2008 Woodie Awards
Oxford City Council sees lack in election applicants
Christopher Washington
Issue date: 8/21/07 Section: Front Page
Kyger said this lack of interest stems from the negative perception many Oxford residents have of city council. He said council meetings are often times filled with complaints and discontent and that many people will not want to be subjected to the criticism.
"I think the citizens are shying away from (running for city council) right now because I think city council gets blamed for a lot," Kyger said.
Vice Mayor Prue Dana echoed Kyger's sentiments commenting on the amount of responsibility that is attached to city council.
"It takes a tremendous amount of time," Dana said. "When you have a family or other obligations … it can be difficult. It's a commitment having to be here the first and third week (of each month) and having to serve on committees of council."
In addition, Dana said there has not been an interest expressed from current members of council to succeed Conley as mayor. If there is no specific candidate for mayor, city council will still choose from among its members to fill the position.
And while Dana said a thick skin is required to serve in government because of the criticism involved, Richard Keebler, an Oxford resident and candidate for city council, said he is willing to contribute to the city.
Keebler, who has spent 35 years with the Oxford fire department and is a former Miami director of business services, said he has the understanding required to govern Oxford.
"I've been involved with the city for a long time," Keebler said. "I'm a lifelong resident and I think it's important that people run for council and do their part. I don't have any specific agendas, I'm just trying to do my part as a citizen."
But Greig Rutherford, another city council candidate and Oxford resident, said he will bring his professional experience to council if he is elected. As an architect, Rutherford specifically said he hopes to impact issues pertaining to uptown planning and zoning within Oxford's limits.
"I hope to bring objectivity and an appreciation for the rule of law and its equitable application to all of the citizens of Oxford," Rutherford said.
"I think the citizens are shying away from (running for city council) right now because I think city council gets blamed for a lot," Kyger said.
Vice Mayor Prue Dana echoed Kyger's sentiments commenting on the amount of responsibility that is attached to city council.
"It takes a tremendous amount of time," Dana said. "When you have a family or other obligations … it can be difficult. It's a commitment having to be here the first and third week (of each month) and having to serve on committees of council."
In addition, Dana said there has not been an interest expressed from current members of council to succeed Conley as mayor. If there is no specific candidate for mayor, city council will still choose from among its members to fill the position.
And while Dana said a thick skin is required to serve in government because of the criticism involved, Richard Keebler, an Oxford resident and candidate for city council, said he is willing to contribute to the city.
Keebler, who has spent 35 years with the Oxford fire department and is a former Miami director of business services, said he has the understanding required to govern Oxford.
"I've been involved with the city for a long time," Keebler said. "I'm a lifelong resident and I think it's important that people run for council and do their part. I don't have any specific agendas, I'm just trying to do my part as a citizen."
But Greig Rutherford, another city council candidate and Oxford resident, said he will bring his professional experience to council if he is elected. As an architect, Rutherford specifically said he hopes to impact issues pertaining to uptown planning and zoning within Oxford's limits.
"I hope to bring objectivity and an appreciation for the rule of law and its equitable application to all of the citizens of Oxford," Rutherford said.
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