With just five days until the election, candidates for First Selectman and the Board of Selectmen squared off at Oxford High School Thursday in a debate sponsored by the school’s social studies department.
Democratic incumbent First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers and running mate Selectman Dave McKane are being challenged by Republican challengers David Haversat and running mate David Yish.
The round robin debate was moderated by high school junior Lauren Frymus and allotted each candidate two minutes to respond to questions on education, affordable housing, economic development and the town’s future.
Each candidate also had two minutes for opening and closing statements.
There is animosity between Drayton-Rogers and Haversat, with the two politicians trading barbs in their opening statements.
Drayton-Rogers said Haversat takes credit for the works of others. Haversat said Drayton-Rogers is running a negative campaign.
On affordable housing, Drayton-Rogers said Haversat has been spreading misinformation.
Oxford tried to promulgate affordable housing regulations during the summer. The idea was to control where affordable housing could go. Towns with no local affordable housing regulations that reject affordable housing project often lose court cases, town officials said.
However, the town then abandoned its pursuit of the regulations — at least for the short term — when some Republicans accused them of favoring developers and high-density housing.
Drayton-Rogers said emphatically that she does “not support low-income, high-density housing, but fully supports strong regulations.”
Drayton-Rogers referred to the town of Simsbury, which recently spent $1.2 M in legal fees fighting affordable housing developments and lost in court.
“There is a lesson to be learned,” she said.
McKane agreed with Drayton-Rogers on low-income, high-density housing, and stressed the importance of guidelines for affordable housing.
“We need strong regulations to guard the town,” he said.
Haversat said Drayton-Rogers is confused and questioned the use of state money for a study on affordable housing in town.
“Not all grants are good,” he said. “Taking that grant means we are held tight by the state.”
Drayton-Rogers said economic development is necessary to the town’s future, and would continue to balance the commercial, industrial and residential tax bases.
She said growth in town is a result of her administration’s hard work competing against cities like New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.
“The town is doing a damn good job,” she said.
Haversat said during his terms as Selectman from 2003 to 2007, “aggressive” planning provided funding for the new high school and senior center, and paved 27 miles of roads, approved by voters.
Yish, a political newcomer with a background in engineering sales, said he heard a lot of great ideas from residents during the campaign.
“I pledged to run on those issues that were reflected from them,” he said.
If elected to her second term, Drayton-Rogers said she would continue balanced economic growth, appoint a charter revision committee and to increase the number of the Board of Selectmen to five members and complete outdoor facilities.
“We are laying the groundwork to make that happen,” she said.
Haversat said he would be a full time First Selectman working in a bipartisan manner to accomplish goals.
He said he anticipates a new library and vows to “clean up” Route 67.
“It takes leadership,” he said. “Things cannot be hidden or back-doored.”
Social studies teacher Jeff Giovacchino, an Oxford resident, said the debate questions were derived from the social studies department.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Great Debate, Haversat was terrific, called out the administration for their negative campaigning. Haversat Yish have it this election!
At times tonight Maryann came across very arrogant. Way to go Dave you came out on top and were clearly the better candidate.
Drayton Roger took credit for things others have done or things that she wants to have done. In reality it came across as though she has done nothing. Glad she lost. Too smug for my liking.
Mary Ann and Dave both did well, but Mary Ann was definitely better. David was very accusatory and in the same breath, said politics as usual no more. Politics as usual is his and the Republicans motto, which was the same mantra as Augie Palmer.
Mary Ann has been a breath of fresh air and has done well. Oxford should look forward to having her serve for another 2 years!
Maryann a breath of fresh air? Her arrogance reminds me a great deal of Palmer. It is as though she and Palmer are the same spinning things, changing stories, talking down to people. Every time she thinks she makes a point she has that foolish grin. Palmer use to do the same thing. These politicians better start checking their egos at the door. I am voting for Haversat.
I like Dave H as a candidate, but unfortunately he has attached himself to the lies about affordable housing that the Republicans are using as a phony campaign issue. Affordable housing regs were brought up by a republican dominated P&Z, and the regulations would protect Oxford from affordable housing dictated by developers. Oxford cannot block affordable housing, but can direct it to a more acceptable configuration via regulations.
“Mrs. Drayton-Rogers said she recently had an opportunity to observe “workforce” housing in Danbury and Trumbull and felt it was the type of housing that would fit in nicely in Oxford.”
Voices June 2009
“Mr. McKane said he had daughter who lived in a neighboring town for whom incentive housing would be a perfect fit.
“It’s a great chance for our kids to come back to the town to live,” he said.”
Voices June 2009
Oxford is a residential town with houses. It is not a place for any type of apartment like complex. It is a beautiful country town. Why would we want to ruin the character of town. There are many towns and cities that have apartment complexes where a college student can live. A college student must first live on their own away from their parents, so they understand the value of a college education, the value of working hard, and the value of saving your money to buy a home in a desirable community. By maintaining a desirable community in Oxford, we will maintain the value of our homes that we work so hard for everyday. Oxford would not have the same value if apartments were brought in.
Looks like Mr. Haversat needs to take “Communication 101.” When speaking to a group of people, eye contact is very important and your voice should be heard. Was not impressed, great job MADR!
Right out of the box MADR went into the attack mode. She and McKane were the only ones raising their voices and exceeding time limits.
It was clear they had no accomplishments and used the last administrations momentum to carry them the for two years. Dave H. was right that she only seemed to be working in the last few months buying votes. She also mentioned campus style development. no matter how you say it it’s still high density.The words came from the horse’s mouth!
I liked how Haversat had the meeting minutes from the economic development meeting where they endorsed high density low income housing, those exact words were in black and white.Mary Ann’s name is all over the document as well. After getting a copy it is eye opening to see who on the economic development commission will benefit financially if these homes go in. Drayton Rogers and McKane made a big deal about the endorsement from the commission, no wonder they support high density housing! I’ve lived in three communities and I’ve never seen politics like this before. What a sly administration this one, time to get them out!
not again…please clarify your remarks where you state: “After getting a copy it is eye opening to see who on the economic development commission will benefit financially if these homes go in.”
Are you making a charge that someone on the Commission is dirty or on the take? If so, then state who it is rather then say it is obvious because it is not obvious to me.
Leveling a charge like this against a public official is serious business and unless you have proof, you are opening yourself up to a HUGE lawsuit. Should one proceed with a lawsuit, the login records of this forum and your ip address are subject to seizure. You cannot hide and will be found out.
So, again, if you have proof and are willing to stand by it, then state the facts, but otherwise, it is just one of those libelous remarks being made against the Commission and the Drayton-Rogers administration by those who are desperate to get into office.
Dave Haversat had an excellent debate. Mr. Haversat provided factual information to support his believes. He spoke of tangible goals to move Oxford forward. He was professional and right to the point. Mary Ann Drayton Rogers choice to speak obscenely loud and did not spend her time stating the facts, but pushing her bully tactics as if she was on the playground. This is not professional. She literally pointed her finger at the audience as if they were children and everyone was in awe. How offensive. Does she not have respect for all voters? Must I say more…Haversay/Yish all the way.
CrazyinOxford, you are attempting to drive away from the issue at hand. Everyone knows the developers have the most to benefit should the housing go in. If a developer sits on the commission and votes to endorse the housing plan and has an interest in the development they should recuse themselves from the vote. This is standard procedure on any board. Are there any developers on the commission??? I understand only three people on the commission voted in favor of endorsing the current administration, the rest passed, why did they pass the vote? Do they have a conflict and did the right thing or did they just know it was wrong for a public commission not to endorse? That is the point.
The naysayers that say “Keep Oxford Green, no affordable housing” don’t seem to realize that it is not Oxford’s choice to say no affordable housing. The developers will choose, and the courts will back them. Also, Keep Oxford Green is a misnomer…Any sites where affordable housing will go would be developed anyway, so would not remain green.
David Haversat clearly won the OHS debate.
David Haversat focused on the issues. His experience, knowledge, common sense and love for the town of Oxford will move Oxford in the right direction when he is elected First Selectman on November 3rd.
No doubt, David clearly won the debate. He was poised and professional. Unlike, our present selectman, Mad-R who was obviously angry and not focused on the issues at hand. She was constantly on the defensive and never really explained her position on anything. She is so hung up on the hi-density housing issue ( an issue that is out there because of her administration) that she can’t focus on anything else.
She claims that they did such a wonderful job on economic development. Look at the facts. Does anyone believe that what they brought in could have built a high school, a senior center and an addition to a school. They have a dismal record when it come to economic development. The facts speak for them selves. Our town needs Haversat now more than ever. I believe the public understands the true facts that and we will have a new administration on Nov 3.
In response to the posting by: Rita on October 30,10:36am regarding the hearing problem ‘Rita’ apparently had with Mr. Haversat at the OHS debate. Mr. Haversat spoke in a polite, well educated manner with a positive spirited voice and was well heard by the audience. Listen to the YouTube on this web-page. Perhaps Rita would do well to visit a facility that can provide audio assistance to improve Rita’s hearing shortcomings. Perhaps ‘Rita’ is used to hearing Mrs. Drayton-Rogers loud, harsh voice and not familiar with Mr. Haversat’s ability to speak calmly and to the point.
Mrs. Drayton-Rogers voice was monotone and quite annoying as if she was talking down to the audience. In addition listen to Mrs. Drayton-Rogers comment on the YouTube posting at the time beginning 2:29. The young man in the audience had been waving the sign to Mrs. Drayton-Rogers that her time was up but, she didn’t see it since she was not in contact with the audience and was staring into space. The high school girl timer on the stage finally said to Mrs. Drayton-Rogers “Thank you!” to bring the time up to her attention. At that Mrs. Drayton-Rogers stuttered and said, “I … did I see the cards go up? Oh I’m sorry I didn’t (ha-ha-ha) sorry you are going to have them wave a little more …I didn’t see them go up thankyou.”
That was quite embarrasing and we can do better. Mrs. Drayton-Rogers was not focused, not a good speaker and did not do well at the debate.
Also very few of her own followers were there to support her at the debate. Obviously the support for her is losing quickly.
Oxford will move in the right direction when Mr. Haversat with his leadership and care is elected First Selectman on November 3rd.
OxfordFamilyMan, sorry, I don’t have any hearing problems but thank you for your concern. I wasn’t able to go to the debate in person cause I didn’t know about it, where was the publicity? I was only able to view parts of the debate on-line here which is why I said what I said. As someone has already said, the First Amendment gives me the right to “call ’em as I see ’em.” You’re pretty tough for a “family man.”
I was there and have read all the comments so far. Was Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers a little angry. She was! and who can blame her. If all your good work was being denigrated and the Affordable Housing issue was being made an issue and you were being blamed and faulted for something you did not create.I think all of us would be a little angry or at least annoyed.
I’m not a professional debater but the one thing I noticed is that Dave Haversat read from notes and/or written material. Drayton-Rogers could be seen taking notes as Haversat spoke. She then referred to those notes in rebuttal. beyond that she spoke from the heart.
It amazes me to see how some people enjoy belittling her. But then again that’s Oxford Republican politics. Throw anything out there and just hope that some of the residents are clueless enough to believe it. How insulting some on the Republican ticket are. Oxford residents should be insulted by there lies, innuendos and prejudices.
I believe most people clearly see through this Keep Oxford Green organization. Unfortunately Dave Haversat does not have the courage to tell them to stop.
Thats not the type of leadership this town needs.
I would like to know why I should cast a vote for Drayton Rogers. A campaign visit from her in the afternoon last week, a work day that she was supposed to be serving our town as the First Selectman, doesn’t show the townspeople that she is actually doing her job as First Selectman. She should be campaigning on her own time, not on the time she is supposed to be serving out her term.
Also, I wonder how many people decided that they would vote for her just because she blurted out at the debate that she is Oxford’s chief of police. Goes to show she is grasping at anything she can to get re-elected.
I like how Drayton Rogers democratic party tried to stop Oxford Greens and and Meadowbrook from being constructed from a PAC ( political action committee) Same as Keep Oxford Green with a “No Zone Change” and guess who was in charge of that Pac 8 years ago…Mary Ann’s town council. I guess it was Ok for them to have a PAC, but no one else…that’s the democratic way..a dictatorship. Democratic party even signed a letter against the two senior projects. Years later the town receives huge
sums of tax dollars from them, but now they want high density, low income homes which is a total drain on the town ..makes no sense. Oxford democrats, having a hard time understanding that they can’t run the town like a dictatorship. This will all change in a couple days.
Ok Citizen One. Only 31 towns comply with State Regulations for high density affordable homes. Guess what, those 31 towns have PAID fire departments, You know Waterbury. Lots of affordable homes there right, how come they have a paid dept. and no volunteers? So I guess the rest of the 138 small towns and communities don’t have firefighters living there because they can’t afford it right. Please. now your really grasping. Get it now?
Why is it that the Drayton Rogers and McKane supporters felt compelled to circulate an email around town starting last evening trying to convince everyone that Drayton Rogers and McKane are “A team with Honesty and Trust” ….an email written anonymously by “B Dog”? I guess MADR’s team now feels that they need to get their word out any way possible. Well filling my inbox with all their praises isn’t going to convince me that they are honest and trustworthy. I’m still waiting to be convinced.
Hi, I’m new to this forum and I must say Oxford is certainly interesting, always has been. I’ve been a registered democrat since I could register to vote in 1982, So now you know my age! I’ve only voted once for a Republican since that time, tomorrow will be my second and third time when I vote for David Haversat and David Yish. I am quite disgusted at what people have posted and the terrible things they say. One of the most recent post from a citizen1. questions Haversat’s accomplishments. I believe if you are in office for four years, you accomplish things, he certainly did. Yes that may be difficult for one of my fellow democrats to understand, but it’s true. I was NOT always in favor of some of what Haversat voted for, but he cared and continues to care about the town. And for Citizen big Zero, in the corporate world people work out of their home. If you saw Mr. Haversat’s biography in the papers you will see he has worked in Oxford since he was a teenager. He was more effective and attended nearly every meeting while he was a Selectman then some of Oxford’s previous First Selectmen, now how do you suppose that was possible if we were to believe your rubbish? Oxford Dosen’t need to be this way and I don’t enjoy it. After seeing Mr. Haversat and Mr. Yish as they came campaigning to our door, and conducting my own research….I am convinced that my vote will be cast well on November 3rd for Haversat and Yish. Thanks. Darleen
Oh yes and the other thing, I hope Citizen one is not actually from Center Fire House with those threats about fires? We do have sick people as I mentioned before. Interesting, if you live in town your entire life as in both Mr. Haversat and Mr. Yish suddenly you are from another state. Please tell me you are not a fireman because I don’t want you protecting the town especially if you are that ignorant. Darleen
After tomorrow we all have to be neighbors again. Regardless of political affiliation, regardless of income and regardless of profession. I hope we can all leave this ugliness behind. I personally like both Dave and MaryAnn, I just know Dave can and will do a better job.
Darleen, you are absolutely correct. Many people in Oxford whether Democratic, Independent or Republican have become unhappy and disgusted with the terrible things they say. The people who write these name calling articles in the Voices are from the same people over and over again. Check with your good investigations and you will see the same names appear as members of the Oxford Democratic Town Committee.
Their negativity is backfiring and people are tired of it. People are turned off and are not voting for Drayton-Powers. Yes the vote will be cast well on November 3rd for Haversat and Yish.
Concerned citizen who is complaining about Drayton-Rogers campaigning during the day needs to realize that selectmen, and some other town employees attend many town board meetings that are held in the evening, so they put in more than their designated number of hours.
Indie, you have a point. My apologies for that particular commment.