OXFORD – Tony Milligan, special agent, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, was the speaker at the Jan. 9 meeting of the Oxford County Republican Committee at the Advent Christian Church, Route 26.

In his remarks, Milligan, who was joined by Chancey Libby of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department, provided an overview of what his agency faces in investigating illegal drug sales and use in Western Maine.

After a roast beef and pork dinner served by the Oxford Town Republican Committee, delegates from the Oxford County towns unanimously voted to accept the report of the Nominating Committee, which proposed a slate of officers for the ensuing two years.

Elected were: Dan Bolling, Oxford, chairman; Neil Hanley, Hartford, male vice chairman; Paula Smith, Andover, female vice chairwoman; Barbara Robinson, Paris, secretary; Lynn Hamper, Oxford, treasurer; and Norm Ferguson, Hanover, finance chairman.

Republican State Committee Chairman Joe Bruno spoke briefly on the need to provide alternatives to Democratic proposals during the current legislative session. Also present was Dan Schuberth, State Committee political director, who presented a blueprint for strengthening the Republican effort in the 2008 election cycle.

Plans were announced for the annual Lincoln Dinner to be held at the Bethel Inn Conference Center on Feb. 24. Featured speaker will be State Sen. Carol Weston, Republican leader in the State Senate. Also addressing the group will be Maine College Republican Chairman Nate Walton of Lewiston.

The meeting concluded with a standing ovation for retiring chairman Erlon Jones of Fryeburg for his work on behalf of the party during the past two years.