic development. This kind of development would increase our tax base with minimal impact on services.
How can the city address the impact of downshifting costs from state government to municipalities?
We need to look at all cost savings mechanisms. For example, shared services and purchases within city departments and joint purchases with surrounding communities
Would you be willing to support a tax cap override while developing city budgets? Why or why not?
When developing a budget, every instance needs to be looked at as an individual item. We then need to see what the accumulative outcome would be. The building of a new high school would be an example of a necessary override. I believe the tax cap is a definite budget guideline.
The council recently voted to approve funding for a new high school, and construction of a new police station/parking garage is under way. What should the city’s priorities be for future capital improvement projects?
We need to keep focused on maintenance of our infrastructure, replacement of equipment, roads, safety, and education.
How can the city best address the increased costs associated with federal EPA regulations regarding stormwater and wastewater management?
The city has petitioned the state for scientific data supporting their mandates The city fully understands that water quality and the problems at the estuary have to be a priority. The city has already instituted a plan for updating our wastewater and storm water management. Once we receive all of the findings, the city will then have to work those results into a maintenance plan.
What was the most recent cultural event you attended in Dover?
I spent most of the day at Apple Harvest Day in downtown.
What is the most important issue facing the city that no one is talking about yet?
There is no known issue that the city is not addressing. Whenever an issue arises, the city addresses (it) immediately.