DOVER — Former Dover Mayor James Dodd, who lost his bid for a fourth term in 2019, is throwing his hat back into the ring. So is incumbent Mayor Carolyn Blackman, who unseated Dodd in a Democratic primary race four years ago.
Dodd announced his re-election campaign, speaking behind a podium with a sign reading, “Bring Back Dodd.”
“I’ve been a lifelong registered Democrat,” said Dodd at a packed ONE 11 Bar & Kitchen on Blackwell Street.
Rescue Dover Team consists of James P. Dodd (Mayor); Claudia Toro (Alderwoman Ward 1); Sergio Rodriguez (Alderman Ward 2); Jhon Londono (Alderman Ward 3), and Arturo Santana (Alderman Ward 4).
“I’m truly humbled by the number of people here tonight; your friendship, love, and support mean the world to me!” Dodd said.
Tonight, I intend to speak about the future of Dover, our home community.
My story is very similar to most of yours. I was born and raised in Dover by two loving parents who came here from Brooklyn in 1950. Both of my parents worked very hard to make ends meet. My father worked as a welder, and my Mom as a cafeteria manager at East Dover School. My brothers, sister, and I were provided exactly what we needed, not always what we wanted, and in many cases, my parents did the very best they could with what they had.
My family is the true definition of the working class – the very class that is considered the backbone of America and the class that comprises the vast majority of the residents of the town of Dover – both in our history and today.
Our town has taken change over the last three years, and it hasn’t been for the betterment of our community, families, residents, or businesses.
Over 50 employees have lost their jobs, businesses have been targeted, crime is rising, quality of life has deteriorated as we know it, property taxes and water bills are skyrocketing, and stacking and overcrowding are running ramp. Overall, we are all suffering from it.
This situation affects our quality of life and hurts many families forced to sell the homes they dreamed of owning because it is impossible to live with out-of-control taxes. I see it on social media daily, people expressing how they miss their hometown but were forced to leave.
We are here in Dover because we believed the town was moving ahead, thriving after so many years. All our surrounding communities talked about how Dover was back on the map!
Dodd said, “I’m at a point in my life where my children are grown, my business is successful, and I can easily ride off into the sunset and retire; however, my passion for Dover remains, and the work here is not done, we did it before, and all of us together can do it again!”
“We are at a crossroads in the history of our great nation, this state, and especially our town. We are under attack by Politicians who lie, cheat and steal. But the resolve of my team will never be stronger. Our sense of community has never been more divided than it is today; it’s time to put petty politics aside and do what is right for our community…. not politicians, not professionals, or consultants.”
“It is sad to see all the institutional knowledge removed from our Town administration and replaced with no-show jobs. It’s time to eliminate towns from our payroll, like West Orange, Bloomfield, and Mount Olive, and give the jobs back to the people of Dover, who care about our community and deserve to be employed here!”
Dodd continued, “We will take back our town! We will take back our jobs! We will reestablish redevelopment projects promoting home ownership and creating revenue that balances our local taxes. We will enforce our laws and regain quality of life here in Dover for all our residents!”
After losing the primary to Blackman in 2019, Dodd ran as an independent against her in the November general election and lost by 50 votes. Blackman became Dover’s first female mayor and the first Black woman to lead the town.
The Rescue Dover team will hold a Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, March 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Caffe Navona Restaurant, 147 Route 46, Rockaway.
