Town Elections will be held Tuesday, April 26. There are four contested races for School Committee, Planning Board, Water and Sewer Commission and Housing Authority. Today, meet the candidates for Housing Authority, Peter Whalen, 61, and Stanley Medeiros, 69. Polls will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Why do you think you are most qualified for the Housing Authority position?

WHALEN: My decision to seek a seat on the Norton Housing Authority comes fro the desire to serve my Community, in a positive way. I have a sincere interest to become involved. I want to effectively learn the issues, regarding challenges, the current Housing Authority faces relative to maintaining or otherwise improving affordable housing opportunities for the increasing numbers of qualified Senior’s, handicapped or those dis-advantaged families, seeking affordable housing, within the Community.

MEDEIROS: I have many years of experience in management working with a budget and overseeing numbers of staff personnel.

What experience do you bring to the table?

WHALEN: Although I have no prior Housing Authority experience; I do possess a wealth of life experiences. I trust that my “life” experiences’ will continue to serve me well, in assuming responsibilities, as an elected Official to the Norton Housing Authority.

MEDEIROS: Have been involved by attending all the Housing Authority meetings to find out what is going on.  I keep myself informed of the news in Norton and throughout the state.

What improvements, if any, would you like to see the Housing Authority make?

WHALEN: I really don’t have an agenda or any specific ideas at the present time. Although I find I’m concerned regarding the real ability of the local Housing Authority to continue to maintain the existing units or otherwise make necessary improvements to the same, in the face of any reduced State and/or Federal Community Development Block Grant funding, etc. I currently see my role on the Norton Housing Authority more along the lines of managing the challenge to balance finances, while at the same time, insure that our essential Affordable Housing Program continues to provide those elderly and other qualified tenants safe and secure housing consistent with State and/ore Federal Regulations, under the provisions of the law.

MEDEIROS: The Housing Authority works well together as a group, and at present, there are no issues of great concern.  As a senior resident of Norton, I am most interested in the welfare of my fellow seniors and being able to have an active role in decisions that may affect their comfort of living.