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By JOSIE HUANG, Staff Writer October 31, 2007

Six Scarborough residents are running for two seats on the Town Council in Tuesday's election. The two top vote-getters will serve three-year terms.

The candidates are split over whether voters should authorize the borrowing of $975,000 to fund the construction of a community park on Black Point Road.

JAMES BENEDICT

AGE: 59

ADDRESS: 121 Burnham Road

PERSONAL: Married, three children

EDUCATION: Attended University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston College

OCCUPATION: Part-time consultant in building construction and state septic system inspector in Massachusetts

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Co-chairman, Game of Scarborough fundraiser; elected Wellesley, Mass., Town Meeting member, 1978; Holliston, Mass., Town Meeting member, 1982-2001; Scarborough Police Department VIPS; member, Lions Club International, 1983-present, past president, Holliston Lions Club, and past zone chairman and region chairman in Massachusetts

ON THE ISSUES: Benedict said that it’s important for the town to maintain a “crystal-clear plan of wants and needs” when it comes to spending money. He says he wants to keep a close eye on the academic, athletic and social development of the town’s school-age population. He is also interested in building a community center that would be self-supporting and fulfill the needs of the entire age spectrum. He suggested hiring a professional grant writer for the town who is familiar with grants on a state and national level. He said he is still undecided about the park, and wanted to talk to more residents.

RICHARD CERVIZZI

AGE: 62

ADDRESS: 24 Hunnewell Road

PERSONAL: Married, two children

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, St. Michael’s College; law degree, University of Maine School of Law

OCCUPATION: Retired Air Force officer; worked in law and sales

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Member, Knights of Columbus; former member, Scarborough Economic Development Corp., Scarborough Chamber of Commerce, Scarborough Rotary, Greater Portland Chamber Economic Development

ON THE ISSUES: Cervizzi said a good school system is the strength of the community and should be funded appropriately, and facilities should be maintained. He noted that the town has grown at a steady pace and should continue to keep a good balance of residential and commercial development. That way, the town can “balance the spending and taxes in order to maintain the quality of life.” Other priorities include safe road systems, community facilities and recreational areas. He said the Black Point Road park is a good project.

LEROY CROCKETT

AGE: 38

ADDRESS: 127 Sawyer Road

PERSONAL: Married, three children

EDUCATION: Associate degree, University of Southern Maine.

OCCUPATION: Account executive for insurance/financial services company

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Board member, Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce; chairman of committees, Greater Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce; member, Scarborough Rotary Club

ON THE ISSUES: Crockett said that education is a priority for him and that he wants to school facilities to be safe and used to the “maximum potential” while providing a quality education. Crockett said the town must also address affordable housing and traffic. He said that safety concerns about intersections must be tackled to maintain the town’s quality of life. He said the town owes it to residents to be fiscally responsible and keep property taxes down. He said that can be achieved by maintaining a good mix of properties: 25 percent business and 75 percent residential. He supports the fact that voters are being asked whether they want to spend money on Black Point park. He leans toward supporting the bond issue.

ROBERT PENDLETON

AGE: 67

ADDRESS: 110 Holmes Road

PERSONAL: Married, one son

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, University of Maine

OCCUPATION: Former chair, Maine Unemployment Insurance Commission;...