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By SETH HARKNESS, Staff Writer October 31, 2007

Incumbent Art Tardif faces two challengers, Matthew Dicianni and Michel Ohayon, in the race for a seat representing Ward 5 on the Saco City Council. Tardif has served on the council for nearly two decades. Dicianni is new to politics. Ohayon challenged Tardif two years ago.

MATTHEW J. DICIANNI

AGE: 28

ADDRESS: 27 Pepperell St.

PERSONAL: Married

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, University of Maine-Farmington

OCCUPATION: Manager, AT&T Mobility

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

ON THE ISSUES: Dicianni said one of his top priorities is to encourage economic growth that would increase the city’s tax base, but not at the expense of quality of life for Saco residents. Dicianni said he is also concerned with the effects of school consolidation on students, teachers and taxpayers. “What is the long-term effect of the consolidation plan on educators? Will there be an increase of pay to teachers as a result of school mergers? Will many teachers lose their jobs over consolidation plans? How are we going to pay for the effects of consolidation without eventually having to raise taxes?” If elected, Dicianni said controlling city spending would be another of his priorities.

MICHEL OHAYON

ADDRESS: 3 Birch Hill Lane.

Did not respond to multiple phone calls for information.

ART TARDIF

AGE: 66

ADDRESS: 249 Lincoln St.

PERSONAL: Married, two children

EDUCATION: Thornton Academy graduate

OCCUPATION: Retired Saco Police officer, real estate agent

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: 17 years on Saco City Council

ON THE ISSUES: Tardif said one of the main issues facing Saco will be whether and how to merge its school system under the state plan to consolidate districts. At present, Tardif said he would prefer to see Saco schools remain independent. Tardif said he would also work to ensure that the Saco Island developers who received a large tax break from the city uphold their agreement to make a number of public improvements. He said he also wants to help guide Saco through the process of building a new fire department to replace the existing facility downtown, which is too small. Another priority for Tardif is reviewing levels of staffing throughout city government to see whether they are appropriate.