City appoints Smith to position No. 7

DAYTON-The City Council chose Michael Smith from among three candidates for the vacancy of Board Position No.7 left by Tiger Deui, during the meeting July 1.

Council heard three interviews from interested candidates to fill the vacancy of Position No. 7. There were three questions that were posed where each candidate took a turn going first. The first question was: What do you hope to accomplish being a City of Dayton Councilmember? The second was: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues? The last was: Do you think the community is healthy and successful?

Mike Smith said he brings experience that would help in tackling problems like the sediment in the river in town and he would like to work for a more cohesive relationship with the County. His experience with controversy and complicated issues, comes from working in risk management. It is best to listen respectfully and to work quickly to find a solution. Smith said that he thought the community was thriving more when he moved to Dayton 11 years ago and that there is potential of getting Dayton back go where it was.

Candidate Joann Patras is campaigning for Position No. 4, but because no letters of interested had come to fruition for Position No. 7, she was willing to temporarily fill the vacancy. She also wants to address affordable middle-class housing which would boost the tax base. Her approach to controversial or complicated issues is to research the issue, listen to input and consider it when finding solutions. She pointed out that with two sides to an issue, one side will not get what they want. She sees a lot of success and good things happening in Dayton particularly on Main Street and feels like things are moving in the right direction.

The other person seeking appointment to Position No. 7 was Regina Weldert who seeks a better sense of community, to support the small businesses, and follow through with projects. Weldert believes listening to all sides of a controversial issue and build a community that will work together towards resolutions. She also contends that the community is not healthy and successful because of the divisions, as well as the buildings that stand empty. Weldert claimed people have stopped wanting to come to Dayton but recognized that some businesses are moving in and doing well. She went on to say that Dayton will never be what it was because the past is the past and Dayton needs to support one another and work together to move forward into the future.

Council held an executive session immediately following the interviews to discuss the candidates and upon returning, they voted to appoint Mike Smith. Councilwoman Laura Aukerman dissented. Smith will finish the remainder of the term until the end of 2025.