OXFORD – Oxford residents will take to the polls Tuesday to cast their votes in the village election, an opportunity to weigh-in on who they would like to fill two, two-year trustee positions, the two-year mayoral position, and a one-year position for village justice.

Incumbent board of trustees member John M. O’Connor, a Democrat, is seeking re-election. O’Connor is just completing his first term on the board, and is a life-long resident of Oxford.

“I would like to continue to serve the village in any way that I can,” said O’Connor. He added his family has been in Oxford for three generations.

According to O’Connor, it is important for a board member to be able to objectively look at what’s at hand, make decisions, and continue to move forward. He added his many years of experience within the community will help him to continue to serve, if re-elected.

Democratic incumbent Joseph Spence began serving on the board in 2003. If re-elected, Spence – a 15-year Oxford resident – stated he would like to continue to work to keep taxes low, complete work at the wastewater plant, and re-construct Albany Street. He added the position isn’t so much about individual goals, as the board is to work cohesively together, stating more than two dozen meetings were held last year.

“I’d like to keep the village a nice place to live and work,” said Spence. “There have been a lot of things put forth by the board that are already in progress.”

Spence commented on the comprehensive plan in the works between the village and town of Oxford, stating the importance of reducing village/town barriers and cooperating as much as possible.

Zachary Crandall, a 15-year Oxford resident, is also seeking a position on the board. Crandall is an 18-year-old Independent who stated he intends to bring some positivity to the community. He is currently seeking his education via home-schooling, but also has had the experience of both public and private education.

If elected, Crandall said he would provide a responsive voice, something he feels is important for anyone holding an elected position. He stated his desire for referendums for matters such as high volume hydraulic fracturing, and said many of the roads are in bad shape and should be maintained as opposed to beautification of other areas of the village.