Oxford, MS Ward 1 Alderman to be Decided in Special Election

Oxford, Miss (TLV) – A special non-party election will be held on February 16 from 7 am to 7 pm to fill the currently vacant seat of the Ward 1 Alderman.

The candidates are Rick Addy and Jordan Bankhead.

The special election, expected to cost the city between $10,000 and $15,000, was brought on by previous Ward 1 Alderman Jay Hughes, who resigned after being elected to the House of Representatives for District 12. The winner of this election will serve only an abbreviated term of 16 months until the next scheduled election.

While Bankhead is running a full campaign with plenty of ads, signs and online presence, Addy is choosing a minimal door-to-door approach. So far Addy claims to have knocked on over 90% of the doors in Ward 1.

“I don’t have a spiel,” said Addy. “I’m not a politician. This is not a stepping stone. I am trying to give back to the community if elected.”

Ward 1 is home to much of old Oxford, full of family neighborhoods and well-established businesses.

“We need to make sure we balance the interests all across the income spectrum,” said Bankhead. “It’s going to be very important getting that right so to not increase tension, but mitigate it in the community.”

Bankhead has plans, if elected, to speak with local law enforcement to ensure they are pursuing the proper criminals.

“Putting an emphasis on [violent crime], that’s what we need to be focusing on,” said Bankhead. “We don’t need to be shaking down kids, we need to be focusing on real threats to this community. That’s what I’m hearing from people and that’s what I believe to be right.”

With the city ready and set to expand along North Lamar, the ward requires a sure footed alderman to guide it through what will undoubtedly be a highly disputed process.

“First thing is get all these building projects under control,” said Bankhead. “My background is in local business, real estate, and law. My experience is relevant to the position.”

Addy had a continued focus on neighborhood safety and preservation, citing his history with Oxford and large condoning of the Vision 2037 plan.

“2037 I believe has really hit the mark, looking through where they’re headed with each section of the town, I don’t know if someone could have come up with a better plan,” said Addy. “Protecting your neighbors but at the same time knowing you’ve got to build for growth. Everything I have seen goes right along with what I believe in.

The voting booths will be open from 7 am – 7 pm at the Oxford Conference Center located off of Sisk Ave. 

Candidate Summaries:

Rick Addy (age 51): Came to Oxford at age 12 from Jackson, MS and hasn’t left. He lacks political experience and online presence but intends to make up for those shortcomings by going door to door to and meeting residents face to face. Addy is owner of Addy Photography.

Jordan Bankhead (age 39): Came to Oxford in the mid-2000s for graduate school at Ole Miss. Bankhead has also spent time as the chairman of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the LOU Entrepreneurial Alliance as well as Vice President of the LOU Home Board. Bankhead is an attorny, realtor, and owner of multiple businesses including Indoor Advantage, Rebel Paintball, and Rebel RV Park.