PELHAM — A former selectman hopes to make a political comeback on March 10, while his opponent is trying to persuade voters to side with new ideas and youth.

Ed Gleason, who resigned his seat on the board in 2007, faces George "Joe" Puddister in the race for the three-year selectman's seat.

In a telephone interview, Gleason said he knows some voters may hold his resignation against him but he hopes they will look at his record instead. After his resignation as selectman, Gleason went back to work with the Trustees of the Trust Fund and helped recover thousands of dollars of town property which was in danger of state takeover. The fund was worth $1.3 million when the trustees went to work and now assets have grown to $1.7 million.

Puddister said he respects Gleason's experience. Gleason was the first candidate who won his vote, Puddister said, but he was disappointed when Gleason resigned.

Gleason, who was a former Budget Committee member and member of the Zoning Board, resigned in 2007 with five months left in his term. He was the selectmen's chairman at the time and said he was leaving because he could not achieve his goals.

Puddister said he doesn't see what has changed in town government to convince Gleason he could meet his goals now.

"I was surprised when he resigned," he said. "I never saw the rift. I'm just not sure."

Gleason said he quit when he became convinced he might be contributing to a rift between selectmen and the Budget Committee.

"I am not going to elaborate beyond what I said then," Gleason said. "I felt I was creating a problem," he said. "I stepped aside, so the town could progress."

Name: Ed Gleason

Age: 72

Occupation: Retired

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: Two years and seven months on Board of Selectmen; current chairman, Trustees of the Trust Funds; seven years on Budget Committee.

What is the single most important issue facing the Pelham Board of Selectmen?

Pelham is facing significant financial challenges because of state-proposed reductions in revenues, contributions to the police and fire pension programs, and reduced tax revenues.

Name: George "Joe" Puddister IV

Age: 22

Occupation: Student

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: Three years on Budget Committee

What is the single most important issue facing the Pelham Board of Selectmen?

All of Pelham's officials must come together and create a long-term plan that balances the needs of the town with the needs of the taxpayers.