Building permits are up this year, and all around the Island the sounds of nail guns, classic rock and pickup trucks unloading supplies provide the backbeat for a flurry of construction activity.

The annual town meeting and election season came to a close this week as Aquinnah voters approved a major spending request for the relocation of the Gay Head Light and ushered in a new selectman for the next three years.

Julianne Vanderhoop unseated incumbent Aquinnah selectman Beverly Wright in the annual town election Wednesday. The vote was 93 to 69.

Len Butler has mostly stayed out of politics during his 43 years as a Gay Header. But as Aquinnah looks at moving the Gay Head Light, he stands out as a quiet leader in the ongoing effort.

A level-funded budget, a possible name change for State Road and a major spending request for the relocation of the Gay Head Light will come before Aquinnah voters at their annual town meeting Tuesday night.

It will mark the last annual town meeting on the Vineyard this year.

Incumbent selectman Beverly Wright stressed her experience over the past three years while challenger Julianne Vanderhoop emphasized helping the younger generation during a candidates forum in the old town hall Wednesday night. The town election is May 14.