OXFORD,
Miss. – As Richard Howorth concludes his second term as Oxford’s mayor,
he will reflect on the past eight years – a period of unprecedented
growth and controversial “over development” – and share his thoughts
about the city’s future in a free, public program Wednesday (March 4)
at the University of Mississippi.
Lucy Schultze, senior staff
writer at The Oxford Eagle who has reported on many of the events that
helped define modern Oxford, is slated to lead the 5 p.m. discussion in
Overby Center Auditorium.
Sponsored by the Overby Center for
Southern Journalism and Politics, the program will feature a Q&A
with the audience and a closing reception.
“With city
elections approaching, this seems like an opportune time to consider
some of the issues involved and to hear firsthand from the man who’s
been in charge in Oxford for the past eight years,” said Curtis Wilkie,
Overby Center Fellow, associate professor and Kelly Gene Cook Chair of
Journalism.
Schultze agreed, saying, “I hope people will enjoy hearing firsthand from their mayor about the course Oxford has taken over the past eight years under his leadership.
“Understanding more, about not only what’s been accomplished but also the thought and effort behind it, helps us all as citizens to be more engaged in charting Oxford’s future course,” said Schultze, who joined the Eagle in August 2001, a month after Howorth took office.
Howorth and his wife, Lisa, own Square Books, one of the anchors in downtown Oxford. Though he had no experience as an officeholder, Howorth entered the race for mayor in 2001 and won the first of his two terms. He was re-elected without opposition in 2005. He announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term.
During Howorth’s tenure, the face of Oxford has changed. Significant areas were annexed, and public bus service was started.
Howorth is expected to be asked to comment about the dramatic growth in Oxford, including dozens of new housing developments and businesses. While the construction created an economic boom, there were downsides, Wilkie said.
“The demand for property in the city had the effect of driving up real estate prices, leaving some unable to afford to live within the city limits,” Wilkie said.
There were also quarrels among citizens over the clearing of trees and the razing of old buildings that were considered by some to be part of the city’s history. As a result, the mayor and the Board of Aldermen have been faced with many difficult decisions.
Wilkie noted that Howorth is also likely to be asked to address issues that await the next city government, such as the continuing relationship between the municipality and the university.
For more information on upcoming events at the Overby Center or for assistance related to a disability, contact Dawn Jeter at 662-915-1692.