Mayor Nan Whaley, the current mayor up for reelection, has just three more “Mayor’s Porch Tours” left of the year before the November Election. These porch tours are a way Whaley has connected with her constituents.
They have also allowed her to figure out what issues she should focus on. The last “tour” was to the Gander Road Homeowners Association.
This is not something commonly seen among mayors, Governing Magazine said in an August report. The porch tours are very personal, with the magazine saying that the concept of conversations between neighbors on porches and over their fences is part of our city’s dynamic, and is one that Whaley has hit.
“Tapping into that dynamic helped Nan Whaley become mayor in 2013,” Governing Magazine states.
The porch tours have been more than just an opportunity for voters to make their voice heard, but also for Whaley and her team to make sure they provide the people of Dayton with efforts and updates on issues they care about.
Recently, Whaley visited Old North Dayton, where citizens stressed their biggest concerns; those being traffic, drugs and policies on property maintenance. Dayton police officers were also in attendance, providing feedback as well.
WDTN reported many officers attend these neighborhood meetings often, with one officer, Kevin Johnson, saying it’s important to hear citizen complaints directly.
The efforts Whaley has been making possess optimistic opportunity for Dayton residents. Many citizens have found it hard to make their voice heard about their concerns to the officials in charge.
As Dayton residents, we are extended an opportunity to personally express concerns in our areas specifically in a safe environment. Dayton is a big city with diversity transcending all measurable platforms.
You can find a complete schedule of the tours at www.daytonohio.gov/168/Mayors-Porch-Tours. Whaley’s next “tour” will be Tuesday, Sept. 18 for the Santa Clara/Sandalwood Park area. Though the meetings are intended to address a specific area’s concerns, all Dayton residents are invited to attend as an opportunity to stay in the loop about the whole city.
For minutes on city meetings, you can follow the link here at www.daytonohio.gov/agendacenter. Whaley’s efforts will hopefully progress the city of Dayton, as well bring attention to details affecting individual communities within the city limits.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer