Deb Thibodeaux (Ward 3)
For Ward 3: Deborah Thibodeaux (Incumbent)
Age: 51
Occupation: Lead consultant, DKT Lab Consulting, LLC
Years living in Dover: 15
Prior public service experience: City council, 2013-present.
As rental housing development increases downtown, what can the city do to keep Dover affordable for middle- and working-class residents?
The planning board and council are determined to hold developers to the standard of at least the current percentage of affordable units. There are also plans for just that type of rental going forth now.
How can the city address the impact of downshifting costs from state government to municipalities?
We are pushing back as (much as) we can to get our legislatures to work on this. Just reacting will not stop this. By engaging the state government and pushing back, we will start addressing the needs of Dover. We budget and cut or transfer as needed, but the problem needs to be addressed in many facets.
Would you be willing to support a tax cap override while developing city budgets? Why or why not?
Absolutely — the cap is a false sense of protection. A city budget will never be a household budget. Big impacts and natural happenings need to be covered. The idea that an ice storm or record snow fall can be covered while cutting something necessary would show to potential investors short-sighted management and lower our ability to attract businesses and residents to invest in our city.
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 have a six-year (capital improvements program) to address this. Parking is an issue; so is infrastructure investment we are doing for water, roads, and sewer.
How can the city best address the increased costs associated with federal EPA regulations regarding stormwater and wastewater management?
We are investing in newer, better technology in (the) treatment of wastewater. We are running and bringing programs on board to reduce city use of contributing chemicals, educating the public about pesticide use, getting newer designs implemented to capture stormwater, and (using) rain gardens to treat and clean the run-off before it hits the bay.
What was the most recent cultural event you attended in Dover?
The Horne Street Elementary School production of Sticks and Stones. It was great fun. And Apple Harvest Day.
What is the most important issue facing the city that no one is talking about yet?
There are two. Infrastructure and Addiction