By Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — Veteran Representative Town Meeting member Jeffrey Wieser was unanimously elected moderator of the town’s legislative body Tuesday night.

A resident from District 4 who joined the RTM in 2007, he has served the past four years as deputy moderator, having replaced former Moderator Velma Heller, who did not seek reelection this year.

“I’ve always considered myself a radical moderate in all things,” said Wieser, who was praised for his ability to form consensus.

“I think it’s a wonderful beacon of democracy in its ability to be nonpartisan,” he said of the RTM, noting it’s a means to “forge alliances among people with good hearts and good views toward what Westport should be.”

“I really am going to try to remind all of us that we operate best (when) concise, respectful and appreciative of the dedication of our members, our town employees and our constituents,” Wieser said.

Lauren Karpf, who joined the RTM in 2014 and serves as Education Committee chair from District 7, was unanimously voted to replace Wieser as deputy moderator.

“I have found her to be unbiased, objective, moderate and, most importantly, pleasant to deal with,” said Louis Mall, RTM-2, who seconded her nomination.

“She strives to keep this body what it’s meant to be — nonpartisan,” he said.

Karpf praised the nonpartisan nature of the RTM.

“While we do have difficult votes and contentious discussions at times … the RTM is truly a collaborative body,” she said.

In seconding the nomination for Wieser, Brandi Briggs, RTM-7, called him “a bridge builder.”

“Anyone who knows Jeff knows he is the perfect person to take on this mission,” she said.