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Leitzell Seeks Change At City Hall

Posted: 8:52 pm EST November 3, 2009Updated: 9:22 pm EST November 4, 2009

Dayton will have a new mayor for next four years as incumbent two-term Mayor Rhine McLin was narrowly defeated Tuesday by Gary Leitzell.

Leitzell beat incumbent McLin 52 to 48 percent with 100 percent of the precincts reporting. His win shocked many people on Tuesday night.

Leitzell is a self-employed and spends most of his time renovating old houses and home-schooling his 6-year-old daughter. He also paints miniature figurines that sell for thousands of dollars.

Leitzell told News Center 7 that he is just as surprised as others that he was elected over McLin.

Many people have asked Leitzell what experience does he have to be mayor of Dayton. He said, "I have traveled all over the country to conventions. I know how to market myself and market the city."

Leitzell spent 12 years of his youth in England, which might explain his accent.

According to Leitzell, he only spent $17,000 on campaign signs and other campaign tools. He said, he wants to make a change and make a difference at City Hall.

He said, "We have a crime problem. We have an employment problem." He hopes to be able to show city leaders what his vision is of solving the crime problem and to bring jobs back to the city.

Leitzell told News Center 7 that he does not plan to be re-elected in four years. He said this is his one shot chance of making a difference in City Hall.

RAW INTERVIEW: Mayor-Elect Talks To News Center 7

Mayor Rhine McLin held a news conference at 5 p.m. and officially conceded to Leitzell.

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