Mayor George “Pat” Patterson (right) celebrates with a supporter after learning of his re-election Tuesday.
Oxford citizens made it clear Tuesday that they approve of the status quo as Democrat George “Pat” Patterson won re-election for mayor over Independent Todd Wade.
Official returns tallied the incumbent winning by 902 votes. Patterson had 2,122 total votes compared to Wade’s 1,220.
In other city elections, the only two legitimate races for the Board of Alderman saw the incumbents fall. In Ward 1, JP “Jay” Hughes Jr. received 485 votes, just sneaking by incumbent Ney Williams’ 450. Ward 2 was not so close as newcomer Robyn Tannehill had 664 votes compared to incumbent Ernest “E.O.” Oliver’s 216. Candidates for the remaining Alderman seats ran unopposed.
Patterson led Wade the mayoral vote count throughout the evening, with the absentee ballots adding more than 300 extra votes to allow Patterson to cruise to a care-free victory.
“I was never worried,” Patterson said jokingly with supporters after being officially informed he had been re-elected. Patterson believes the race showed that the people of Oxford are pleased with the direction Oxford is going.
“It shows the people respect a positive campaign,” said Patterson, a life-long Oxford resident and an alumna of Ole Miss. “I think the people appreciate what we have done, along with the Board of Alderman. I look forward to working with the new Board of Alderman and living up to the campaign promise ‘Common Sense Government, with a focus on service’.”
When asked about his plans for the next four years, Patterson says he plans to continue to work hard for Oxford and its citizens.
“I’m going to put my head down, head into the wind and work like hell,” Patterson said.
Wade, a former Ole Miss football star, couldn’t help but be distraught after the results were announced.
“It’s tough,” Wade said. “It’s frustrating and disappointing, but it’s something that I can bounce back from. I’ll wake up tomorrow and be ready for the next challenge.”
Wade stated his inability to relate to the older generation of Oxford ultimately led to his demise.
“In a town like this, there’s a huge generation group and it’s really tough if you’re not from here,” Wade said. “You have to be able to reach to those that have been here the longest and that’s tough for anyone that’s going to challenge, and obviously we’re the only ones who challenged them.”
Though he has no current plans, Wade is not ruling out the possibility of giving politics another try. He added that his presence will still be felt in the community, particularly among the younger generations.
“I’m a pretty passionate person so politics is something that always gets my interest, but I’ll just go back to work and focus on business in the meantime,” Wade said. “If something arises I’ll attack it, but I want to continue to help our community, especially the youth. We have too many issues that are not being addressed and I want to find ways to help them as well as the rest of the community.”
The 2,792 Oxonians that voted at the Oxford Conference Center as well as the 550 absentee voters all had their voices heard Tuesday, but the majority was optimistic about another four years with Patterson.
“It’s what the people wanted,” said Jeff Busby, who has owned University Sporting Goods along with Patterson since 1984. “His love is for this city, and he puts it first because it’s his family. I think he will continue to carry this city forward.”
Cindy Meek Brown, who stood picketing for Mayor Patterson from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., believes he has the true best interest of the entire community.
“Pat is a true Oxonian,” Brown stated. “He has been fiscally judicious with our money, has been pro-growth and has been a friend to all Oxonians.”
