PARIS — Incumbent Ryan Lorrain and community activist Janet Jamison were elected Tuesday to three-year terms on the Board of Selectmen.

Jamison, a member of the Budget Committee and Norway-Paris Community TV Board, received the most votes — 282 — of the four candidates. 

Lorrain, who will serve a second term, received 263 votes.

Former police officer Harry Sims and Planning Board member Michael Risica received 221 and 215 votes, respectively.

The outspoken Jamison, who has in the past been the source of controversy after being removed and later reinstated to the town Budget Committee, was jubilant Tuesday night, saying she was “thrilled” to be elected.

“I hope people understand. I think people get that I won’t back down. I want to have a conversation no matter what it is. I’m tired of snap decisions,” Jamison said. 

Asked if receiving the most votes of any candidate was a clear sign from voters, Jamison said, “I wouldn’t call it a mandate or anything. I know I’m older; I hope I’m wiser. I want more people included in the conversation. We need more people included in government; the government is us.”

Lorrain said he’s feeling more confident this term.

“I feel a little bit more prepared this time around compared to last time when I didn’t have much history,” Lorrain said Tuesday night. 

“I think what we started to do stepping forward to make improvements to the town is important. We’re making good strides to focus on the future of the town as compared to the past.”

Lorrain said he was looking to build on local economic initiatives the town has taken to increase business growth.

“The project we supported with the downtown study is a perfect example of what we need to do to shape our future.

“We had so many issues when I first came on. We had a lot of immediate things to take care of. I think we’re moving away from the grudges of the past,” he said.

Paris voters also approved amendments to the town’s subdivision ordinance by a vote of 341-146. The ordinance, billed as one way to encourage business growth, expedites the application process for contractors, slashing many waiting periods in half.

Matthew Dieterich and Raymond Lussier were uncontested as Paris Utility District trustees with 402 and 380 votes, respectively.

Also uncontested, George Coffren and Henry Raymond were re-elected to the SAD 17 Board of Directors with 409 and 433 votes, respectively.

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