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For residents living inside Oxford city limits, municipal election campaigns are now underway. Potential voters must register prior to May 10 at 5 pm to participate in the 2021 election for alderpersons and mayor of Oxford. Registered voters who cannot be present to cast votes in the June 8, 2021, election are now eligible to cast absentee votes. Citizens may register to vote at City Hall or at the Lafayette County Circuit Clerk’s office located inside the Lafayette County Courthouse. Both locations are at the downtown Square.
Two seats go uncontested this year: incumbents Rick Addy (Ward I) and Kesha Howell-Atkinson (Ward IV) run unopposed in the general election. Wards II, III, V, VI, and Alderman-At-Large will be decided by voters on June 8. We’ve asked each candidate a few short questions to help voters make up their minds before hitting the booths on that date.
John Morgan (I) At-Large Incumbant
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Oxford.
I am currently Director of Sales for a complex rehab technology corporation. I am a lifelong Oxonian who, along with my wife Tracy, has raised three children here and sent all through the Oxford School system. Their names are Gus, Sam, and Ira.
Why did you decide to run for office? Have you engaged in public service previously?
I have served three terms as Alderman at Large for Oxford.
What are your top priorities for Oxford?
Number one has to be infrastructure. We are growing so quickly that it’s hard to keep up, both financially and structurally. After that, there are a number of priorities that I would not want to rank. For example, public safety is one. People need to feel safe in their own city. Supporting our public school system, our parks and recreation department, and an affordable housing trust fund are others.
Linda Porter Bishop (D)
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Oxford.
I’ve been a teacher, a professional interior designer, and a single mom with four kids. I know how to think creatively, problem solve, future proof, collaborate, and manage difficult budgets.
I’ve lived around the country and in foreign countries, and I’ve learned to respect different perspectives, different cultures, and work together for the good of the project.
I’m here, two of my kids own family businesses here, and I have two grandsons growing up here. I’m all about making Oxford a great place—for all of us.
Why did you decide to run for office? Have you engaged in public service previously?
Oxford is growing and we need to ensure our growth is thoughtful, that business interests are balanced with community needs, and investments serve all our citizens, equally.
I have been president of The League of Women Voters of Oxford North Mississippi, but this is the first time I’ve run for political office. I come with fresh ideas and a spirit of collaboration.
What are your top priorities for Oxford?
I believe we need new voices that represent all of the people in our community, not just certain segments.
My priorities are transparency in city government and criminal justice; affordable workforce housing; poverty + food insecurity + low-income housing; reviewing our support of Metro Narcotics.
For more information, visit my website: linda4alderman.com; All socials: linda4alderman.
