Voices: Dayton presents The Road to City Hall with Nan Whaley

Exclusive sit-down interview with Dayton city commissioner and mayoral candidate, Nan Whaley. Learn how she ended up in Dayton, what sets Dayton apart from many other cities and her plans for its future.

The Conversation Continues: A.J. Wagner

It is love for the people in his community that keeps A.J. Wagner going.

“There’s something about helping your local community that, at least, gives my life a purpose,” said Wagner.

A.J. Wagner has lived in Dayton since 1974, along with his wife Joan, when he started attending law school at the University of Dayton.

The sit-down interview premieres Oct. 22

He has worked many different jobs over the years including ten years as Montgomery County Auditor and ten years as the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge. Wagner feels his variety of experiences will contribute to the type of leadership that the city of Dayton needs.

“That experience that I have over my 61 years of life and with that résumé will provide the city with the kind of leadership that understands a lot of different problems, a lot of different issues, a lot of different situations,” added Wagner.

While addressing a group of concerned citizens at the Greater Love Church on Lakeview, he openly discussed different issues ranging from more after school programs to implementing city ordinances that would make it easier for convicted felons to obtain work if substantial time had passed since their last criminal offense.

A.J. Wagner

If elected, he hopes to bring his experience and knowledge to the tasks of creating new jobs, improving area schools and revitalizing Dayton neighborhoods. But keeping an open ear and actively engaging with community leaders and citizens are his top priorities.

“The most important thing I can do is open the doors to listening,” said Wagner.

If elected as Mayor, he plans to hold monthly meetings with ministers across the city, as he viewed churches as the ‘anchors’ of communities. He also hopes to have weekly breakfasts or lunches with neighborhood leaders.

“Hopefully they’ll inspire each other to do more within their own communities and we’ll learn where we can help them. And then hopefully we’ll be able to help them get the tools they need to help their neighborhoods succeed.”

For more information on AJ Wagner, check out his official website and his Facebook page.

Election day is November 5th.

– Hal David Roberts

The Road to City Hall

Voices: Dayton presents The Road to City Hall, two exclusive sit-down interviews with both Dayton mayoral candidates, A.J. Wagner & Nan Whaley. Learn more about the voices behind the yard signs, candidate debates, and rallies. Premiering online Tuesday, October 22nd, which is also exactly two weeks from Election Day on November 5th.

– HDR