The forum was sponsored by the Oxford High School Debate Team at Oxford High School. About 60 residents attended.

Candidates for first selectman were the incumbent, Democrat Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers, and Republican David Haversat.

Running for the Board of Selectmen were the incumbent, Democrat David McKane, and Republican David Yish.

In addition to opening and closing statements, each candidate answered four questions. The questions and a brief synopsis of their responses follows:

Question 1: What do you see as the biggest issue facing education in Oxford in the coming years?

Mrs. Drayton-Rogers said controlling class sizes and addressing facility needs were foremost.

She referred to a recently completed facilities study, saying rather than attempt to tackle a myriad of building shortcomings, she would appoint a building committee to focus on "one definitive action."

She also would like to see the implementation of new programs including technology in all the schools and adult education.

Mr. Haversat said the facilities study his opponent alluded to was a valuable resource that should be used instead of being placed in the bottom of a desk drawer because it defines deficiencies and safety issues at the schools.

Also, Oxford Center School needed to be replaced, he said.

Mr. McKane also opined that Oxford Center School should be replaced, possibly with a new grammar school on the Twin Brooks site on Route 67. He also saw class size as an issue, one that could be resolved by attracting more economic development.

Mr. Yish noted, in addition to resolving school building issues, the town needed to replace outdated texts.

Like Mr. McKane, he advocated economic development as a resource for funding those needs.

Question 2: There has been a great deal of controversy regarding affordable housing. What is your position on the subject?

Mr. Haversat said he believed the issue of affordable housing was introduced by a developer who wants to build that kind of housing in town.

He said, if affordable housing is implemented, it will place a huge strain on the town's education system and infrastructure.

Mr. McKane said, he was against low-income, high-density housing and in favor of developing strong regulations to control it.

He said current zoning regulations are too skimpy and only advised developers how to apply.

Mr. Yish said the current administration's position on the subject simply "doesn't add up." He asked why the state would offer the town a $50,000 grant to develop regulations for affordable housing if the town's intention was to avoid affordable housing developments.

Mrs. Drayton-Rogers said she was "absolutely not" favor of high-density housing but absolutely in favor of regulations.

"That's the way to protect our town," she said.

Question 3: What are your plans to increase economic development to keep the mil rate down?

Mr. McKane noted that his administration built a sewer and water line to encourage commercial development on Route 67.

He said it plans to continue to support commercial growth on Route 67 and to support the creation of commercial nodes in the industrial zone.

He noted that the town's Economic Development Commission recently endorsed him and Mrs. Drayton-Rogers for reelection because commission members liked what they were doing.

Mr. Yish said it was time to focus on something other than the proposed expansion of the local airport with its promise of income and jobs.

"It's time to focus on other strengths, including existing businesses," he suggested.

Mrs. Drayton-Rogers responded that her goal was to balance economic, commercial and residential development and to continue her administration's work in that direction.

She noted at her administration had bought in ten new buildings and 23 new businesses.

Mr. Haversat said the reason the EDC endorsed Mrs. Drayton-Rogers and Mr. McKane, an unprecedented action, was because its main goal is to facilitate mixed-use housing.

He said its position is substantiated in the commission's February, 2009, meeting minutes on file at Town Hall.

Mr. Haversat said the administration he served as selectman from 2003-05 had an aggressive plan which paid off in lots of new infrastructure, including a high school.

Question 4: What would you say is he biggest concern facing Oxford in the next ten years?

Mr. Yish said the provision of a good road program as well as the provision of facilities, including ball parks, a walking path and a dog park are foremost. Also, senior citizens need more services and housing.

Mrs. Drayton-Rogers said she intended to appoint a new charter review committee to look at provisions for a five-member Board of Selectmen.

She said she also envisioned a more attractive Route 67, lots of trophies at Oxford High School and the completion of the school's outdoor facilities.

Mr. Haversat said he foresaw the conversion of Oxford Center School to a community building, the pre-construction of a new library, more economic development and the clean up of Route 67.

"That takes leadership and vision," he said.

Mr. McKane said his vision included a medical center and library on Route 67, a new grammar school on the Twin Brooks property, commercial nodes in the industrial zone, the expansion of Oxford Greens and Meadow Brook estates and the creation of a football field.

The election is on Tuesday, November 3.