The mayor of Dover has been missing in action for much of the past year, according to other officials in this city of about 13,000 people 24 miles south of Canton along Interstate 77.
The City Council sent a letter to Mayor Richard Homrighausen in February calling on him to resign, citing declining faith in his ability to lead the city. The mayor has refused to step down. This is a meeting that I absolutely take no joy in presiding over, council President Shane Gunnoe said in February. In fact, I ve said many prayers hoping this meeting would ultimately not be necessary.
Councilman Don Maurer wrote the letter that was sent to the mayor.
DOVER – Eight city officials and employees claim Mayor Richard Homrighausen is declining in health both physically and mentally, and needs the assistance of his wife and son to perform his duties.
City Council members listened Wednesday as affidavits from those individuals were read. All of the testimony was voluntarily and came as part of council s investigation into Homrighausen s ability to serve as mayor.
Homrighausen, 72, is the city s longest-serving chief executive. He is in his eighth term as mayor.
The eight officials and employees who shared their concerns with council were: Police Chief Paul Bantum; Service Director Dave Douglas; mayor s executive assistant Eva Newsome; Auditor Nicole Stoldt; Deputy Auditor Kelly Elliott; Assistant Auditor Angie Gump; Clerk of Council Julie Leggett; and technology administrator Matthew Arnett.