DAYTON -- The three candidates who want to lead Dayton went head to head Tuesday night. Vacant homes, job creation, and downtown revitalization were all hot topics for the candidates.
Former Judge A.J. Wagner says the next mayor needs to do a better job of attracting new businesses and cleaning up blighted neighborhoods.
"We cannot continue to watch our neighborhoods deteriorate at the rate they are and become more and more vacant at the rate they are. If we do that, we'll just have to shut down the city or tear it all down," he said.
The criticism wasn't taken lightly by incumbent Mayor Gary Leitzell. He spent much of the time defending his record over the past four years. He even held up a list of all the things he's done to improve the city.
"Of these 75 items on this list, I have personally touched 47 of them. That's what I'm proud of: My ability to inspire people and make a difference in this town," said Leitzell.
"We need a mayor that's a true cheerleader for job creation. Another portion of that is that small businesses need to feel heard at City Hall. I don't think that is the case right now," Dayton City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Nan Whaley said.
Even though she currently works in City Hall, Whaley feels she would be a better voice for the city as mayor. Of course, that will be determined soon by you.
On Tuesday May 7, you'll see all three candidates on the ballot. Then the top two vote-getters will square off in November.
Former Judge A.J. Wagner says the next mayor needs to do a better job of attracting new businesses and cleaning up blighted neighborhoods.
"We cannot continue to watch our neighborhoods deteriorate at the rate they are and become more and more vacant at the rate they are. If we do that, we'll just have to shut down the city or tear it all down," he said.
The criticism wasn't taken lightly by incumbent Mayor Gary Leitzell. He spent much of the time defending his record over the past four years. He even held up a list of all the things he's done to improve the city.
"Of these 75 items on this list, I have personally touched 47 of them. That's what I'm proud of: My ability to inspire people and make a difference in this town," said Leitzell.
"We need a mayor that's a true cheerleader for job creation. Another portion of that is that small businesses need to feel heard at City Hall. I don't think that is the case right now," Dayton City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Nan Whaley said.
Even though she currently works in City Hall, Whaley feels she would be a better voice for the city as mayor. Of course, that will be determined soon by you.
On Tuesday May 7, you'll see all three candidates on the ballot. Then the top two vote-getters will square off in November.