Sandy Treadwell says he won't take a salary if he's elected to Congress this fall.

The Lake Placid resident and former state Secretary of State is running as the Republican opponenet to incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand the 20th District and apparently doesn't need the $169,300 a year that members of Congress are paid. Treadwell had spent at least $2.6 million of his own money on the campaign when his camp filed its last financial report in August.

"I recognize that many individuals and families struggle to make ends meet and build a good life for themselves and their loved ones. I am running for Congress to ensure that government understands the needs of working families," he said in a statement.

Members of Congress are paid $169,300 a year, which Treadwell said he'd donate to charities within the congressional district.

He cited the reported greed of Wall Street executives who accept high salaries and buyouts while asking for the government to bail out their companies.

"It's clear that some people put their own personal gain ahead of others. I believe this is out of touch with the sacrifice and volunteerism of hardworking families in this district who give back to their community every day."

Treadwell isn't the only local candidate this year who has made such a campaign promise. Ian McGaughey of Wilton, who is running for the state Assembly in the 112th District, said this summer he'd give away his $79,500 salary if elected. McGaughey is a town councilman and owns Cerasun Video Productions and WeddingCombo LLC in Clifton Park.

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