WEST PARIS – A controversial warrant article asking that marijuana-related offenses become the “lowest law enforcement priority in the town” was overwhelmingly rejected by voters Saturday.

Moderator Vern Maxfield asked the approximately 110 people attending the town meeting for comments on the issue and if they would allow Jonathan Leavitt with the Maine Marijuana Policy Initiative, a leading sponsor of the proposal but not a resident of the town, to speak on the measure. Residents, however, rejected the bid for Leavitt to speak and only one resident stated that she supported the measure. No other comments in favor of the article were offered.

Speaking in opposition, resident Sandra Poland said, “Supporters of the ordinance are setting the town up to be sued if this passes. They also say there will be no cost to the town, but that is not true. There would be costs connected with meetings that would be mandated, and other costs for newspaper advertising, legal costs, staff meetings, utilities and others. This is wrong for our children and wrong for the town.”

Residents then voted down the article, which failed to gain a single vote in favor. The result was greeted by a round of applause, and former Town Clerk Dian Rainey praised Poland for the time she had spent researching the issue and talking with law enforcement officials around the state.

The proposal was debated in town for weeks, including at a public hearing in late January where only five of 30 people spoke in favor and the rest expressed their opposition. Selectmen also opposed the measure, but they felt the article should go before voters at town meeting.

In other matters Saturday, municipal elections were held and three seats that were up for grabs were all filled by incumbents.

For selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor, current board Chairman Bill Birney was given a second three-year term. For school director for SAD 17, Nick DiConzo was re-elected for three years, and longtime Water District board member Greg Inman was given another three-year term.