The Marion Planning Board has a new member.

After the resignation of Steve Gonsalves, the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen sat down on Tuesday with three candidates to fill the vacant seat -- Andrew Daniel, Peter Douglas, and Jon Henry.

It is unclear why Gonsalves resigned. He also serves as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Planning Board members are elected in Marion, but in the event of a resignation, a new member can be appointed to fill the seat.

Ultimately, the position was given to Daniel. Daniel, a Marion resident for nearly a decade and the current facilities manager in Rochester received four of the eight votes. Planning Board Chair Eileen Marum, Planning Board member and Selectman Norm Hills, Gonsalves and Select Chair Jody Dickerson all voted for Daniel.

Dickerson ended up being the deciding vote, as Daniel and Peter Douglas were tied with three votes a piece when it came his time to vote. Planning Board members Chris Collings, Will Saltonstall and Jennifer Francis all voted for Douglas, citing his new residency to the town.

“It’s new blood,” Francis said. “A new perspective would probably be a really useful thing.”

Planning Board member Steve Kokkins voted for lifelong Marion resident, and former four-term selectman, Jon Henry.

Each candidate had a chance to introduce themselves, as well as answer any questions from the boards.

Daniel went first, and the board members liked his enthusiasm and involvement with his communities.

“Your sense of duty is admirable, we need more people like you with your willingness to serve,” Kokkins said. “I’m happy to see what you’ve done with your community both in Rochester and Marion.”

Francis asked Daniel if he had read up on issues facing the town, and what he was most interested in.

“I would like to see small business growth in town,” Daniel said. “Supporting small business is part of my top line. We have to find a way to increase small business growth.”

Douglas moved to Marion two years ago, but said he has been visiting the town on and off for 45 years. He said his experience as an attorney would help him bridge gaps between groups in Marion.

“My experience has involved problem solving,” he said. “I see issues with the Master Plan as resolving conflict between competing interests…I’m interested in settling conflicting goals between wanting to preserve Marion’s character, welcoming business and making sure there’s enough affordable housing.”

Members of the Planning Board agreed with him that his legal experience would be useful.

“I think the board could benefit from Peter’s experience,” Saltonstall said. “We sometimes lack technical experience, so that legal background could be helpful.”

Henry was interviewed last and was familiar to many on the boards.

“I’ve known Jon for some time and applaud his service to Marion,” Kokkins said.

Marum added that she had worked with Henry on the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development Board [SRPEDD].

“I know Jon from Marion and from serving with him on the SRPEDD Board of Commissioners, and he did an excellent job there,” she said.

Housing was also a priority to Henry, who said he wanted to help keep Marion affordable for senior citizens.

“There are still numerous opportunities for us to keep our senior citizens in town by providing opportunities to downsize,” he said. “We need more opportunities to increase tax revenue.”

Ultimately, the boards decided on Daniel to bring youth and fresh perspective to the board.

“I think we need new blood, young blood,” Hills said.

Daniel will serve until the next election. If he wishes to remain on the board, he will have to run for the seat.