OXFORD – It’s a three-way race for the role of mayor here.
Incumbent Lloyd Jenkins, who has held the title for 12 years, will be met by two familiar faces: Trish Stewart and Arnold MacDonald.
This marks MacDonald’s second shot at the position. MacDonald campaigned against Jenkins in 2008 and his platform is largely made up with the concerns he had then.
“The last time I ran, I knew we needed roads done,” MacDonald said. “We can’t wait another five years. What could have been fixed four years ago is now going to cost twice as much.”
MacDonald says he’s also looking for more transparency from the local municipal government and to provide more opportunities for the public to be included in the decision-making process.
“I believe anyone in council should be social; no question should be too small,” MacDonald said.
Owner and operator of a local taxi service, MacDonald has been involved with the Legion for 35 years, holding many offices including president, the Knights of Pythias and the local fire department.
Stewart enters the race with two terms as a councilor behind her. Running for council again, she admits, would have been a safe decision but she feels now is the right time for her to offer her for mayor.
“I just don’t see our community moving forward and I think I’m the person to change that,” Stewart said. “I’ve worked very hard for the town and citizens see that. I believe this is the right time for me to make the move. If I don’t try, I won’t know.”
It wasn’t a decision that came easy, Stewart said. Running for mayor would mean running against the incumbent who, she says, she has a lot of respect for after working together for two terms.
“He was the first person I called when I made the decision,” Stewart said.
The campaign will be amicable, Stewart said.
“I believe the time is right for Oxford,” Stewart said. “I believe we can do better.”
On the campaign trail for council are incumbents Wade Adshade, Paul Jones, Peter Swan and Dawn Thompson, who will defend their positions against Allison Draper, Darlene Ellis, Tom Kay, Barry Patriquin, Wendy Tupin and Patricia Weatherbee.
