North polls open at noon Tuesday

[News Poster]

As President Barack Obama is at work just a couple of moths following a national election, North Attleborough voters will be heading back to the polls Tuesday, this time to narrow a field of five selectmen candidates to four and three electric commissioner candidates to two in the town's preliminary election.

Preliminary elections are held if there are more than double the amount of candidates as there are open seats. In this case, two seats are open on the board of selectmen. Incumbent and current chair John Rhyno is seeking reelecting while Selectman Dale Langille, whose term is also up in April, has opted not to make a run.

One seat is open on the board of electric commissioners, matching up are incumbent Thomas Corrigan, seeking his third term, Michael Forbes and Richard Miller. The latter has withdrawn from the race. However, his name will remain on the ballot as it was too late to have his name removed.

Voters will have the option of casting their votes for a variety of backgrounds and experience to set up a ballot of four selectman candidates for April 7.

Vying for a spot along with Rhyno is Christopher Sweet, a member of the planning board, and former finance committee member; Joan Marchitto, also a member of the planning board; Walter Matthis, RTM member. David Scanlan Jr. is new on the political scene.

At a recent televised debate, all seemed to be cautious in the approach to government reform, but overall agreeing that communication was an attribute among departments which must be addressed further.

The town is possibly facing a vote on a government reform charter to implement a mayoral and council form of government.

Another issue that could possibly become a sticking point for candidates is the talk among the board of selectmen to entrust more decision-making to the town administrator, including appointments of department heads.

The "Afghans" painting issue will continue to be at the forefront of town talk, however, Sweet and Scanlan said they were willing to table the discussion and tackle more pertinent issues such as the budget and possible job cuts looming.

The polls are open Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. Voters in Precincts 3 and 9 will Showcase Cinemas on Route One, while the remaining precincts vote at North Attleborough High School.



From the North Attleborough Free Press on 02-08-09 11:30 AM:
www.wickedlocal/North polls open at noon Tuesday