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‘Team’ Effort Captures Primary Wins
All-women Dover Town Council bloc paves way for November race. Candidates (left to right) Elizabeth Tapia, Alice Plastoris, Krista Seanor, and Sandra Wittner captured a lopsided victory in the June 2 Democratic primary. (Photo/Team Dover) Sandra Wittner, Krista Seanor, Alice Plastoris, and Elizabeth Tapia announced in March that they had formed "Team Dover" to run together for the Dover Town Council. On Tuesday, they took the first step toward that goal with an emphatic victo
David Chmiel
4 days ago3 min read


DOVER PRIMARY VOTERS' GUIDE 2026
Election Day is Tuesday, June 2. Check out the polling locations and sample ballots to help you make informed decisions. Democracy succeeds when informed voters take their civic responsibility seriously. Understand the issues, figure out what the ballot looks like, and make informed choices. Click on your ward to study the sample ballot: WARD 1 BALLOT WARD 2 BALLOT WARD 3 BALLOT WARD 4 BALLOT Now that you know more about the ballot, here are the official polling locations. Yo
dovernow.com staff
6 days ago1 min read


Town Council Primary Candidates 2026: Austin Nieves
Lifelong Dover resident following a 'call to serve' for the Ward 4 position. Austin Nieves touts his experience on the Zoning Board as a stepping stone to Town Council. (Photo/Austin Nieves) 1. What led you to run for Council? It boils down to service. In my household, I was raised to love the Lord and love my neighbor as He loves me. We were taught that serving my neighbors is the best way to honor both of those commands. So I grew up with the deep desire to be of service. T
David Chmiel
May 286 min read


Primary Candidates 2026: Elizabeth Tapia
Ward 4 candidate is a lifelong Dover resident who promises to be an advocate for 'practical solutions, transparency, and responsible decision-making.' Elizabeth Tapia is vying for the Ward 4 Democratic nomination to run for Town Council. (Photo/Elizabeth Tapia) EDITOR'S NOTE: Elizabeth Tapia, who is running for the expiring term held by Ward 4 incumbent Marcos Tapia. Marcos Tapia (D-Ward 4) did not respond to requests to answer the Dover Town Council candidate questionnaire.
David Chmiel
May 285 min read


Primary Candidates 2026: Alice Plastoris
Attorney Alice Plastoris is a lifelong Dover resident, former Public Defender, and Ward 3 hopeful. Alice Plastoris is a lifelong resident and a former Dover Public Defender, poised to serve all residents. (Photo/Alice Plastoris) Alice Plastoris is running for the Ward 3 Town Council seat presently held by Veronica Velez. In her bio, Plastoris says, "As a lifelong resident and daughter of a lifelong resident, I bring deep roots in the community and a strong understanding of ou
David Chmiel
May 282 min read


Town Council Primary Candidates 2026: Krista Seanor
Educator and former Dover BOE President inspired to run for contested Ward 2 seat. Krista Seanor says her work as an educator and board member prepared her for being a Town Council member. (Photo/Krista Seanor) EDITOR'S NOTE: Carlos Noriega, a Democrat running against Seanor, did not respond to requests to answer the candidate questionnaire. Krista Seanor has lived in Dover for more than 20 years and has always been active in the community. Find out what motivated her to run
David Chmiel
May 284 min read


Dover Skies Will Light Up on 4th of July
Town Council approves fireworks budget, tax hike, and plan to sell lots. Dover Council approved the fireworks budget, so the only concern is whether the skies will be clear on the 4th of July. (Photo/Jobert Enanmo) There were fireworks at the May 26 Dover Town Council meeting – just not the kind that have been set off at past sessions. Council approved a contract to pay $38,084 to Schaefer’s Fireworks for the town’s annual fireworks display to celebrate the 4th of July. The c
Mario Marroquin
May 273 min read


Dover Council Seeks NJTransit Safety Precautions
The board also approves two new full-time and one new part-time hires at the Dover Police Department. The Town Council unanimously approved the addition of three new Dover Police Department officers at the April 28 meeting. (PHOTO/DOVERNOW.com) The tragic death of Christofer Huamani on the NJTransit tracks near Water Works Park in Dover two weeks ago has prompted town officials into action. During the town council’s second meeting in April, council member Sandra Wittner requ
Mario Marroquin
Apr 292 min read


Dover Town Council Promotes Three Detectives to Sergeant
The board also approved a local land sale and granted new food truck licenses. Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney praised the department's three newest sergeants. (Photo/DOVERNOW) The Dover Town Council approved the promotions of Dover Police Department detectives Samuel Berthoud, Joseph Dodd, and Joel Gotera to the rank of sergeant. The decision was made following a 15-minute executive session at the end of the meeting, after which the legislation was read into the record.
Mario Marroquin
Apr 222 min read


Dover Town Council Takes Step Toward Apartment Project
The move allows local developer Roger Gupta to submit a site plan for redevelopment near Crescent Field. Dover Town Council voted 5-4 to approve the first reading of the redevelopment effort for the 46 S. Morris Street rooming house. (Photo/DOVERNOW) The Dover Town Council voted to allow the redevelopment of the rooming house at 46 S Morris Street, located across from Crescent Field and near the train station. The vote comes nearly four months after the council voted to appr
Mario Marroquin
Mar 263 min read


All-Women Coalition Announces Bid for Dover Town Council
'Team Dover' becomes first to announce run for June Democratic primary. A historic, all-female slate of candidates announced their candidacies for Dover Town Council in the 2026 Democratic primary, to be held on Tuesday, June 2. It's the first time in Dover’s more than 300-year history that a Town Council slate is composed entirely of women. If elected, the slate also would create the Council's first female majority. The candidates, running together under the "Team Dover" mot
dovernow.com staff
Mar 93 min read


Dover Votes to Resume in-Person Town Council Meetings
The January 1 government reorganization meeting will be the first public meeting in eight months. The doors will be open, and the public is welcome to attend the January 1 Town Council meeting. (Photo/DOVERNOW) By Mario Marroquin Dover Town Council and Mayor James P. Dodd voted to restore in-person access to Town Hall during their last meeting of the year. The legislation was approved by all members present during the meeting, including several members who will no longer be s
David Chmiel
Dec 31, 20253 min read


Changes Promised to Parking Permit System in 2026
Chaotic, contentious public hearing leads to discussion on ‘stacking’ and another meeting. Anxious Dover residents crowded into a room at the Dover Free Library to seek answers about a parking permit program that was supposed to start on January 1. (DOVERNOW Photo/Karen Fucito) By David Chmiel/Photos by Karen Fucito “It’s not a simple solution.” Dover Mayor James P. Dodd delivered the most concise statement during a chaotic and contentious meeting scheduled to review the new
David Chmiel
Dec 30, 20253 min read


Dover Council Approves $425K Emergency Payment
Two 30-year tax incentives for Bassett Highway developments get support; salary issues to be addressed at a separate meeting. Dover Town Council meetings remain virtual through 2025 (Photo/DOVERNOW.com) Dover’s town council voted this week to approve a nearly half-million-dollar emergency appropriation from next year’s budget to cover legal expenses. While Mayor James P. Dodd attributed the $425,000 bill to unresolved expenses from the previous administration, residents atten
Mario Marroquin
Dec 10, 20253 min read


Dover Council Seeking $425K to Cover Legal Fees
Emergency Resolution proposed to pay the unexpected shortfall in the 2025 budget. Dover Town Council will vote on an emergency appropriation resolution to cover $425,000 in accrued legal fees. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com) “Whereas an emergency has arisen with respect to legal expenses and, no adequate provision was made in the 2025 budget for the aforesaid purpose…” That’s how Resolution No. 299-2025 begins. The Dover Town Council will vote on the Resolution at its scheduled meetin
David Chmiel
Dec 8, 20251 min read


Mendez Promotes Food Drive Efforts
First Ward Council member-elect works with The Good Bean, Dover Scoops, and Factory Records to help support local pantries. Daniella Mendez , who will represent residents of Dover's First Ward as a member of Town Council when she is sworn in on January 1, 2026, is working with local businesses to set up donation spots for non-perishable foods. If you can help, please consider donating what you can to support your neighbors in need during these challenging times. DOVERNOW.com
dovernow.com staff
Dec 4, 20252 min read


Join the Dover Christmas Parade on December 1
From sparkling lights to Santa sightings, Dover transforms into a winter wonderland full of joy and holiday cheer. As always, Santa and Mrs. Claus are the stars of the Christmas parade. (photo: Karen Fucito/DOVERNOW) Celebrate the season with family, friends, and neighbors at Dover’s annual holiday festivities on Monday, Dec. 1 ! Enjoy a magical evening filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer as the community comes together to welcome the most wonderful time of the year.
Mariana Simioni
Nov 24, 20251 min read


Town Council Votes to Consider ‘Decorum Ordinance’
The rule would give Mayor Dodd the right to sanction commenters; the second vote to be held on November 25 on Zoom. The The The Dover Town Council will vote for a second time on Tuesday, November 25, to approve a 'decorum ordinance' against council meeting attendees. Mayor Dodd would have discretion to sanction critics. While Dover’s first Town Council meeting after the November elections remained a largely orderly affair over Zoom, elected officials in town, including Mayor
Mario Marroquin
Nov 17, 20253 min read


Democrats Sweep Dover Town Council Seats
Mendez, Rugg, Almada, Santana record big victories to claim spots. By DOVERNOW.com Dover will gain three new members and return one incumbent to the Town Council after an impressive voter turnout on Tuesday. Below are numbers are from Morris County Bureau of Elections. FIRST WARD Daniella Mendez, the former President of the Dover School Board, defeated incumbent Claudio Toro, whom Mendez defeated in the June 10 primary. Toro challenged Mendez in the general election as an Ind
David Chmiel
Nov 5, 20251 min read


Dodd Appreciates Community Support, Council Approves New Ordinance
Despite brief unity, Dover officials introduced a new ordinance to circumvent a legal injunction over approval of the civilian Public Safety Director role. The fire at J.D. Automotive and Truck drew sympathetic responses from residents at the Town Council meeting. (Photo/DOVERNOW) By Mario Marroquin The fire that destroyed Mayor James P. Dodd's business seemingly did something that Dover Town Council has failed to do in the last two years: bring people together. After months
Mario Marroquin
Nov 1, 20253 min read
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