The two candidates vying for a chance to represent Morrisville's southeastern side strike a similar vibe, each highlighting fiscal responsibility and smart growth as the issues of greatest importance to them this election season.

But that's where many of the similarities end between incumbent Mark Stohlman and challenger Stephen Diehl.

The men will go head-to-head at the polls on Nov. 3.

Stohlman, who was elected to the Town Council in 2007, is an accountant who contends that he has helped Morrisville take some important steps toward becoming more responsible in the way the town manages its finances.

"What makes me truly different from my opponent is my fiscal background ... and what I've managed to accomplish," he said.

Diehl, a retired human resources and marketing executive, says the town hasn't done enough to reign in spending.

"We've been guilty of overspending on many things we don't need," he said.