The Oxford Democratic Town Committee Sunday afternoon formally introduced Joseph Calabrese as their pick for First Selectman.
Calabrese is current First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers’ administrative assistant. Drayton-Rogers is not seeking a third term in office.
Calabrese immediately tapped Dave McKane, who has served five terms as a member of the Board of Selectmen, to be his running mate.
As it stands, two people have formally announced plans to run for First Selectman.
George Temple is seeking the Republican nomination.
Calabrese told local press on June 15 he was planning to run — but, for some reason, wouldn’t confirm he was aligning with the Democrats.
Calabrese Sunday played up his on-the-job experience with the local issues, serving all the people.
“Now candidates always say that they’ll keep taxes low, improve the roads, support the schools and encourage business. Who wouldn’t say that? These are all good things to be doing,” the 55-year-old Calabrese told about 60 people gathered on the lawn next to Town Hall as he spoke from a gazebo.
“The difference here is I’m already there, already aware of and involved in these issues, already working on these projects, and ready to bring new ideas and approaches to further improve the town.”
McKane, who is seeking his sixth term as a Selectman, spoke highly of Calabrese, who has lived in town since 1997 and has served as a volunteer firefighter, as well as an architect who served on the original high school building committee.
“I am both proud and humbled to be your Selectman, and I ask for your support once again,” McKane told the cheering crowd.
A portion of Calabrese’s speech is posted below (note: YouTube would not accept the full speech due to its length). The story continues after the video.
Carol Georgette, chairwoman of the local Democrats and Drayton-Rogers spoke of Calabrese’s hands-on experience in the administrative workings of the town.
“He knows what has gone into each contract, each negotiation session, each legal matter involving the town, each budget decision and each business decision,” Drayton-Rogers said. “All those examples are not just talk but real and current.”
Calabrese will not switch his political affiliation to the Democratic Party.
