By Renee Worthing
Register Reporter
    In preparation of the Nov. 6 local elections, two candidates for the upcoming open finance committee seats faced off Oct. 15 during candidate’s night.
   The annual Candidate’s Night, hosted by the Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Chamber President Rick Stanley, afforded the candidates an opportunity to reveal their platforms.
   Matthew Treadwell and Margaret Trowbridge participated in the question and answer session while John Greenlee and Helen Wilkins were absent.
   Following a three-minute opening statement, Trowbridge and Treadwell responded to prepared questions posed by Stanley.
   “I just want to be involved,” Treadwell, 26, said who is “just starting out,” but said he has “the desire and willingness to learn.”
   He said he is concerned about the representation of the “20-to 30-something” population of the community.
   “Our voices must be heard,” Treadwell said.
   He said he thought it was important for community leaders “to do more than show up for major events” and vowed to foster productive relationships with members of other committees.
   Trowbridge, who is a current finance committee member said she looks forward to serving another three years and said her record of commitment speaks for itself.
   “I have only missed one meeting in three years. The finance committee takes time and hard work,” she said, noting she is capable of both.
   While Treadwell said the most important skill a finance committee member should possess is “common sense,” Trowbridge cited “honesty and learning to work together with finance committee members.”
   She said it was important for finance committee members to “leave grudges outside the door.”
   “We’re here to do business. We need to learn to get along,” she said.
   She also mentioned other responsibilities of finance committee members.
   “More than skills, it’s following directions and understanding specific budgets,” Trowbridge said.
   She said she “works well with the finance committee, the public and the town council,” in her duties as a finance committee member.
   Treadwell said he is concerned about revitalization of the downtown and said he would like to see downtown be paid as much attention as the Wal-Mart/Lowes project and the proposed round-about.
   “We need to pay more attention to the center of town and restore a sense of pride,” he said.
   Treadwell said he would ensure money was spent responsibly.
   “If we perceive someone going against responsible spending, we must approach them, but not in a volatile way. If you’re too harsh, it increases the negativity. The whole goal is to work together and keep spending in check,” he said.
   During closing statements, Trowbridge asked for the votes of the community.
   “I am the eyes, ears and voice of the community of Sanford/Springvale,” she said.
   Treadwell encourage residents to vote during the Nov. 6. Elections.
   “It’s more important that you vote than who you vote for,” Treadwell said.