2008 Woodie Awards
Oxford council elections need student attention
Issue date: 8/21/07 Section: Editorials
The future of three Oxford City Council seats will be determined in this November's election, setting the stage for the subsequent appointment of a new mayor. According to city statute, Oxford's mayor is determined indirectly, with the city council choosing from among the sitting city council persons.
In light of the importance of these positions to maintaining a good relationship between the city and the Miami community, students need to take interest in the candidates and help ensure that their interests are represented in the local government.
Considering the issues that divided student residents and the city of Oxford, this year's election presents an opportunity for Miami students to take a proactive stance on the issues that are important to them.
While city council should be commended over the way in which it took time to consider student residents' views after "drinking game" legislation was introduced last year, it would be a sad testament to Miami's student apathy should the majority of the student body remain uninvolved and disinterested in this year's contest. This is not to imply that this election is about any single issue, but rather the plethora of issues and concerns that affect the lives of Oxford's residents and are influenced by city council decisions.
Importantly, Miami students need to realize the voting power they possess. Of approximately 22,000 Oxford residents, more than 14,000 are Miami undergraduates. Additionally, roughly 44 percent of Oxford's population is between the ages of 20 and 24. In order to get candidates that will represent student interests onto the city council, undergraduates need to register or re-register to vote in Oxford and demonstrate that they are serious about playing a more active roll in their community.
Indeed, it would be a step forward simply to get candidates to articulate their positions on issues facing the community. Owing to the impact that the city council's decisions have on Oxford's citizens, it is pathetic that a candidate for public office, with realistic expectations of winning, has stated that he has no platform. We should demand more from our prospective community leaders.
If this year's election falls into the same pattern as those in years past, the future of Oxford's government will be determined by a small handful of voters. Their decisions will put into power leaders who will help determine the course of this community for the next four years. To be represented and protected in a democracy requires vigilance, and undergraduates are well advised to take an interest and hold candidates accountable to the students.
In light of the importance of these positions to maintaining a good relationship between the city and the Miami community, students need to take interest in the candidates and help ensure that their interests are represented in the local government.
Considering the issues that divided student residents and the city of Oxford, this year's election presents an opportunity for Miami students to take a proactive stance on the issues that are important to them.
While city council should be commended over the way in which it took time to consider student residents' views after "drinking game" legislation was introduced last year, it would be a sad testament to Miami's student apathy should the majority of the student body remain uninvolved and disinterested in this year's contest. This is not to imply that this election is about any single issue, but rather the plethora of issues and concerns that affect the lives of Oxford's residents and are influenced by city council decisions.
Importantly, Miami students need to realize the voting power they possess. Of approximately 22,000 Oxford residents, more than 14,000 are Miami undergraduates. Additionally, roughly 44 percent of Oxford's population is between the ages of 20 and 24. In order to get candidates that will represent student interests onto the city council, undergraduates need to register or re-register to vote in Oxford and demonstrate that they are serious about playing a more active roll in their community.
Indeed, it would be a step forward simply to get candidates to articulate their positions on issues facing the community. Owing to the impact that the city council's decisions have on Oxford's citizens, it is pathetic that a candidate for public office, with realistic expectations of winning, has stated that he has no platform. We should demand more from our prospective community leaders.
If this year's election falls into the same pattern as those in years past, the future of Oxford's government will be determined by a small handful of voters. Their decisions will put into power leaders who will help determine the course of this community for the next four years. To be represented and protected in a democracy requires vigilance, and undergraduates are well advised to take an interest and hold candidates accountable to the students.
Be the first to comment on this story