Residents press Dayton commission to adopt peace resolution on Venezuela; commissioners say they will consider a model

Multiple residents urged the Dayton City Commission during public comment to adopt a resolution condemning an alleged U.S. military operation in Venezuela and to call for diplomacy and de-escalation.

Logan Martinez told the commission: "Now we're here asking you to pass a resolution condemning Trump's attack on Venezuela," and asked the body to demand the release of the Venezuelan president and to press for a ceasefire. The Greater Dayton Peace Coalition, represented by Sue Sutton, asked the commission to place a "Peace with Venezuela" resolution on the next agenda and provided a list of endorsing organizations and individuals.

"We are writing to urge the commission to adopt a resolution condemning the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that kidnapped president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores and removed them from Venezuelan territory," Sutton said, reading the coalition's request aloud and asking for a sponsor.

Other speakers, including Yusuf Al Zane and Hillary Lerman, asked the commission to take a moral stance and to consider the local effects of war spending. Al Zane framed the issue in economic terms, asking what a fraction of global military spending could do for local housing and clinics.

Commissioners acknowledged the public comments but did not vote on a resolution at the meeting. "At this juncture, I don't know if there is a model that we could mimic to call on peace," the mayor said, asking speakers to provide suggested language and sponsors for further discussion. Commissioners said they would review the coalition's submission and consider whether to place a resolution on a future agenda.

The commission did not take formal action on a peace resolution at the meeting; members said they will continue to consult with the public and consider template language before advancing any formal measure.