Deliberative session, another "special" day for the " special" people of Atkinson.
All too frequently could be heard the command "Move the Question" at the Saturday meeting.
Unfortunately, all too frequently, it is used to stifle debate , bar opinion and limit information.
Unfortunately, all too frequently by those who tout civil discourse then find it an inconvenience to their "authority" or "agenda".
Parliamentary rule and order is necessary and must be available especially for legislative sessions having a character like Atkinson town meetings. Parliamentary rule requires that ONLY motions critical to order are allowed by interruption. Any motion to "move the question" normally and fairly can NOT be brought by interruption and requires a second and Super Majority (2/3) vote to carry.
We will see this meeting repeated numerous times on Cable TV before election day. Everyone will have the opportunity to see those officials abuse the process for their own interests.
One can only wonder what rules our pretend moderator was following. He gave the impresssion of being afraid to override Selectman Sapia but was quick to silence the residents who tried to discuss the articles. What rules are these? What happened to the resident's right to deliberate and be treated with respect?
ReplyDeleteYes, all can watch the reruns on cable and see that deliberations were cut short and residents were left standing at the microphone without the opportunity to voice an opinion or ask their questions. This would not have been allowed to happen back in the day.
Jack Herlihy is certainly missed. A class act who ran a superb town meeting with finesse and complete knowledge of the rules.
The performance of selectman Sapia using the end deliberation and call the vote motions to cut off any debate he didnt like was incredibly arrogant and abusive to the very people who put hom into office. His conduct was, as usual, DESPICABLE!
ReplyDeleteSelectman Sapia's performance at deliberative session was destructive to the democratic process and proved once again that contrary to what he is always saying; He doesnt care or even want fair and open debate on the issues, because he cut off debate and interrupted speakers whenever he didnt wish to hear them. Unfortunately Mr. Polito did not inform him that it is not his meeting and he will have to be recognized before he interrupts people. this was not a selectmen's meeting where this practice is common practice.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest that Mr Sapia use these comments to learn about his job, but he has demonstrated over the last two years time and time again that he doesn't listen, he just interupts, and cuts off debate. This is likely never to change.
ReplyDeleteSapia thinks he knows all but somebody needs to whisper in his ear that we're on to him. He's as transparent as they come.
ReplyDeleteA Lesson to Mr. Sapia,
ReplyDeleteTown Meeting's purpose is to allow the townspeople to DELIBERATE on the issues! The rules are:
1.) You DO NOT SPEAK until recognized by the Moderator!
2.) You take a lesson from Mr. Paquette, Mr. Acciard, and Mr. Boyle, and GET UP OFF YOUR BOARD and go to the mike in the audience when you wish to make personal comments!
3.) IT IS NOT YOUR MEETING, IT IS THE PEOPLE'S!
4.) You are not important, the people are!
5.) You do not move the question when there are 4 people standing at the mike waiting to speak on it!
6.) YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT SPEAKERS!
that one needs to be repeated, maybe it will sink in.
7.) YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT SPEAKERS!
8.) YOU DO NOT CUT OFF THOSE WHO WISH TO DISAGREE WITH YOU!
that one needs to be repeated
8.) YOU DO NOT CUT OFF THOSE WHO WISH TO DISAGREE WITH YOU!
Mr. Sapia, if you can not play nice with others then please pick up your marbles and go home!
My guess is that Moderator Polito will come up with some solution to the "Move the Question" atrocity which occured at Town Meeting. I don't think he liked it any better than anyone else (Mr. Sapie excepted). Other than that, I thought Mr. Polito was excellent. He was dressed in jeans and a blue shirt - casual, informal, reachable. His delivery was friendly, casual, and - on occasion - he was even funny. One again, my money says he was just as ashamed of the action as anyone else.
ReplyDeleteAdded thought: When Mr. Polito first came in to office as a Selectman, he went to the necessary meetings; he studied, and learned what his job as a Selectman was all about. While I didn't always agree with him, he did a darned good job. You can't take that away from him.