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Residents urge action on gun violence and youth services during extended public comment
Summary
Ten residents and community representatives pressed the commission for action on gun violence, criticized surveillance spending and policing choices, and called for more youth programming, rec centers and anti‑poverty measures; commissioners pledged follow‑up work sessions and a retreat to align public‑safety responses.
An extended public‑comment period at the Dayton City Commission meeting brought a steady stream of testimony focused on gun violence, public safety, community disinvestment and youth programming.
Speakers included long‑time residents and community organizers who described recent shootings, urged stronger local action and criticized city policy decisions. Student speakers described how gun violence and poverty affect their peers, while other speakers criticized Flock surveillance cameras and the Phoenix police pilot and called for more recreation centers and youth programs.
"Cameras do not stop bullets," community member Yousef Elane said, arguing that surveillance grants create an illusion of security rather than preventing violence. Deca Middle School student Amaya Mikler urged the commission to adopt better plans to address gun violence and the poverty that she said fuels it.
Multiple speakers called for accountability in city leadership and for reallocation of resources to community‑based prevention and opportunity programs. Zakiya Jabar, who led a community press conference earlier in the week, urged the commission to wait for facts in police cases and to avoid blaming victims while also calling for tangible supports for West Dayton.
Commissioners thanked speakers, highlighted a recent public safety town hall and announced follow‑up steps: a police work session scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, and a planned commission retreat to create a coordinated, multi‑sector response treating gun violence as a public‑health crisis. Commissioners emphasized data‑driven evaluation of existing tactics alongside expanded violence‑intervention and youth‑investment efforts.
