George R. Temple, the former town counsel who was one of the first in town to say he wants to run for first selectman this year, made it official Sunday with a speech before about 100 supporters gathered at the Brookside Inn.
Temple promised to bring a new approach to town government and resolve what he called “a very toxic political environment.”
“Rancor has replaced cooperation, accusations have replaced constructive criticism and temporary political gain is now the goal rather than the best interest of the town,” Temple told his supporters, who cheered him on.
He said the mantra for his campaign is Oxford Together, and is hoping to unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents into a strong and united Oxford.
He expects to announce a running mate in the near future.
As for opponents, Republican Thomas Kelly has not said anything more since telling the Valley Indy he is interested in running, last month. No Democrats have announced intentions yet.
First Selectman MaryAnn Drayton-Rogers is not seeking a third term, and has said she will spend more time with her family.
Temple appeared at the event with his wife, Cathy, and 15-year-old son, Andy. Former First Selectman August Palmer III gave him a strong note of support.
“George Temple is a planner, and he’s a goal setter,” Palmer said. “Without setting goals, you can’t get this town moving forward again.”
Article continues after video.
Temple is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Suma Cum Laude, and the Syracuse University College of Law.
He is a lawyer with a practice in Shelton, and is also the former Seymour Town Counsel.
He currently serves on the Oxford Library Board.
So George Temple is being strongly supported by Augie Palmer? God help Oxford before another Palmer Republican gets into office.
George Temple is getting support from people all over town and not just the Republican Party…
Hey Oxford Resident:George is his own man,yesterday,today and tomorrow. GO TEMPLE GO TEMPLE GO TEMPLE!
Georg has support from both parties and independents. He has good vision for Oxfords Future.
Let’s hope that we’ll have a productive campaign season this year and that the tired old antics will not resurface. Because We are sick of it. But as you can see Oxford Resident is starting right in with negativity and that just what we want.
Oxford resident will be part of the problem as usual.
I was happy to hear Mr. Temple announce his decision to run for First Selectman.
However, while watching the videos posted on this site to catch Temple’s speech I noticed Augie Palmer sitting at the table to the left of Mr. Temple grinning from ear to ear, not good. Sitting diagonally across from Palmer at the same table is Vinnie Palutis who made a motion a few years back while Palmer was First Selectman to cut $500,000 out of the BOE budget and got it passed, not good. Lastly, the famous letter writer and frequent outspoken one at BOS meetings David Stocker is towards the back of the room smurking.
There goes my support for Mr. Temple! He wants the negativity to stop but surrounds himself with negative people.
Can’t wait to see who the Democrats put up. Here we go again!