Dover 2023 City Council candidate Denis Grenier
Name: Denis Grenier
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science and history - University of Maine
Occupation: Retired from the Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection
Political or civic experience highlights: Board member - United Way of Northern Maine, Ambassador of Good Will for Rotary in Houlton, Maine, member of the Town Council in Houlton, Maine.
What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?: In the past few weeks, I have spoken with more than three hundred residents of Ward 4 - more than 90% cited tax increases, and high inflation as their top concerns.
Therefore, my priorities will be: 1 - fiscal responsibilities, and accountability, 2- budget integrity and management, 3 - planned and responsible growth.
What is the biggest problem Dover is facing and how you would solve it?: High property taxes: property taxes most effect middle class homeowners and renters. Fiscal responsibilities and common sense in our spending priorities will help control further tax increases.
Should the city work to create below market rate housing, and where is the best site?: If we want "affordable housing," one way is to keep the tax burden reasonable. Other approaches could be examined as well.
Should the council address the pace and type of development in the city? If yes, how?: Yes, the council should work in conjunction with the Planning Board and set priorities.
Does the city need to make changes to its approach to parking as development increases?: Yes, parking in the downtown core is a problem that needs to be examined. We have a growing residential presence as well as businesses seeking customers.
What is the city doing well and where is there room for improvement?: The city has top notch first responders: the Police and Fire Departments are excellent.
As previously stated, our budget continues to grow at a pace that requires burdensome tax increases.
What is the city’s responsibility to its homeless population, both this winter and long term?: The city should assure safe and warm shelters for its homeless population. Homelessness is a society wide problem with no easy answers. There must cooperation between public, private, and charitable organizations with a multifaceted approach.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover 2023 City Council candidate Denis Grenier
