5 file for Dayton City Commission, but only 4 likely to make ballot

(NOTE: This report has been updated with the name of candidate Shenise Turner-Sloss, who election officials incorrectly identified in an earlier version.)

Five people submitted petitions to run for the Dayton City Commission by the Friday deadline, but one hopeful, David Esrati, is not expected to make the ballot, county elections officials said.

“His petitions don’t meet the threshold,” said Montgomery County Board of Elections Director Jan Kelly. “He had 489 signatures — he needed 500.”

Esrati, who has unsuccessfully run for a city commission seat a handful of times, submitted his petitions on Friday afternoon, shortly before the deadline, according to elections officials.

MORE: Two Dayton commissioners seek re-election; challenger emerges

Board staff say they reviewed Esrati’s petitions on Monday, and though he had 563 signatures, he did not have the 500 valid signatures he needed to be certified to run in the Dayton City Commission races.

Signatures, addresses and other information have to match board of elections’ records. Board staff today will recommend the three-person Montgomery County Board of Elections not certify Esrati’s petitions.

Two incumbent commissioners, Matt Joseph and Chris Shaw, are running for re-election this fall.

Joseph is seeking a fifth term in office. Shaw is seeking a second term.

They will face challengers Valerie Duncan and Shenise Turner-Sloss. All four have had their petitions certified.

If Esrati’s petitions are rejected, the city of Dayton will not have a May election because a run-off is only required when five or more candidates are seeking two open seats, according to city charter rules. The candidates will face off in November.

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