Last modified: Sunday, February 11, 2007 1:06 AM EST NA voters to trim races BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF NORTH ATTLEBORO - A small turnout in the 5 percent range is predicted for Monday's preliminary election, which will narrow the field of candidates for seats on the board of selectmen, park commission and treasurer-collector. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m., and all precincts will vote at North Attleboro High School on Landry Avenue. Preliminary elections typically do not draw a large number of voters and absentee ballots have been coming into the town election office at a steady, but not overwhelming, pace. Voters do have difficult decisions to make while attempting to narrow the field for three contested races. Four candidates are seeking election to the board of selectmen seat currently held by James Wood, who is not running for re-election. Candidates running for the three-year seat are Steve Bankert, Paul Belham, David Chee and Mark Williamson. Bankert, the owner of several Attleboro laundromats, is advocating for fiscal responsibility and improving communication among town boards. Belham, a conservation commission member and owner of Bell's Powder Coating, is campaigning for increased downtown parking, improved communication and affordable housing. Chee, a former selectman and school committee member who works for the state Department of Revenue, said his top priorities will be property taxes and making infrastructure improvements. Williamson, the town's former human resource director who currently works as the human resource director for a long-term care facility, says his experience will be helpful as the town searches for a new town administrator. In the collector-treasurer's race, four candidates are seeking a chance to fill out the remaining two years of Collector-Treasurer William Moffitt's term. Moffitt is stepping down April 2, the day before the town election. Candidates for that seat are Diana Asanza, Steve Dalrymple, Paul Pinsonnault and Michael Thompson. Asanza, who is employed as Norton's interim collector-treasurer and formerly worked as North Attleboro's interim treasurer and assistant treasurer, said she plans to research the possibility of online bill payment if elected to the post. Dalrymple, an attorney and town moderator, said his top priority will be to continue running the office effectively and efficiently. Pinsonnault, who is currently the town's assistant treasurer and an assessor, said he will provide continuity in the office because of his knowledge of the job. Thompson, a member of the board of public works, former finance committee member and sales manager for John Guest USA, said his top priority will be providing residents with information in an easily understood format. The park commission race features three candidates vying for a three-year term - incumbent Roger Horton, David Gaboury and Kevin Malin. Horton, a longtime park commissioner who is employed at Met-Fab Engineering, said his top priority will be continuing to offer the same services to residents even in tight budget circumstances. Gaboury, a retiree, said his top priority will be creating additional athletic fields. Malin, a former Plainville park commissioner, said his top priority will be securing additional playground equipment and creating new athletic fields. The top two vote-getters in each of the three races will vie for the seats at the April 3 town election. AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.