Dennis Shanahan - Dover NH Democrats

Dover Mayor

I believe we all share the same goals for this city – fiscal responsibility, a government that works for all citizens, strong public education, diverse housing opportunities, and active citizen engagement. There are legitimate differences of opinion about how we get there and that’s where the real work starts: listening, learning, and finding common ground to move forward. I have always led with my values of respecting the views and concerns of others – whether as a father, husband, manager, baseball coach, or public servant, and will continue to do so.

I am a forty-year resident of Dover, living on Tolend Road with Darlene, my wife of 45 years, while raising three children, all of whom attended Dover public schools and the University of New Hampshire. With four grandchildren, we’re busy – and always reminded that the work we do today is truly for the future and those who will inherit it.

While working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 34 years in leadership roles dedicated to our defense workers, the public, and the environment as the Shipyard’s Radiation Safety Officer and then as the Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department. I have always held fast to the belief that our community is what we make of it, and as citizens we are called to serve. I have been proud to serve on the Dover Baseball Board as president, Arts Commission, Recreation Advisory Board, Appointments Committee, Ordinance Committee, and the High School/Career Technical Center Joint Building Committee. For the last ten years I’ve been honored to be the Ward 5 city councilor, the last four as Deputy Mayor. One of my favorite duties as Deputy Mayor has been to join the Chamber of Commerce ambassadors as they welcome new businesses to our city, particularly those in our vibrant downtown.

I’ve worked to make sure Dover’s voice is heard across the county and state, as well: as chair of the board of directors of COAST, the seacoast’s public transit service provider, and chair of the board of directors of the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA). The NHMA’s goal is to fight for continued strong local control and to minimize downshifting of costs from the state to us, the local property owners who bear the financial burden. Over the last several years we have fought – and often succeeded – to keep funding promises to the cities and towns of New Hampshire so that vital infrastructure and services remain intact without transferring that cost to property taxes.

It’s clear we have turbulent times ahead, with uncertainty about federal and state funding for a variety of services upon which we all depend. I’m ready to take on those challenges and lead our city and a strong City Council to manage growth, ensure public safety and services, increase our diverse housing stock, and keep our city Distinctly Dover, a place where we all want to live, work, and play.