[Lnc-business] What to expect during the LNC meeting

[Geoffrey Neale]

Every Chair is different, and I want to set some expectations:

 

First, I expect you to keep me honest.  I welcome feedback, especially
regarding procedure, policy Bylaws, etc.

 

I see my role in the LNC meeting as the facilitator.  My job is to keep the
meeting moving, moderate discussion and debate, and attempt to create an
open while efficient handling of the business before the LNC.

 

As I said in the first LNC meeting, I want to establish a protocol for
recognizing non-LNC members during discussion.  If a non-LNC member wants to
be recognized,  that person needs to ask an LNC member to move for
recognition.  I believe the first person that should be contacted is their
Regional Rep.  I will not stop other LNC members from requesting
recognition, but do not want the disruption of a single person "shopping"
for recognition.  If a motion is made to recognize a non-LNC member, I will
ask if there is objection.  If there is, we will vote on it.  If we vote
against recognizing them, that's it.  Non-LNC members should only be
recognized for the purpose of making statements or clarifications that are
additive to the LNC.  They should not be recognized to debate LNC members.

 

I expect both the LNC and the gallery to be polite and well-behaved.  I do
not want a noisy gallery - they can take their comments outside.  I do not
want cross-talk, or speaking when not recognized, from the LNC.  Under
Robert's, I have the authority to cause the removal of LNC or gallery
members that are disruptive.  I have never done so, but will.

 

Now to some of my perspectives:

 

The purpose of debate is to bring up points and worthwhile perspectives to
be considered.  "I agree with Fred" is not debate, nor is it a "worthwhile
perspective" in my opinion.

 

Please do not second a motion "so we can discuss it".  Second a motion
because you agree with it, either completely, or in principle, and want to
amend it.  Please do not waste time if no one seconds a motion.

 

Please, please, please call the question if you're tired of the debate.

 

Please do not interrupt a presentation or report for motions.  Questions may
be appropriate, but motions can usually wait until the report is finished.
In fact, most questions can wait until the report is finished.  In my
perfect world, we would all be patient enough to allow others to take the
lead during their reports.  As an example, Bill Redpath will be giving us a
Ballot Access report.  Some of the report may or may not be in advance, and
this is unavoidable.  BA status changes daily.  He will be reporting on many
states.  He may have some motions for the LNC.  During his report, I ask you
all to let Bill take the lead.  If he has motions to consider, his are the
most important, because he's the BA champion.  We'll handle any other
motions after he is done with his report.  Why do I ask this?  I absolutely
detest when a board member hijack the report of another person, and then
time runs out. Please show respect.

 

I will attempt to hear from those who are opposed and in favor of motions
alternately.  If no one is speaking in favor, please call the question.  If
no one is opposed, please call the question.  Our job is to attempt to reach
consensus, not unanimity.

 

I hope to have time for actual discussion, especially around strategy and
goals.  During discussion, the rules are a lot less formal, and it's okay to
throw out ideas and opinions.  However, during a motion, please limit
yourself to debate - arguments in favor or in opposition to the motion.
Ideas are great, but they're not motions, and I don't want to hear them
during motions in any context but debate or motions.  

 

In short, I want us to use our time wisely.  The less time I spend
"controlling" the meeting, the better things will move.  

 

Thanks!

Geoffrey Neale

 

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