As 2025 dawns, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began 18 years ago. Since launching www.esrati.com [1], I’ve published 3,288 posts exploring Dayton’s complex tapestry—its challenges, its potential, and the injustices that demand attention. These posts have sparked over 25,344 comments, each one a testament to the dialogue, debate, and dedication of this community of readers.
Through this platform, I’ve taken on roles that traditional journalism often abandons due to dwindling resources and eroding trust: investigator, storyteller, and advocate. Whether exposing corruption in “When the wrong answer and no response spells corruption and coverup [2]” or celebrating victories like the disbarment of Aaron Hartley [3], my work has always been guided by one principle: the belief that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a just society.
This effort isn’t mine alone. Behind every post are the brave individuals who’ve entrusted me with confidential insights and critical information. Without their courage and your engagement—your comments, critiques, and conversations—this work wouldn’t exist. To every reader who’s contributed to the dialogue, to every source who’s risked speaking out, thank you. Together, we’ve built something rare and valuable: a platform that connects the dots and confronts the status quo.
Over the years, I’ve expanded this mission through two non-profits. Modern Policy, at www.modernpolicy.org [4], develops tools to make government more transparent and accessible. Reconstructing Dayton, at www.reconstructingdayton.org [5], advocates for Unigov—pushing for regional governance to break down the barriers that fragment our community and hinder progress. These efforts are a continuation of the work we’ve done here: imagining a better Dayton and fighting for the structures that can make it possible.
In an era when journalism is under siege—starved of resources and trust—the need for independent voices is greater than ever. It’s easy to feel disheartened, to wonder whether these efforts are valued or even noticed. But every time a corrupt official is held accountable, every time a system is forced to reckon with its failures, I’m reminded of why this work matters.
As we move into a new year, I envision a Dayton where:
- Government operates with transparency, supported by tools that empower citizens to hold leaders accountable.
- Community voices are heard and valued, fostering collaboration over division.
- Regional governance unites us under shared goals, making our city stronger, fairer, and more efficient.
- Local journalism thrives again, ensuring that stories of injustice and triumph alike are brought to light.
This isn’t just my vision—it’s ours. It’s built on years of shared effort, fueled by the belief that Dayton’s best days are still ahead. The path isn’t easy, but it’s one we’ve walked together.
Top Posts That Shaped the Dialogue
Here are some of the most-read and discussed posts on www.esrati.com [1] – each reflecting critical moments and challenges in Dayton’s ongoing story:
- How much do 3 stitches cost? [6]
A sobering look at healthcare costs and their impact on everyday citizens.
46,246 views, 89 comments - Bonds for Charter Schools that can’t write English [7]
Exposing critical issues in the education system and misuse of public resources.
44,485 views, 35 comments - Thought-provoking tv spot for… a school [8]
Exploring the power of media and messaging in shaping public perception.
27,106 views, 24 comments - Esrati Plan [9]
My vision for a better Dayton, focusing on equity, transparency, and growth.
24,330 views, 38 comments - Child porn hysteria [10]
Challenging societal overreactions and the consequences of unchecked fear.
19,863 views, 3 comments - How to vote in the primary: declaring your party affiliation [11]
A guide empowering voters with the knowledge to participate in democracy.
16,061 views, 7 comments - Some thoughts on the Sinclair Levy, issue 39 [12]
Analyzing local taxation and its implications for education and community investment.
15,176 views, 7 comments - Explaining irrational behavior in Dayton, Ohio [13]
A deep dive into the psychological and systemic forces shaping our city.
13,676 views, 50 comments - Video for the people: Esrati and his camera at candidates forums [14]
Highlighting the importance of documenting civic events and ensuring public access.
12,774 views, 4 comments - Call it the Montgomery/Warren County News from now on [15]
Examining media coverage and its role in shaping local narratives.
12,760 views, 5 comments
Let’s Keep Connecting the Dots
To all of you who’ve read, commented, supported (and especially those who’ve donated [16]), and shared: thank you. Your participation is the lifeblood of this work. Here’s to a year of renewal, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a better Dayton.
And now a confession. I had no way to do a summary of what I’ve done on this blog. The amount of time it would have taken would have been epic. So I asked ChatGPT for help. This process still took about 90 minutes to do- going back and forth, looking up stats, choosing which posts were good examples.
When I asked it to do something I thought would be pretty simple- go to my youtube channel [17] and list the top 20 videos with summaries- it failed miserably. Even after uploading a CSV file with the data.
It did write this:
“The Power of Visual Storytelling
In addition to written content, video has been a cornerstone of my effort to bring transparency, accountability, and meaningful discussion to Dayton’s most pressing issues. Videos allow complex topics to be shared visually, connecting with a broader audience and often sparking important conversations. Producing these videos requires time, resources, and dedication, but their impact makes it worthwhile.”
While I’m not certain the top 10 posts were actually the top 10 posts (Stats were from my WordPress Popular Posts plugin- which may not have always been installed- or working), I find the posts it chose interesting. Note, ChatGPT can’t always put proper links in it’s output either.
So, in an age where AI is supposed to put us all out of work, I’m not too worried… yet.
I do know that traffic to all websites will start dropping thanks to Google now including an AI generated summary of content- instead of sending you to top results established through a heuristic [18] process.
I’d like your feedback on this post, and how you feel about the use of AI to generate this content – please comment below. And, happy new year to all.
Song: The Citizen’s Light by David Esrati
Well written, David. The breadth of your local knowledge is always amazing to me. Re ChatGPT and its ilk, I’ve never seen a computer navigator that doesn’t have at least one mistake in it. They can’t be trusted.
Keep up the awesome reporting in 25
Happy New Year and thanks for the memories!
As to ChatGPT/AI, “I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
I want a sentient being at the helm at all times. No HAL 9000 for me and, thus, no retirement for you LOL. Do you read me?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARJ8cAGm6JE
So you are never left out in the cold, tell us how we can put “bread in your jar”.
@Melissa- there are two links above to the donation jar http://www.esrati.com/donate
Thank you