Oxford City Council officially welcomed new faces to its local government during Tuesday's first meeting with the recently elected council, and saw the appointment of Prue Dana as the new city mayor.
In addition to welcoming the councilors, the meeting was the last for former Councilors Alan Kyger and Dave Prows, and former Mayor Jerome Conley.
"There is a certain feeling of nostalgia," Conley said. "This has been a part of my life for eight years."
The new mayor was chosen in executive session after the new members of council were sworn in.
Conley described the transition of the new members as extremely smooth. According to Conley, the new council was able to elect the new mayor and vice mayor and determine membership to various committees and boards.
"The meeting was an example of democracy at its finest," Conley said.
New councilor Richard Keebler agreed that the transition was flawless.
"The old council members were there to support the new, which was very nice," Keebler said. "I think the election for mayor also went well."
Being appointed mayor, Dana said she is very excited.
"Oxford is in a very unusual position with our new city manager, new council members, a Miami University president who is relatively new, our upcoming Comprehensive Plan update and in addition Oxford Township is working on a land use plan," Dana said. "It's the ideal time to do networking, interfacing and connecting within people, boards and governing bodies. It's happening right now and I feel privileged and honored to be in a position to help during this interface."
Also appointed at Tuesday's meeting was Ken Bogard as vice mayor. Dana said there is no question that Bogard will be effective in his new position.
"Ken has been mayor before," Dana said. "He understands what a mayor has to do. In times that I am not available, it is important that he fill in well. He also has strong regional connections."
Councilor Kate Currie said Dana is a good candidate for mayor.
"I think she was elected for her leadership and dedication to the job," Currie said.
Keebler echoed these sentiments.
"Prue's done a good job as vice mayor," Keebler said. "She has been very well involved during her six years on council. She's familiar with a number of issues and serves on all kinds of boards and committees. She is a good leader."
Dana said it is sad to part with the old members-Kyger, Prows and Conley.
"Our last meeting before Thanksgiving was very moving," Dana said. "The old councilors have been there, know how to react and are in tune with the practices and policies."
According to Dana, both Prows and Conley have been on council for eight years while Kyger has served on and off for about 20 years.
The new members of council are ready to take office and start work, according to both Currie and Councilor Greig Rutherford.
"It's a privilege," Rutherford said. "It's certainly not something I am accustomed to. I will make an effort to make sure I am a good representative for the city of Oxford. I feel a powerful sense of responsibility."
While Keebler said the meeting was strictly organizational, the new members were appointed to specific committees.
Currie said she would be serving for the housing advisory board and the community improvement corporation. Keebler will be working with the planning commission, the finance commission and the Woodside Cemetery Commission. Rutherford will join the police advisory board, the environmental committee and the senior citizens board.
Dana credited a large part of the easy transition to the city staff.
"Our seasoned staff guided us through this transition," Dana said. "It's a pleasure to serve. I hope I can do a good job. Jerome (Conley) left big shoes."
