Candidates for Oxford Mayor and Board of Aldermen gathered Tuesday night to discuss their individual plans if elected. The forum was held at the Oxford Conference Center at 6:30 p.m.
The candidates, alderman and mayoral alike, said what the city is doing now in terms of Square parking is ineffective.
However, alderman candidate Ney Williams stood behind the Downtown Parking Commission and its efforts to improve parking conditions.
Alderman candidate J.P. Hughes said the current attempts at solving Oxford’s parking issue have cost taxpayers $100,000 in consulting fees.
“Parking has been a problem since 1987,” Hughes said. “We need to move in a faster, forward direction.”
Incumbent Mayor Pat Patterson opposed any tax increases that would help pay for a permanent parking structure, saying they would not be be in the best interest of Oxford residents.
Mayoral candidate Todd Wade, whose major campaign platform has involved including Ole Miss more in the city’s actions, believes that a parking garage is a viable option.
“We could have a parking garage made to look like the Lyceum,” Wade said.
Candidates were also asked about the issue of Sunday alcohol sales. The only candidate who argued in favor of the current regulations to allow bars to be open on Sundays for games and holidays was Ulysses Howell.
Oxford primary elections will be held May 7, and the general election will be held June 4. A full list of candidates can be found on the city of Oxford website.
Charlotte Mona Roi contributed to this report.
