In the race for city council, four candidates tossed their hats in the ring – Jason Bracken, Mike Smith, William Snavely and Jon Ralinovsky – but only three candidates were elected by Oxford residents to represent them on city council.

Snavely earned 2,127 votes, the most of the four candidates. Smith received the second highest number of votes 1,797, and Bracken received the third highest, 1,718.

Residents could vote for three candidates in the race. Earning 1,292 votes, Ralinovsky did not win office.

The three elected councilors echoed similar agendas: expanding affordable housing, focusing on climate action and increasing economic development. Each counselor also mentioned supporting emergency medical service and the fire department.

“It’ll be nice to work with some people I haven’t worked with before,” said Smith, who has served on council previously, but for the past two years. “So I think we’re going to have a really good energy, and I really think we’ll get a lot done.”

Bracken said he will focus on helping the Talawanda School District following the school levy failure in 2022.

“I’m concerned about who we have in there (the Talawanda School Board) to tackle those problems … mixed results there for my preferences,” Bracken said. “But, ultimately, a pretty good school board.”

Ralinovsky, the only candidate without previous city council experience, said he wishes the incoming counselors luck.

“The voters told us what we need to know,” Ralinovsky said. “Every other candidate was an incumbent, so that’s always a little bit of a challenge. If I run again, I’ll just need to do a little more work.”

Although Ralinovsky has not decided whether he will run again, Bracken said he hopes he does.

“He really can contribute, and he is liked by everyone and could do a really great job,” Bracken said. “It’s sort of sad. No matter who lost, it would have been somebody who could add to the city.”

Snavely said he thinks Bracken and Smith will “do a fabulous job on council again” and that they’re ready to put their “heads down and get work done for the city.”

“I feel pleased and humbled by the results, and I’m optimistic about the next four years,” Snavely said.

The council selects a mayor and vice-mayor from the elected councilors. Snavely, who has served as Oxford’s mayor since 2021, said he is open to another term but will “defer to their (the council’s) judgment.”

Smith, who served as mayor from 2019 to 2021, said he has not been campaigning for the position but is also open to the possibility.

“I haven’t really talked to any of the other councilors yet to see what their thinking is,” Smith said. “I think Snavely might want to stay mayor, which I’m fine with.”

Bracken said he has no desire to be mayor.

“I don’t need to be grandstanding,” Bracken said. “I just want to make sure I’m contributing intellectually, and when I need to speak up, I can speak up. But I don’t need to be the front, and I’m probably not the best person to be that part.”