Matt Mattingly has concerns about Gorham and has ideas that he believes could have positive influence on Gorham’s future, which is why he is throwing his hat in the race for one of two Gorham Town Council seats.

“If my ideas and thoughts were to have any impact, then I had to stand up and not only be counted, but make my voice heard,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly, 41, lives in Gorham with his wife and two children. He owns PineCrest Inn in Gorham and has a bachelor’s degree from Thomas More College in Kentucky.

Mattingly says the obvious issues facing most towns, such as the economy, price of gase and heating oil and the cost of living, but mentioning these problems is not enough to deal with them.

If elected, he said, he would convene monthly think-tank workshops at his inn at his own expense to explore how Gorham can tap into surrounding business activity and encourage all businesses to work together.

“As the owner of the only lodging property in Gorham, I feel that we sometimes operate with blinders on,” he said. “Gorham is located in the center of the largest economic triangle in Maine. For many reasons, we see no benefit from this. I will work every day to help Gorham realize a benefit from this economic activity.”

He said he would also work hard to maintain a balanced budget while continuing to provide services to the community.

“As Gorham grows, so does the budget to provide services,” he said. “Each new family brings added expenses and additional burdens. It is very difficult to keep the expenses of operating a growing community in check. I will encourage our town manager and support his efforts to look at any areas that could benefit from collaboration or consolidation of services.”

Mattingly said he is also concerned with the business climate of Gorham and wants to find ways to attract new businesses to the area and keep current businesses thriving.

“We clearly have moved in a disturbing direction,” he said. “We must find creative ways to invest in our downtown, village centers and town gateways while enhancing the character that will support our goals of moving the town forward without adding to the tax burden of the residents.”

Matt Mattingly