Meeting procedures draw criticism | Election

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In response to the article titled Commissioners Approve 2023 Board Appointments.

It should be noted that currently DeKalb County does not have regulations indicating what procedures must be followed. They adhere to the Indiana Code, IC 36-2-4, Legislative Procedures. Applying the Roberts Rules practically defines the parliamentary procedures that help an assembly do the job for which it was designed.

When Rick Ring called in from the public to question the commissioners on whether they were following Roberts’ rules, he spoke out of turn, from the public, and with a cringe-worthy degree of hypocrisy. Additionally, Mr. Ring made an accusation of not allowing the public to speak. I personally had the pleasure of attending two cutback meetings chaired by Mr. Ring recently and witnessed Mr. Ring telling the audience that he was not allowed to speak. Note that there were approximately 50 people in these meetings with concerns. When asked if he could allow the public to speak, it was stated that he could, but would not.

That being said, in response to the question from Roberts Rules, there are 11 duties of the president during meetings. Calling the meeting to order, announcing the next business, recognizing members, stating questions and voting, refusing to recognize time-wasting motions, maintaining order and decorum, expediting business, deciding matters of order, respond to inquiries, authenticate documents and close the meeting. These rules were followed in this case. What Roberts Rules further states is that in small groups, the chair can debate, make motions, and vote.

Interestingly enough, there are some things that Roberts Rules says a chair shouldn’t do. The president’s duties do not include lecturing or criticizing group members to vote them a certain way, trying to convince people that you are right and they are wrong, exercising your position leader to determine the outcome of the vote. All of these were observed at the reduction meetings and more so at county council meetings to varying degrees.

My question would be the motivation behind Mr. Rings’ accusations and furthermore whether he should look closer to home and ask the same questions.

Andre Provins

Butler

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