NORTON - A board of assessors seat is vacant for the second time this year because its newest member has resigned four months into her tenure.

Risa Dorfman has taken a job out of state, "an unforeseen opportunity," she told selectmen in a recent letter. She steps down here Oct. 29.

Dorfman, of South Washington Street, was appointed during a joint meeting in June to serve until the April 27, 2010 annual town election, when the seat's remaining two years will be on the ballot.

No one had run for a three-year term last April. Then-incumbent James Brown did not seek re-election, yet finished second to Selectman Robert Salvo among write-in candidates.

Salvo declined the office. Selectmen voted 4-0 for Dorfman despite assessors Joan DeCosta and Barbara Martin supporting Kathleen Petersen, a retired longtime assessors' clerk.

Two other applicants, Jeanne Barreta and Steven Macek, did not receive votes. Macek missed two scheduled interviews.

Selectmen said they wanted someone more likely to run for the office in the spring. They voted 3-3 on Petersen, who said she could not commit to running again, citing her health and her husband's health.

With Dorfman stepping down, selectmen have opened a new search.

They also will contact Petersen, Barreta and Macek to make them aware of the opening.

Letters of interest should be sent to the Board of Selectmen, Norton Town Hall, 70 East Main St., Norton, MA 02766 by Nov. 6.

Selectmen, DeCosta and Martin will interview the candidates together on Nov. 12.