Oxford Dems Pick Heim, McKane to Lead the Ticket

The Oxford Democrats picked a retired editor for Consumer Reports magazine as its candidate for first selectman Tuesday night at Town Hall.

David Heim, 67, who has lived in Oxford since 2006, will lead a ticket that includes longtime public servant Dave McKane as the selectman candidate, three new Board of Education candidates and two new candidates for the Board of Finance, amongst others.

"The issues in this campaign are clear," Heim told the crowd. "Homeowners in Oxford pay more than their fair share of taxes because the (George) Temple administration has done nothing to bring new taxpaying businesses to town. His hand-picked team has landed only a yogurt shop - that is not a healthy diet for growth. Meanwhile, 30 storefronts and industrial buildings lie vacant here."

He said seniors are worried about being able to afford to stay in their homes and that "Oxford can't afford two more years of George Temple."

McKane, the lone Democrat on the current Board of Selectmen, was praised by Democrats for several years of serving on several town boards. He, too, said Oxford needs someone new at the helm to replace Temple, who is in his first term and is seeking re-election with incumbent Jeff Haney as his running mate, once again.

He said management is sorely lacking in town. "It's chaos in Town Hall," he said.

Still, McKane said he learned early on in his political career that once campaigns are over, politicians need to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan manner to move the town forward.

Former First Selectman Kathy Johnson, who ran with McKane in 2001, said, "Dave McKane is someone who puts Oxford first over politics," a reference to McKane's former campaign slogan. 

Here is the full list of candidates who were endorsed by Democrats at their caucus Tuesday night: 

First Selectman: David Heim
Selectman: Dave McKane

Town Clerk: Margaret West

Board of Finance: Joe Calabrese, Don Joy, Ph. D

Board of Education: Marcy Kaether, John Mele and Whendi Cook Broderick, Ph. D

Board of Assessment Appeals: Kathy Johnson

Planning and Zoning Commission: Peter Zbras, Janis Hardy and Pat Cocchiarella

Zoning Board of Appeals: Peter Bunzl