Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "About Order And Chaos.":
Cut to the chase, please. Was anything accomplished
with all that talk ? Were you pleased with the results?
Is that the end of the exercise or do we have more
blathering to endure ?
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Some things were accomplished.
It's not the end of the process.
I am not displeased .
If you are not a councillor, you dont have to endure any blathering at all. . Rules of order affect councillors. in the conduct of meetings.
If members agree to respect and observe a set of rules, meetings should run smoothly and seamlessly and town business will proceed efficiently and productively with satisfaction to all concerned that a good job is being done.
The blather will have been worthwhile.
By the way, according to the rules, blather would likely not qualify as parliamentary language or proper decorum and could result in a ruling by the chair or a point of order called from the floor.
Both of which would have the effect of interrupting the speaker who has the floor, which would also be a breach of order because the member who has the floor is entitled to speak without interruption save and except for a point of order being raised or a ruling from the chair both of which happen
regularly because the member interrupting on a point of order simply disagrees with the point being made by the speaker,doesn't understand that is not a point of order but has all the confidence in the world, they have a right to stop the member who has the floor from putting forward a legitimate argument.
Hardly conducive to a respectful work environment,
We are a new Council. With new opportunity to do things better than in the past.
We can take advantage of the opportunity. Or we can sink into the old ways and bring this Council into the same disrepute as the last several.
It's easier to continue with bad habits, than it is to put effort into better understanding,ensuring all members are satisfied with the process, leading to a respectful, efficient and more productive method of conducting town business.
Lazily wondering if the former Mayor uses a
ReplyDeleteclothesline ?
"we are a new council"?!
ReplyDeleteWhen does it stop being a "new" council?
Get on with it!
You say "We are a new Council. With new opportunity to do things better than in the past."
ReplyDeleteAt what point does the "new Council" become an experienced Council? It took office December 1, I believe, which is a little over eight months ago. And immediately was launched into consideration of a budget, a difficult and often contentious matter. And this dragged on. But having done this once, future budgets should be less time consuming, but not necessarily less touchy. There will always be considerations that touch people's nerves differently. In the end it is the peoples' interest that should prevail, while doing so at a price tag that is defendable.
Certain members of this Council appear to be unwilling or unable to recognize the rules of conduct, the Procedural By-Law that seems to be a lightning rod for controversy, and abide by them. This requires a firm hand at the tiller, and at times it is lacking. Hopefully with another six or eight months this hand will have acquired more knowledge and self confidence. This of its own should permit Council to function more efficiently and deal with its Agenda items in a timely fashion.
There have now been two deferrals of important policy items. This is ridiculous.
I fully agree with your statement that "We can take advantage of the opportunity. Or we sink into the old ways and bring this Council into the same disrepute as the last several." I question the "last several" but certainly agree with "as the last."
What a dreadful thought - sinking into the old ways.
Rules of civility enforced by whom ?
ReplyDelete