Two Incumbents, Two Newcomers To Join Oxford City Council

BY MAGGIE CALLAHAN, ELISABETH DODD, MOLLY NICHOLAS, DUNCAN STEWART & SCOTT SUTTON
Miami University journalism students

David Prytherch, the top vote-getter in Tuesday's race for Oxford City Council, is looking forward to collaborating with his new colleagues.

"I think we are going to have to figure out collaboratively what our priorities are," said Prytherch, an associate professor of geography at Miami University. "Part of that is just moving in the directions we already have going."

Prytherch called his run for a council seat "thrilling" and was thankful for his win.

"In the end, the outcomes reflected the kind of place Oxford is -- which is a progressive place that values its grass roots and democracy."

Incumbent Edna Southard, who won the second highest number of votes for council, was likewise excited about her victory.

'Message is clear'

"The outcome is fantastic," said Southard, a retired museum curator. "I think the citizens of Oxford have spoken. We want to continue to have a great town and we don’t want special interests to take over. I think the message is pretty clear."

Southard said she looks forward to working on transportation and housing issues in Oxford -- and, most immediately, the hungry. She'll attend Saturday's Empty Bowls event in Oxford, to benefit the Oxford Community Choice Food Pantry.

"This is a caring community," said Southard, adding thanks to voters and poll workers for coming out on a cold and rainy election day. "We care about each other and we're going to make sure that people are taken care of."

Newcomer Chantel Raghu, a veterinarian, said campaigning for council allowed her to meet people of all walks of life and have genuine conversations with them. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to represent as many of those voices as I can,” she said.

With voter turnout at approximately 25 percent in Oxford, Raghu is determined to engage even more residents in their local government year-round.

“Housing in Oxford has many challenges,” she said. “We need to make sure that people of all life stages and all income levels can afford housing in the city that they call home.”

Tuesday's final winner -- incumbent Mike Smith, an interior designer at Miami -- could not be reached for comment.

Among unsuccessful candidates, Miami student Austin Worrell said he appreciated the opportunity to run.

"The campaign was an amazing experience," said Worrell, who came in last with 359 votes. "It was time-consuming but I loved going door-to-door talking to people about what really drives them."

Worrell said he would not let his loss deter him from politics in the future.

"Hopefully I'll be running again for public office soon," he said. "I plan on working at the Oxford law firm for another year, going to law school, and then coming back to the Cincinnati area to see how my voice can be used."

Among other candidates:

• Jace Prows, a financial planner, likewise had only good things to say about the race. "It's hard to say if I'll run again, but I leave all possibilities on the table. I met some good people along the way." More immediately, he said, "this gives me more time with my family as my wife and I get ready to welcome our second child."
• Drew Davis, assistant director for business operations in Miami's Office of Student Affairs, said he hoped to step into local politics in other ways. "I'd like to get involved with a local commission or committee," he said. "I'll still go to City Council meetings when I can."
• Corey Watt, assistant director for employer relations at Miami, said he will also remain active in local affairs. He said he was proud that he declined to accept donations. "My point was to run a true independent campaign without any special interests," he said. "I got the same offer as some of the other candidates but I said no."
• Samantha Vogel, who works in the insurance industry, did not respond to requests for comment.

The newly elected City Council members will take their seats Nov. 27, serving four-year terms at $4,800 a year. They will join Glenn Ellerbee and Steve Dana, along with Oxford Mayor Kate Rousmaniere, whose terms end in 2019.

For full results of all 85 political races in Butler County, visit the Butler County Board of Elections.

Top photos: Edna Southard is looking forward to another four years on City Council. Chantel Raghu will focus on housing solutions. -- Contributed photos

Note: Story updated Nov. 9, 2017, with comments from Chantel Raghu.