Last modified: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:12 AM EST North selectman's race talk focuses on fluoride, lifting downtown BY STEPHEN PETERSON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF NORTH ATTLEBORO - Revitalizing downtown, fluoride, and how to use the money that may be gained from the sale of the Community School painting were the focus of selectman candidates at a forum Monday night. The four candidates for the sole spot on the board of selectmen in Monday's preliminary election were showcased in a forum by North TV. The two top candidates Monday will run in the April 3 election to replace Selectman James Wood, who is not running for re-election. Mark Williamson, a former human resource director for the town for three years, cited his administrative experience, and said he believes his background will work well as a mediator, negotiator and facilitator. David Chee, who has served as a selectman and school board member, said there is "so much left to be done" on the board of selectmen, mentioning a new library. Chee suggested bylaws may need to be changed to "break logjams" of boards and committees not settling issues together. He cited previous accomplishments of a new police station, reasonable teacher wages, dual tax rate, and the preservation of the LeStage property. Paul Belham, a conservation commission member who has been appointed to other boards, said he has nothing to gain financially from being a selectman and doesn't plan to use it as a stepping stone. He said he wants to see boards able to more easily get information from each other. Steven Bankert said he wants to see more decisions made at regular meetings instead of hashed out at workshops. Bankert said he has found residents want to preserve a "small town feel" and backs rezoning. Concerning affordable housing, Belham said he hopes to soften the costs for developers so they can lower prices. Bankert said he discovered of the 277 homes for sale in town, 177 are for sale for below $400,000. Belham and other candidates want to see parking and other issues addressed to promote downtown business. Bankert advocated a theme such as pushing for antique stores or restaurants. Relating to the painting, Bankert said he would prefer the money go to the schools and be able to be tapped for more than one year, suggesting a trust fund. Chee agreed, but the other candidates pointed out more research needs to be done. For fluoride, the candidates agreed a ballot question perhaps should go before voters. Belham called boards suing each other ludicrous. As for the ongoing controversy of being unable to land a new town administrator, Williamson said he feels he "can bring the skills to get someone to bring that leadership to the town that is so needed." Belham said he feels the controversy cost him the election to the board last year. "I had a firm and honest opinion on it," he said. The forum was moderated by North TV Executive Director Peter Gay, and panelists were reporter Jim Hand of The Sun Chronicle, Editor John Andre of The Free Press, and Meghan Miller of North TV. The forum will be shown on Channel 98 today from 5 to 11:30 p.m., and Wednesday, 5 to 10 p.m.