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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > October > 18 > Entry
Editorial: McLin better for tough job
2009 ELECTIONS
As the City of Dayton has lost people and jobs, the role of mayor of the region’s center has gotten woefully smaller.
Once upon a time, the job came with a portfolio that, depending on the person in the position, could be leveraged. Partly because downtown was an important center of things — with most of the region’s big businesses there — the mayor had a bully pulpit and was a spokesperson for more than the city.
Not so much today.
Rhine McLin isn’t a natural spokesperson, and she does not have the reflexes of either former Mayor Paul Leonard or former Mayor Mike Turner that would allow her to parlay her office into something larger. Eight years into the job, she struggles to be a force in the room and in the wider community.
Absolutely, the mayor has fine relationships with many people and other elected officials. (It would be a problem if she didn’t, or if she tried to roll over others as was frequently Mr. Turner’s style.) But it must be said: she is not an initiator or a born leader.
What she does have are some good instincts.
She is intuitive about what won’t sit well with citizens and the unintended consequences of decisions that would disadvantage Dayton. Often when the cameras aren’t rolling, she can wittily and insightfully sum up bone-headed ideas. Despite her foibles, she is more astute than many give her credit for.
When prepped and convinced of the need for a hard decision — telling public employee unions “no,” laying off workers, supporting gay rights — she does the right thing.
In very many ways, Mayor McLin is more suited for service in the legislature, where she served before being mayor. When she was one of 33 members of the Ohio Senate, she wasn’t as high profile, except when she chose to be. She liked having a choice, and she was a force to be reckoned with because of the easy and sincere way she relates to people.
It goes without saying that being mayor is much harder — especially in a city that has been so battered.
The city fathers who decided after the flood that Dayton needed a professional city manager form of government couldn’t have foreseen the spot Dayton would be in today. But their decision is now serving the city well.
With so many people having left for the suburbs, the line of people stepping up to serve on the five-member city commission — as mayor or commissioner — is often short or mostly unimpressive.
Maybe if the city had a strong-mayor form of government, more people would be interested in this demanding and mostly thankless work. But that view is only a theory or a hope.
Notwithstanding its shrinking size and its financial and social challenges, Dayton has been lucky to consistently have competent professionals advising the politicians.
When it comes to respecting the professionals, Mayor McLin can’t be faulted. She has shown excellent judgment in helping to pick, and then deferring to, City Manager Jim Dinneen, and then Rashad Young. She and the other commissioners demonstrated especially good judgment in tapping Tim Riordan to step in for Mr. Young, who left in October.
There is every reason to believe that when Mr. Riordan presents her with the awful choices that the city’s projected $17-million deficit in 2010 will require, the mayor will, to the best of her ability, explain, defend and act.
Then she will accept the inevitable politically pounding.
Dayton is not as poised for the renaissance that Mayor McLin, in her exuberant moments, wants voters to believe. That said, it has pockets of hard-won redevelopment and strategic-minded reinvestment.
Downtown’s Tech Town, which is an emerging business park on the old Harrison Radiator site, falls into that category. CareSource’s commitment to downtown was a win.
The University of Dayton’s aggressive investments in its campus, and Dayton’s hospitals’ commitment to expanding their complexes and revitalizing nearby neighborhoods, have been critically important to the city’s well-being.
With old, hulking manufacturing plants a thing of the past, the mayor is right when she says that the city’s and region’s future is in nurturing Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, area universities and the myriad small businesses that hire people by the dozen, not the thousands.
Mayor McLin’s opponent in the November election is Gary Leitzell, chairman of the Southeast Priority Board and the Walnut Hills neighborhood association. Give him credit for making the race. It’s not easy for a newcomer; he’s giving voters a choice, and there’s always something to be said for making the incumbent sweat.
But Mr. Leitzell is not ready. For example, he says Dayton’s business regulation ordinances are outdated, while admitting that he doesn’t really know that for sure and without citing examples.
He thinks half of the city’s projected $17 million deficit can be made up with new revenue, which amounts to a denial of the foremost challenge facing the next mayor and City Hall.
He talks much of a “disconnect” between the city and its neighborhoods, people and businesses. But there is a disconnect between him and the real-world problems of a city hall.
He is a stay-at-home father who paints miniature figurines to add to the family income. Though his neighborhood activism is a start, nothing in his background suggests readiness to be mayor of a diverse, complex, troubled city.
The most important task Mayor McLin and the administration have is managing Dayton’s ongoing downsizing in a responsible, smart way. She and the commission must keep the city solvent and focused on public safety and essential public services that protect citizens’ investments in their homes and businesses.
Delivering those services in the most cost-effective way has never been more important.
Even if Dayton does all this well, the city’s ability — on its own — to seed new initiatives, to put up money for new amenities and to do favors for business prospects will be sharply limited.
Mayor McLin has the unlucky responsibility of being in a job that is as difficult as it has ever been in modern history. Her experience and her commitment to doing what must be done make her the better choice on Nov. 3.
Permalink | Comments (119) | Post your comment | Categories: 2009 endorsements, City of Dayton, Editorials, Ellen Belcher
Comments
By TJ
October 18, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this
You can’t be serious, are you? She has almost single handedly destroyed Dayton. How can you say she is a good spokes person, she can barely utter a complete sentence! She is a joke! I have family in other parts of Ohio who have asked me who the crazy woman is that is the mayor of Dayton. She is an embarassment to the entire area. Vote her out please, while Dayton still is on the map!!!
By Jamal
October 18, 2009 12:59 AM | Link to this
OMG - is this a joke? It’s ok if you wanna endorse Mayor McLin but please don’t embellish her track record (which is deplorable) to make her sound like a reluctant hero ready to lead us forward in these tough times. DDN would have been better off staying neutral.
By Loyal
October 18, 2009 12:59 AM | Link to this
This article is absurd. Clearly the Dayton Daily News is as incompetent as Mayor McLin!
By Concerned
October 18, 2009 3:10 AM | Link to this
The photo of Mayor McLin and the other Mayors who met earlier this year with President Obama says it all. In this photo, she was walking alone with other Mayors no where near her. While she claims that her connections with other government officials will benefit the city, what the city needs are good connections with tax paying citizens and their businesses. As the owner of a business in Dayton, I requested a meeting with her six years ago. We are still waiting. Sorry, it is time for some Hope and Change that we can believe in.
By Jack
October 18, 2009 6:06 AM | Link to this
Forty years later and we’re still voting for someone’s skin color and not the content of their character. This mayor proves why inheriting policial offices is bad.
By Smith
October 18, 2009 6:07 AM | Link to this
Not only has Dayton hit rock bottom but its newspaper has too. This apologist editorial is simply incredible. Is the DDN serious in saying the best the Mayor can do for Dayton is to manage the ongoing downsizing? Sounds like the DDN has given up hope for Dayton. Last one out turn off the lights!
By Billy Bob
October 18, 2009 6:42 AM | Link to this
We need a hero in the Mayor’s office. Not a zero. Mayor McLin is a lethargic hand puppet of Dayton democratic party. Is Arcorn hiring? Let’s send McLin an appication.
By Tony
October 18, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this
DDN, your Democratic Party bias is showing again. You say Mr. Leitzell is not ready to be mayor. The mayor is only one of five votes on the city commission. GL can bring fresh, new ideas to a city run by a tired, old-thinking commissioners, instead of embarrassment, like the current mayor. In your article, you admit she is not a natural spokeperson. I submit to you that in a city run by a 5 person commissison of which the mayor is only ONE vote, being a spokesperson for the city is their number one job. You have failed us again, DDN.
By rene
October 18, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, since she has been mayor there has been a huge boom in businesses coming to Dayton, crime has gone down, the city is now thriving.YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING WITH THIS ENDORSEMENT!What a joke.obama talked about “change”-this is one change that has to be made.
By Kathy
October 18, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
I ocmpletely agree with Smith’s comment re is the best reason the DDN can suggest for voting McLin back in is that she’ll manage the continuing downsizing of Dayton??? I’m voting for Gary because fresh ideas are needed, even if it’s only one voice on City Council. And to the person who WAS going to vote for Gary until a campaigner for him put a yard sign in a yard without permission: I made a donation to Gary’s campaign in order to get a Tshirt and a yard sign, but told them my house was for sale and I didn’t think a yard sign would be OK with the Realtor. Gary’s worker dropped off the Tshirt but no sign, respecting our need to not interfere with our home-selling. We are moving half a mile away, still in Dayton, and STILL want Dayton to grow and bring in jobs, NOT keep downsizing! Mayor McLin, go back to teaching or whatever you really know something about, you’ve had your chances and have blown them! Even the DDN thinks you’d be better in a behind-the-scenes type of job.
By Washington Township
October 18, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this
The key passage here is: “The most important task Mayor McLin and the administration have is managing Dayton’s ongoing downsizing in a responsible, smart way.”….this really is the job ahead for the mayor, commission, and city manager.
By Chad
October 18, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this
Wow! Your facts are a little skewed there aren’t they? How about this; when McLin took over for Turner in 2001, the downtown area was thriving. The Downtown Dayton Partnership was leading the charge for increased housing units, new businesses to downtown, baseball was coming, Riverscape was opening, the Schuster Center was being built. The Cannery was putting in lofts, the Firefly building, the lofts on St. Clair, etc. Downtown Dayton was becoming a central spot for growth again. In her 8 years, everything has come to a screeching halt. The biggest news now is that the streets are no longer one-way and the RTA is moving its hub. Her leadership and her vision have not benefitted the people of Dayton. She spent tax-payer money fighting a lawsuit regarding residency laws of city employees. Her 8 years are up. Its time for a change. I find the Dayton Daily News irresponsible endorsing a candidate that has failed numerous times over the past 8 years.
By john
October 18, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
The DDN editorial board is irrelevant and out of step. Who cares what they think? Rhine is a good person I am sure. She is worthless as a public speaker and really is not a player on anything that happens in city government. She is the figurehead of the city, but weilds no power. Her skin color is what got her elected and the white guilt of this stupid editorial board is what keeps them endorsing her. I had hoped that the parties could come up with someone better than either of these candidates. Gary paints miniatures? Are you kidding me? Where are the leaders is this area? At least he can communicate in English and can walk a straight line.
By Robert
October 18, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
I see my comment regarding David Esrati putting a political sign in my yard without my permission and invading my space which led me to believe he has traits of an undercover crook has been removed. I cannot understand why my comment was removed. I have no reason to make up phony stories on anyone. Oh! by the way I removed your sign from my yard. Dont trust David Esrati!!!!
By Ellis Weaver Jr.
October 18, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
No!! DDN,What are you thinking?? We can not afford another 4 yrs. of McLin. In my opinion, she has did very little for the east side of Dayton. WE NEED CHANGE!!
By Tech Town was Turner
October 18, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
Tech Town started under Turner.
By we got fooled
October 18, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this
BWAAAAHAAAHAAA! That was funny….wait, was that an editorial or was I reading the comics? For a paper that thought “change” was so important that they endorsed an avowed anti-capitalist for president, they sure have changed their tune. So much for journalistic integrity…goodbye DDN.
By DDN is DEAD TOO
October 18, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
Ellen, Martin, and Scott are clueless. There is NO political leadership in Dayton, and the business leadership moved out of town!
By Bill
October 18, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this
Is this for real? Not only is the DDN out of touch, they will soon be the next business to leave the Dayton area. Mclin has destroyed this city. Also, there arguments about why Leitzell are ridiculous. We have a President who was/is not ready for the position and I’m pretty sure they endorsed him. Leitzell lives among us and knows what it will take. Good work DDN…you jumped the shark when you asked McCoy to retire and this just reaffirms how out of touch you are.
By Steve
October 18, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe what I just read. The city is crying out for leadership and yet you admit that leader is not McLin. If you are so invested in her success, please, just stick with Springfield politics.
By what?
October 18, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
This is why we cancelled the ddn~there is never anything written in here that has any merit. If this rag is going to be the voice of the few, then it will only be supported by the few and be gone.
By Ccam
October 18, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
And this would be why DDN is facing financial failure. There is no respect for this newspaper because the editorial board is beyond ridiculous. I’m a democrat, but I would take Turner’s steamrolling ways over this current joke of a mayor. At least he attempted to develop and protect the city.
By Cory
October 18, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
I’ve never been a fan of Mr. Esrati’s actions. His antics are immature to say the least, but I hope he wins a seat on the commission. There is no one else who can shake this city out of its complacency and there is no one else who will hold everyone to some sort of accountability.
By Jenn
October 18, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
I am speechless at the idea that one could think this highly of Ms. McLin.
By bob
October 18, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
What is with DDN. 1st vote no on Issue 3 now vote yes for McLin? You have lost your mind! You are promoting running down Ohio and Dayton. Soon there will be no need for DDN. You might as well move to Georgia too.
By David Esrati
October 18, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
At Robert- I did not, nor did any of my people put my sign in your yard without someones consent. You may contact me through my site and we’ll come pick it up. I had a landlord, named Terry, who told me to put signs on all of his properties. At least, I’m not putting them in public right of ways (illegally) or in front of vacant houses like “the team”
By Dan
October 18, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
The DDN doesn’t care what the present mayor has done or not done, so long as that person has a “D” after their name. Thank goodness you put coupons in the paper because that’s all it is good for anymore. Your bias is so apparent. Wake up and change your opinion to what makes sense and maybe you can keep people buying the DDN.
By Joe
October 18, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
I would have thought this was April 1st in reading this editorial. I have lived in several cities and never have seen leadership so bad - Well, maybe Detroit… that says it all. We should take a look at what poor leadership has done in that city over the past 25 years! DDN is lost.
By tired
October 18, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
Well DDN did it again. Such a one sided opinion that even McLin supporters have to sit back and think about this one. Her track record is not as good as DDN wants you to think it is. If a paper must try to pump up one candidate to this heights, then there must be something more to the story. I agree that Leitzell may not b the most qualified but to point out the fact that he paints for extra income and home schools in a negative light is suspect. Dont vote for mclin just because she seems more qualified, vote for change…it worked for our President so why not a new mayor.
By elitists
October 18, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
None of these comments is going to do anything to the DDN but bolster their attitude that they are right. That is what elitists do. Notice the amazing display of logic twisting they put themselves through in order to make their case for Rhine.
By Emmett Thornton Beaver
October 18, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
If you call good instincts boarded up neighborhoods fleeing population and no new business starts an asset in one of the most historical cities in the world. They don’t call her Mayor McBLIGHT for nothing.
By david
October 18, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
Mclin has never been ready. I knew her daddy. and as much as he loved her, she has never been close to being ready. Dayton is forever lost and has been for the longest time. Such a sad waste of a resource, next you will be editorializing how we must band together and save the city. It will never happen.Such a sad waste.
By bobby
October 18, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
A question to the editorial staff: How difficult was it to type with one hand holding your nose?
By Cam
October 18, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
To dhampton - I’m not sure who you are talking to, but I’m a long time resident of the city. Kudos to Mr. Leitzell for being a stay at home dad. If it works for him, then great. I also take offense to the idea that it’s only a ‘man’s’ job to support the family. Wake up and get out of the 1950s. McLin has been in government a very long time and look where it has gotten us. I hope he wins. He certainly couldn’t do any worse.
By Casey
October 18, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Seriously? This is absolutely amazing… I, too, am a Democrat, but would NEVER vote for Ms McLin, knowing full well she is not going to change the downward spiral this city has been experiencing for the last 8 years. AND, let’s not blame the economy - It has not been tanking for 8 years! - Dayton has.
By Patriot
October 18, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
What do you expect of a newspaper that loved Dayton so much that they moved to Franklin? Come on DDN - wake up. I have met Gary Leitzel and had more substantive discussions with him in 5 minutes than I have with Mayor McClin in 8 years.Send her packing with a copy of the DDN under her arm.
By Patriot
October 18, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
What do you expect of a newspaper that loved Dayton so much that they moved to Franklin? Come on DDN - wake up. I have met Gary Leitzel and had more substantive discussions with him in 5 minutes than I have had with Mayor McClin in 8 years.Send her packing with a copy of the DDN under her arm.
By Barry
October 18, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
The city of Dayton has done everything it can to drive jobs out of town for the last decade. Either the Mayor has not been paying attention or is incompetent, or has actively done things to hurt this community. There is no way on this green earth I would vote for her.
By cd
October 18, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
The DDN is a minor league paper. Why don’t you raise your price again so fewer and fewer people will be subjected to it? Your endorsement is irrelevant though as I’m guessing the vast majority of McClins supporters don’t read the DDN. Notice how there’s not one single comment supporting your joke of an endorsement? In 8 years she can’t say she’s done a thing to help Dayton. Your kissing up to her is embarrising and your view of her 8 year reign is totally flawed. How could you possibly think she is the right choice? ANYBODY will be a better choice than her. Heck, let’s go down to the bus station and pick our mayor from there. I’ll bet money they’d be a better mayor. And while we’re on the subject of elections…Can we vote for a new paper too because I can’t think of one reason to ever buy yours again.
By David PorkandBeans
October 18, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Gary Leitzell is much smarter than Rhine McLin. For this there is no doubt. Just listen to the two talk. The elite in this town don’t want anything to ruin the parasite party they’ve been having for the last 30 years.
By Jamal
October 18, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Hey great job DDN. I can see from the comments to this editorial that the people are not stupid like you seem to think. Maybe you are trying to sway the ignorant masses with this crock of an editorial to vote along your party lines? You better get one thing straight. The people of this city have had enough! Mmmm….is that the sound of more dropped subscriptions I hear??…
By James
October 18, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
Take a look around and you can see with your own eyes that Dayton does not stack up to its competitors Cinn & Columbus. When new businesses look for a city to grow with and they see Dayton, they see a city full of neglect. People are not going to invest their money in Dayton until we can clean up our act. Please elect Gary and let us grow. We are in DESPERATE need of change.
By Call Me Crazy
October 18, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dayton is just thriving with jobs and success. Please lets keep McClin. I just love to drive through the surrounding areas of East Third and East Fifth on my way downtown it is so beautiful. Graffifti and Trash haven. For the love of God give this new guy a chance at least in 4 years he won’t living at retirement village.
By Jamal
October 18, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
@Call Me Crazy Yep, she needs time to go tend her flower garden and play parcheesi.
By David Esrati
October 18, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
The mayor is one vote of five. It takes 3 votes to pass anything. Even if Gary and I win- we still face an uphill battle getting a third vote to move the city forward. We’ll have to do everything we can to find qualified fresh candidates from outside the Montgomery County Democratic Party Machine to move this city forward. We need your help to change Dayton.
By amy
October 18, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Is this an endorsement Rhine wants, one that starts with “As the City of Dayton has lost people and jobs…” ???
By NotSurprised
October 18, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not surprised at this folly. DDN and its editorial board are clearly as lacking in leadership and initiative as their choice for mayor is. Just another reason to never pay a cent for a DDN copy ever again.
By Family Chauffeur
October 18, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
Last year relatives came to visit us and so naturally they wanted to go to the AirForce Museum afterwards they wanted to see the city and eat dinner. So I proceded down the hill from the museum on to third toward the Spaghetti warehouse and they were so scared they told their kids to get out of their seat belts and sit on the floor board. They were afraid of a drive-by shooting. I was embarassed and tried to explain that I lived in Beavercreek not Dayton but, it didn’t matter I still got a bad rap. My fear is that someday I might have to drive down that hill again. So please do something about this mayor and Dayton can clean up its act.
By Bye DDN
October 18, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
I am happy to see intelligent people commenting on this editorial and the endorsement of McLin by DDN. I will cancel my subscription instantly, and only hope the people of Dayton will do the right thing by voting Gary into office. We really can’t afford 4 more years of McLin.
By Brian
October 18, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
I hope this editorial will spark a movement to get out and vote for Gary…Tell your friends… tell your neighbors who are sick of this collapse of a once vibrant city… Donate to Gary’s campaign to help him get the word out as well… We really need this folks - I am afraid to see what this city is going to look like if we have 4 more years of the same.
By Jim
October 18, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
While I can’t fault McLin for all of Dayton’s woes, and believe she’s done her best in a bad situation, it’s time for a change. My Golden Retriever has good instincts too, but that’s no reason to make him mayor.
By racer
October 18, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
This paper is such a joke.I’m not renewing my subscription, I’m going to vote for Gary, I’m going to vote YES on issue 2 and Yes on issue 3 too.If this paper says no on something…I say YES!!!!!!! Issue 2 is important to the farmers folks-please vote yes on that issue!
By Ron
October 18, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe DDN is printing this. I stopped the paper during the Presidential Elections because of the bias remarks. Now this, what are you thinking DDN,I suppose you’ve seen a big grouth in the sale of you paper? McLin has done absolutely NOTHING for the CITY except DESTROY it. Can’t you see this, are you all blind. Look around, if you can, and see all the other cities. Dayton is slummy, dirty, and non-productive. I haven’t seen or read your paper in almost a year but someone told me about this editorial. Can’t believe it. Someone needs help, Dayton needs a change, even if Mr.Leitzell tries and fails at least he tried that’s more than Dayton has gotten in a long time.
By d
October 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
Family Chauffeur - You wrote, “they were so scared they told their kids to get out of their seat belts and sit on the floor board. They were afraid of a drive-by shooting.” Isn’t this a bit overboard and a bit too protective. When was the last time there was a drive-by shooting on East Third Street? Granted, it might not be the best neighborhood but I don’t remember any recent drive-bys and most drive-bys don’t target random strangers just driving down the street. I think your relatives are just creating a sense of paranoia that need not be.
By Ron
October 18, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
your correct “d” lets wait until something happens and then be overprotective
By d
October 18, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this
I’m not saying wait until something happens but this is akin to crossing the street everytime you see someone who fits what you feel is a certain profile. The family actually put the kids in more danger by having them unstrap and sit on the floorboards. Had there been an accident, the kids could have been crushed.
By Be sure to vote
October 18, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
Having read this editorial a couple of times, I think it is less an endorsement of McLin than a non-endorsement of Leitzell. The DDN opinion seems to be go with the devil you know instead of the devil you don’t know. Sad, but probably true, unfortunately.
By No more hope for DDN
October 18, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
I heard a downtown businessman comment a week ago that Main Street has been closed all summer, and there still has not been any congestion driving around downtown. “First in Flight” I actually try to support the DDN because they are “local”. Their support of McLin, and more importantly, their REASONS for that support are very embarrassing. I am sure Forbes Magazine will soon come out with the 10 most dying newspapers and DDN will be at the bottom of the list!
By Stacy Law
October 18, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
NO endorsement of anyone would have been better. And what’s up with this: “He is a stay-at-home father who paints miniature figurines to add to the family income”? Good grief. Dayton really ia a little one-horse town of small minds.
By Mr. Obvious
October 18, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this
In her defense we should let her finish the job she has started. She obviously has a master plan for the city and high hopes. She has set a time line for achieving this and so far has done a great job. No body else could do nearly as well as she could of. I beg you voters, please let her finish her master plan of driving the city into the ground, please look past any good things that have happened in the city, yes there are a couple, that are not her fault, and we can’t hold her responsible for them, it just wouldn’t be fair. Please let her finish ruining this city, please keep voting her in till the city is in ruins and someone can come in and clean up the mess she has left. Vote Mclin for a better tomorrow when someone comes in to clean up this failure of a city.
By David Esrati
October 18, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this
Apparently, my comment with a link in it broke this site. The DDN can’t even allow people to tell them they’ve failed in an endorsement without FAIL. With such a glowing endorsement of McLin- they’ve doomed her next 4 years as well. Why suffer with 4 years of a failure we know, when we can get a potential failure instead (using their logic). The stats about home values in Dayton dropping over the last 8 years that they ran should be reason enough to not vote for her.
By Coffee Bean
October 19, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
McLin has doomed Dayton. She thinks its just a big joke. He pockets are full of stained cash. Shame on her and her group of fools…. Thanks McLin, you have killed Dayton’s future.
By RETIRED SGT
October 19, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
A SHOCKER I say. The DDN suporting a DEmocrat? Shocking indeed. What I found more shocking is the same paper who praises the role of stay at home moms, does a reverse job on Leitzell, ridiculing his participation at home. So what was mchat’s experience in politics PRIOR to gong into it? Running a funeral home and running on her dads name. WOW!! What was BO’s experience BEFORE he became a Senator from ilinois? Community Activist. Very simaler to what Leitzell is. Mchat wants DAyton to thrive on what it is good at-Water, trash and now a Community Garden. those are NOT ideas which leads us out of the situation we are in here. Think about this people. The last 2 non DEmocrats to sit on the commission are Abner Orick and Mike Turner. The DEms ran this city into the ground. Give someone else a chance to bring it back. They cant do any worse than what the Dems have done over the past few decades. Something else to think about-The last time Repubs ran the commission, Dayton’s population was 265,000 (now 148,000), we had several GM plants, NCR, Frigidaire, Dayton Tires, multiple theatres downtown, a thriving Central Business district, less crime, more visable police, Neighborhood schools, and people moving INTO the city, not out of..
By Steve
October 19, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
DDN, that is the most pathetic, slanted, unprofessional endorsement I have ever read. It doesn’t even make any sense. Did you even read it before the intern submitted it? You are an embarrassment to the community along with McLin. I say give Leitzell a chance, he can do no worse. And what’s with the slam on miniature painting? Like that matters.
By Trotwood
October 19, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
McLin who?
By Voter
October 19, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
This is why I cancelled the DDN years ago, AND this is why Dayton has rotted over the last 8 years.
By riverat
October 19, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Ellen Belcher’s husband is judge Dennis Langer! go figure why she endorsed Rhine McLin!!! I wonder why she has the city tear so many buildings down?
By Worried in Dayton
October 19, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
Wow, this article has really opened my eyes to how blind the staff at the DDN must be. Do you folks LIVE in Dayton? Have you driven up Main Street to see how many houses are boarded up, or have crap in the yard, or even better…have hookers and drug dealers hanging out front? I just wonder if Mayor McLin had anything positive to say to those folks when she did her neighborhood walk this year…or did her staff try to avoid th riff-raff and mark these routes off of her map? Get with the program Dayton…we need new hope for this city or we’re all going down!
By UrbanDweller
October 19, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this
Uh, her incompetence has created this ‘tough job.’ She’s had 8 years to turn this city around and she has failed to do so. She has also done absolutely NOTHING to bring new business to the area. If she gets elected for another 4 years there will be nobody left in this city to be mayor of.
By not perfect, just right!
October 19, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
Ummm is this a parody or a real opinion piece? McLin is a local disgrace to anyone of intelligence. Should we start a list of businesses and places that have vacated the city since she became Mayor? Dayton should be a vibrant and exciting city with all that there is to offer around this community and region. Instead, McLin has been the overseer of creating one big hole where a city used to be. If she remains in office, I fear that Dayton will disappear from the map. The progress that you noted in your piece has mostly been generated by private companies and institutions, not the Mayor’s office. Anyone but McLin should get an endorsement, but then again, it is the DDN - known for their failing opinions.
By More Than You DDN
October 19, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
Really - just like the Nobel Peace Prize committee that awarded Barry the prize the DDN editorial boards decision is blatant liberal bias, without foundation and substance. They share the same lack of credibility with the Nobel Peace Prize committee. McLin has done nothing to unite and move this community forward. She is a divider and a failure. Shame on you - you “we have no standards editorial board”
By not perfect, just right!
October 19, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
Interesting…you say this: “Though his neighborhood activism is a start, nothing in his background suggests readiness to be mayor of a diverse, complex, troubled city.” Wasn’t it a ‘neighorhood activist’ that you endorsed for president last year?
By Ha
October 19, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
Really stepped in it this time, eh, DDN? Has there been ONE comment in support of your opinion yet? Next time, support principle instead of party line…assuming there is a next time, in light of the DDN’s numbers and the continued viability of Dayton itself.
By LJC
October 19, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this
You can not be serious! Are you clueless? The lack of proper city government has directly affected the devastating state of the city, if not completely destroyed it. It will take nothing less than a genius to turn around this dying city. You obviously do not even conceive what is involved in city government. Why do you think so many industries have left Dayton? This woman does not hve the savvy or remote ability to run anything! Anyone with any intelligence would have to question her sanity. I would take nothing but a moron to vote for such a moron.
By null
October 19, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
Mr. Leitzell is an entrepreneur. He owns and runs his own business in the niche market for the particular type of miniature figurines he paints. He has supported himself with his business and now co-supports his family with this business. Why should it matter what the business is? The fact is, most people cannot say that they can successfully run their own business and support themselves / their families from it. I say the neighborhood activism paired with a solid understanding of entrepreneurialship / business sense makes him a much better choice for Dayton than a career politician. I’m tired of people minimizing / negating his business ownership because he happens to work in a creative, niche market. Dayton does not need 4 more years of the same!
By Up North
October 19, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
Bit of an outsider looking in here but figurehead or not, she is an embarrassment to the city, which impacts the entire region. And why do we continue to raise up Tech Town like it will be some sort of savior. Troubled communities across this country built their own “tech towns” years ago. As always, a day late…
By Matt
October 19, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
WOW..there is a stretch The Dayton Liberal Worker support Mayor McHat. Hopefully the DDN will be the next business to leave Dayton!
By flipper
October 19, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
If she is not a born leader, what the hell is she doing in a leadership position? Duh. I thought a mayor was supposed to have those qualities and even more.
By Kool-Aid Lovers Unite
October 19, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
I sure hope that kool-aid has a great taste going down.
By Rob Degenhart
October 19, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Since I canceled my DDN subscription years ago all I can do now is stop reading it online. …and a point to all you anonymous commentors…your posts lack validity and mean zilch…If you mean it, sign your name…wimps!
By GladImGone
October 19, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this
Guys, just be neutral at DNI. You’re laughingly called the Dayton Daily Worker for this very reason - a total “Homer” endorsement - yeah, it’s a Greek tragedy alright. I’m calling the Moraine Embassy right now and telling them to turn on the exhaust fans, you’ve been “affected”. The town is crashing, Dayton is burning - I’m betting no one can ever bring it back, but to say McLin is the best of bad choices? I’m a Democrat and I say but this Leitzell in there. Dayton is a laughing stock in the halls of power in Columbus - Repeat, Dayton is a laughing stock in the halls of power in Columbus. Do you understand the English language?
By hatsoff
October 19, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
Everyone should have realized that McHat was an idiot as soon as they saw those stupid round/square glasses.Need I say more?
By Shirley
October 19, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
I’m sure the left wing paper would endorse McLin. But I would say look at Dayton, how we are losing all of these big companies, and how she didn’t do anything to try to keep them here. I heard she was busy spending stimulus money on a roof for the downtown skating rink. People need jobs, not a skating rink roof. Sorry, McLin, but I’d vote for the other guy no matter who it is.
By Shirley
October 19, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
I’ve read all of the opinions on this blog. I have yet to find one that thinks Rhine is right for the job. We who live in Dayton have seen it go down the tubes. I read that she blew off meetings with businesses in the area. Hmmm. That doesn’t sound like someone who is responsible enough for this job. I’ve seen the way she spent stimulus money. Could anyone else do any worse than her? Close your eyes and pick someone else for this job, please!
By Michael
October 19, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
This editorial “McLin better for tough job” underscores just how far Dayton has fallen. When the Dayton Daily News finds itself backing one of the weakest Mayors in the United States one can’t help but feel a sense of hopelessness. I agree that “McLin may not be a born leader.” Leaders manage change; she is doing a poor job of it. The editors openly question Mayor McLin’s leadership abilities, and then endorse her for Mayor. Does anyone else find this odd? Regarding the editors comment “She does have good instincts about her city.” It’s not “her city.” Dayton belongs to “the people.” I’m optimistic that “We the People” will take our city back this November and elect the better candidate for Mayor, Mr. Leitzell. Dayton needs a Mayor that can “lead.” We can always hire a City Manager with “good instincts.”
By Ace
October 19, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
There are close to 100 comments regarding this issue. Only one that I read agrees with this editorial. I think we found the single literate person that support McHat.
By Beth
October 19, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
I sure hope that all of you that spent time leaving comments about what a loser of a mayor you have & put your money & effort where your mouths are & get out there help Gary & David BOTH get elected
By Beth
October 19, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
I sure hope that all of you that spent time leaving comments about what a loser of a mayor you have & put your money & effort where your mouths are & get out there help Gary & David BOTH get elected
By Steven
October 19, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
I don’t mind endorsements, but there needs change. What’s worse is that most people who agree with me live in suburbs of Dayton and can’t vote for Dayton Mayor. So the ones actually reading the newspaper can’t make their vote count. I’m one of them. I work in the city of the Dayton but live in Clayton. Would love to vote for Gary but probably be stuck with the Mayor McHat getting voted back in and be stuck where we are now. Her politics haven’t proven anything that she accomplished. This endorsement is more of a defamation against Leitzell.
By Jamal
October 19, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
Maybe she can fix Dayton by making it a Boutique community. That’s a community where the middle class is destroyed and the “elite” use it as a stop over. A city that applies a little rouge and lipstick to mask it’s problems instead of fixing them since links break this crappy site let’s try this: remove the spaces newamerica.net /publications /articles /2006 /urbanlegend0
By ted
October 19, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Is it April Fools Day, because this editorial is a joke. The city has gone downhill under her leadership. Excuses are like ….. everybody’s got one. It’s time for her to go. Ted
By Sarah Stanton
October 19, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
This is hilarious and I love all the comments! How silly of the DDN to post such a thing. As a Realtor I phoned both Gary and Rhine back in March or so when DDN printed the two candidates for Mayor and asked them what they were going to do for Real Estate in our City. The current Mayor did not phone me back or her people did not give her my message so I found her on a Mayor’s walk and tried to talk to her there but no response that day either… Gary however went on a Real Estate tour with me of the West side considering he lived on the East side and would need to know what he was getting in to. I showed him the Stony Hollow Land Fill Neighbhourhood and the area of town that was ravished by foreclosure and a very old DDN article once listed the zip codes FIRST hit by predatory lenders were 45406, 45407, 45408, 45416, 45417, 45418 so WHERE are those zip codes in relation to Downtown!? Being on a Neighbourhood Priority Board is a GOOD thing and I just moved to the Stony Hollow Landfill Neighbourhood and am happy to be a able to now be a real SouthWest Priority Board voice instead of a just a Realtor who had direct experience with REO’s (and I fired banks almost 3 yrs ago!) and have seen the downfall of our Dayton Real Estate both commercial and residential. The Dayton Development Coalition has NO plans for the West side - why is that? As a Realtor and a Resident I believe the person who is Mayor needs to realize that Housing and Crime go hand in hand like I know first hand and UNTIL we take some of the 15,000 VACANT Properties off the hands of the Owners who do not live here or care about us so we can house the people and get revenue from these vacant properties in the hands of Dayton so we can build our finances from theses abandoned properties that could be fixed by all the people looking for the MANY jobs we have lost we will be able to have the first foreclosure fiasco fix by the people of the City and be able to own our town again! Dayton Ohio has been the first for many things and we can BuySellDayton.com again! Peace.
By Glad I Moved
October 19, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
This is sad…Dayton’s Mayor is a joke, the City itself is spinning out of control the wrong way…and now, the DDN is a joke too. Up until now I felt bad, it was a shame to see the paper slowly going out of business. Now I realize I am sad because it has gone under yet…only a matter of time now though. Why would anyone encourage or endorse this Mayor? She is an idiot….
By Sarah Stanton
October 19, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
Lots of errors in wording below or above in long comment but jist of my point was…. WE Can FIX Our Town!! IF the City People and Sheriff Department work together on the Properties just sitting and not bought at Sheriff Sale for example or if the Out of State Owners would be contacted to donate their property that they are never going to fix … YES it would take time and money and resources but it would be VERY easy to do… Why did the City of Dayton take down their Original Ideas Needed and Creative Thinkers Wanted sign at the bottom of the elevators at City Hall very recently? Do they not want original ideas on how to fix our town?! I want to help BuySellDayton.com to the World and the Only way is for the People at the ground level to help fix their neighbourhoods and be a voice on their Priority Boards and at City Hall. When Dayton Housing and Crime improves and it will do if the People in the Neighbourhoods have jobs fixing the housing in the neighbourhoods and if the people in the neighbourhoods owned the homes and not out of state or mind investors who never plan to come to Dayton and Banks who look at us as numbers and not as humans we will see it change! VACANT out of state owner properties are prone to vandalization and theft and if you THINK about it People have no jobs so they are prime targets for people to steal things to sell so people can survive and eat and live! If the City puts faith in it’s people and let’s them help fix the major housing problem they will be helping to fix the neighbourhoods and their pride of the way we as a City are helping fix Dayton from the ground up would show… trust me I know it would work! We Need to BuySellDayton.com to the World. We are a City of Individuals Coming Together to Fix Our Town! We Can be the Gem City once again no matter how many businesses we have lost! We can Recycle our Buildings and We can Use Our Underground Spring if you want to really get deep into where the Money can be found… Peace.
By Sarah Stanton
October 19, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Hello! I just wanted to make a comment to all the people who will not put their name on their comments… why not? What are you afraid of? What else do we have to lose? I am a Realtor who was making over a hundred grand (minus the hundred now) and watched the foreclosure fiasco start in the late 90’s and sold my house in 2007 BEFORE the market fell out and the other agents buyer had a predatory lender of all things WOW! I knew the Real Estate was going down quite a few years ago and saw it in all my bank listings and cma’s. I am someone who has direct experience and knowledge of the foreclosure fiasco from the ground level on the streets and in the neighbourhoods and am an excellent resource for the City to use to Help the problem we are now facing in our neighbourhoods and will continue to face if we do not wake up and see that housing and crime go hand in hand! If housing is bad people will get mad! It’s common sense… would you like to live by vacant uncared for properties? I know we can fix our town with some simple and probably too easy Ideas because they are too simple and obvious to think they would work but they Will Work and we can BuySellDayton.com to the World. Peace.
By save dayton
October 19, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
It is clearly time for new leadership in Dayton.DDN wake up,you lose credibility with absurd articles like this one.Mclin and the city council have mismanaged the city horribly.If the residents knew of the things they waste money on they would be sick.This city has never seen worse management and she is not a good representitive of the city,she is laughed at all over the region.
By Cincy Bound?
October 19, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this
The DDN endorsement of McLin could be the newspapers’ way of saying goodbye to Dayton! Could the DDN be planning a merger with the Cincinnati Enquirer? Think about it….Falling DDN subscriptions, their move to Warren County, their printing facility is only about 8 miles north of a Cincinnati Enquirer business office. The endorsement could be the nail in Dayton’s coffin and subsequent justification for a merger. Only a guess.
By Paul
October 19, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
I have directed a Main Street redevelopment in another city on the East Coast. I can tell you that people there complained about the same things I see in Dayton but no one credible stepped up to the plate their either. So it is no different elsewhere. You do need an energetic leader who can encourage development and growth and who has a vision. But you also need followers who are willing to make the committment, work together and stay the course. That takes $$$. It is a regional issue not just a city one. So the region and its municipalities need to step up to and say we can fix this,, we have a stake in this too. State and regional commitment of resources along with local vision are the only thing that will make a difference. Someone with a vision and the ability to make others see it, someone who will commit their own resources and someone who believes in the region can make it happen. The Dayton region has great opportunities. You need statesmen not critics.
By tim
October 19, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this
And yet, she will be re-elected…
By Blythe Sherwood
October 19, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this
This article was pathetic. We have our house up for sale, an educated and successful young couple with one child (that does not attend the pathetic Dayton public schools) and another on the way. Our neighbors and friends children in Dayton also are home schooled or in private school. All of this due to the poor quality of the Dayton school district. But Mclin is proud of the schools. Mclin has very low standards and the people who support her do as well. You better believe we will not only vote for Gary, but help lead his mission. And your dig about a hobby of his, you are reaching for desperate measures. Clearly he was a threat and after watching the mayoral debate, I can see why. It is a shame if the average person on the street cannot see that what Dayton is currently doing, is FAILING. In all honesty, it is becoming an embarrassment to live here because of our lack of leadership and abilities. I am mortified by Mclin and her liberal supporters continuing to bring this city down. Our neighborhoods are full of trash and people who don’t care. If that is what Dayton stands for and tolerates, by GOD, I want NOTHING to do with it!
By Bill
October 19, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Because of the continued ban of comments on law enforcement stories I must use this forum to comment on the Sexual Offender Registration problem in our area. Sheriff Plummer self imposed the crown of “gang czar” upon taking office. Gangs outside of his townships are not statutorily his concern. SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRATION and TRACKING “ARE” two areas he is legally responsible. First the Dispatch Center and now failing to track Sex Offenders, he needs to set his priorities straight.
By Get Real
October 19, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
All the comments above with all the answers to Dayton’s problems, yet, there are only TWO candidates for Mayor. What a bunch of hypocrits and cowards. Put your name on the line and run for office and make real change, if you can. I am not a McClin supporter but all this stupid bashing is doing nothing but destroying Dayton. Whoever wins the Mayoral election, I hope all you brain surgeons with all the answers volunteer your time to “change” all the things wrong with the City. I look forward to seeing you on TV or in the newspaper.
By scott
October 20, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
Funny how you don;t think neighborhood activism is enough for a mayor but you thought it was enough for the president
By East Side Libertarian
October 20, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this
When did it become the job of a news agency to endorse or to sway popular opinion, and not report? DDN, I have stuck up for you in the past. Know that today, I cancel my subscription and will forever speak against you. Is this because I’m some radical Gary supporter? Not at all. It is because you have now blatantly betrayed journalistic ethics by effectively endorsing a candidate. Remember impartial, unbiased reporting?
By Cam
October 20, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hello?? East Side Lib - have you never read the newspaper during election time? They always endorse. All newspapers pick a candidate to endorse. The issue here is the lack of honest journalistic integrity in this particular endorsement.
By cam
October 20, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
This has nothing to do with Democrat or Republican. This is strictly about incompetence. I’m pretty sure that we can cross the ideological isle on this one.
By Martin Gottlieb
October 20, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all the comments.——— A few points:—— One, on the matter of political party, this is the newspaper that endorsed Mike Turner for mayor three times, each time in a hotly contested race race (including once over Rhine McLin). The list of Republicans we have endorsed at the state and local level is endless: DeWine, Taft, Voinovich, Husted, Jacobson, Lehner, on and on and on. ——— Two, it came down to a choice between two people, not a referendum on one. —————— Three, as for the fact that the comments here have been overwhelming anti-McLin and anti-DDN, that was also the case when we endorsed Obama, who carried the city, county, state and nation. Whatever it might mean, it certain doesn’t mean that we are somehow in a small minority.
By Corrine Lee
October 20, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
Mr. Gottlieb, it is fairly disingenuous to make this a partisan issue. As a constituent and Democrat who has attempted to speak to the Mayor personally on many occasions, her communication skills are atrocious and she has nothing substantive to say. Does the economy suck? Absolutely. Is she the right person to lead us out? No. Is Mr. Leitzell? Maybe not, but I can’t believe that status quo is the way to go here. We already know her capabilities and her weaknesses and you completely disregard the severity of them in the editorial. It’s a mockery. I would have expected the Dayton Daily News to be a better steward of Dayton’s direction and possibilities. It’s not just the economy that has stricken the DDN financially, it’s the lack of respect that people have for its reporting and editorial pages. Perhaps no endorsement would have been the better route, but you can’t expect people to take you seriously when their own eyes tell them differently.
By Michael
October 20, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
Mr. Gottlieb, we don’t need a history lesson. We need effective leadership. President Obama has some leadership traits. Major McLin does not. One would hope you would consider our points rather than simply logging on to defend your own. Surely some of them have merit. Thanks.
By MM
October 21, 2009 7:15 AM | Link to this
Mr Obama and the current mayor are worlds apart in intelligence and leadership ability.Only race and the Dems could save her, and this mayor’s race is not about either one of those. Please people don’t talk about change, ACT! GET OUT AND VOTE for change!
By davidss2
October 21, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
I think Gottlieb is trying to parallel Obama and McLin because of the dirty city politics in Chicago and make the point that we will have that here with McLin even longer if she is not replaced. ———————————And a newspaper should be openly open-minded, not closed party beholden only to democrats. ———————————-And after 8 years of one presidential party, it’s certain statistically that the party will change, just as congress went Democrat in 2006, in the presidential election. IT was an uphill battle for McCain, handpicked by the liberal media rather than republicans, to achieve the presidency by vote. That’s even more true by the people who blindly voted for race and racist views to support the 1/2 of Obama which is black. Sadly, 100% of Obama is socialist. Now in Dayton we need to change the stagnant Democrat machine.
By Dan
October 21, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
Mr. Gottlieb, It is laughable that you try to justify how balanced the editorial staff endorses candidates. We would probably all agree that the editorial section endorses democrats 90% of the time. You give absolutely ZERO reason to re-elect the incumbent McLin. You are right when you comment, “she is not a born leader and not a good spokesperson.” Shouldn’t those be two of the most important characteristics you look for in a politician? Especially considering she has been on the job for 8 years and is a lifetime politician.
By Reggie98ud
October 21, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Since the Editorial staff thinks they are smarter than the rest of Dayton, why don’t they give us their qualifications? I have an MBA with concentrations in Marketing and Economics. I am also a College instructor in these and several other Business topics. These qualifications allow me some credibility when discussing topics relating to business and the economy. What does the DDN Editorial Board have to give them any credibility other than they write for the DDN?
By reallyDDN??
October 22, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
Do you really need to continue to bash Turner?? The liberal media can’t stop dwelling on the past. Also, Turner was the best thing that happened to Dayton.
By Carrie
October 22, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
I know, right? It’s always a bit of a joke in our family, especially when the DDN has to choke out something positive about Turner, as to when the bashing is going to start. Wait for it…and there it always is… I’m not a fan of Mr. Turner and I get some personal pleasure out of poking Republicans, but goodness, it’s a little over the top sometimes.
By jim
October 22, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
Is this why ddn move out of dayton????? well you made one good choice I say keep going south
By Dr. Red Duke
October 23, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
Is this a satire peice? This is down right funny to me. How can you endorse someone who has done nothing positive for the city. Our taxes have increased to all time highs, along with crime and unemployment. It’s no coincidence that everything has gotten worse under McLin. She is elected by the same ignorant street trash that whines and complains about nothing being in Dayton.
By Dr. Red Duke
October 23, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
Is this a satire peice? This is down right funny to me. How can you endorse someone who has done nothing positive for the city. Our taxes have increased to all time highs, along with crime and unemployment. It’s no coincidence that everything has gotten worse under McLin. She is elected by the same ignorant street trash that whines and complains about nothing being in Dayton.
By Aedyn
October 26, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
Leitzell is not ready??? Look who we have in the White House. Were you complaining HE wasn’t ready???