We’re counting down the top 10 Valley stories of 2009 — actually, the second half of 2009, because we launched in June.
Oxford. Rolling fields, quaint shops, rural character.
And some political wrasslin’ that rival anything you see on “The Ultimate Fighter.”
The battle for the Oxford First Selectman’s office this year was just that — a battle.
Democratic first-term incumbent Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers, in a town where Republicans greatly outnumber Democrats, was challenged for the First Selectman’s office by Republican Selectman David Haversat.
In an attempt to oust Drayton-Rogers and Selectman Dave McKane, some Republicans and members of “Keep Oxford Green,” a political action committee, pushed affordable housing as an issue.
Keep Oxford Green accused Drayton-Rogers of supporting public housing. Drayton-Rogers and the Democrats said their opponents were flat-out lying.
More than 150 residents attended the rally — but McKane and Town Attorney Fran Teodosio said the organizers kept them out.
That caused Drayton-Rogers to file election complaints against “Keep Oxford Green,” who responded by filing election complaints against Drayton-Rogers and the Democrats.
In addition, Oxford residents battled it out each day in the comment section of every Oxford election story we published.
In the end, Drayton-Rogers won her second term on Nov. 3. Upon learning she won, was happy — and seemed relieved the election was over (see video). But — Republicans took over several town boards.
And we haven’t even mentioned the fight that took place for spots on the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, or the recount for the Selectmen race …
