It's been a challenging year for Dayton as the city looks to rebuild after a series of tragic events.
On Monday evening, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley spoke about how the city has come together to rebuild and move forward. In May, a tornado ripped through Dayton destroying dozens of homes and establishments. And just two months ago, an armed man shot and killed 9 people and dozens of others outside a bar in the Oregon District. Despite these two tragic events, Mayor Whaley says the city has remained strong because it's unity.
“Dayton is a gritty and resilient city and we really came together and we did what we do best,” said Mayor Whaley. “We took care of each other”
Mayor Whaley said it’s important for city leaders to address national issues like gun violence in order to prevent events like these from reoccurring.
“You see that in communities across the country,” she said. “You certainly saw that this summer in Dayton and it’s time for Democrats to take action nationally like we have locally.”
Allen County Democratic Party chair Jeff Rex says Mayor Whaley's speech was much needed.
“Unfortunately it’s a message that none of us really wanted to hear, but we felt it was important that she got to Lima to be able to tell that message,” said Rex.
Although Dayton has remained strong through it all, the mayor says more needs to be done.
“We’re not going to stop until we get some Common Sense Legislation and we’re going to work hard to make sure that happens,” said Whaley.
The mayor hopes others in the Democratic Party will help support the Common Sense Gun Violence legislation.
