Candidates will meet Monday

Less than three weeks away, the North Attleborough town elections are taking center stage Monday night as North TV hosts a Candidates Forum.
Four candidates will try to persuade voters he or she should fill one of the two open seats on the board.

Incumbents Marjorie Kraskouskas and William Moffitt face off against former selectmen Michael Thompson and finance committee member Mark Williamson, who came up short to Paul Belham in last year's race for a single open seat vacated by James Wood.

In the preliminary election held Feb. 19, Williamson was the top vote getter with 434 votes. Kraskouskas made the field by edging out former selectmen David Chee by four votes.

Moffitt has touted his work of "replacing the management team, MIS director, building inspector and town administrator." A proponent of government reform, Moffitt calls today's government working in a "new era," and that now is a "good time for strategic planning."

Kraskouskas, a six-term incumbent, also favors the need for government reform, especially in the area of reducing Representative Town Meeting to below 100 members. She also hopes the town will create a position, or use the town administrator, as a post to whom all boards report to eliminate the current strains between departments. "The board of selectmen needs to be the place where residents go for support," she said. Kraskouskas claimed her low vote total (322) was a message that the voters are not seeking change, but due to her making "tough decisions."
Williamson has maintained his human resources background makes him a productive prospect for the board. He touts his financial background as a valuable tool for budget discussions with other departments and presenting a balanced town budget. The only one who does not have board of selectmen experience, he says he brings a new approach to government, and will help in "bringing closure on issues."

Thompson has shown little interest in government reform, citing that change and reform is with the voter and whom they elect to government posts.

Candidates for board of health, planning board and school committee will also get a chance to woo voters.

Planning board incumbent Christopher Sweet, is being challenged for the three-year seat by Constant Poholek Jr. who will be on camera to debate issues.
In the board of health race it's Susan Shaw being challenged by Jonathan Maslen for the three-year seat.

School committee incumbents Christopher Frost and James McKenna, will be joined by Charles Beale in debate, vying for two three-year open seats.
The general election is April 1 at North Attleborough High School where all precints vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.