If there’s work to be done in town, whether it’s a resident seeking a porch addition or a major corporation looking to open a franchise, the Planning Board is the first to know.

It’s an influential board where member’s decisions  have wide impacts on town development — and its due for a shake-up

In Marion’s upcoming election, four candidates, of which only one is an incumbent, are running for three open seats.

Members Patricia McArdle and Jay Ryder will not seek re-election leaving Ted North as the sole incumbent in the race. Joining him are candidates Robert Lane, Eileen Marum and Michael Popitz.

Revamping the master plan topped all of the challengers list as the most significant issue facing the town.

“It needs to be updated,” said Lane, “It’s a rehash of the one done 10 years ago.”

Lane moved to Marion in the 1980s. Before that his family would spent summers in town.

“We have three generations of my family that believe Marion is an important part of our lives,” he said.

Lane noted that his business background would be an asset for the board if elected. For 50 years, he managed a construction and real estate company where he worked on finance and regulatory issues.

“My approach to work and problem solving has always focused on openness, creativity and cooperation,” he said.

As a resident for three years, Marum said she’s wasted no time becoming involved in town matters.

On the Energy Management Committee she worked with Selectmen and the Planning Board to draft a bylaw governing the placement of solar arrays in town.

Marum holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College and a masters degree in public policy from UMass Dartmouth. She also chairs the Democratic Town Committee. Her educational background, coupled with her municipal experience, made her a good candidate, she said.

“I would advocate for development that, first and foremost, protects Marion’s special character,” she said.

Marum, who is a certified public housing manager, added the board should develop senior housing.

Popitz agreed.

“I’d like to see in the master plan developing more housing for the elderly,” he said. “Many people would like to sell their beautiful homes and move into a beautiful retirement home. That would leave housing available for new people to move in.”

Popitz moved to Marion with his wife and two daughters 17 years ago from Cape Cod. A doctor and educator at Harvard, Popitz said his background is different from the other candidates, but that may just be what the board needs.

“My experience in town government pales in comparison to these folks,” he said. “I am very, very skilled at thinking on my feet. You have to be to be a good anesthesiologist.”

As a Planning Board member, Popitz said he would work to protect the town’s natural beauty.

“I want to use some of my creativity and I hope all of my heart and intelligence to work for the town of Marion,” he said.

For four years, North has been on the board. His background includes executive positions with publicly listed companies Alcoa, Thiokol Corporation and Carlisle Companies. Also, he’s held faculty positions teaching law, finance and tax issues. For North, updating the master plan is trumped by the needs of taxpayers.

“Marion is carrying $112 million in debt. That’s about $42,000 per taxpayer,” he said.

He broke down that number further, saying that a sewer and water project currently underway, pension and medical costs for retiring town employees and future capital projects contribute to that debt. Board decisions should be made with an eye toward fiscal responsibility, he said.

Marion’s election is set for Friday, May 16. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at 465 Mill St., (Route 6) in Marion.

In addition to the Planning Board, voters will elect candidates for contested races for the Board of Selectmen and the Marion School Committee.