SALEM — Five candidates are running for two three-year seats on the Budget Committee.
The candidates are Stephan Coufos, Eugene Morgan, Martha Spalding, Paul Welch and Josef Brown. The election is March 12.
The winners would gain the seats currently held by Chairman Russell Frydryck and Diana Seifert. Frydryck is running against Steven Plante for a one-year seat vacated by Patrick McDougall.
Four of the five candidates for the three-year seats participated in the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce candidates forum Feb. 21. They told how they would prioritize spending without increasing taxes.
Brown was the only candidate who did not participate. He could not be reached for an interview.
Stephan Coufos
Age: 46
Occupation: Real estate agent
Incumbent: No
Elective experience: None
What do you plan to do if elected? I will be an effective member by always keeping the residents of Salem in mind and making good, well-thought-out decisions to improve our town.
Eugene Morgan
Age: 91
Occupation: Retired digital systems engineer
Incumbent: No
Elective experience: School Board, Budget Committee
What do you plan to do if elected? Learn all I can about how a living community functions, and based on 60 years of experience, contribute what I can without messing things up.
Martha Spalding
Age: 56
Occupation: Former federal worker
Incumbent: No
Elective experience: None
What do you plan to do if elected? Taxpayers work hard for their money and should get value for their tax dollars. We need to keep tax rates low while maintaining our infrastructure.
Paul Welch
Age: 54
Occupation: Retired firefighter, electrician, truck driver
Incumbent: No
Elective experience: None
What do you plan to do if elected? I plan to use my experience as a former public employee and tradesman to keep property taxes at a reasonable level.
