In the months since the voters approved the question of a Charter Commission, rumors have been circulating that candidates for the Charter Commission were in favor of changing the City's form of government, reducing the power of the city manager, or putting some type of tax controls in the charter. The Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce felt that it was important for the voters to know - before Tuesday, Jan. 18, when nine commission members will be elected - how the candidates felt about charter changes. The Government Affairs Committee developed a questionnaire that asked candidates about their backgrounds, interests, and charter changes the candidates would or would not like to see. All responses have been posted for public viewing at www.dovernh.org. (Click on the link called "Charter Commission Candidates" under the heading "Chamber and Local News.")

Charter Commission candidates were asked to submit a biography and to answer four questions about their candidacy. Respondents were requested to limit answers to 50 words or less; the questionnaire noted that any responses containing more than 50 words would be edited. In most cases, the candidates complied with the request. The few edits that were made did not materially change the answers; all written responses are available for review at the Chamber office. As of Monday, Dec. 27, nine candidates had not returned their response forms. Additional responses that are submitted to the Chamber will be posted as they are received.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit association of businesses, professionals, individuals, and organizations working together to advance the economic well-being of its members and the community. For information, call 742-2218, e-mail info@dovernh.org or visit www.dovernh.org.