Dayton City Council (8 candidates, vote for 6)

Click on the candidate’s names to learn more about them:

INCUMBENTS

Christina Kelly

Christina Kelly joined Dayton city council in 2021. She said she’s proud of the work council has done over the past few years and sees more opportunities to tackle issues of communications, safety and other concerns around the city.

Much of her first term focused on recovering from the chaos caused by Covid, she said. Working together to address the issues has helped strengthen the cohesiveness within council and with the community.

“I would like to continue building on our current momentum,” she said. “I think we’ve made progress in a number of areas from working with our budget to make sure we are offering competitive salaries for our first responders and city staff, to addressing blight and safety issues, to revitalizing the 6th Avenue streetscape, and fun stuff like our new Entertainment District.”

She said she feels much of council’s success can be attributed to improved communications —improvements in technology that make meetings both live and online more accessible, better use of social media outlets and even adding an information kiosk in Monument Park. With the help of Southbank Partners, electronic kiosks will be installed around the city as well.

“But communication is also an area where there is always room for improvement, and you can never stop trying to do better,” she said. “… Even with all those improvements and communication outlets, there’s still folks that aren’t being reached, and we need to continue to use every avenue of communication that is available to us so that our community feels informed and involved,” she added.  

Dayton has seen growth in recent years, and Kelly said it can be a challenge.

“Change is hard. I hate sitting in traffic as much as anyone else, but our new businesses and residents bring so much more to our community than a few extra minutes of commute. They bring us an opportunity for new friends and neighbors who bring students to our schools, volunteers for city boards and activities, supporters of our existing businesses and owners of new businesses,” she said.

“That said, community safety and maintaining an infrastructure that can handle the increased population within the reality of our budgetary constraints are the challenges. Dayton has stormwater issues…council needs to make sure that development adheres to best practices in reducing stormwater runoff.”

Council’s one priority should always be the safety of Dayton’s residents, she said. Council has made changes to improve traffic flow and signage in areas identified with safety concerns, she said.

Kelly said the city must ensure first responder and city employee positions are fully staffed and equipped as Dayton continues to grow.  

The city’s budget addresses these issues, she said, and allocates funds for a new public works building and city building as well as fun amenities requested by citizens including a pickleball court and dog park.

“One of our long-term goals is continuing to improve the walkability of our city, and we recently passed a sidewalk grant to assist residents in funding sidewalk repairs, “ she said.  

**********

Jessica Lynn Lovins

Jessica Lovins is a longtime “Daytonian.” She said what she loves most about her city is the small community spirit.

“I love this city! It has given me a home and so much more…We pull together and support one another. Decisions made at the council level have affected me on all levels, and I’ve witnessed the impact they have had on my neighbors. I want to create a community that respects and uplifts small and local businesses, is safe for families, the elderly and children to walk around in, and encourages healthy active living.”

As far as serving on council goes, she said, “be the change you want to see.” Although there is always room for improvement, she said the city has done a great job to improve communications.

“The first thing that stands out to me is the city’s communication. It’s been great over the last few years and ,yes, there is always room for improvement in this area. I believe the city has been essential for all voices to be represented in the decision-making process. We have ensured that citizens have multiple opportunities to provide input and feedback on policy initiatives. This was done by public forums, town hall meetings, surveys and other methods of gathering information from the community. We strive to create an environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and respected,” she said.

Attracting and support new businesses is key to building strength in the city, she said.

“I think our main street is beautiful with bright spots, but also missing spots. We need to really reach out to those young entrepreneurs, see what their ideas are. How can we further beautify our main street? What can we do with our streetscape that makes it more appealing and nicer looking?…We need to support our current local small businesses and try keeping them in position where they can strive, hire and stay in business, while also attracting new businesses.”

Dayton is a city rich in history. The business district has great potential to grow, but it’s important to preserve and protect the city’s historic character. The key is finding a balance between the old and the new.

Looking ahead, she said, the city needs to address the housing issue.

“We need to address housing unaffordability in Dayton, both for homeowners and renters. We must meet these housing crisis challenges head on by supporting a broad range of housing policies to approve new homes at all income levels. I want to be able to make it so that my kid and future generations can afford to live here,” Lovins said.

**********

Joseph “Joe” Neary

Joe Neary has served on the Dayton city council for 10 years after serving more than six years on various city boards.

“I’ve been part of a lot of projects and plans that worked, and some that didn’t. I try to share that experience with our citizens, with my fellow council members, with our administration and staff, and especially with our valuable volunteer boards. That way we can all make the right decisions moving forward, with lessons learned from the past mixed with new ideas. We’ve had a great balance of old and new priorities and opinions on council…and I want to keep that cooperative spirit working for our city,” Neary said.

He said he is proud of the work the city and community have done to improve properties around town.

“Our property valuation has increased, with millions of dollars of investment in new infill developments. We’re also experiencing a lot of owner improvements on existing properties in every neighborhood, which shows that people believe Dayton is worth investing in. This has allowed us to greatly reduce our property tax rate, while still providing additional revenue to make our public safety and administration jobs more competitive,” he said.  

The city has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at increasing walkability and pedestrian safety, but change can be difficult.

“It is sometimes a challenge to justify some initiatives to those who are wary of change, or have different priorities. Explaining topics like how increased property valuation benefits everyone (especially long-term residents) and the values of pedestrian walkability is part of local government’s job,” Neary said. “But if we can keep listening to the questions and concerns of our citizens and businesses and provide honest communications, everyone can see the benefits of these projects and support them, and provide even more ideas.” 

The city needs to continue its efforts in two-way communication with its citizens, he said.

“Dayton has many smart and caring citizens, with different priorities and opinions, who also want to make our great place an even better place.”

Several new businesses have moved into Dayton’s main business district along 6th Avenue. Prioritizing local businesses in the core has been key, Neary said.

“You don’t get that ‘community vibe’ with corporate chains, and I believe these locally-owned businesses add a lot to the quality of life here…,” he said. “Our Main Street Board is very active in coming up with ideas to help promote our business district, so we can show others that investing in Dayton is worth the effort.”

Neary said he wants to continue to be a part of Dayton’s positive trajectory going forward.

“I hope I have gained the trust of our citizens and business owners, and the positive feedback I see and hear show me that together we are making Dayton an even better place to live,” Neary said. “I want to keep that positive momentum going in the right direction, with respect for the past and vision for the future.”

**********

Beth Nyman

Beth Nyman has lived in Dayton for 11 years. She said she decided to run for council in 2018 in an effort to combat blight and to preserve and protect the city’s many historic buildings.

“We’ve done well in dealing with a serious blight issue,” Nyman said. “Many homes have been brought back to life and sold to new citizens who add to a thriving community,” she said. “A good example of this is the Burton (Raime) building on 6th and Berry that sat empty for decades. It has been renovated, new residential tenants have moved in and retail is coming soon.”

She said Dayton has been successful in bringing new business and new residents to the city.

“We’ve attracted new businesses to our Avenue. The Berry Street ramp is open and connecting the riverfront to the rest of the city. We’ve made this progress while remaining financially solid,” she said.

“New people bring new energy. We need to invite and include our new neighbors to enjoy not just our riverfront but all our businesses and amenities in town,” she added. “We need to continue to create one Dayton that isn’t defined by what side of the floodwall you live on.”

In an historic city with narrow streets and small lots, Nyman said traffic is an ongoing concern.

“With new residents comes increased traffic. Dealing with this issue will become a focus in the next term as our population grows.”

Dayton is also working to make improvements in city facilities, according to Nyman.

“The city building continues to be an issue. The employees and police are not in an ideal facility. We need to solve this problems in the most fiscally responsible way possible,” she said.

“We need to continue to take advantage of state and federal grants and programs to improve our town,” she added. The city also needs to “continue to offer incentives to get new businesses off to a strong start.”

Looking ahead, Nyman said she supports the city’s efforts at providing open communication with the community.

“I think we need to continue to work to be open and transparent using the city website, social media, monthly newsletter and video coverage of monthly city council meetings,” she said.

CHALLENGERS

Tarris “Troy” Horton

Tarris “Troy” Horton has lived in Dayton for a year. He is the owner of Horton’s Barbershop, which he opened in Dayton in 2001. Since then he relocated his business to Covington but said he plans to return to Dayton with a second location soon.

“I have a deep understanding of the challenges our local businesses face…I am actively planning to bring another Horton’s Barbershop to Dayton soon! I believe in the potential of our community and want to contribute to its growth,” he said.

“The city has made it relatively easy to start a business here, thanks in part to incentive programs that helped subsidize my rent. I know firsthand that attracting businesses to Dayton is achievable, and I believe we can make our community even more vibrant for both residents and visitors.”

Horton said his top priority is transparency. 

“I believe that no matter where you live in Dayton — whether it’s Manhattan Boulevard, Lincoln, Ninth Street or anywhere else — you should have equal access to information and a strong voice in our community. We are all Daytonians, regardless of whether you were born here or have just moved in. My wife and I plan to make Dayton our forever home, and I want to ensure that everyone feels equally invested in our city’s future.

“One of my first initiatives will be to create a ‘Citizen’s Portal’ — a platform designed to facilitate clearer communication and ensure that your voices are heard. This portal will serve as a hotline for residents to connect with city administration, allowing for better dialogue and the sharing of ideas,” he said.

“With the recent influx of new residents and the development of million-dollar homes and apartment complexes along Manhattan Boulevard, it’s crucial that longtime residents understand where funding is coming from and how it’s being allocated. Transparency is key to building trust within our community.”

He also shared plans to introduce a youth mentorship program he calls “Project 1099,” aimed at young people in grades three to nine.

“This initiative will teach essential life skills, such as tying a tie, balancing a checkbook, and even doing household chores. We want to empower our young people to become self-sufficient and entrepreneurial, showing them that they can thrive as independent workers, or ‘1099 workers.’ I already have an extensive plan for this program in place, and I can’t wait to share it with the community!” he said.

Looking ahead, he said, strengthening communication and ties between city government and citizens is key. 

“I want to be the candidate who fills this gap and bridges the divide between city administration and the residents of Dayton. Together, we can foster an even greater sense of community and ensure that everyone has a say in our city’s future. Let’s make Dayton an even better place to live, work, and play!”

Aaron Judd

With a background in international business, Aaron Judd is a senior internal auditor at GE Aerospace and an adjunct professor at Thomas More University. He has lived in Dayton since 2013.

“I am running for city council because I want to serve my community and to bring a fresh new face to the council.  I feel my background in community service, non-profit boards/leadership roles, my inquisitive mind and my creative problem-solving will suit me well in a volunteer/public-servant role like this,” he said.

Judd said takes a business-oriented approach: “Efficient, people-focused progress” is his slogan.

“I want to ensure that every decision the city council makes has the residents’ best interest in mind and that the city is spending money in the most efficient/effective manner — this includes reducing taxes where it makes sense to do so.  I believe the city could benefit from leveraging more of a business mindset, including establishing a set of true north metrics (or KPIs) to help the city track to and achieve it’s goals.”

KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are defined as critical and quantifiable indicators of progress toward a goal.

He said he feels the city is doing a good job overall, retaining established businesses and residents, while attracting new business and new residents to the area. The city is also working on several projects with new revenue generated by those new businesses and efforts.

“I do not want to dramatically change the direction/momentum of the city, but I do want to challenge the way the city operates and challenge the mentality of city leadership to think more creatively — not just doing something because other cities are doing it, but being the city that others want to emulate,” he said.

Judd said he would also like to see more creative approaches to the way the city uses its resources.

“A couple areas that I think Dayton, Kentucky, should focus on in the coming years:  First is leveraging our limited physical space (and other resources) to produce the most value — I believe we have too much single-use space, and we should think more creatively about how to be smarter about leveraging out fixed assets/costs,” he said.  “Second, is helping to facilitate some good options to keep our youth engaged and out of trouble when not in school. There seems to be a lack of good meeting spaces around the city for our school-aged children.  The current special events the city helps facilitate typically cater to either very young children or adults,” he said.