At the recent Oxford Borough Council meeting, Luke Neidigh was approved to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of council member Amanda Woolston. The term will end in January 2025.

Council acknowledged two applications to fill the vacancy were received—from Luke Neidigh and Mary Higgins.

Council heard from each of the applicants during the meeting. 

Higgins served on council previously. She said that she would like to serve on council again to work on finishing some of the things that she had been involved in.

 Higgins chaired the Borough Planning Commission, and also served on the Regional Planning Commission.

"I worked with other council members to learn issues facing Borough finances. At that time council wanted to prepare for upcoming needs. They are moving in that direction now, and I'd like to be a part of that," she explained.

Higgins explained that being on council is a big job.

“We need to deepen our understanding of what the residents want. Conversation is important. The more voices the better," she said.

Ironically, Neidigh and Higgins are next door neighbors. Neidigh said he like having her close by. He has lived in the borough all his life. His grandfather was a guidance counselor at Oxford High School and his grandmother an English teacher. He just recently moved into the home his grandparents used to live in.

"I'm interested in filling the seat, especially after the fire. I have seen the decisions that council makes have long-lasting affects," he said.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell asked Neidigh what his efforts have been over the period after the fire.

"I have gone to every fundraising event they have held so I would know what people need, and what I could contribute," he explained.

Neidigh was also asked what the main concern of taxpayers is.

"They don't want their tax dollars wasted,” he said. “We have to rebuild after the fire, so we really need the public's trust. I have no problem listening to people”

Many people spoke on Neidigh's behalf at the meeting.

Mayor Phil Harris said, “Luke is very involved in the community."

One West Nottingham resident, Jeff Hallenback said, “Luke is the face of Oxford. We have been here for 26 years and friends with Luke the entire time. We are attached to Oxford. Luke is one of most involved people in his community.For a guy that young he is on point, as a citizen of this area, he's intelligent and hard working. Oxford needs Luke's energy.”

When the questioning ended William Fitzpatrick made a motion to appoint Neidigh, saying, “We have two good candidates one is passionate, one is experienced. I believe Luke's perspective is new and needed.”

The motion was made by Fitzpatrick to approve Resolution #1367-2023 to appoint Neidigh to borough council to fill the council vacancy for remainder of term, ending in January 2025.

The motion was approved. Neidigh is now a member of borough council.

In other business, council approved Resolution #1368-2023 regarding the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Valley Avenue gravity main replacement project.

Mayor Harris thanked residents and volunteers for the guidance after the recent fire.

He said, “We secured the downtown and now are in recovery mode. I thank everyone who helped us. Many agencies worked together. Penn's Grove School provided shelter for those left displaced.”

Harris explained that Neighborhood Services Center is the point agency for the fire victims.

The next borough council meeting will be held on Oct. 16.