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Oxford EDC Makes Endorsements, Palmer Says He’ll File Ethics Complaint

by Mike Russo | Oct 25, 2009 4:08 pm

(9) Comments | Commenting has expired | Send link to a friend | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Oxford, Election 2009, Oxford Election

The town’s Economic Development Commission Oct. 20 made the highly unusual move of endorsing three independent candidates for the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

The commission passed a resolution urging residents to re-elect Vinny Vizzo, Jr., Ed Hellauer, Jr. and Eric Tichy to the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

The commission also endorsed Democrat Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers as First Selectwoman and her running mate, Dave McKane, to the Board of Selectmen.

The final vote, taken after one commissioner worried whether the move would politicize the board, was 3-0 with two abstentions.

Click here to read minutes from the meeting, including a copy of the resolution.

William Lund, Peter Costabile and John Kozloski voted in favor of the endorsements, while Pat Blanko and Robert Saracino abstained.

The resolution passed by the commission reads more like an indictment of Republican August Palmer, the former First Selectman who is now trying to win a seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Herman Schuler, Oxford’s director of economic development, said Palmer and the town’s Republican Committee have disrespected the commission, landowners and business people in town “by misrepresenting and disrupting efforts to move Oxford forward . . “

Specifically, the resolution stated that Palmer puts the needs of himself and his party above the best interests of Oxford — and has intentionally misrepresented the town’s position on matters such as affordable housing.

The endorsement states than since 2007, Palmer has opposed the sale of town-owned lots, along with infrastructure improvements and an airport project that would create 300 jobs in the community.

Vizzo, Hellauer and Tichy were members of the Planning and Zoning Commission who had a falling out with their party. They are now running for re-election as independents.

While economic development commissioner Saracino worried the endorsement might politicize the commission, Schuler said Palmer has already done so.

When reached for comment after the meeting, Palmer said he was contemplating filling a complaint with the Ethics Committee over the endorsement.

“Schuler has a problem with the truth and gets carried away,” Palmer said. “He makes a ton of blunders and now we are seeing more blunder come to life.”

Republican Town Committee Chairman Tom Kelly attended the meeting Oct. 20 and said he found the commission’s decision “unfortunate, ethically challenged and dicey.”

“This should not be a political board, and they made it very political,” Kelly said. “Schuler is leaving himself open to look like a fool.”

Schuler, however, noted that Palmer is running for Planning and Zoning — a potential disaster for Oxford, he said.

“The P&Z Commission operates as a bipartisan effort,” Schuler said. “Palmer’s presence on the commission would turn it into a bi-weekly circus.”

Click here to read minutes from the meeting, including a copy of the resolution.

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Comments

posted by: Oxforddemocrat on October 26, 2009  1:32pm

I want to applaud the Economic Development Commission for having the courage to make such a decision to endorse Drayton-Rogers and McKane. Just as importantly they also endorsed Vizzo,Hellauer and Tichy. These 3 P&Z members have years of experience and knowledge behind them. I’m sure that over the years some residents might have found fault with some of their decisions. It’s impossible to keep all of the people happy all of the time. But they have always worked in the best interests of Oxford. devoted countless hours and much of their energies for the betterment of Oxford.

What can anyone say about August Palmer. It’s unfortunate that he has developed this reputation. But over the years he has indeed gone out of his way to be an obstructionist.
Having him as a member of the P&Z Board would indeed be disastrous for this community.
This Affordable Housing issue is a perfect example of just how he works. If anyone believes he is not the driving force behind this Keep Oxford Greens movement and their attempt to label the current Oxford administration as supporting and actively encouraging affordable housing in this community they have to take their heads out of the sand.
Palmer is, was and always will be a politician. he’s always one step ahead of everyone else. he lives and breaths schemes and divisiveness.
That grin, that smile. Is he ever sincere?
I can’t help feeling theres a plot be hatched this minute in his mind.

posted by: pigfarmer on October 26, 2009  6:26pm

Typical Palmer response when things don’t go his way-charge an ethics violation.  He must have learned this neat little maneuver in Stratford before he got run out of town. News Flash-Oxford will be the next town to run him out.

posted by: CrazyinOxford on October 26, 2009  7:45pm

And not only was he run out of Statford, but he left Stratford as a DEMOCRAT.  When it was in his “best interest”, he switched parties to Republican because in Oxford, Republicans outnumber Democrats 2 to 1.  EVERYTHING Palmer does, he does it for political reasons and NOT for the best interest of the town.  Palmer is Haversat’s & Rasberry’s boy, so if you are not in favor of Palmer, stay away from Haversat because Haversat wants to keep Augie close to help him when he gets in trouble!

posted by: Indie on October 27, 2009  6:40pm

I have never heard of a town commission endorsing candidates. If this is not unethical, it is at least unsavory. Shame!

posted by: Rita on October 27, 2009  8:15pm

ABA - Anyone But Augie!!!

posted by: Mr. Happy on October 28, 2009  3:01pm

Remember when shuler was writing letters in support of Palmer during the last election.  What a fair weather friend.  Now Herman follows Maryann like a lost puppy dog.  So Herman endorses his boss.  And the Economic development commission endorsed the people who appointed them.  Regardless of politics you have to see the ethics issue in this.

posted by: CrazyinOxford on October 28, 2009  6:49pm

Herman saw the light of day after Palmer, nothing else.  Palmer showed his true character after he lost and then started bad-mouthing people.  That is why people dislike him.  Are you saying the Republicans like Palmer?  If so, why didn’t they want him on P&Z?

posted by: Chickenfarmer on October 29, 2009  10:49am

As a Republican I am not voting for Palmer.  Palmer hijacked the Caucus.  I will vote for everyone else on the republican ticket as they are capable good people.

posted by: Oxforddemocrat on November 4, 2009  5:19pm

Palmer filing an ethics complaint? Now thats a good one! Sounds like something Jay Leno would make fun of.

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