By Roscoe2u

October 21, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Gary, Don’t let the DDN get you down. You can’t take some hypocrits who run a paper that isn’t even printed in the town it supposedly serves seriously. Keep doing what you’re doing, and come election time you’ll see. People can only be fooled by Mayor McHat’s empty promises for so long until they wake up…

By kncjr

October 21, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

This guy has done nothing but whine ever since he started campaigning. If you read his blog at gogarygo.net all he does is complain about how he is treated. Gary needs to look up the defination of sexist. We might need someone stronger than Mayor McLin but we sure don’t need a whiner.

By Sassy

October 21, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

As I see it, if Gary was a female with the same resume, DDN would be saying the same thing. Don’t fret Gary…it isn’t like DDN actually lied.

By From Georgia

October 21, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

I lived in Dayton for 49 years and was relocated to GA seven years ago. Upon seeing my old hometown rot and decay during my trips back and forth from GA - One doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that Dayton needs NEW leadership!

By dhampton100

October 21, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this

First Gary says that Ms. McLins’s experience (20 years) accounts for nothing, and “experience is a term we use to describe our mistakes. THEN he goes on to state his ‘experience”. Is this guy nuts or does he think we are nuts? I can’t figure it out. Gary, Gary, Gary, there is a reason the Republican party refused to endorse you and you have to run as an independent. They are ashamed of you and they think you are crazy, just like I do.

By sinking fast

October 21, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain to me when you read the salaries for the people on staff, THE MAYORS ISN’T LISTED? wHATS UP WITH THAT! And Mayor, if you do get relected please try and maintain a decent style of dress

By Smarter than dhampton100

October 21, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Ummm, hey dhamptom100… the Republican party DID endorse Leitzell. Once again, intelligence runs rampant on the DDN comment boards…

By puckster1

October 21, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

Hey, Gary, quit your whining and take the criticism like a man. Or, rather, take it like a stay-at-home, figurine-painting house husband. Say, anyone with a REAL job want to run for Mayor?

By Jim

October 21, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

I think Mr. Leitzell makes several good points, especially about the DDN’s reference to his miniature figurines and stay at home status. He’s correct in questioning that inference and pushing back. However, his rebuttal seems to linger, and after awhile, appears amateurish and unpolished. I believe Dayton is between a rock and a hard place in this mayoral election. Neither candidate is appealing. The fact that Dayton can’t produce a great, intellectual candidate for Mayor, should have been the topic of the editorial board.

By mattz

October 21, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this

Gary’s correct. Such comments would never been said about a stay-at-home-mom. I’m sure Ms. McLin is a nice lady but it’s time for a change.

By null

October 21, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

What will it take for all you McLin followers to see where she is leading dayton? As I see Dayton, it looks like one big toilet. The only thing Ms McLin seems to care about is her rediculous sence style. Wake up Dayton, get McLin OUT!!

By JDH

October 21, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

I was going to give Mr.Leitzell consideration for Mayor until I saw one of his signs in the yard of a well known drug house. I cannot support his lack of judgement in this regard.

By Drew

October 21, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

If McClin is re-elected, it is only going to get worse. The DDN endorsing “status quo” in a time of emergency says something about this declining small market newspaper. I hope the DDN continues to lose subscriptions as fast as home foreclose in the city of Dayton. If Leitzell is elected, it could only be move in the right direction.

By BigJack

October 21, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

Gary is a nice enough guy with some interesting ideas. The people of Dayton should give the guy a shot. The current Mayor has been nothing short of an abject failure- a miserable excuse for a city executive. A vote for Gary isn’t merited simply because he just couldn’t be worse than the farce in office now, but because he’s willing to try some new things and will at least have a novel approach. I’m technicall a few blocks away from being able to vote in this election, but hopefully the good people of Dayton will do away with the status quo, it’s not like voting in Gary will make NCR move away.

By Gina

October 21, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this

McLin has got to go. Micky Mouse could do a better job than her (no disrespect Mr. Leitzell). Wake up people.

By bwood

October 21, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve met McLin a few times, and she’s very nice. That’s about all I can say for her. The idea of endorsing a candidate to lead the downsizing of the city is ridiculous. She might be the right woman for that job, but who is hiring the mayor to close the city. I’d vote for anyone but her at this point. Go fill in the blank!

By DaytonHawk

October 21, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve read hundreds of resumes over the years and Gary’s does not impress me. Even if I’m willing to forgive misspelling (which I’m not) and jumping back and forth in tense (Jr High English), Gary doesn’t list any accomplishments for his previous employment. He gives lists of tasks but that’s it. A lot of job jumping there too.

By Gary Leitzell

October 21, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

The first 129 words of what I was told would be published were cut out. They were as follows. I am not surprised by the DDN¹s recommendation of our incumbent mayor. She is part of the political machine that the newspaper is expected to support. However, the DDN fails to print the truth. It states that I am not ready because I speculate that our business regulation ordinances are outdated and I don¹t cite examples. Every business owner whom I have talked to agrees with me, and I have spoken with more than 100. The DDN says I am disconnected from the real-world problems at city hall. Yet I have attended hundreds of city meetings during the last 10 years, and I can honestly state that no editor of the DDN attended any of those meetings. So I ask, Who are you to state that I am disconnected? You can read the entire original letter at www.GoGaryGo.net and click “News”.

By D

October 22, 2009 12:06 AM | Link to this

McLin has GOT to go!! She just doesn’t have a clue and its obvious by the continuing deterioration of Dayton! She has supported the RTA director, who think that herding RTA riders into a former alley like they are animals, and moving Greyhound to Trotwood is going to bring the rich folks downtown with their money, because certain races and classes of people will be out of site and out of mind. Why would anybody want to come downtown? All the stores and businesses are gone. Dayton keeps pushing the idea of more “Riverscape” activities. I don’t care for activities on a muddy river. That money could be better spent elsewhere. She claims to be cleaning up the city. I must be looking at the wrong city full of abandoned properties, rental dumps that slumlords are not held accountable for (yes I know tenants tear some properties up, but trust me, there are horrible slumlords, particularly in the E. Third St. area), and crime all over the city. We can’t seem to come up with real jobs for real people that don’t require 3 college degrees and 20 years experience. Many, many people are still leaving Dayton and often it is because of the poor leadership. I say we give Gary a chance. I will never, ever vote for McLin! No surprise DDN supported her, tho’.

By Quentin

October 22, 2009 1:32 AM | Link to this

The DDN has push articles and editorials for years on how mothers who stay at home are undervalued, really CEOs of the home and well qualified for many jobs so why the sudden change here? Is it the political party or the gender of the caring parent that they are upset with? Either way they show what a joke they are since they can’t say a bad thing about the present disaster of a mayor we have.

By Leadership?

October 22, 2009 4:54 AM | Link to this

DDN do you remember how the mayor was hiding and dodging phone calls from former President Clinton? She is awful for Dayton, for her it was another day not at work.

By Concerned

October 22, 2009 5:33 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 Pleading with ya

October 22, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

How in the hell can the DDN endorse McLin? Are you serious? Can these DDN fools not recognize pathetic leadership? How is McLin padding your pockets DDN? I am left with this thought as my last recourse.

By matt

October 22, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this

Gary, problem is you need a great big pink sombrero with some Billy D Williams weave going on and maybe some Elton john glasses. Then you have a chance. Maybe get sloppy drunk at a few dragons games and your in.

By JustVote

October 22, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this

I don’t care if he came off as a whiner.I don’t care if he’s a stay at home father.I don’t care if he paints.At least he has the gumption to run for mayor because he thinks he can do better.I can agree about that, McHat is awful and if she wins (again) this once thriving city will sink lower than it already has.Get her out and give Gary a chance!

By Hmmm

October 22, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this

Maybe all Dayton needs is someone who is not in the polical circle? Someone with fresh ideas? Maybe all Dayong needs is a Dayton citizen who tired of seeing their city being flushed down into the dumps? How many times have you heard someone say “I could do a better job at running Dayton then McLin?” Umm, at least 1,000 for me. I am glad to see one of those people actaully have the brass b*lls to follow his statement, stand up and say “McLin, you are ruining our city, so I am doing something about it!” As for DDN supporting McLin, not surprised. They are so bias… why do I even read their paper? Dunno, but I do buy a Sunday paper cause they have great coupons, other then that… DDN paper only use is to line my birdcage.

By Hmmm

October 22, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

Maybe all Dayton needs is someone who is not in the polical circle? Someone with fresh ideas? Maybe all Dayong needs is a Dayton citizen who tired of seeing their city being flushed down into the dumps? How many times have you heard someone say “I could do a better job at running Dayton then McLin?” Umm, at least 1,000 for me. I am glad to see one of those people actaully have the brass b*lls to follow his statement, stand up and say “McLin, you are ruining our city, so I am doing something about it!” As for DDN supporting McLin, not surprised. They are so bias… why do I even read their paper? Dunno, but I do buy a Sunday paper cause they have great coupons, other then that… DDN paper only use is to line my birdcage.

By nlmadog

October 22, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

The exit from Dayton has been ignored for years,a long time staff member now retired revels in the fact that no real downsizing took place on his watch. We can not continue to do things in the same way and expect different results. Mayor Mclin is an example of an entitled public servant who has not realized she needs to find a new place to hang her hat(s).Go Mr. Gary I hope the voters show DDN they are out of touch in FRANKLIN.

By Leitzell-NOW

October 22, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

UP with Gary Leitzell - DOWN with DDN and McLin!!! GO GARY GO

By Gary Leitzell

October 22, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

My post was corrected at 7:30 this morning. This rebuttal had to limited to 500 words. The original letter is posted at www.GoGaryGo.net. Just click the “News” icon. It puts things into context better.

By Gary Leitzell

October 22, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

My post was corrected at 7:30 this morning. This rebuttal had to be limited to 500 words. The original letter is posted at www.GoGaryGo.net. Just click the “News” icon. It puts things into context better.

By Fortressdayton

October 22, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

The premise is simple: if the past years have been good to you (slumlord, hand-out recipient, well-connected citizen) vote to continue this trainwreck. If the past years have been bad to you (tax and endless levy payer; crime victim, property owner or good landlord) vote for anything that offers change. That the Democratic party is unable to field a candidate approved by run-offs speaks for itself. That the republican party endorses an independent sends a clear message as well. We have ‘parties of no ideas’. I’ll be voting twice this year: Once for mayor and the second time whether to stay in this city or not. I believe I have a lot of company in this regard. Since taxpayers are seemingly outnumbered by non-taxpaying residents in the city, I think I can predict the outcome. Welcome to the Third World.

By Henry

October 22, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

Speaking impartially, Leitzell’s letter is very well-written and represents him well (much better written the DDN endorsement editorial). If only he had performed so well at the mayoral debate.

By Rob

October 22, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

In it’s simplest form, the coice before you is “Demonstrated Failure” and “New Guy”… Not a hard decision really. BTW, trust me on this one, cameras make the uninitiated nervous…they never blink or show emotion. Speaking to cameras is a skill that must be developed. That’s why the Hilljacks sound so stupid on the news reports.

By rotroost

October 22, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Gary Leitzell hand paints miniatures. Gee, I thought this is “the creative class” and “boutique economy” Rhine is preaching about.

By Alex

October 22, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

First off: I am going to admit that I know very little about either candidate. And ignorance is not bliss. But one thing I must ask everyone - are we satisfied where Dayton is at right now from an economical standpoint? Hopefully, the answer is no. Now, is everything McLin’s fault? Absolutely not. But I believe it may be time for a change as McLin has had her time to correct the cities problems - to no avail.

By Kenneth Wade A

October 22, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

I want everyone to take a step back for a second….are we seriously going to bicker about the lack of leadership that exists in our Dayton. When are WE the RESIDENTS going to wake up and realize that if we want a better Dayton then WE have to be the ones to create it. Why are we still waiting on someone else to fix our problems, when we certainly have the ability to do that ourselves? One politician, two politician, three politician….IT doesn’t matter…if we could get a good majority of everyday people like you and I on the same page for a better community then we could fix this city ourselves. I for one have grown sick of the political bickering, it’s time that we cast our differences no matter what they may be and work in unison to restore the luster to Dayton. That’s why I started “Citizens 4 Change” Dayton and guess what if you want to work with REAL people in this quest then I invite you to check us out. For those of you who do not believe that we the residents can fix this city ourselves, then you can sit on the sidelines and watch. www.ourdayton.com

By Kenneth Wade A

October 22, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

I want everyone to take a step back for a second….are we seriously going to bicker about the lack of leadership that exists in our Dayton. When are WE the RESIDENTS going to wake up and realize that if we want a better Dayton then WE have to be the ones to create it. Why are we still waiting on someone else to fix our problems, when we certainly have the ability to do that ourselves? One politician, two politician, three politician….IT doesn’t matter…if we could get a good majority of everyday people like you and I on the same page for a better community then we could fix this city ourselves. I for one have grown sick of the political bickering, it’s time that we cast our differences no matter what they may be and work in unison to restore the luster to Dayton. That’s why I started “Citizens 4 Change” Dayton and guess what if you want to work with REAL people in this quest then I invite you to check us out. For those of you who do not believe that we the residents can fix this city ourselves, then you can sit on the sidelines and watch. www.ourdayton.com

By MM

October 22, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

To kncjr&dhampton100 Call it whinning if you want, I call it standing up and setting the record straight something the Dems DDN paper won’t do and something you dhampton100 can’t get right either. I bet you two will vote for a turd (Mchat)even if you know it to be a turd. sick, sad and sorry.

By Denay

October 22, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

I am not an Ohio resident so will not be able to vote in the upcoming election. However, I have been following the coverage on the race and have seen the potential that Dayton has. I was shocked, to say the least, that DDN endorsed McLin (Roscoe2U: McHat was a clever name). The endorsement was poorly written anyway. I’m intuitive and nice…does that mean I can run for mayor? 8 years in office and that is all they could come up with?!? So I’m saying, “Go Gary Go!” Here is a guy with no political background but enough gumption to run because he’s had it! I believe that he might step on a few toes along the way because he’s headstrong, but he’ll get the job done. You see proof of his determination with his daughter and the school situation. I hope that Dayton has enough sense to put him in and so it can get back on track to a thriving and industrious city!

By Will Brooks

October 22, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Maybe we should have a residency rule for newspapers? So much for objective, unbiased journalism. To me, their editorial opinion’s are nothing more than diatribes and insignificant ramblings that are symptomatic of the yellow journalism that plagues our local news outlets all the while contributing to Dayton’s tarnish.

By Vic

October 22, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

As a former candidate for a State House primary race who got the endorsement of the DDN against the “Dem Party Machine,” I must say that Mr. Leitzell’s comment about the paper’s endorsement of Mayor McLin coming from political party bias is unfair. He is free to disagrees with their characterization of his professional resume, but ascribing motives to the paper with no evidence to back it up is not responsible or intellectually honest. Additionally, it’s my assessment that the DDN has been very kind to Congressman Mike Turner over the years, and he is obviously NOT part of the “Democratic Party Machine.” As to our much maligned Mayor it is my opinion that any assessment of her must account for a national economic depression that she had to lead our city under. We must also account for state and national Republican policies during her tenor as Mayor that cut taxes for the rich, reduced support and revenues for local governments, and spent exorbitant amounts of money on a war we should not have fault. Finally, the vitriolic and very personal assaults on our Mayor say more about the posters than the Mayor. I don’t know what the answers are to the many problems we face but lack of civility in the discourse will certainly not solve them.

By Vic

October 22, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

As a former candidate for a State House primary race who got the endorsement of the DDN against the “Dem Party Machine,” I must say that Mr. Leitzell’s comment about the paper’s endorsement of Mayor McLin coming from political party bias is unfair. He is free to disagrees with their characterization of his professional resume, but ascribing motives to the paper with no evidence to back it up is not responsible or intellectually honest. Additionally, it’s my assessment that the DDN has been very kind to Congressman Mike Turner over the years, and he is obviously NOT part of the “Democratic Party Machine.” As to our much maligned Mayor it is my opinion that any assessment of her must account for a national economic depression that she had to lead our city under. We must also account for state and national Republican policies during her tenor as Mayor that cut taxes for the rich, reduced support and revenues for local governments, and spent exorbitant amounts of money on a war we should not have fault. Finally, the vitriolic and very personal assaults on our Mayor say more about the posters than the Mayor. I don’t know what the answers are to the many problems we face but lack of civility in the discourse will certainly not solve them.

By 50 years in dayton

October 22, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

It time to remove the funeral director and her patients and start new.

By MJM

October 22, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

I think this headline says it all: “70 jobs coming to Reynolds and Reynolds Kettering headquarters”. Why are these new employees not working in Dayton? Reynolds and Reynolds so far still has operations in Dayton but perhaps not for long. NCR has left and others are not too far behind. Dayton is dying fast and unless a plug is put into the dam there won’t be a tax basis to pay those working for the city, including the Mayor. Time has come for the residents to stand up and say enough is enough. New leadership is MANDATED so go out and VOTE for someone other than Mayor McLin.

By 50 years in dayton

October 22, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

Turner and the funeral director took dayton in the wrong direction. Turner pretty much shout down wilmington as well. It’s time to change these people have them get a real job and see how it is out here.

By Yada

October 22, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

How can ANY newspaper get in the business of making political endorsements and claim objectivity? This endorsement further solidifies the impression of liberal media bias…

By Jack

October 22, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

To be honest, I do not know if Mr. Leitzell will make a better mayor then Ms. McClin, but we live in a slumping city. I do think change is needed. The status quo is not working. We live in a city that is not well run….and whose fault is that. Make the change. See if it works, if not lets try again. The voters thought change was needed with the governer…and that was fine. Now we see that it was a mistake, but you do not know until you make the change.

By bub

October 22, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

Poor grammar—ouch!

By AC

October 22, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

The person that captains a sinking ship has “experience” but I don’t want her piloting the boat I’m on. No mayor would be better than the bad one leading Dayton down the drain. She has not stopped the downward spiral so, it is beyond me why DDN endorsed her. It leaves one to wonder if it is for cosmetic reasons. Another reason why I no longer get the DDN

By Ben

October 22, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

Some good comments - some just ignorant. I always refer back to something I heard a long time ago. “Why do we keep doing the same thing and expect different results?” The current Mayor keeps getting re-elected, and it seems that nothing in Dayton changes for the positive. Why would we want to continue down this same path and expect it to change. Let’s give someone else a chance. Could he do much worse?

By Bob540

October 22, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

As a suburbanite, I can’t vote in the mayoral race. But as a native Daytonian who cares about this city, I hope that the downturn can be reversed, sooner rather than later. I view a mayor as an ambassador of the city … someone who can make positive impressions upon people and make them think, “If Dayton has such a person in a leadership role, that must be some city!” I don’t think we have that now, and I don’t know that either candidate possesses that quality. I wish someone like David Ponitz would run for mayor, as I believe he is such a person. And, I agree with Kenneth: ordinary citizens could do much to help the city by caring for their property, looking out for neighbors and volunteering.

By David Lauri

October 22, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Mentioning that a candidate works from home while his wife has a job outside the home would be a nasty shot, if that candidate had not taken the position that changing the traditional definition of marriage would put our society on a dangerous course. It seems to me that Mr. Leitzell’s already deviated from the traditional definition in his own marriage. Inconsistency there might well be used to determine whether anything else he says makes sense.

By James Frazier

October 22, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

A vote for Gary Leitzell is a vote for Positive change. wheather he stays home or not. he won’t be home when he gets elected. He has fresh ideas, and thats good enough for me.

By Hate living in Dayton

October 22, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

McClin is the worst Mayor Dayton has seen. I told people not to vote on race vote on the politics of the candidates. They didn’t and look what they have done to the city. We are the southwest Youngstown. The city population has dropped 50% in my lifetime. McCline is good a buriels and if she is re-elected she will finish Dayton by throwing the dirt on this city’s grave.

By Rodney Cox

October 22, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

Go to you youtube and type in McLinforMayor THE best and most honest take on the election yet.

By MM

October 22, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Typical of the Mayor,turned her back and walked! Just like she’s doing to Dayton. It’s time for change.

By Help!

October 22, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

With DDN endorsing McLin, and such an overwhelming negative reaction from readers, you have to wonder how DDN explains their disconnect from the region they are reflecting. Maybe that’s why their subscriptions keep falling further.They just don’t get it. McLin is an atrocious failure. Leitzell comes off as a propellar-head nearly as poor as Mclin, but at least he’s change, and Dayton can’t afford any more of its current “experience”.

By null

October 22, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

Help…Because the DDN doesn’t think they are disconnected. Even if they are right on board with what Dayton city residents believe (primarily Democrats) that doesn’t make Rhine any more competent at the job.

By Sad Commentary

October 22, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this

It’s sad when people don’t have an intellegent opinion on the article they just attack others for their opinions.

By bleeb

October 22, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Leitzell offered up a really well written rebuttal to the DDN’s editorial. I’m impressed. All I knew about this guy was from what I read in the DDN, and it seems as though they haven’t bothered doing their jobs as journalists. Go Gary (sorry, I can’t vote…I don’t live in Dayton).

By dayton resident

October 22, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

gary has my vote. maybe he will be smart enough to shut off that stupid fountain pouring fresh water into the filthy river. what a waste of money.

By Worried in Dayton

October 22, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

Go Gary Go! If you live in Dayton you know that we need something new in this city! Anything, and I do mean anything, has got to be better than what we have currently! DDN doesn’t print in Dayton, why report from Dayton…talk about taking jobs away from the area…DDN needs to take a look at it’s own ethics. Very liberal picking on a “stay-at-home” dad…directly from a liberal newspaper! Hah, what a joke.

By noval

October 22, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

until the liberal democrats are un-seated in this county, you can expect to see dayton go futher down than up. dayton needs to get strong leadership in the mayor’s chair.the dayton media is mostly a democrat voiced outlet.

By davidss2

October 22, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

DDN was in favor of HOPE and CHANGE in November 1 year ago. That hope and change is bankrupting our country and weakening the dollar. ———————-But now it’s time for HOPE and CHANGE with Gary Leitzell. Gary has to be better than an old guard leftover from the crony era of Dayton Democrat Westside politics of CJ McLin. Voting for McLin just because she’s black is a step down. The DDN doesn’t want to broach the rumors of alcohol along with incompetence. But it’s time for the voters to get HOPE and CHANGE. 8 years is enough.

By B

October 22, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

I just think it’s hilarious that people actually think that being the mayor of Dayton is some powerful post. We do not have a strong mayor government. We have a city manager form of government. Leitzell doesn’t have any radical new ideas, except how to run the city more like a business. If his idea is to rip up the City Charter and start from scratch, then we have a place to begin. If not, he’ll take a beating on Nov 3.

By Rick

October 22, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

My question is how can the DDN endorse McLin? She has done NOTHING to help this city. I said it once and I will say it again. Ellen Belcher needs to be prohibited from writing in anything greater than a greeting card. She is clueless just like McLin is. Birds of a feather I guess.

By Tim

October 23, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this

Imagine what Dayton would look like if parents were as responsible as Gary. The DDN would go out of business because they would have nothing to report.

By EEE

October 23, 2009 6:52 AM | Link to this

There are certain political people who do not embrace the sterotype of Democrat or Republican. Mike Turner is one (except for his HCR views). Gary Leitzell is another. They do their homework and bring to their people what they feel will serve them better. I have seen McLin in “action” for quite a few years before and after her mayor stint. She needed to go a long time ago. BTW, my husband works from home and he works 10 times harder than I do at a full time job so don’t ever degrade what a stay at home worker does. They get things done and then some.

By Brock

October 23, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

The DDN is a complete joke. The fact that it supports a deadbeat, drunk mayor who has destroyed the city speaks volumes. This city is dying, and thankfully so if the DDN. While the eminent death of Dayton will be a slower one, the DDN should be belly up and defunct by 2015. To that thousands will say “Good Riddance”.

By bigdog

October 23, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

I remember a few years ago when Mayor McHat talked to my political science class at Sinclair. She had nothing useful to say. She spoke to us like we were in second grade (yet our ages ranged from around 18 to into the 40’s at least). She asked things like, “How many counties does Ohio have?” “What is the biggest county?” “What is the smallest county?” I sat there as she confirmed the gut feeling I’ve had for a long time about career politicians. They think we know nothing and enjoy talking down to us. What was that we heard so much a year ago about it being time for a change? Something about moving away from “business as usual…” I guess they weren’t serious about it around here.

By bigdog

October 23, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

One more thought here… No offense to Mr. Leitzell (he is better than the other choice, I think), but the best people to fill any political office usually want nothing to do with being a politician. Has anyone else noticed that? The best people to lead are wise enough to know to not get involved in politics. Since they usually “tell it like it is,” and don’t sugar-coat anything, they know they’ll never get elected in the first place. That is the saddest truth about politics in this country at all levels. Moving out of state is looking better all the time…

By b hall

October 23, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

There is no way he can do worse then Mclin. She has got to GO!

By null

October 23, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

B- No one is saying the mayor is an all powerful force, but she is the face of the city. She represents Dayton to other governments and the business community. It is an absolute requirement, regardless of the opinion of the DDN, that she be robust in her knowledge, capable in her communication and confident in her presentation. Her “instincts” are simply not good enough when combined with her lack of these other attributes.

By dale1

October 23, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

I would gviv this guy a chance. Any one that would vote for McLin after all her failed policies, well, is not very smart. This isn’t about politics its about saving the city of Dayton. The DDN would back Hitler if he was running as a democrat. At least this guy is an independent and he actually talks to the people and business leaders. McLin is corrupt and if any of you actually care about Dayton you would vote her out and vote in change. If McLin wins all descent people should move out of the city and bankrupt the city.

By speaking of business...

October 23, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

June 3, 2007, DDN: “Dayton-area funeral homes vary in their compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, but two homes stand out in the scope of their violations…” the McLin funeral home was one of the two. The Mont. Co. Clerk of Courts website lists dozens of tax issues against them and lawsuits against them and Rhine McLin. Gary Leitzell’s name comes up clean, though.

By Jim

October 23, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

Actually, I think the DDN endorsement of McLin has helped Leitzell. It is just another example of the ignorance of liberals in the Dayton area.

By bigdog

October 23, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Vic, I don’t know which party you were endorsed by, but in the beginning of your remarks (which were posted twice, by the way), the reader is led to think that you were probably endorsed by the Republican party. What you say at the end of your rant sounds more like a diatribe from an operative of the MoveOn gang. And lack of good grammar must be a common factor among all politicians. We should not have “fault” a war? I can understand if you ended up with “fouht” or “fougt” or “foughtr.” The correct answer is “fought,” sir. This goes beyond misspelling, and, coupled with your misleading introduction and double-post, makes me seriously question the credibility of your statements. You sound a lot like one guy I heard defending the governor by saying, “The governor is one man…how could he possibly be solely responsible for losing jobs in Ohio?” This is a valid question, until the same person turns around and states that the governor is doing a good job of pulling us out of the recession. If one man cannot negatively affect a state’s economy, and if it is easier to destroy than it is to create, then how is it possible that one man can bring us out of the hard times (especially at the state level when there are larger forces at work)? It does not follow. Yet, this argument is what we hear constantly from the left.

By Dan

October 29, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

I think Jim hit the nail right on the head. “I believe Dayton is between a rock and a hard place in this mayoral election. Neither candidate is appealing. The fact that Dayton can’t produce a great, intellectual candidate for Mayor, should have been the topic of the editorial board.” I also think “From Georgia” has a point. Look at the evidence. When will someone step up?