DOVER – A well known fixture in the community is running for mayor.

A former legislator for District 1, serving in the 1B seat, George Eskridge announced his campaign. He said he is running for office on a platform of sustainable development and historical preservation.

“We’ve been discovered, and we need to make sure that we are maintaining our quality of life while accommodating our new neighbors,” Eskridge said in a press release.

Specific projects Eskridge would like to focus on as mayor include creating a western access to Dover in order to increase transportation to the city, and protecting Dover Community Hall.

“Currently there is a single access point for all of Dover and traffic from both directions compete for a single turn,” he said. “Better traffic flow makes it easier to access our town and encourages visitors to stop and enjoy what Dover has to offer.”

Another goal, Eskridge said, is to move Dover toward being a more “vibrant, self-contained town” by supporting locally owned small businesses. Eskridge said he does not support funding growth with property taxes, but instead wants to explore other options.

Eskridge is a third-generation Dover resident who served in the U.S. Navy before beginning a career in Idaho’s energy sector. After his retirement in 1999, Eskridge ran for legislative office and represented District 1B in the Idaho Legislature for 15 years until 2014.

“Dover is a great community that provides access to the four-season of recreation we enjoy in Bonner County,” Eskridge said. He can frequently be seen walking his Schnauzer, Charlie, through his neighborhood.