Two Dayton commissioners seek reelection; challenger emerges

Dayton City Commissioners Chris Shaw and Matt Joseph today filed petitions to run for re-election, but they weren’t the first to file.

Dayton resident Valerie Duncan in October filed a petition to vie for one of the two seats on the ballot this year.

Joseph is seeking his fifth term on the city commission, while Shaw is seeking a second term.

If more than four candidates make the ballot, they will face off in the May election. The top four would then move on to November. If fewer than five candidates make the ballot, there will not be a race in the Spring.

Both commissioners have received the endorsement of the Montgomery County Democratic Party, according to a news release from their re-election campaigns.

In a prepared statement, Joseph touted his experience helping maintain essential services during the Great Recession.

He said he wants to help make the decisions to build a better city.

Shaw, owner of Shaw Cleaners, says he’s proud of his work to connect Dayton Public School students to apprenticeships and high-paying trade jobs.

Credit: Chris Stewart

Credit: Chris Stewart

“Job growth is my number one priority on the city commission,” he said.

Duncan is listed as a ward leader for the Montgomery County Democratic Party executive committee.

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