NORFOLK -- Voters dismissed a local school committee member, but retained an incumbent selectman in Tuesday's annual town election.

Selectman Ramesh Advani won a second three-year term, but school board member Douglas Miller lost his bid for a second term.

Turnout was 1,265 voters, 21 percent of the town's 5,926 registered voters.

`` I'm disappointed. I think the weather had a lot to do with it,'' said Town Clerk Marie Chiofolo, who expected more voters, given that there were 10 candidates in four contests.

`` It got busier the end of the day, when the trains came in. We did have a flurry of activity at the end.'' Advani edged out challengers Kevin Roche and Michael Kulesza, who has been on the zoning board. Advani garnered 743 votes, with Roche taking 393 and Kulesza 105 votes.

Kulesza decided not to actively campaign and didn't wish to serve, but his name remained on the ballot because the deadline had passed to withdraw.

`` I'm very grateful and pleased with the results,'' Advani said. `` I wish the turnout was higher, but it was pretty lousy weather.''

`` Our big issue is going to be we really need to come up with a financial plan,'' Advani said. `` We have got to keep increasing our commercial tax base and reducing our costs.''

Advani did express disappointment with anonymous character attacks against candidates that circulated on the town's unofficial Web site, Norfolk.net.

`` I certainly like Ramesh Advani,'' said voter Virginia Meany. `` I think he is very thoughtful, analytical. I think he has done an excellent job and is clearly committed to the community.''

Patrick Manning and John Olivieri won the two three-year spots on the local school committee. Manning received 670 votes, Olivieri got 643 and Miller had 528 votes.

Ed Piscitelli didn't run for a third term.

Budget cuts facing the elementary schools highlighted the school committee race.

Voter Wendy Wagner Robeson said she voted for Olivieri. `` It was very contentious,'' Robeson said of the school board race. `` I think he will bring change that is needed to the school board.''

Voter Liz Bugbee agreed.

`` I think they were all active races,'' Bugbee said. `` It was the first time in a long time people were actively interested.''

Resident Campbell Richard said his only concern was the lack of candidates for some offices.

`` Quite a few were running unopposed,'' Richard said. `` That doesn't help the selection process.''

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.