ELIZABETHTOWN — Two longtime town supervisors in Essex County lost by narrow margins in Tuesday’s general election.

Republicans in Crown Point and Essex were defeated by political newcomers who promised change.

ESSEX

Essex Supervisor Ronald Jackson, in office for eight years, said he’s hoping his town’s 50 outstanding absentee ballots will reverse his 14-vote loss — 153 to 139 — to challenger Sharon Boisen.

He said he didn’t want to say much until the official count, which is scheduled for Nov. 12 and 13.

“Whatever the people want, the people are going to get,” Jackson said.

Boisen, an independent candidate, had never sought public office before but said she did so because she wanted to get involved with public service.

“I’m fortunate I was able to do this for the community. I appreciate the overwhelming support the whole community gave me.”

She said she will be “listening to concerns and working with all members of the community. And, finally, I hope to work closely with Supervisor Jackson to ensure a smooth transition for Essex.”

BOARD MAKEUP

Jackson was in line to be chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors next year, so if his loss stands, the board will have to select a new leader for 2010.

The makeup of the Board of Supervisors will change significantly in 2010 anyway. With the addition of four women to the Board of Supervisors, that body will have seven women and 11 men next year.

It will also go from 12 Republicans, five Democrats and one independent to 10 Republicans, six Democrats and two independents.