DaytonDailyNews.com

By No Hope

August 26, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

NO chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no way this state will support higher education anymore than it is currently. And High school and elememary education??? have you forgot where you live! Dayton is the northern tip of the south and the majority in power locally as well as nationally would rather dedicate all their resorces to trying to mandate creationism lesson plans in the science class rooms. I am a God fearing person but its gone tofar we are headed backwards to the earth being flat again.

By Jen

August 25, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Thats an excellent metaphore. Look at China, Korea, Japan and now even India. If we don’t start focusing our efforts on educating the masses we will fall behind forever. Turn off the TV and pick up a book. The U.S. has low math scores and coincidentally spends the least ammount of time and days in school per year compared to these countries. There is no quick fix; jump starting education locally and nationally is the only long term fix.

By Old pete

August 25, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

How does an old rusty city like Dayton or Cleveland rebuild its economy? By backing higher education! To become a “tech city”or” bio tech city” we must fully support local universities &math and science education in local schools. Inovation and intelectual property/technology are the new iron ore! Steel and cars are long gone and urban planners and investors need to focus on developing Dayton into a neo-industrial city (i.e. advc. engineering, nanotech, pharma and molecular applications tech).

By Old Pete

August 25, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

The problems plaguing the city are multifactorial. The obvious being the eroding local and regionoal economy. All that is left of it is WPAFB and its future expansions are planned only because we are at war and the Bush Adm. is fueling funding into military currently. However, that could change come November. Cleveland is bad off too but will most likely survive due to its medical mart, and Research (Cleveland Clinic as long as it maintains ranking near Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc.

By spy

August 24, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Who cares? People in Dayton are trashy… Die yall!

By Mark

August 19, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

I’m from Miamisburg and I can tell you that the Dayton metro is not dying. The suburbs keep getting bigger and bigger. I think Forbes only shows the bad things going on in Dayton. Whats worse is the DDN spreading this terrible news. None of the other nine cities papers have wrote about the forbes article.

By Mark

August 19, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I’m from Miamisburg and I can tell you that the Dayton metro is not dying. The suburbs keep getting bigger and bigger. I think Forbes only shows the bad things going on in Dayton. Whats worse is the DDN spreading this terrible news. None of the other nine cities papers have wrote about the forbes article.

By South of Dayton

August 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Well, I left a nice well thought out and well written comment, but then your crappy Movable Type site threw an error after submitting it. Of course when I paged back the comments field was empty. I don’t feel like typing it again. The site looks cute, but half the time I try to pull up a page it times out. Really nice.

By South of Dayton

August 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Well, I left a nice well thought out and well written comment, but then your crappy Movable Type site threw an error after submitting it. Of course when I paged back the comments field was empty. I don’t feel like typing it again. The site looks cute, but half the time I try to pull up a page it times out. Really nice.

By South of Dayton

August 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Interesting that Dayton is dying, but the Cincinnati-Dayton area as a whole, and the I-75 corridor between Cincinnati and Dayton specifically, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country (population-wise, job-wise, technology-wise, etc), rivalling such areas as Raleigh-Durham and Dallas-Ft. Worth. There was an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer last fall discussing this. Downtown Dayton is dying (all cities cycle through this), but the region is stronger than ever.

By glad to be gone

August 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

looks like i left just in time 23 years ago

By Gregory H. Smith

August 10, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

My family came to Dayton in 1841. Dayton is a GREAT city!! What Forbes pointed out is that Dayton has good opportunity in its future for economic development.

What is needed to realize that opportunity is good leadership and collaborative leadership. I moved from Dayton after college, but I know there are great people there capable of providing the leadership that is needed to make Dayton a great 21st Century City.

A good start would be to make Dayton View a National Historic District.

By Annie

August 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

ManBearPig: Well said - excellent points! The spelling and grammer in many of these posts prove your first point, “problem is the education level of most of it’s residents.” Unbelievable! Also, enabling able-bodied individuals who won’t work by providing them with handouts is promoting dependence on tax-payers’ money. I’m over 60 years old and a 4th generation Dayton native; Daytonians in my grandparents’ era were hardworking, responsible citizens by and large. Now, not so much.

By old man

August 8, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

The mayor is blaming the failed policies promoted by Steve Forbes for Dayton’s decline. Stop laughing, she really did. I don’t know if Steve Forbes was ever in Dayton, but I am very sure he was never mayor.

Also, I am pretty sure Dayton has not had a marginally popular, right wing, anti-government, anti-union republican in the last few elections.

So, who’s fault is it that people “vote” with their feet and move.

By Gey Booby Flay

August 8, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

You are you talking to? The problem is people like you…. afraid of the truth when does take your bull anymore. You bunch of punks! I not taking it anymore!

By ManBearPig

August 8, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

Dayton’s biggest problem is the education level of most of it’s residents. High tech companies need educated workers, which is why these companies choose not to locate to Dayton. DDN had a glowing story a couple of weeks ago about a construction firm that was building 2 or 3 low income housing developments in Dayton. That is the last thing this city needs. Eliminate section 8 housing for all able bodied workers, shut off aid to all the brood mare welfare mothers, shut down the free handouts.

By r

August 7, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Back to the question- Dayton needs a change in leadership. A community follows it’s leader and she/they have had their chance. The Dayton Development Colilition needs to be investigated. Too much money has floated to out reaching communities thur the DDC which is not having any positive effect locally - it’s been great for springfield and greene county! Get tough on drug gangs. Don’t work with them to make them better - eliminate it! NO LOITERING - PERIOD! bring back the horse back police.

By Robert Ray

August 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Too many of you people on this site like to argue with each other,Just like in congress,Thats why this whole great country of ours is going into the toilet,Everyone wants to pick and put others down, like kids in a dept store not getting there way with thier parents,I want this I want that,maybe if we all worked together instead of putting each other down an have a positive outlook on Dayton,Things might get better, its not all rosy anywhere anymore,thats the way life is these days

By Nice scurry! You're all talk! No action punk!

August 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Way to own up to it loser!

By Big G.

August 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

To the name caller out there who thinks I’m a punk. I happen to have a life outside of my home and had other pressing issues to attend to, like work, and tending to my neighborhood. I will NEVER leave! And it certainly would take more than the likes of you to make me. Anyways, you are not my concern, this city of mine is. As Fee said, we need to band together with positive ideas, take charge, and take our city back! We need some kind of “grass-roots” campaign to get started. what y’all think?

By a cocern dayton

August 7, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

the worst thing about dayton is the lack of leadership in this town city hall need to go they worry about downtown and west side and nothing else wake up dayton it not to late

By Annie

August 7, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

To Steven Saus: I am not anti-homeless, but rather an employed, taxpaying, contributing citizen living in the intercity observing Dayton’s burgeoning homeless population first-hand. Many CHOOSE this lifestyle and feeding/housing/clothing them is not a deterrent, but adds to the problem. I have endured multiple home break-ins and robberies at their hands. It is just one key dilemma “dying” Dayton needs to face. I fully support aid to those who are homeless NOT by choice as I stated before.

By GIJOE

August 6, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

It’s not only the city of Dayton, the whole state of Ohio is dying thanks to the politicians sending all our jobs overseas. We need to restructure NAFTA now. We need change in our whole political system. Ohio seems to vote the wrong way every four years, and we wonder why our state is dying!!!

By GIJOE

August 6, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

It’s not only the city of Dayton, the whole state of Ohio is dying thanks to the politicians sending all our jobs overseas. We need to restructure NAFTA now. We need change in our whole political system. Ohio seems to vote the wrong way and we wonder why our state is dying!!!

By GIJOE

August 6, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

It’s not only the city of Dayton, the whole state of Ohio is dying thanks to the politicians sending all our jobs overseas. We need to restructure NAFTA now. We need change in our whole political system. Ohio seems to vote the wrong way and we wonder why our state is dying!!!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By kcm

August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

think its time to get involved? check the daily headlines!

By Jim Pflaum

August 6, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Dayton’s economic woes aren’t unique. People who live in other Rust Belt cities are also suffering from the affects of the world’s globalization.

While Dayton’s economy may never be as vibrant as it once was, Dayton will bounce back, just like it did after NCR closed its manufacturing facilities and after it was nearly destroyed by the 1913 flood?

It won’t be easy for Dayton to compete in today’s highly competitive global economy, but I’m betting that Dayton will get the job done.

By Batman

August 6, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

The tax increases over the last 50-60 years have definitely had a negative impact on the area, but they’re only one factor. The Reps and Dems have whip-sawed the situation from good to not so good to bad to worse. And while the tech advances were being made along 128 in MA, and around the bay area in CA, and Burroughs and Univac and Control Data and Honeybucket had major facilities in the twin cities MN, and Houston had the space center and Austin some bits of HP and Apple, Dayton never had much tech besides NCR and WPAFB, neither big enough nor inclined to generate much in the way of local suppliers and competitors and spin-offs.

By Cantbelieveit

August 6, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Dear Vapid,

I believe I said have difficulty finding a job not that I don’t have one. It takes awhile even for educated people. My point was to Gary. But I am not surprised you missed that in my statement. I would expect that from you since you demonstrated, by resorting to personal attacks, that you are just as intellectually ignorant with low comprehension skills as you are in posting something worthwhile on this board.

By Washington Township

August 6, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

The Dayton METROPOLITAN area is probably not as dying as Forbes says it is, as the declines are mostly due to the auto industry (Forbes does aknowleage that). Beyond that the economy is somewhat diversified and probably will be fairly healthy after the manufacturing declines are worked through. Personally I’m bored by all this complaining about “the city’. The Forbes article was not about “the city”, it was about the regional economy. DDN readers are incapable of discussing this? So sad.

By Steven Saus

August 6, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

I am disappointed in all the commenters who are using this very real problem as an excuse to promote thier own personal agenda - be it anti-homeless, anti-tolerance, anti-whatever.

If you don’t want to help, please get out of the way and keep your negativity at home.

Forbes is not only wrong, they presumed that everything will always stay the same. Your negativity and squelching will ensure that.

We have a clear goal - revitalizing and promoting our city. Let’s stick to that.

By Glad Im Gone

August 6, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

I left Dayton in the early 80s when i was a kid. I have read the news about dayton every chance I got and it seems this place has gone downhill. The only thing I miss about dayton…friends and family.

By vapid

August 6, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Dear Cantbelieveit,

You have 3 degrees and can’t get a job? You must suck at interviews. Maybe you talk too much…

By Cantbelieveit

August 6, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

If you are not finding a job, sure check yourself but if you find out you are qualified and do not receive an offer for an interview it could have been this old ideology coming into play. I would jump on Greyhound too! Although the whole nation is struggling, not all cities are facing this issues. Which then goes back to planning! They didn’t plan and with all their MBAs and MPAs you would think they would have known better… goes to show you, some people are only about the title and the dollar

By Cantbelieveit

August 6, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

a symptom of a greater problem. To Gary, I am not sure who told you that Dayton is the land of opportunities. It has always been my understanding that Dayton is the good ole boys club in a black and white sense. It is a who you know town. As you read in the other posts, incompetent people manipulate themselves into leadership positions and then hire their incompetent buddies. It has nothing to do with education, experience or skill here. I have three degrees and have difficulty finding work.

By tex

August 6, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

I think the gold done run out of this ghost town. Yeehaw!

By Cantbelieveit

August 6, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

future issues from occurring. The problem is that during the years nobody thought about this day. None of them.(Leadership) Otherwise, we would not have been in this situation. Tech businesses would have been in place and the education of our youth would not be such an issue. They messed up and just have to admit it and move on. All of it is real. Racism, housing - particularly DMHA which is a real embarassment in leadership - crime, job loss all of it is true. It may not be a problem but it is

By Gary

August 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I get real tired of hearing about the Dayton area’s opportunities - sure, if you have a masters degree. That leaves out those of us who didn’t have that particular opportunity. In addition to a variety of skills, I’ve also had tech training…but after weeks of job-hunting, I got bupkis - and no rent or food money or car, either. If I had the money, I’d be checking Greyhound. I want to work but the only place I see opportunity is in a dictionary. I tell younger people to get out of here ASAP.

By Cantbelieveit

August 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Interesting thread of comments. This is excellent, however and to those who say that this is not a good exchange I remind you of the powerful dynamic of communication. In order to address the issues you have to properly identify them, this discussion is like free research and brainstorming for the Mayor’s office and she should be taking note of what is being said. Residents are like employees, they are the closest to the issues and can properly identify them in a useful way to prevent and

By josh

August 6, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

There is a large percentage of people in Dayton (Black and White) who don’t feel they need to obey laws or be productive citizens. In the past, people were ashamed to live off charity and turned criminals into the police. Now some folks consider people who work for a living to be suckers. Criminals are idolized. And any man who fathers a child and doesn’t support him is not really a man. He’s a boy, afraid of responsibilty. These things are killing our cities.

By Harry

August 6, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Businesses will build where they are going to make money. They are going to build in the suburbs (the Greene, Fairfield Mall etc…) because they want people to come spend money at their shopps. They don’t want to build where people are going to be walking through trying to start fights / sell drugs in their shops or stand outside and beg for money or spray paint on the buildings. That is why you aren’t seeing development in Dayton.

By James

August 6, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Scott: “…Air Force Museum, Metro Parks, 3 major colleges, housing developments everywhere you go, The Greene” - Air Force Museum is technically Dayton but its closer to being Fairborn/Beavercreek, The Metroparks are mostly outside of Dayton. WSU is in Fairborn (and I wouldn’t call Sinclair a real college sorry), the new housing isn’t in Dayton, and the Greene is in Beavercreek. Dayton is a hole, the surrounding areas is what is seeing the real development that is where everyone is leaving to.

By TP

August 6, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Outlan: Would you tell Philadelphia and Boston to give up on their history? Those two cities (and many more) have capitalized and will continue to capitalize on their histories. Why can’t Dayton?! The problem with Dayton is the leadership refuses to see the profitability in doing so! The leadership in Dayton has gotten up and done the exact same thing every day for the past 15 years - nothing. It’s time to call them out on it! We desperately need a new mayor - one with a vision.

By Anne you are ok

August 6, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

You are so right. Dayton/Mont Cty is huge area/mecca where low life’s come to just SUCK of off society! Dayton sucks! The people here suck! PERIOD!

By outlan

August 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I am 33 and grew up in Kettering. I have lived in Dayton my whole life, and with children on the way really don’t want them to have to grow up here. Crime is through the roof. There is no downtown. There is no “life” to the city. I hate to say it, but there are so many better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. I agree with the statement that we have to stop dwelling on 100-year-old inventions (like flight, pull tabs, LCD, etc.) and focus on new innovation, or it’s RIP, Dayton.

By ANNIE

August 6, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Dayton’s motto used to be “Dayton, the City Beautiful. Now it is “Sinus Valley, Homeless Alley” (not original). Dayton is a mecca for the “HOMELESS BY CHOICE” population. Ask any Dayton policeman. Stop feeding the parasites who REFUSE TO WORK and migrate here for our bountiful hand-outs. Provide care only for the truly deserving needy. Just one of our many intercity problems, but a big one to be sure!

By GLUS

August 6, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

as bad as things are in Dayton with a joker for a mayor, there are seveal pluses.

Sinclar College. one of the top community schools in the nation.

UD & UD Basketball

Schuster Center

Dayton Dragons

Riverscape

Oregon Dist.

the market

Wright Patt

To name a few We need to fix the infrastructure which means sweeping changes before its too late.

By Business Owner

August 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Politics as usual, poor schools, high taxes, lack of foresight and vision by city leaders and the incessant need for people to speak in a “politically correct manner” has doomed Dayton to almost a certain unkind fate. Without business investment and safe schools which meet federal and state standards, the best and the brightest will not come to Dayton and those from here will be lost to other cities. What we need is real leadership and a will that we will not go silently into the night!

By Funny how that punk G force is gone now

August 6, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

All talk no action from that thug!

By Mary Morris Billings

August 6, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Dayton, Ohio is a dying community. Gates block public streets in Dayton, Ohio. What is happening in a community when GATES are erected across public streets in the city. What’s left in Dayton - Sinclair Community College, local hospitals (they are strained under the weight of need & unreimbursed medical care), and The University of Dayton. Crime, poverty, violence, unemployment - all climbing. It’s tough to watch this city crumble. The gem city????????? Not.

By justanothercitizen

August 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Forbes has only confirmed what is obvious to anyone who lives or works in the area; Dayton needs help, and it needs it now. Illegal drug dealing, gangs, shootings, stabbings, car-jackings, prostitution, all crimes come down to a lack of self-respect and a lack of respect of others. MAKE KIDS GO TO SCHOOL AND GET AN EDUCATION. GET OFF WELFARE. GET A JOB, ANY JOB, AND BE A PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN. HELP ANOTHER PERSON. GIVE PEOPLE RESPECT AND YOU WILL RECEIVE IT IN RETURN!

By jane

August 6, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

maybe if montgomery county actually punished the criminals instead of putting them on probation the criminals wouldn’t be in dayton. Thats the main reason people don’t come here.

By CMO

August 6, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I have been a resident of Dayton for the past 7 years. In this time my car has been Stolen(Twice), My House has been broken into,My Air Conditioner was stolen from my front window at Noon during a weekday. My Garage door was STOLEN. I have had 3 Lawn mowers stolen. And most recently I have been finding Hyperdermic Needles and chasing Crack Heads from the Garage. EVERY rime that I have called the police I have been told the same thing.”SORRY FOR YOUR LUCK.theres nothing we can do”

By Still Bulldozing

August 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Fee - let what go, exactly? Check Dayton’s population statistics on wikipedia - it peaked at over 260,000 in 1960; by 1970, it starts a steep decline, down to about the 150,000 we have today. My grandparents lived in the Dayton View area but were driven out east - to Riverside, to be precise - by the riots of ‘66 and the downturn of the neighborhood afterwards. Truth is truth, no matter how unpleasant.

By Mobea

August 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

I came back to Dayton for a vacation last year and was so shocked that I actually cried for the city that I grew up in. Everything was boarded up. The big beautiful homes on Main St. that anywhere else in the US would cost $350K or more were abandoned. It didn’t matter what side of town I went on, business and homes were boarded up now. The city HAS TO invest in some rehab of the real estate. They are wasting God’s land. I do believe that Dayton will come back as a tech city leader!!!

By Wordell

August 6, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

I like visiting Dayton. My old home town isn’t as bad as all of you think, or want to believe it is. All of you yelling/screaming/insulting one another is a good sign you know you need to improve the area. You locals, of all of the Dayton area, know what you’d like to do to take Dayton off Forbes “dying” list. The Fed and Socialists won’t do it. Business/invention built Dayton. Entice them to return. You can do it.

By flash

August 6, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

look at trotwood and the salem mall

By Business Owner

August 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Dayton can cut taxes,(the highest payroll taxes in the area and one of the highest sales taxes in the state), reduce waste in government, cut government regulations, stop handouts to anyone that comes along. Take advantage of your great transportation system, educational opportunities and help your existing companies expand in and near Dayton.
Try a regional approach to landing new companys and jobs.

By Harry

August 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dayton is fine the way it is. If we got rid of the slop housing all of the Government Cheese scum would move to the surrounding areas and all of Montgomery and Greene counties would look like the west side. No Thanks!

Don’t believe me? Take Trotwood (Salem Mall) for example. It’s now creeping into Clayton/Englewood area. More government housing in downtown Dayton I say!!

By Im tired of punks like Big G

August 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

He cant and will not get away with it. You just cant go around mouthing off.

By Fee

August 6, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Big G, Bulldozer & others… let it go, fellas. You’re better than that, I’m sure. Thanks. How can we unite for our children here? Is there something positive to help? The smallest move helps in the grand scheme of things.

By Jack F

August 6, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Dayton started dieing in the mid sixties when NCR moved it’s manufacturing out. What was once a gold mine of a city is now a ghost town. Too bad.

By You're a joke

August 6, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Yea thats real smart Big G. Put your address out here and threated others with violence. Where you apart of the FBI drug bust?

By BB

August 6, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

People in the “burbs” need to realize that what happens in Dayton affects all of the whole metro area and that they need to support Downtown Dayton and care who the elected officials are and what they are doing. I bet if us “burbinites” could vote in City of Dayton elections,that there would be a big change in the make-up of the officials!

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Once again, AMEN, FEE, AMEN!!!

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Would you like my address so you can come and call me a punk to my face? Teddy Roosevelt once said, “speak softly and carry a big stick”. I say, “speak loudly and carry a BIGGER stick!!!” So whenever you feel froggy, just jump on over here to my street and see for yourself. I got your “punk”!!!

By Fee

August 6, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Mason! We have lots of programs here. We have the Schuster center which is BEAUTIFUL. Promote events downtown as wonderful, not as “hide your purses”! Even the price to park for events dwntn is reasonable compared with other cities. Make people accountable-including yourself. Don’t just shake your heads in disgust. Invite people to events. Want to do more? Create safe events. Each one teach one. There’s good in DYT. There’s room for plenty more. Stand up and be counted!

By Amen Bulldozer

August 6, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Amen brother. Amen! G spot —-> punk!

By Big G Spot----?just another punk!

August 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

You talk all big and bad about the street you live on. You are just a punk! I wouldn’t be caught going down Mia Ave.

By I love Hillary

August 6, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I hope she gets elected.

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I’m a white man who happens to be married to a black woman, and even she thinks that the McLin administration needs to go! Yes, Dayton needs a political overhaul, but so do a good bit of the residents’ attitudes. As I said before, it all starts with “self”.

By Fee

August 6, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I’m a Patterson alumni of the ’90s. Kids did not harrass people. Kids are immature but not harrassers. We only had a few min to get from 1 bldg to other. Stop making things up. It’s amazing how people assume things rather find the facts. The DDN & 7 news do a great job with scaring folks about the actual city by sensationalizing things. You won’t find them in the suburbs b/c the suburbs are where these editors live. Find the facts. Don’t make them up. We need jobs here. Invest in those. Not lies

By Bulldozer

August 6, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Funny that someone mentions the National Guard - they did patrol Dayton back in the late 60s, during and after the race riots that were the cause of the population decline in Dayton and the self-segregation of the city into east and west. Sadly, some people, such as the interestingly-named “sewer” below, would rather silence any discussion of the facts than deal with the realities of the situation - namely, that there is a racial aspect to at least some of these problems.

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

AMEN, FEE, AMEN!!!

By GLS

August 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Wow, those where some crazy comments. White America made this country what it is today. The facts are the facts. Until White America realizes this and face the reality that racims and greed has put all american in this position. It won’t get any better.

p.s. Who voted for that a*****e bush and his like.

By Riverdale Ghost

August 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

And, when the story is no longer front and center, where will all these comments go?

Is so much as any one person going through them for statistics of how many say it’s because of the mayor, or because of busing, or because it’s taxes … poorly spent money … crime … schools … poor parenting (poor parenting?) ….

By Fee

August 6, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I moved from Dayton, but I’m not anymore afraid of it than I am of any other town. Statistics show that MOST crimes are crimes of familiarity-meaning the victim and suspect know each other. Keep in company those that do POSITIVE things & you’re usually fine.Use COMMON sense. Don’t ride around flaunting hi price items. Be alert. I’m gainfully employed, own a business where I employ others, I volunteer,& I assist in my community by taking pride in my property. So people, do something to help!

By george

August 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Listen Dayton has been goin down for 10 to 15 years.But if you look at what is happenin know there is a lot of construction for roads,high ways,buildings,bridges,& schools.An thats bringin jobs but you got to have a skill.An when all those things get built thats more jobs.Take a look at the plans for Dayton from now (2008) to 2020.An if yall scared bout crime here an are suburbs move away an its gon b da same where ever u go.So make yo city an surrounding area better sum waY!!!!

By BCRez

August 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Wake Up, I would like to see your pictures. Dayton is definitely a dying city. I think if the people only work in Dayton (i.e., pay taxes) were allowed to vote,the City political make-up would be vastly different than it is now. It’s a sad, sad state and has been since Congressman Turner (who LOVED and cared deeply for this city) left.

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

The saddest part to all of this is that it has to start with the people caring enough to want to make Dayton the city that it once was. And then they have to act, not just speak. but it seems that there just isn’t enough people out there who care and are willing to get off their collective butts to do anything about it. At least I can sleep soundly at night knowing I tried to do my part and make a difference, even if no one can tell. I try my best and that’s all I can do.

By David Robertson

August 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I used to live in Dayton and I get back there regularly. Dayton is NOT a dying city. It is thriving compared to most of Michigan (where I live now).

The Forbes article makes it sound like Ohio is worse off than MI. Sorry Forbes, no way. Our stupid governor here in MI decided the way to help out the MI economy (worst in the nation) was to raise taxes on business - she was then re-elected in a landslide.

If Ohio is dying faster than MI it is only because MI is already dead.

By Mason

August 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, I have read some startling views here. Yes, Dayton has serious issues, but a lot of good things going on too (Riverscape,Dayton Dragons,DCDC, Schuster,Dunbar area). There are groups like LEAD (Leaders for Equality/Action in Dayton) that are strong advocates of economic/social change in Dayton and are making city officials accountable. People, let’s not count Dayton off the map, be more informed when voting and make elected officials accountable. We need innovative/outside the box thinkers.

By Jeff

August 6, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Dayton needs new leadership, period.

By karon

August 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

The cities that have streetcars and light passenger rail the crime has gone Down! Why you ask, because those cities use walking police patrols and some streets are total walking areas NO driving allowed! Also were the streetcar and light rail starts the people who live close to them , there property values went up! Columbus and Cincinnati are both getting streetcars and Columbus is taking this further with a light rail system connecting the city with the suburbs!

By Tom

August 6, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Nothing. Dayton can do nothing about being a dying city. The so called “leaders” are more responsible than anyone or anything for the demise. Go Mayor!!

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Then help clean it up, HT. Or are you one of those that’s afraid to get their hands dirty?

By HT

August 6, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Dayton could rest itself out as a sewer and a nuclear waste dump and a place to deposit old needles and syringes. Oh yeah, it’s already a sewer and a dump. Hahahahahahaha!

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Who ever posted the post that says “you are the problem out here” was not me. Someone obviously has a cowardice issue and it looks like they want to stir up problems for me. I am the real Big G., so to whoever it was that did that, step up if you got something to say, but don’t say stuff and then address yourself as me.

By wake up

August 6, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Street cars or RTA doesn’t matter. Seriously, have you ever ridden the RTA? I wasn’t so much scared as I was offended by the language and the people pushing on old people and having no manners. What would trolly cars fix? They would tear those up also! I struck up a conversation with the driver and they said they were happy everyday just to make it back to the garage and were still alive at the end of the day. How could this ever be fixed

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

well, for starters, this “punk”, as you so politely put it, polices his own street & neighborhood for the “undesirables” so that us people can feel a little better and possibly safer where we live. I do happen to live in Dayton. Was born & raised here. Left many times but keep coming back. This is my home, for better or worse! I vote, and surely didn’t vote for McLin! If you were to walk down my street causing trouble, you’d see just how much of a “punk” I am! I fear no one but God!

By cheyennemj2

August 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Ken , those cities you mention that are doing great have a streetcar and light rail passenger trains! Dayton needs those ways of transportation to!

By wake up

August 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Big G… how or why would I step in and help? I only work in Dayton. I pay outrageous property taxes where I live but well worth it so I don’t have to worry about crime etc. How can you dig in when you might get shot or murdered in the process. Dayton is so bad we need to have the National Guard patrolling the streets 24/7. I am going to take a pocket camera up around the Colonel White area at lunchtime and I will post some pics for all to see. It is sad and only going to get worse. Good luck

By Big G

August 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

You are the problem out here.

By Hey Big G Spot

August 6, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

You shut up! You’re just one of the punks out here causing problems with all your comments! What are you going to do about it? You talk about us and what we should do. What are you going to do about it, TODAY!

By Big G.

August 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

People of Dayton, STAND UP AND TAKE YOUR CITY BACK!!! It’s up to each & every one of us to make the effort and do what it takes to set things right! Intestinal Fortitude. Ever heard of it? Get some, roll up your sleeves, and dig in! That’s the only way to get things done. You’ve got to get your hands dirty when your doing some cleaning. As for “stupid read and understand”, you, sir and/or ma’am, are part of the problem, not the solution! STFU!!!