OXFORD – Registered Republican voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on who will earn two spots on the Republican ticket in November’s general election when they vote in the upcoming primary election, Tuesday, September 10.
Two Town Council seats are open this election with three men running on the Republican ticket. As there are more candidates running than seats available, the results of the primary will determine which two of the three will appear on the Republican line on the ballot in November.
Republican incumbent John F. Hofmann is seeking reelection for a position he has held for twelve years.
“I was very naïve when I first got on there,” said Hofmann. “I thought I could change the world. But now I have the experience needed to be sure that Oxford survives and prospers.”
Hofmann is a lifelong Oxford resident, born and raised in Oxford, and has lived in the area for 49 years.
“The team we have right now, we all work well together, and I’m very happy with it; I don’t want to see it fall apart,” he said.
Hofmann added he does not want to see Oxford become a retirement community; he said he would like to see more industry and more jobs, be it railways or other economic development.
“I’ve learned a lot these years I’ve served on the board, and I would like to see Oxford prosper.”
Hofmann’s challengers include two town residents, Ronald R. Charles and Paul E. Brennan.
Charles, an Oxford resident since 1971, lives in the town and has three children. Charles stated he has always been committed to the success and future growth of Oxford.
According to Charles, Oxford must update its zoning to preserve the character and natural resources of the town from the industrial gas industry - the key issue that prompted him to become more involved in politics.
Said Charles, “I strongly believe that the Comprehensive Plan and the Town Zoning Ordinance must be updated to protect the residents and maintain the rural character, natural beauty, and a clean environment.”
Charles added if he is elected, he will be a strong advocate for zoning changes that align with the wants and needs of local businesses and homeowners, while ensuring a safe place for future generations.
“My approach is not to try and regulate the gas companies, but set some guidelines and restrictions for things that we can and should control,” he said.
Paul E. Brennan and his wife, Penny, have lived in Oxford since 1975, where they raised their two daughters. Brennan taught science at Oxford Academy in the 1970s and ran a shoe store downtown. Brennan also ran a gun shop and has pursued other entrepreneurial interests.
Said Brennan, “By serving in office I want to help make it an even better place to live. I was surprised to find out that none of the Republican incumbents ever faced electoral opposition. I think a primary challenge and full discussion of the issues is good for the Republican Party. If elected I intend to bring enthusiasm and a fresh outlook to the town board. To show I'm serious I've been attending board meetings for many months and researching the issues on my own time. I know that degree of commitment is unusual, but it will allow me to take office fully informed and ready to tackle the job from day one.”
Brennan said he is a proponent of government transparency and responsive government. He added he will listen to and address voters’ concerns.
“Good government requires a respectful dialog between elected representatives and those they represent. All policy making should be openly discussed at public meetings not behind closed doors. State and county legal procedures must be strictly observed. Information regarding council matters must be readily available to the public. Any citizen who has a question about town government deserves a prompt, full and accurate answer,” Brennan added.
If elected, Brennan said there are three pressing issues that must be addressed. First, the importance of the Comprehensive Plan between the village and the town would move forward. Also, the board needs to revise the zoning laws and submit them properly to the county and state. Thirdly, he said passing a moratorium on gas drilling should be considered.
“A moratorium is not ‘pro’ or ‘con’ gas, nor is it a ban. It simply gives all town and village residents an opportunity to study, discuss and decide the issue knowing that a gas corporation cannot start drilling until we're ready. Then the board can make an informed decision free from pressure and based on the input of all citizens,” he said.
Current Town Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is running again for the position of Town Supervisor, yet has no Republican challenger.
Only registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the primary. Both Village of Oxford and Town of Oxford registered Republican residents can take to the polls. For those who are not yet registered to vote, the deadline to register in this primary has passed.
Voters have until the end of the business day today, Sept. 9, to apply in person at the Chenango County Board of Elections for an absentee ballot.
Monday is also the final day a completed absentee ballot can be postmarked, as it needs to arrive at the Board of Elections no later than Sept. 17. An absentee ballot may be delivered in person by someone other than the voter to the Board of Elections no later than Tuesday, Sept. 10.
There is still time for those who wish to vote in the general election in November to register with the Board of Elections. The deadline for in-person registration is Oct. 11, and any registered voter - regardless of party affiliation, or lack thereof - can vote in the general election.
Voting for the primary is set for Tuesday, Sept. 10. Polls will be open from noon until 9 p.m. at the Oxford fire house.