Change is coming to Dayton. The city's new mayor plans on turning the city around through efforts to build safer neighborhoods, refocus City Hall to benefit the community by putting Dayton residents first and get businesses back in full bloom.

Independent Gary Leitzell has been elected as Dayton's new mayor, beating out Rhine McLin, who was mayor for eight years. Leitzell won with 51.5 percent of the votes.

Leitzell is also the president and chairman of his neighborhood association of the Southwest Priority Board and a business man who takes community seriously, according to a Dayton Daily News article. He wants to advocate change in the city with what he calls a "grassroots revolution."

Leitzell's win was a surprise to many because he was on the outside of the political establishment, unlike his opponent Rhine McLin. His campaign stressed his promises to make change in Dayton while staying connected to the people. Opponents of Leitzell are unsure about his lack of experience in politics, but he is a simple man whose main goal is to listen to the people.

With Leitzell's election, some people are left wondering about his plans regarding college students.

"College students will benefit if the economy turns around," Paul Leonard, lecturer for the political science department and former Dayton mayor, said. "We can't keep young people in the community without offering them hope, a sound future and a job."

Grant Neeley, associate professor in the political science department, noted Leitzell's strong neighborhood connection and wondered whether he would try to connect with students as well, according to a Dayton Daily News article.

"Change is coming to Dayton, I promise you," Leitzell said according to the Dayton Daily News. "We are going to kill the old and outdated methods of governing. Ladies and gentlemen, this is your city. You live here, you pay the taxes, you pay the salaries of the people you elect, and you are the ones who say where you want the great ship Dayton to go."

Leitzell has big plans to revitalize Dayton starting with the neighborhoods. He wants to rebuild safer neighborhoods that thrive. A second priority is to redirect the focus of City Hall. Dayton residents should be put first and communication between the government and residents should be cleared up.

Leitzell's other priority is in the business realm of Dayton. He plans on providing local entrepreneurs with an economic ground to create new businesses with more job opportunities for the community.

"He says he wants to bring jobs in Dayton," Leonard said. "Easier said than done. The mayor has to focus on policy. He has a big job ahead of him. Personally, I would like to see a renewed interest in neighborhood revitalization and some form of regionalism in the greater Dayton community."

As Dayton's new leader, Leitzell now represents the city and is the voice of the people. His actions are reflected upon the city and his changes will reshape Dayton for the next four years.