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Dayton city leaders discuss presidential race
Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott had an opportunity at last night’s school board meeting to talk to Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin and City Commissioner Nan Whaley about their Democratic presidential choices. Here’s what the two local Democrats had to say.
Mayor Rhine McLin said she is, so far, uncommitted. As a black woman, she said, she feels natural affinity for both Obama and Clinton.
“It’s really tough for me,” she said. “I know how it feels to break that glass ceiling. But I also like the idea of a candidate who transcends race, color, and gender and really energizes people.”
McLin said she wants to support the candidate who addresses issues she cares most about. She wants to hear more from them about where they stand and how they will govern.
“I want to believe if I support a woman that she is going to be president and not be a surrogate for her husband,” she said. “I want a president who understands urban issues in cities like Dayton — rust belt cities — and are serious about those issues. It’s about what they would do for my city’s residents to make their lives better.”
City Commissioner Nan Whaley said she also like both candidates but is solidly in Obama’s camp.
“I like Obama,” she said. “He gives me hope. I think it is a movement. People my age, and a little older or a little younger, need that in politics. Being a female and seeing Hillary in the race is really tough. But it’s not all about that.”
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