Erin Smith
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the City of Oxford will hold elections for city government. However, all offices are running unopposed except for Ward 1 Alderman, which has three candidates running for the position: Erin Smith (Independent), Drew Stevens (Independent), and Dr. Bill Mayo (Republican). The Local Voice is proud to publish Q&As with all the candidates to help local voters make an informed decision. Please vote wisely for our community on Tuesday, June 3.
Interview with Erin Smith
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your work history.
I’ve called Oxford home for the past 23 years, and throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deep commitment to service and community. I’m the founding executive director of CASA of North Mississippi, a nonprofit I launched in 2018 to advocate for abused and neglected children in our local court systems. What began in one county has now expanded to three, serving hundreds of children with trained, compassionate volunteers. I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned my Masters of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University. My career has been built on listening to others, creating solutions, and working collaboratively to make meaningful, lasting change. I believe leadership starts with showing up and doing the work and that’s exactly what I’ve spent my life doing.
Why do you want to become Alderman for Ward 1 in Oxford?
I am running for Alderman of Ward 1 because I believe in the power of community-driven change and the importance of listening to every voice. From a young age, I’ve been inspired to make a difference, and now, more than ever, I am committed to serving the place we all call home. Ward 1 is where I’ve built my life, and I care deeply about what happens here. I want to protect the character of our neighborhoods, ensure our voices are heard, and help shape Oxford’s future with intention. With years of experience working alongside city leaders, advocating for others, and navigating complex systems, I know how to turn ideas into action. To me, this election isn’t about politics; it’s about serving people and creating a city that reflects our shared values.
What work or service have you done that is beneficial to being Ward 1’s Alderman?
I bring a wide range of experience that directly translates to effective public service. As the Founding Executive Director of CASA of North Mississippi, I’ve built a nonprofit from the ground up. Over the years I have had to manage complex budgets, secure funding, and lead impactful community initiatives. I’ve served on the City of Oxford Historic Preservation Commission and currently serve on the Oxford Planning Commission, giving me a deep understanding of how our city functions—from growth and zoning to long-term planning. As previous Election Commissioner for Lafayette County, I helped ensure fair and transparent elections. I also serve as Vice Chair of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, which keeps me closely connected to our local businesses, nonprofits, and leaders. These roles have allowed me to advocate, problem-solve, and build consensus, which are skills that are essential to serving as Alderman. I know how Oxford works because I’ve been working for Oxford my entire professional career. I’m prepared to represent Ward 1 with integrity, experience, and a strong commitment to the people who call it home.
What are the major issues facing Oxford in the next four years?
It’s hard to predict every challenge ahead without being in the role, but two issues already stand out to me: our city’s growth and local housing affordability. These are common in thriving small towns like Oxford, especially when so many people want to live here. Growth is a good thing, but it can spiral out of anyone’s control if growth is improperly managed . With rapid expansion comes growing pains: infrastructure strain, increased traffic, supply and demand pressures, and the need for sustainable planning. The real challenge isn’t growth itself but how we handle it. We must ensure our roads, utilities, and public services keep pace, and that those who work here, our teachers, first responders, service workers, can also afford to live here. I’m committed to fostering thoughtful development that protects the character of our neighborhoods while embracing opportunity. Oxford is growing, and so are our possibilities. We have to make sure that progress works for everyone.
What issues are Oxford facing that need more attention by the city government?
One thing I’ve learned through years of service is that what feels like an issue to me might not be an issue to my neighbor—or vice versa. We live in an incredible town, but no matter how great a place is, transparency and communication can always improve. While meetings, minutes, and city updates are available to the public, not everyone knows where to look or has the time to dig for information. I do think the city has made progress in explaining major projects more clearly, and that effort has helped residents better understand and engage with what’s happening around them. But we can still do more. Communication should be proactive, not reactive. If someone in Ward 1—or anywhere in Oxford—has a concern, I want them to know I’m here to listen. I’ll have an open-door policy, and I’ll work to ensure residents feel heard. Some problems are quick fixes, others take time—but if they’re not brought to the forefront, they can’t be solved at all.
If you could change anything about Oxford, what would you change?
Oxford is fortunate to have engaged citizens and leaders who care deeply about our community, and in many ways, that connection is already strong. But there’s always room to build on that foundation. Some residents feel informed and involved, while others feel left out of the conversation. I want to help close that gap. If I could change anything, it would be to create more consistent and accessible channels for dialogue between residents and city leadership. That means open forums, clear communication, and making it easier for people to understand how decisions are made—and how they can be part of shaping them. I’m committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, where every voice is valued and every concern is met with respect. My goal is to ensure our city grows with care and consideration, guided by transparency, service, and integrity. Oxford is full of passionate, thoughtful people. Let’s build on what’s already working and create an even stronger connection between the community and those who serve it.
Are there any functions of city government that you would change, improve, or eliminate?
This is a tough question to fully answer without having served in the role yet, but I believe in the philosophy of “don’t fix what’s not broken, improve what can be better, and let go of what no longer works.” Every system has room to grow. That’s the value of bringing the right people to the table—together, we can identify what’s working, what’s not, and find real solutions. We’ve come a long way as a city, but there’s always room for growth. This isn’t about tearing down—it’s about refining and strengthening how we work together to serve Oxford well.
Are there any other statements or information you would like the voters of Ward 1 to know?
Oxford is my home, and serving this community is where my heart is. I’m not running for Alderman with an agenda—I’m running because I believe in people, in service, and in the power of compassionate leadership. From nonprofit work to city commissions, my life has been rooted in showing up for others with a servant’s heart. That commitment, that compassion, and that leadership are who I am—today, tomorrow, and for years to come. While this is a political office, for me, it’s personal. It’s about listening to your concerns, advocating for your needs, and doing the right thing even when it’s not the easy thing. I want to be the kind of representative who returns your call, looks you in the eye, and follows through. I will lead with integrity, keep you informed, and always put the people of Ward 1 first. Together, we can build an even stronger Oxford—one grounded in trust, transparency, and a shared love for this place we all call home.
Interviews with the other candidates for the 2025 Ward 1 Alderman election are here. These interviews were originally published in The Local Voice #466 newspaper. Access the digital edition here.
