It used to be said that I am a stickler about roles of order in debate.
I've always thought of them as a commitment Councillors make to each other at the start of the term.
There's no point in anyone observing rules if everyone doesn't.
Civility is an essential aspect of public discourse.
It's the reason personal criticism is not permitted.
Last night Councillor Gaertner was successful in having two motions seconded .The questions were therefore properly before Council for debate.
One after the other Councillors,including the Mayor took shots at the Councillor for bringing the questions before Council.
I did not support either and inaccuracies in the whereases which are now part of the official record.
But Councillor Gaertner has the same authority as any Member to bring forward a seconded motion and have it debated and disposed of according to the rules.Without being lambasted from every side including the Mayor .
If the Councillor doesn't have the authority, no-one does.
Councillor Thompson was recognized to speak a second time last night on Councilor Gaertner's
motion requesting a detailed staff report on spending on the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
He repeated critical remarks. He was not called to order by the chair. I called a point of order.
The question on the table was not motive for tabling the question.Purpose might have been challenged but that's not what happened.
No matter the day or age rules for civil discourse do not change.
Repeating a point for emphasis in a debate is always in order.
Personal criticism is never in order.
Doing it twice is doubly unruly.
Wednesday 16 July 2014
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7 comments:
We have the thing being taped - will get to it by early evening.
christopher
If members of council do not know the rules after 43 months in their positions it is rather obvious that they are certainly clueless in that regard.
What is even more damning is that they appear not to know how to conduct the business of the town and are appropriating millions of dollars of taxpayer money in blissful ignorance.
Unfortunately even if there are wholesale changes in October's election results the new members, having to start from scratch, might be even worse.
We seem to be perpetually damned through those we elect.
We need an exorcist.
The councillors were not accusing Gaertner of anything .... they were simply showing their disdain for her antics .. AGAIN .... and you indeed break this particular rule all the time, can't have it both ways ... oh wait yes you can - on your personal blog!
Correct me if I am wrong.
Are we not right back where we started with the s-e district despite all the studies & angst ?
That would be hilarious if it were not being paid for by the residents both in & out of that area.
@13:23
Meow !
13:23 Evelyn can have it anyway she wants. It is her blog, who many enjoy. I see you do as well.
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