Town Council Primary Candidates 2026: Sandra Wittner

Ward 1 incumbent shares her thoughts on Dover's essential matters.

Sandra Wittner (D-1st Ward) is a longtime member of Dover Town Council. (Photo/Sandra Wittner)

Longtime Dover Town Council member, an incumbent 1st Ward Democrat, is running unopposed for her seat in the June 2 primary. Wittner answered these questions to help voters get to know her:

1. What led you to run again for Council?

I was ready to pass the baton at the end of my fourth term, as I strongly believe in term limits at all levels of government. However, I was asked to consider running for one more term by residents all over town. There were a few times that I was out at the grocery store or grabbing coffee and people I had never spoken to before stopped me and asked me to run again! A fifth term as council member will definitely be my final, however.

2. What specifically qualifies you to serve your constituents?

I am responsive, but also honest about what we can do as elected officials in our form of government. As council members, we can’t make your parking ticket go away. We can’t demand that department heads or town employees do something for us. But if you need assistance navigating the court system, I am happy to get you in touch with the right people. I follow through with the appropriate folks to ensure responsiveness and transparency.

By this point, I am also comfortable navigating challenging situations to get answers and hopefully come to a satisfactory resolution for whatever the problem might be. Something as simple as adding a trash can to a public requires permission, coordination, and follow-through. I have spent eight years learning how the Town functions and fostering relationships, not just in town hall, but across higher levels of government as well, on both sides of the aisle.

3. What do you think is the most important issue for First Ward residents?

At this moment, I think the rising cost of living is at the front of everybody’s mind. Families are feeling the impact everywhere. From higher grocery bills and utility costs to increasing rent, property taxes, and everyday expenses, all of our wallets feel the strain. Seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and young people trying to establish themselves are all facing financial pressures that cannot be ignored.

As a local elected official, I believe it is our responsibility to be mindful of how every decision we make affects residents financially. That means focusing on responsible budgeting, curbing unnecessary spending, and making smart investments that strengthen our community without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. It also means supporting local businesses, encouraging economic development that benefits residents, and ensuring our town remains an affordable and welcoming place to live.

People want to know that their local government understands what they are going through and is working on practical solutions. I believe leadership starts with listening to residents, being transparent about financial decisions, and prioritizing essential services and improvements that matter most to the community while protecting taxpayers as much as possible. This means making difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions!

4. How do you see your experience as a Council member helping your next term?

Serving four terms on the Council has given me a deep understanding of how local government works and how to deliver real results for residents. Over the years, I’ve built strong working relationships with fellow council members, department leaders, community organizations, and residents, which helps move things forward more effectively and efficiently.

My experience has also taught me how to balance long-term planning with the everyday concerns of our community, whether it’s public safety, infrastructure, responsible budgeting, or improving quality of life. I understand the challenges our town faces because I’ve been directly involved in addressing them, and I’ve learned that listening, communication, and consistency are key to good leadership.

In my next term, I would continue using that experience to advocate for residents, make informed decisions, and ensure our community continues moving in a positive direction while remaining transparent and accountable to the people we serve.

5. What unfinished business do you have as a Council member?

There’s so much to be done, and there is ALWAYS room for improvement. I want to continue working on ensuring transparency and efficiency, specifically with our website and how our town meetings are conducted. 

I also want to ensure that as council members, we are being responsible stewards of taxpayer money — starting with fully understanding the municipal budget and allowing for input, but also by seizing opportunities for revenue such as grants and opportunity funds to offset capital budget expenditures like fire equipment, and also by avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and legal spending.

I want the distractions to end so we can focus on responsible, effective governance.