Oxford Shocked with Resignation of Deputy Mayor

Shock waves went through Oxford Town Hall tonight as Deputy Mayor Tom Kay tendered his resignation from town council.

Kay, who has served on council for seven years, is packing up and moving to New Brunswick next month.

Council struggled with how to proceed. Mayor Trish Stewart said council will seek advice about a special election to fill the seat. Councillor Rick Draper wondered if the town could wait to replace Kay during the next regularly scheduled municipal elections. Rachel Jones, the Chief Administrative Officer, will gather information and report back to council.

Kay apologized to council for any costs the town might incur in securing his replacement.

Kay has been a vocal member and supporter of the Oxford Arena Committee and tonight was no exception. Council is looking at restructuring the way town business is done, which could lead to the elimination of some committees, including the arena committee.

“If we eliminate the arena committee, what’s going to happen to all those people who put so much time and work into it,” he protested.

The purpose of the committee, Kay said, is to lower costs and increase usage. He added, “I think we have achieved what we set out to do in the mandate.”

Councillors took turns thanking Kay and wishing him well.