Times change and so do our leaders.

And good leaders, like Pat Patterson, understand that making way for new leaders when the time is right is part of the responsibility.

That’s why Oxford Mayor Pat Patterson decided not to seek re-election, paving the way for Mayor Robyn Tannehill.

It’s official now — no more talk of mayor-elect and forthcoming change. Patterson has returned to private business as a former civic leader with well-deserved pats on the back, while Tannehill is now officially Oxford’s mayor.

We are thankful for Patterson’s service and also believe the time is right for Mayor Tannehill’s leadership. She is well qualified and has a vision for the city that is forward thinking and works well with Ole Miss and Lafayette County.

Mayor Tannehill also takes office with a well-qualified Board of Aldermen. In fact, it’s probably the strongest board from top-to-bottom the city has had with people who truly put Oxford’s best interests first.

The next four years will be challenging. Oxford is growing and its infrastructures and resources are not necessarily keeping up. But it’s better to lead a city on the move through challenging times than the opposite.

We look forward to four good years of strong leadership to see us through.