It’s okay to vote for Oxford Village Councilwoman Teri Stiles in the Sept. 11 election.
She decided she wants the job.
Despite her Aug. 14 resignation, which she plans to withdraw today (Aug. 29), Stiles told this reporter Tuesday evening she is indeed still running for office and will accept the position if elected.
Stiles believes her ‘honesty? is ‘needed? to help ‘unify? the ‘divided council? and she would be ‘negligent? to ‘abandon? village residents by not running.
Since resigning Stiles has received an outpouring of support from citizens.
‘I’m humbled by the response that I’ve got from this community,? she said.
Stiles, appointed to council in March 2006, resigned immediately following the Aug. 14 meeting during which a lengthy discussion regarding village resident Tom Smith’s background and recent arrest took place.
Smith coordinated a village-sponsored Aug. 4 youth skating/biking event at 98 S. Glaspie St. He was arrested at the event when marijuana was discovered by police amongst his belongings.
Stiles? resignation was received and filed by council Tuesday night and was expected to be acted upon at the Sept. 12 meeting.
Support from her fellow council members helped change Stiles? mind.
‘We don’t have a better council member than Teri Stiles,? said Councilman Dave Bailey. ‘And I can’t recall anytime in the past when we had a better council member than Teri Stiles.?
‘She’s been an asset to this council,? said Councilman Tom Benner. ‘I think she’s an asset to the community. She’s levelheaded. She searches things out. And I would deeply regret to see her leave.?
Former village president Sue Bossardet echoed council’s sentiments.
‘Teri brings a measure of honesty, integrity and caring to this council,? she said.