Final City Council meeting of 2025 honors Mayor Carrier, outgoing councilors

posted on 12/18/2025

Dover Mayor Robert Carrier presided over his final City Council meeting this week, closing a chapter on more than two decades of continuous public service.

The Dec. 10 meeting marked Carrier’s last regular session as mayor, though he will officially remain in office until the newly elected City Council is sworn in on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Carrier has served 17 years on the City Council, including six years as mayor after first being elected to the city’s top post in 2019.

Near the end of the meeting, and preceded by a tribute by bagpipers, Carrier was presented with a ceremonial chair in recognition of his service.

Carrier, a lifelong Dover resident, thanked the community and fellow councilors for their trust and service, noting the weight of local leadership. He acknowledged that council decisions can often be difficult, while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism.

During the Public Forum portion of the meeting, Strafford County Commission Chair and former Dover mayor George Maglaras recognized Carrier’s leadership, calling it “a privilege” to work with him on issues affecting both Dover and the region. Maglaras said Carrier demonstrated “a sincerity that goes above and beyond” and consistently showed care for people and the community.

Deputy Mayor and Mayor-Elect Dennis Shanahan said he has known Carrier for nearly 25 years through city work and youth baseball, and credited the outgoing mayor with preparing him for the role ahead.

“He twisted my arm to run for City Council, and here we are,” Shanahan said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with how well you’ve gotten me ready to do this, and I couldn’t be more sad to see you go, although I know you’re not really going anywhere.”

Carrier’s tenure has included a steady focus on infrastructure, community pride and recognition of volunteers, students and local organizations. In 2018, while serving as deputy mayor, he was named Dover Citizen of the Year by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce for his extensive civic involvement.

The meeting also recognized other outgoing members of the City Council who are concluding their service at the end of the term: Ward 2 Councilor Robbie Warach, Ward 4 Councilor Debra Hackett, and At-large Councilor Linnea Nemeth.