I am seeking re-election to the North Attleboro Board of Selectmen in the town election on April 1. I believe that I bring a unique perspective to the Board; having served for a number of years, I not only know how to recommend policy, I know how to listen and how to get things done. Because of my many years of service as a selectman, I know the history behind what has worked and what has not and bring an "institutional memory bank" to the board's deliberations.

I am proud that North Attleboro was named one of the 100 best communities in which to live in the United States in 2007. During my time in office I have always listened to citizen input, researched the issues, and worked toward finding solutions. I have always been committed to maintaining quality town services and has supported competitive wages for town employees.

Vital projects have been completed during my time on the board: North TV has come into fruition, fair and equitable contracts for town employees have been negotiated, the LeStage property has been purchased, a state-of-the-art police station has been built. I was the driving force behind the creation of a town/school shared human resource department and a dental clinic for North Attleboro children.

During my time in government, the board of selectmen has grown from a three- to a five-member board. My first motion at my first board of selectmen's meeting was to allow citizens to address the board. This ended an era when citizens had to put their request in writing and wait two weeks to be on the board of selectmen's agenda. I also gave support to the closing of the town's landfill on Mount Hope Street and assisted in negotiating a trash contract that has the lowest fees in the area.

North Attleboro continues to be a desirable, attractive community. My priorities include a real need for an expansion of the Early Learning Center, a need to maintain a balance between residential and commercial property, and a need for increased citizen participation - not only in reforming government, but also in forming the master plan for town growth and related services as we look ahead for the next quarter century.

Throughout my public service as a selectman, chairman of the school space needs committee, past member of the zoning board of appeals and serving on various other panels, I have gained a reputation for creative leadership, dedicated service, openness to fresh ideas and new ways of looking at things. I do my homework. A resident of the community for 43 years, my husband John and I raised 10 children here and they attended the local school system and participated in various community activities. I am also proud that my grandchildren are in the local school system.

I am vice president of human resources for the four-branch Hockomock Area YMCA, where I have served our community for over 20 years. I am asking for your vote in the North Attleboro Town Election on Tuesday, April 1.

MARJORIE KRASKOUSKAS is a candidate for re-election as a North Attleboro selectman.




The Sun Chronicle welcomes guest columns of up to 600 words from candidates for local office. Submissions must be received at least two weeks before the day of voting. The deadline for columns related to North Attleboro's April 1 election must be received by 5 p.m. March 17. Brief letters of endorsement of candidates are accepted until one week before the day of voting, or March 24 in the North Attleboro elections.