Community advocates push for ballot initiative to save Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton

The Dayton City Commission meeting held on July 9, 2025, addressed significant community concerns regarding the closure of Good Samaritan Hospital and the subsequent ballot initiative aimed at addressing healthcare needs in Northwest Dayton. The meeting featured passionate public comments from residents advocating for the preservation of local healthcare services and expressing frustration with the commission's handling of the situation.

The session began with a series of public comments, where speakers highlighted the perceived failures of the commission to act decisively against the hospital's closure. One speaker, Dr. Rockne Carter, criticized former commissioners for not utilizing their legislative power effectively. He emphasized the community's efforts to gather signatures for a ballot initiative, claiming that despite collecting over 5,500 signatures, the commission opted to invalidate the petition due to minor clerical errors.

Kathleen Gault, another resident, echoed these sentiments, urging the commission to honor the voices of the community. She described the ongoing efforts to save the hospital and criticized the narrative that the community was asking for services similar to those at Metro Health. Gault argued that the commission's actions reflected a disregard for the democratic process, suggesting that the city officials were more responsive to wealthy interests than to the needs of everyday residents.

Following the public comments, the commission discussed the legal implications of the ballot initiative. A motion was made to table the decision until the law department could provide a legal opinion on the constitutionality of the initiative. The motion received support from several commissioners, who acknowledged the need for further deliberation and consultation with community representatives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commission to gather more information and engage in deeper discussions regarding the healthcare needs of the community. The outcome of the meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between city officials and residents, as well as the importance of community involvement in local governance. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how they address the healthcare concerns raised by the community.