By Steven Hoffman
Staff Writer

There are three Oxford Borough Council seats up for election this year. Two incumbents, John Thompson, who has earned both the Democratic and Republican nominations, and Susan Lombardi, who has earned the Democratic nomination, are both seeking re-election. Longtime council member Randy Teel opted not to seek another term, so there will be at least one new council member when the new borough council convenes in January. In addition to the incumbents, the candidates are Peggy Russell, who earned the Democratic nomination, Kathy Quillen, a planning commission member who earned the Republican nomination, and Chauncey Boyd, who earned the Republican nomination.

The Chester County Press reached out to each candidate for information about his or her professional background, qualifications, and priorities if they are elected to Oxford Borough Council on Nov. 3. Here's a look at the responses we received:

Sue Lombardi

 Q: How long have you lived in Oxford Borough?

A: My family moved to Oxford in the summer of 1996

Q: How long have you served on Oxford Borough Council?

A:I am currently serving my second term on Council. This is my eight year.

Q: During your time on borough council, how have you helped make a difference for residents?

A: I have had the pleasure of serving on Council for the past eight years. I realized early on during my time on council that it is a team effort to make change. I have been fortunate to be part of significant improvements to the Borough, such as the three streetscape projects and the new police station. We have created and revised numerous ordinances that have moved us forward such as the Historic Architecture Review Board and parking regulations. We have made safety a priority and will continue to do so

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background?

A:I have a BA in Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After college, I went to work with the Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families. I was employed by the Chester County Children Youth and Families for 11years, and worked in the capacity of caseworker, supervisor and manager. While there, I earned my Masters of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College and subsequently obtained my Social Work license from the State of Pennsylvania. I was hired by the Chester County Intermediate Unit in 1999. In my current role, I supervise the Intermediate Unit’s licensed Clinical Treatment Programs (both Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol) and school-based mental health programs.

Q: What other qualifications, professional experiences, or service to the community should voters know about?

A: I take an active role in my daughter's extra-curricular activities, and I am currently serving as the president of the parent organization for her All Star Cheer Gym. I am charged with organizing the CCIU crisis response team and the reunification team for Chester County.

Q: What would be some of your priorities if you were re-elected to Oxford Borough Council?

A: The safety of our residents is always a priority. That covers a broad spectrum of issues. I am eager to continue to plug away at some of our more difficult issues, such as sidewalks and parking. Another priority is to continue to support the efforts of our business district in bringing new businesses to town.  

Kathy Quillen

 Q: How long have you lived in Oxford Borough?

A: My husband, son and I moved to the borough in February of 2004.

Q: Have you previously been involved in Oxford Borough government?

A:. I am currently serving on the Planning Commission.

Q: Why are you running for a seat on Oxford Borough Council?

A: I am running for a seat on the Oxford Borough Council because I have a desire to serve the community in which I live, and I am concerned about the future of the borough. I want to help ensure that Oxford is a safe and exciting hometown for our children to grow up in.

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background?

A.: I am currently a stay-at-home mom and cyberschool parent.

Q: What other qualifications, professional experiences, or service to the community should voters know about?

A: In addition to the Planning Commission, I also hold a position on the Revitalization Plan Committee. Prior to starting a family, I was a customer service manager for a telephone company. I also was an instructional aide at the elementary level in the Oxford Area School District.

Q: What would be some of your priorities if you were elected to Oxford Borough Council?

A:We need to look into infrastructure improvements and encouraging new business growth while maintaining our small town feel. I also feel there could be some improvement in the borough's public safety.

Peggy Ann Russell

 Q: How long have you lived in Oxford Borough?

A: I moved to Oxford in 1981, working for Prudential Insurance Co. as an agent.

Q: Have you previously been involved in Oxford Borough government?

A: I have attended the Borough Council meetings since January 2014. I was president of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce early in my business career here.

Q: Why are you running for a seat on Oxford Borough Council?

A: I am running to fill a newly vacated seat at the request of a number of residents who wrote me in at the primary election. I can bring leadership to the issues of public safety, quality of life, especially for youth and seniors, and fair representation of the whole cross section of our diverse community.

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background?

A: My undergraduate degree is in Business Administration, which prepared me for a position of store manager for a retail organization. As the company transitioned from company-owned stores to dealerships, I transitioned into the insurance business. Currently, I am Director of the Associate Program for the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Q: What other qualifications, professional experiences, or service to the community should voters know about?

A: I am a founding member and Director of ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford. I received the Mayor’s Citizen Award in 2013, and on behalf of ACE in 2014. I am engaged with SILO and their efforts to minister to the community. I teach a religious education class for the children of St. Rocco Church/Mision Santa Maria and I am a substitute for Sacred Heart Church. I volunteer at Calvert Manor Healthcare for several different activities four or five times each month. My master’s degree in Spiritual Direction and post-graduate certificate in Pastoral Counseling have taught me to be a patient listener, engage all parties in dialogue and utilize problem-solving skills. I am currently taking (not teaching) a course in Spanish Language and Culture at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland in an attempt to better dialogue with neighbors.

Q: What would be some of your priorities if you were elected to Oxford Borough Council?

A: Educational and recreational activities for youth are my first priority so that they do not become vulnerable. I am, also very concerned about pedestrian and sidewalk safety, especially the traffic intersection between the two large shopping centers in the Oxford area.

John Thompson

 Q: How long have you lived in Oxford Borough?

A: Eight years

Q: How long have you served on Oxford Borough Council?

A: Four years

Q: During your time on borough council, how have you helped make a difference for residents?

A: I worked with all of the members of council to not raise taxes last year. We got 5th Street repaved and kept it under budget. I have also built relationships with residents and listen to their concerns.

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background?

A: I am an HVAC contractor. My daily duties entail managing five people and a large HVAC service area in Chester County.

Q: What other qualifications, professional experiences, or service to the community should voters know about?

A: I am a Navy veteran, I served four years. I am a survivor of the USS Cole bombing that took place in 2000. I serve as the treasurer for the American Legion post 535 Roy W. Gibson and The Lancaster County Young Marines. I also serve on the Planning Commission and OMI board.

Q: What would be some of your priorities if you were re-elected to Oxford Borough Council?

A: My priorities would be keeping taxes low, working on our new goals developed in the Revitalization Plan, getting more of our streets repaved and working to build up our downtown.