NORTON - The town's election on Tuesday will set the stage for changes in the selectmen's board and school committee, as one challenger and two incumbents fight for the two board seats, and two challengers vie with one incumbent for the two committee seats.

Selectmen Chairman Robert Kimball and Selectman Charles "Chuck" Moitoza will face off against former Selectman Robert Salvo, while school committee Chairwoman Donna Gradie is competing with former school committee member and Town Moderator Andrew Mackie, along with former Norton teacher Elizabeth McManus.

The looming political question for both offices is the general state of concern over municipal budget woes, and the school committee's override request specifically, which will be discussed at the annual town meeting on May 14.

One question will also appear on the ballot after having been passed at the last annual town meeting: should the town collector-treasurer position be appointed?

Town Manager Jim Purcell, has spoken in favor of the initiative, saying the town's finances should be handled by someone with the proper expertise. Purcell would appoint the treasurer, which, he said, eliminates any possible concerns about politicization via appointment by selectmen. The voting booths open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24, and will close at 8 p.m. Constituents in Precincts 1 and 2 can vote at the high school at 66 West Main St. Those in Precincts 3, 4 and 5 can vote at the Yelle school at 64 West Main St.

Traffic conditions will likely be less than optimal near the two schools because of ongoing Route 123 construction work to replace old water lines.

M. JUANID ALAM covers Norton for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at malam@thesunchronicle.com.