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Vassallo: Discussing Past, Present and Future of Oxford with Mayor Pat
HottyToddy.com recently caught up with Mayor Pat Patterson recently to discuss the past, present and future of Oxford. As always, the Mayor’s upbeat tone affirms why everyone is sold on this growing community.
HottyToddy.com: Mayor, what was the number one accomplishment this year in Oxford?
Mayor Pat: Steve, we were finally able to get funding in place to complete West Oxford Loop and build what we are now calling a new East Road. This was done in partnership with the County and University. The Federal money for projects like this is just gone.
HottyToddy.com: In your opinion, are we growing too fast?
Mayor Pat: On the multi-family residential side, I would say yes. Along with the Board of Alderman, we are one of the few communities in the Nation with a foot on the brake instead of the gas.
HottyToddy.com: What is the number one amenity Oxford is missing?
Mayor Pat: Sufficient hotel rooms, although the capacity is continuing to increase.
HottyToddy.com: Looking ahead to 2016, what is your number one goal as a Mayor?
Mayor Pat: Continue to press on several road building projects and getting our new comprehensive plan in place (Vision 2037).
HottyToddy.com: Can we expect to continue to keep Oxford as safe as it is currently? Mayor Pat: We are continuing to work hard to keep our community safe. Our budget is now $6 million for our police department compared to $4 million upon taking office. We have also built a new state of the art fire station to serve our community and the university. I think this clearly reflects the Board’s priorities as far as public safety is concerned.
HottyToddy.com: What in your opinion is number one in importance to Oxford residents?
Mayor Pat: Smart reasonable growth.
HottyToddy.com: The Oxford Loop extension to College Hill can be anticipated when as to completion?
Mayor Pat: Government unfortunately moves slowly. I hope it will be completed within two years. We are constructing this without any federal help whatsoever.
HottyToddy.com: With this enormous growth, is the city staffed adequately to meet the challenges and demands?
Mayor Pat: The Board continues to work in this area to maintain what we believe is an outstanding level of service.
HottyToddy.com: How is the city’s water supply in regards to sufficient flows and overall quality?
Mayor Pat: We have some of the best water worldwide thanks to the Meridian-Upper Wilcox Aquifer. The flows here are excellent, due to 13 shallow wells that range between 125 to 200 feet deep. The aquifer is quite large extending north of Memphis. It continues going parallel to the Mississippi River with Lafayette County being on the eastern edge.
HottyToddy.com: What is the frequency of other cities contacting you for advice and recommendations?
Mayor Pat: Often.
HottyToddy.com: Even cities as great as ours have major concerns and challenges. What is number one on Oxford’s list?
Mayor Pat: As I previously stated, to be able to manage our growth in such a way, so that we can maintain the quality of life that Oxford is known for.
HottyToddy.com: On a personal note, your thoughts as to the 2015 Egg Bowl?
Mayor Pat: Hotty Toddy!
A man of few words, when the Mayor speaks, we all listen! He was too humble to answer a question about the city’s many (and continuing) accolades. However, it’s difficult to keep these under wraps as Oxford is winning awards and receiving recognitions even faster than the Ole Miss football team. Hotty Toddy!
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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