Democratic First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers and Selectman David McKane announced their bids for re-election on the steps of Town Hall Thursday.
To a crowd of more than 50 supporters, Drayton-Rogers said during her first term she was able to raise the level of the office with honesty and openness and act in a bi-partisan manner for the best interest of the town.
Drayton-Rogers cited sewer and waterline completion along Great Hill to West Street, as well as accomplishments with town roads and schools as staples of her administration during her first term.
“Commercial development on Route 67 South now has a chance to develop with much needed medical retail and convenience services in Oxford,” she said.
Calling the current economic challenges as the most difficult since the Great Depression, Drayton-Rogers acknowledged she has kept the town’s mill rate as low as possible. She also noted that, unlike past administrations, both of her administration’s budgets passed on the first referendum.
“That is not by chance,” she said, “but by listening to and fighting for our residents.”
During a second term, Rogers said she would concentrate on communicating with residents and continuing to maintain the balance between growth and taxes.
“My goal is to continue to work with all residents and all parties who have the best interest of the town at heart,” she said.
McKane, hoping for a fifth term on the Board of Selectmen, said his life in public service in town began 20 years ago as a member of the grassroots coalition Oxford the Beautiful. McKane explained that the group was instrumental in preserving what is now the Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary.
“I saw that a small group of dedicated people could make positive changes for the town,” he said.
McKane identified himself as an honest “blue jeans and t‑shirt kind of guy” who speaks his mind and works hard.
“Most of all I am a team player,” he said.
Rogers said her re-election campaign will be co-chaired by Gary Komar and Joanne Driana. She said over the next few months The Rogers/McKane team will be knocking on doors and talking to residents.
A message seeking comment was left with Thomas Kelly, chairman of the Republican Town Committee.
