This year, Marion's Town Election will feature five contested races with candidates vying for seats on the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health, Planning Board, Old Rochester Regional School Committee, and the Open Space Acquisition Committee.

For the Selectmen race, incumbent John Henry will seek another three-year term on the board. Challenging Henry are William Dale Jones and Ted North. North, a member of the town's Planning Board, unsuccessfully ran for an open spot on the Board of Selectmen last year.

“I’m a great believer that there should always be a contested race for an elected board,” North said. “There are a number of issues that the Selectmen are not dealing with. There is a need for significant better planning.”

Of his decision to run for Selectman, Jones said, "I have a tremendous amount of experience in Marion. I was Chair of the Building Committee for the Police Station. I like to get involved in civic-type projects. I've done it all my life."

Kerry Reynolds and incumbent Albin Johnson III are vying for the open seat on the Board of Health.

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Planning Board. Incumbent Sherman Briggs will seek another three-year term. Jerry Ferrari and Norman Hills are also seeking a seat on the board. Hills is currently a member of the Energy Management Committee and the Capital Improvement Planning Committee.

Of his decision to run for the Planning Board, Hills said, “I’m interested in the development of the town. We have to preserve the character of the town while also planning for change. I think I can contribute something.”

Briggs has been a member of the board for 12 years. “I feel like it’s my civic duty to participate in town government. A lot of people asked me to return,” Briggs said.

Michelle Ouellette of the Marion School Committee and Linda Harju are vying for a seat on the ORR School Committee left vacant by Tom Shire.

Incumbents John Rockwell and Randy Parker are both seeking another three-year term on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. Challenging Rockwell and Parker is Geoffrey Paul Moran. There are two seats available on the commission.

There are also three uncontested races. Christine Marcolini is running for a seat on the Marion School Committee, incumbent David Titus is running for Moderator, and Bradford Eames is seeking another term on the Board of Assessors.

Marion’s Election will be held on Friday, May 17. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post on Mill Street. The last day to register to vote is April 23.