Gary Dozier, Portsmouth Police Commission Candidate

Gary W. Dozier

Age (as of Election Day)

77

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Seat on Portsmouth Police Commission

Party Affiliation

I am not running as a member of a political party. Should I state my party affiliation anyway?

Family

My dad was 22+ yrs as Navy submarine CPO, then as clerk in USPS. My mom was one of nine kids of two Ukrainian immigrants. I am youngest of three brothers. My oldest brother, Dick, retired from Portsmouth USPS, lived on Peverly Hill Road. Dad, Mom and Dick have long since passed. My other brother, Hank, is retired and lives in Maine. We were a Portsmouth family from the getgo. I attended school from Kindergarten through graduation in Portsmouth schools. Portsmouth is indeed my hometown. My career has been in three majir arenas: printing, publishing, graphics and digital imaging; potting soil for indoor home horticulture; and information technology.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.S. in Information Management Technology & Training, UNH SPS; 1st yr, M.Ed. Plymouth State.

Occupation

Currently transitioning after COVID furlough. 55 yrs in IT, primarily in training, help desk, customer service.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been blessed with a good brain, an upbeat attitude, critical thinking skills and have a desire to help make a positive difference in our fair city.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Portsmouth Police Department needs a new base of operations. It has been long overdue. As our city continues to mushroom, we need to have a Police Department that can function at its best, continuing to evolve with efficiency. I will be 100% in support of the continuing process to establish the spot for and construction of a new Police Department Headquarters.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I do not know…yet.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The seat I seek will be vacant as one of the Commissioners is retiring.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Briefly, a few of my interests are the work on Crimes Against Children, community policing, vehicle accident mitigation and constituent feedback on improving services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As much of my career has been in middle management, in customer service and in issues of critical thinking, I feel I can have an open mind, a strong commitment and a positive attitude in serving the citizens of Portsmouth.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My dad often said to me, “Keep your wits about you.” I do my best to do just that!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I can share lots, but would prefer to respond to specific questions. Thank you for THIS opportunity.