Point of Order - Trashing the Process

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The Mayor, Pam Triolo, is trying to learn Robert's Rules of Order. It is difficult even for our city attorney to understand the rules as she has readily admitted. Have you ever just tried doing research on a subject that is addressed in Robert's Rules?

Lately, the Mayor has called MANY Points of Order when Commissioner McVoy or Mulvehill have spoken on certain subjects to get their points across during discussion or debate. She has come down hard on their right of free speech and as elected representatives of the residents who voted them into office, we want to hear what they have to say. They have the right to repeat themselves after everyone has spoken to the motion. The "filibuster" complaint is impossible to prove here and in most cases, there is absolutely no reason to delay a vote as this new commission has already made up their minds.

On a Point of Order, there has to be a clear violation of the rules and that person calling the Point of Order should cite the rule that has been broken. And I don't accept some flippant bullet point here. Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking must be raised immediately after the error is made. The Chair would make a decision and if in doubt, would then ask the commission. Politics should not come into play. Let's get some democracy back into the playbook.

The mayor, along with the commission, have now reduced the time of our general meetings to 4 hours. We will see how long that works out. If the commissioners are on point, they have every right to express their views and can not be shut up just because an opposing side does not want to listen or because it has been discussed previously. I can unequivocally say that if Rachel Waterman pulled these stunts she would have been tarred and feathered by politicos in this city.

In addressing A point of Order, Robert's Rules says:

•Another member can interrupt a speaker who has the floor and call a Point of Order.

•It doesn't need to be seconded.

•It isn't debatable.

So, the next time any commissioner is speaking to the subject and giving reasons for his either being in favor or disfavor of a motion and there is heckling or jeering in the chamber and the Mayor does not quiet the chamber, that commissioner whose rights have been impugned should call it. We have a civility rule in place that is being completely ignored by some and it needs to be in play for every citizen who speaks at the lectern as well. Refer to the city attorney to remind everyone of this civility resolution.

Rules are put in place to protect rights, and when the rules aren't followed, those rights can get trampled. Fortunately, Robert's Rules says that any member who notices a breach of the rules has a right to call immediate attention to the fact and insist that the rules be enforced by raising a point of order. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.

Remarks must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, never allude to others by name or to motives, something the Mayor accused Suzanne Mulvehill of doing when she said that Mulvehill was not asking a question--that she was "preaching." "You're not asking--when I hear you ask something I will answer you," said Triolo to Mulvehill.

It is the Chair who sets the example of how people are treated, not only on the dais but the treatment of those residents in the chamber. No one should ever get trashed in this process.