Miami Student

Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Editorials

The recent Oxford municipal elections have brought a new and capable group of individuals into the city council at a time when our town is at a crossroads in policy formation.

The Miami Student editorial board would like to congratulate Prue Dana on becoming the new mayor of Oxford and hopes that her desire to compromise fosters understanding between Miami University students and Oxford residents.

This editorial board is also pleased to see Mayor Dana focus her agenda on larger and more pressing issues than litter ordinances-upcoming decisions needed on Oxford Comprehensive Plan and other local initiatives require the strong and pragmatic leadership that The Miami Student hopes Mayor Dana can continue to provide.

This editorial board has identified three areas of local policy that we hope will be considered near the top of the mayoral agenda.

First, the need for affordable housing in Oxford is extremely important, along with land use policies in Oxford.

The mayor and city council should work with landlords to prevent major rent increases while promoting continued adherence to tenant rights. The city can benefit from improved landlord-tenant relations and has the legal leverage necessary to promote a fair and amicable relationship.

Furthermore, a new focus from the city is needed to promote local growth with the consequence of replacing the currently abandoned buildings, such as the old Wal-Mart facility, which litter the area.

By working to solve the problems of empty buildings and by cooperating with different entities on housing issues Oxford can work toward maintaining its beautiful image.

Cooperation on all levels will not only help to clean up the city-without the need for new ordinances-but would also cultivate a city that can keep and attract professors to Miami.

The mayor's office and city council should formulate solutions for problems that surround uptown business.

While this connects to the issue of abandoned buildings around Oxford, it is a necessity that not only are buildings occupied, but that they are services that promote the well being of Oxford and Miami as a whole.

Different restaurants and shops not only provide new revenue opportunities for businesses and widened selections for residents, but will reaffirmation the importance of uptown as a symbol of our city.

This symbol acts as a promotion of the town and its values, and also serves as a recruiting tool for students, professors and potential new residents of any type.

Finally, this editorial board believes that serious consideration should be given to Councilman Rutherford's suggestion of a wi-fi network around Oxford.

The city's size and relative isolation make this idea attractive as a means of connecting residents in any location around the area and would be extremely beneficial for both residents and students who desire the ease of Internet access around Mile Square.

The creation of such a network in Oxford will not only solidify this town as a beautiful spot in southwestern Ohio, but one on the cutting edge of Internet technology.

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