OXFORD – With the height of election season in full swing, it can be hard to keep up with who is running for what and when. With record turnouts for the last Town of Oxford election, it's crucial that voters maintain an active and engaged electorate in Oxford.
Monday evening, the Town of Oxford Democratic Caucus will meet at the Oxford Firehouse with doors locked and voting to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Voters are encouraged to arrive no later than 7:15 p.m. as those arriving late will forfeit the chance to cast a vote.
Democratic voters can take part in the Caucus to nominate the candidates who will run on the Democratic line in the November general election. Regardless of wether a registered democratic voter has attended a Caucus or not, all are encouraged to come take part in the democratic tradition.
Tonight, there are three positions up for election: Town of Oxford Supervisor, and two Town Council seats.
Fred Lanfear – for Town Supervisor – has a long history of service to the Oxford schools and community. He is a military veteran with an early founding in farming and agriculture. His main goals for town government are good safe roads, growth in agricultural opportunities, and protection of our valuable water, soil and air.
Lanfear believes this is a time of opportunity, not decline, for small farms; a time of optimism, not despair. When completing the long-overdue Comprehensive Plan with the Village, Lanfear says he will advocate for the inclusion of a prohibition against hydraulic fracturing of gas.
John Knapp – for Town Councilman – is a thirty-year resident of Oxford whose commitment to Oxford is evident in his involvement as both a volunteer and contributor to many organizations in the community. As a landowner, he has a deep-rooted respect for Oxford's natural beauty and its proud agricultural heritage. As Town Councilman, Knapp will advocate for fair and open dialogue, leading to well-researched and sound decisions. He will follow the NYS DEC's lead by supporting a ban on high-volume hydrofracking in Oxford.
In addition, Carl Koenig – a Republican who won the most votes in last Thursday's Republican Primary – has indicated that he would also accept the nomination of the Democratic Party to run on the Democratic line as well for the second Town Councilman position.
Carl Koenig – for Town Councilman – has stated in writing that “future generations of Oxford need to be assured of a safe and healthy environment in which to grow and develop.” and that he will "work to create a better line of communication between the general public and the Town Council, which would include the use of a sound system enabling the public to hear the proceedings of a town meeting.” When asked about hydrofracking, Carl said that he agreed with the DEC’s findings that "prohibiting HVHF in NY State is the only reasonable alternative,” and that he would not vote to allow hydrofracking in Oxford.