NORTH ATTLEBORO - Voters will be able to pick between two candidates that offer very different backgrounds and experiences when deciding who to elect to the board of health in the April 1 town election.

Incumbent Susan Shaw, the owner of Rainbow's End Riding and Therapeutic Center, is hoping voters will elect her to a second three-year term on the board. She said her experience serving on the board means there will be no learning curve as the board tackles important issues relating to new subdivisions springing up in town.

Challenger Jay Maslen, a self-employed contractor, has served as a Representative Town Meeting member since 2002 and is looking to expand his involvement in the community. He believes the top issue facing the board of health is emergency preparedness for natural disasters and medical emergencies such as pandemic flu.

Profiles of the two candidates follow in alphabetical order.