Next mayor of Dayton will be Leitzell

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Political novice Gary Leitzell, an independent candidate in Dayton's mayoral race walked away a victor Tuesday night.

Leitzell spent $17,500 on his campaign, compared to over $100,000 spent by his opponent; two time incumbent Rhine McLin.

"Change is coming to Dayton," said Leitzell to his supporters just after 11 p.m. Tuesday.

They responded with catcalls, deafening cheers and whistles. "Our hard work has paid off," said one supporter.

Leitzell said his first order of business will be to bring new jobs to Dayton.

The business owner has never run for political office before. He is president of the Walnut Hills Association and chairman of the Southeast Priority Board.

He made his acceptance speech on the second floor of the Double Tree Hotel in Downtown Dayton. A window behind him overlooked city hall. His six year old daughter Elizabeth stood at his side, his wife Deborah wiped the occasional tear away.

It was a long campaign, and Leitzell said at times he felt overwhelmed. But he said his focus is on the future of the city.

"I care about the city. I have a six year old daughter," Leitzell said, "and she deserves better, we all do. And that's why I ran. She's six, and I want to focus on what will be going on when she's 18. We've lost focus on the future."