Oxford First Selectman Responds To Criticism From Democrats

Written by First Selectman George R. Temple,

A recent article in the Patch accused me of being a racist. This accusation coincided with the Democratic Town Committee Chairman declaring her candidacy for the First Selectman of Oxford. I probably should not answer these unfounded allegations because anyone who knows me knows that I am in no way a racist. But, it bothers me that someone would begin her campaign with a firm position on the low road.

At the May 17, 2014 meeting of the Oxford Planning and Zoning Commission, I in fact said that “I was very concerned about the narrow streets of Oxford Garden Homes prefab modular homes project on Hurley Road.”

I missed the Democratic Chairman at the meeting, she obviously didn’t think it was important. It is my responsibility to speak for the people of Oxford both present and future to express my concern for their safety. I am still opposed to this project because it crams 150 housing units into a very small space. The courts have ordered that we allow this project and I will follow the law.

I did ask what would happen if a special event such as a Cinco de Mayo party were to happen, how our emergency vehicles would have access. The reason I referenced Cinco de Mayo was that the hearing was held in early May. I had just attended a Cinco de Mayo party where parking was a problem on Oxford streets. Does that make me a racist?

I regret that the Democratic Town Chairman felt that she would start her campaign by name calling. I think if that is all she has, she better go back to the drawing board.

The Democratic party has not much experience in advocating for the people of Oxford. Do your homework and talk to people who know me before you cast stones. Otherwise, you should stay home and polish your participant trophies and leave the real world to those of us who reside here.