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Rhine McLin will swear-in successor as last act

McLin: ‘I have no regrets for what I have done on behalf of the city’

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 3:51 PM Sunday, December 20, 2009

DAYTON — Rhine McLin’s final act as Dayton mayor comes Jan. 4th, when she opens the City Commission meeting for the swearing-in ceremony of her successor.

“I leave at a time when I have no regrets for what I have done on behalf of the city,” McLin said. “Mayors come and go. The city still goes on.”

Gary Leitzell becomes Dayton’s next mayor at 10 a.m. at City Hall, taking over the burden of a sour economy, struggling neighborhoods and a city manager search, along with city commissioners Dean Lovelace, Joey Williams, Matt Joseph and Nan Whaley.

McLin, who has been in public office for most of the past two decades, becomes a private citizen.

“To me, her biggest legacy is how she made people feel they belonged here, that they were kings in their hometown,” said Dennis Lieberman, former chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party. “She has her critics. Everyone does. None of them, if they knew her well, could accuse her of not caring deeply about the city.”

The two-term incumbent lost her bid for a third term in November by 882 votes, according to final, official results from the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Now the former state representative, senator and small business owner will teach at Central State University. Beyond that, she is looking for opportunities.

“I’m leaving my professional and political options open,” she said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland praised McLin’s spirit for public service and said he will be meeting with her after she concludes her term.

“I love this person. She is just such a good human being and friend,” Strickland said. “I certainly believe that someone with the mayor’s commitment, energy and love for Ohio still has much to contribute.”

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