By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The Representative Town Meeting on Tuesday approved $6.8 million to design a new Long Lots Elementary School.

The appropriation, requested by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and the Long Lots School Building Committee, was previously endorsed by the Board of Finance and several RTM committees.

The overwhelming vote, 32-0 with one abstention, was never in doubt, but in true RTM fashion it filled the space with an hours-long discussion. School parents were still at arms and children trotted out. The meeting was online because of snow.

Questions about process and ethics linger.

The project will be the town’s most costly expenditure ever, perhaps as much as $100 million.

“We can’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” said Nancy Kail, District 9.

“We have to prioritize, and there are times like now that we need to take action,” she said. “The priority is building the school. There is no compelling reason to not move forward.”

Karen Kramer, District 5, tried to hit the fast-forward button.

“Can we get to the point where we say is there anybody not for it, can we take a vote?” she asked.

Before the inevitable vote, there were a couple of hiccups.

Jennifer Johnson, District 9, said she would abstain for a variety of reasons.

“I really like so many of my colleagues on the RTM so it’s not easy to be the lonely one in the room, so I guess I’m kind of glad I’m in the safety of my home making comments because personally, I do feel very, very bullied by some on this body,” she said.

“And because I may not see everything exactly as everybody else does, I feel uncomfortable, and it’s easier to just be quiet,” she said.” “But I do care very, very deeply about our schools and about our kids, but I have prepared a statement tonight because I am so nervous that I am going to be so fully attacked by having a different opinion.”

Here is her full statement:

Longtime RTM member Dick Lowenstein, District 5, asked if Jay Keenan, District 2, chair of the Long Lots School Building Committee, would be voting on the appropriation as an RTM member.

Keenan said he would vote and was unapologetic.

“Absolutely yes,” Keenan said, saying he’d run the question by the town attorney.

“There is absolutely no conflict no benefit to me,” Keenan said. “I wear two hats in this discussion. One as the chair of the building committee, one as an RTM member of District 2.”

He said the RTM appointed him knowing he’d wear two hats, and that there was no gain or benefit to him.

“You’re entitled to your opinion, I think it’s in violation of the C-38-2 of the Town Charter,” Lowenstein said.

“I’m not going to pursue it tonight,” he said.

Moderator Jeff Wieser said that he has counseled members “That it is their conscience whether or not they have a conflict is worthy of not casting a vote, so I am not going to weigh in on that.”

Lowenstein noted that on previous budget matters, Peter Gold, District 5, recused himself on Westport Transit District votes because he is the agency’s director, and Matthew Mandell, District 1, has recused from voting on matters regarding EarthPlace.

“I think they are to be commended for those positions,” Lowenstein said.

 Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 36 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.