New contest for North?
Two take out papers for board of assessors
BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 1:14 AM EST
NORTH ATTLEBORO - A second contested race could make its way onto April's town election ballot - for a seat on the board of assessors.
Both Deborah Cochrane of 24 Prospect St., whose has experience working as an assessing officer, and longtime incumbent John Kraskouskas have taken out nomination papers for a three-year seat on the board.
So far, the park commission is the only other board that has drawn enough interest to have a contested race.
Kevin Malin, of East Washington St., and Maureen McDeed-Renzi, of Oakridge Ave., have both taken out nomination papers for the seat currently held by incumbent Roger Horton. Horton has not yet decided whether to run for re-election.
Most of the people who have taken out nomination papers are incumbents. The only other non-incumbent who has taken out nomination papers so far is Joel Poirier, of 29 White Birch Way. He took out papers for a three-year seat on the board of public works, which is currently held by Gary Porter.
Incumbents who have taken out nomination papers for three-year terms are Selectman Paul Belham, Electric Commissioner Charles Mottinger, board of health member John Donohue, school committee member Joan Meilan, and Library Trustees Anita MacDonnell and Gayle Gilbert.
Incumbent Christine Sullivan has taken out nomination papers for a five-year term on the housing authority.
In addition to those offices, the following seats will be on April's town election ballot:
Two three-year seats on the planning board, currently held by Donald Cerrone and Richard Thimot.
A one-year seat on the planning board, currently held by Scott Weymouth.
A second three-year seat on the school committee on the school committee, currently held by Arthur "Chip" Poirier.
Nomination papers for those offices will be available at the town's election office until Dec. 18. Candidates must collect signatures from at least 25 registered voters and return the signed papers to the elections office by Dec. 22.
If the number of candidates running for a particular board or committee is at least double the number of seats, the town will hold a preliminary election to narrow the field. If it is needed, the preliminary election is scheduled for Feb. 9. The town election will be held April 6.
Nomination papers for RTM seats will be available at the town election office from Jan. 6 through Feb. 11. Candidates for RTM seats will have to return their nomination papers by Feb. 16 with signatures from at least 10 registered voters living in the same precinct as the candidate.
