Alexander Morrison is headed to the Edgartown select board after beating out a longtime incumbent at Thursday’s annual town election.

Mr. Morrison, the owner of a landscaping and construction company, managed to pull off a victory over Michael Donaroma, who filled the seat for seven terms. He was also challenged by Glen Searle, a retired Edgartown firefighter. 

Mr. Morrison, 42, has served on many town boards, having chaired the wastewater commission and short-term rental committee. His campaign was heavily rooted in bringing the voice of a younger generation to the town government.

“I believe voters deserve a fresh perspective, strong leadership skills and a voice that represents all generations of our town,” he told the Gazette in the lead-up to town meeting.

Glen Searle, far right, outside the polls.

Ray Ewing

Glen Searle, far right, outside the polls.

Ray Ewing

Mr. Morrison garnered 469 votes at the polls Thursday. Mr. Donaroma, who also owns a landscaping and gardening business, received 200 and Mr. Searle got 251.

After the election, Mr. Morrison said he was profoundly grateful to have the town’s support.

“When I first got the call I thought they were joking, but once I saw the numbers… I was taken aback,” he said. 

His grandfather, Bob Carroll, was a select board member in the 1960s, and Mr. Morrison said he is honored to follow in his footsteps. He got the news from his home with his wife Maggie Morrison, who was also newly elected as parks commissioner.

Mr. Morrison thanked Mr. Donaroma for his decades of service and said he’s excited to serve as a voice for the younger generation.

“I’m in my 40s and I think a lot of my peers are starting to see that our voices and our decisions are making a change…” Mr. Morrison said. “I think it’s good that everybody turned out and [wanted] to support a younger candidate.

Throughout the day Mr. Morrison was campaigning outside of the town hall with family and friends. When school was out, his two children brought their friends to wave signs, which were half their size, to honking cars and voters. 

Ahead of the election, Mr. Morrison said he wanted to preserve the character, history and charm of the coastal town and felt it was necessary to bring a new perspective to town government.

“I believe the most pressing issue facing Edgartown is finding a balance between overdevelopment and responsible, sustainable growth,” he said in a questionnaire last week.

The Edgartown planning board will also see a new face. Lifelong Island resident Taylor Pierce ousted current chair Michael Shalett in a 469-413 vote.