Recreation Director Jody Dickerson won a seat on the Board of Selectmen Friday, defeating Ted North by more than a two-to-one margin in a contest to succeed retiring Selectman Roger Blanchette.

Dickerson won 574 votes, while North’s tally stood at 222.

Born and raised in Marion, Dickerson served as a Selectman in the 1990s as well as on other boards and committees. He was also a Marion police officer and EMT.

Due to his experience in town government, Dickerson said he could “hit the ground running.”

Before Election Day, Dickerson said he hoped to help repair a disconnect between town officials and residents.

“I’ve noticed, and no one’s at fault here, but there is a lack of communication between the boards and committees in this town,” Dickerson said.

“We need to have everyone work together in the best interest of the town. If someone in the public approached you, and you could answer their question, that’s huge,” he said.

The maintenance of town facilities has suffered, he said.

“The Selectmen and the Finance Committee have done a great job at keeping the budget where it needs to be, but the maintenance of the buildings is not taken care of in the way they need to be,” he said.

“Everyone’s looking down the road, but we need to look at how we can save now,” he said. “I think we can sharpen our pencils where we spend money. The money is there, you just have to be creative and take the time to look.”

In the only other contested election, Planning Board incumbent Steve Gonsalves was re-elected with 558 votes.

Gonsalves won one of two open seats on the board along with resident Steve Kokkins, who collected 423 votes. Incumbent John Sweeney fell short with 270 votes.

Gonsalves, owner of Eden’s Florist and Garden Shop on Route 6, said if re-elected he would like to see more “mom and pop businesses” in town to help offset the burden for property taxpayers.

“There are still major areas of the town that can be developed,” Gonsalves said.

“That growth can help levy the tax burden,” he said. “We need businesses to help level the playing field. With the Planning Board I’ve been learning all the ins and outs of the town and I feel like I’m making a difference.”

Steve Kokkins said that there were two issues he would like to work on if elected to the Planning Board.

Kokkins said he would like to see repairs made to town facilities, such as the Town House, and to see the town adopt a Neighborhood Overlay District.

Town Meeting rejected the Planning Board’s proposal last year, but Kokkins said the plan would allow for both residential and limited commercial development in the area near Routes 6 and 105.

“I would like to see that area improved, more usable and more attractive for the citizens,” he said. “We need creative solutions on how to make the area more user-friendly and also have a great neighborhood.”

There were a number of uncontested seats this year.

Jay Pateakos and Joe Scott will remain on the School Committee for three-year terms.

Ray Pickles will embark on another three-year term on the Board of Assessor’s, as will John Howard on the Board of Health.

Moderator David Titus will keep his position for another year.

Jonathan Howland will also remain on the Open Space Acquisition Commission for a three-year term.