BELGRADE — As select board Chair Daniel Newman’s term comes to an end, Andrew Dallas and Melanie Jewell are asking residents for their votes.

Both candidates say they are focused on taxes and transparency, but where Dallas emphasizes his analytical mind, Jewell relies on a history of speaking up.

Dallas said residents have two great options in him and Jewell, who bring very different skills and histories to the table.” Dallas emphasized that he is fact-oriented and scientific. He said experience running and improving a business makes him qualified for the position.

Dallas, who attended Monday’s candidate forum at the town office, describes himself as a technologist and an analytical person. He has lived in Belgrade for nine years, and been visiting the town for 30. He is a regular volunteer in the town, including as an emergency medical technician with Belgrade Fire and Rescue.

Jewell, 56, did not attend the forum due to health reasons. She has lived in Belgrade for 27 years and was first elected to the select board 21 years ago, when she won as a write-in candidate. Since then, she has served 15 years on the board. She lost reelection last year.

She said she has ruffled feathers in the past because she is a stickler for municipal rules and wants to see the board follow them, even if it complicates things.

“I don’t feel like you’re elected to say yes to everything,” she said. “I think that you’re elected to be mindful of what the citizens want.”

Jewell said her biggest priority as a selectperson is to speak up for residents. She said this applies to overspending and underspending, unequal policy implementation and a lack of transparency.

“I will do what I have always done: speak up, even if my hands are shaking and my voice quavers,” Jewell said. “I will speak up and ensure that you’re heard, and your concerns addressed. After all, it’s your money, and you deserve to know how it’s being used.”

Dallas is focused on taxes and he’s worried about waste in the budget. Regina Coppens, who moderated a candidate forum Monday, said many residents feel property taxes have been rising too fast, and Dallas said this is his top priority. With improved transparency and better processes, he thinks Belgrade’s taxes shouldn’t need to rise any faster than the rate of inflation.

Dallas said his experience founding and running a medical device software company means he knows how to improve processes and achieve these goals.

Jewell, a sales professional at O’Connor Auto Park, said the high cost of doing business is hurting residents in Belgrade, especially as ambulance service costs, now a large expense for the town, have increased dramatically. She would like to see the board save for big purchases and share utilities and equipment across departments. This, she said, would help lower property taxes.

Dallas also focused on tourism, growth and community Monday. He wants to protect Belgrade’s rural character and its lakes, which he called the town’s chief resource, but he also understands that the town needs to grow. He would like to see tourism expand outside of the summer months, and he’d like to attract more young families to the area with affordable housing.

For much of this, Dallas pointed to Belgrade’s comprehensive plan, a 10-year document that Dallas’ wife, Kimberly, helped create as a guide to growth and development.

Jewell highlighted the lakes and Belgrade’s programming for young people as assets, and she said she’d like to see a greater focus on care for seniors in town, so they don’t have to leave to find long-term nursing facilities.

Dallas also said he supports the town’s community center.

Both candidates said partisanship does not belong in town politics.

“Open communication and collaboration and listening to one another is really important in any situation,” Dallas said. “I would bet that 90% of the time, on 90% of the issues, people are on the same side, especially in this town.”

Jewell said she believes everyone brings something valuable to the table, and personal feelings, religion and political views have no place in small-town government.

Jewell said she leaves her door and email open to residents. At recent select board meetings, residents criticized board members for not replying to emails. She said her philosophy is to always acknowledge receipt and pass information along where appropriate.

Dallas said he’s also accessible to residents, via email or phone, and out and about in town. He said he is easily tracked down and constantly responding to emails.

As Belgrade continues its search for a new town manager, Dallas and Jewell highlighted different traits they’d want to see in a candidate.

Dallas wants someone with financial management experience, exceptional communication skills and a collaborative attitude. Jewell would like to see someone residents already know and trust in the role.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 9 at the Center for All Seasons, 1 Center Drive.