Chair - Keeping debate fair?

[rthib]

Had an interesting issue occur recently.

In order to keep things moving, meeting rules called for a limit of 4 pro and 4 con on each motion then the motion would move directly to a vote. As it was a large group, speakers were asked to line up at two microphones on each side - one pro, one con.

Some very smart folks figured out a way to game the system by sending their folks to the opposite side.

So debate went like this:

Pro - Nice Long debate as to why vote yes

Con - "Vote No"

Pro - Another point on voting yes

Con - "Just Say No"

etc, with real debate for yes, one or two word for no.

So as a Chair, what would you do?

[David A Foulkes]

I looked up in the index under debate - fairness (chair's obligation to enforce) and came up empty. So, while continuing to thumb through the pages, I'll ask.... from a parliamentary or procedural standpoint, was a rule in fact being violated?

[Guest Edgar]

So as a Chair, what would you do?

As a Chair? Maybe nothing. As an opposition member? I might suggest suspending the rules to allow for a certain amount of time (as opposed to certain number of speakers). If enough members think this "keep things moving" system isn't fair, they can change it.

[George Mervosh]

So as a Chair, what would you do?

Smiled (inside).......questioning a member's motives is not something you or others want to engage in, ever . (RONR, p. 392)

[jstackpo]

RONR deals with procedure, not "fairness" (hard to define, too). If folks want to "game" the system, then change the system.

In the present case, forget about "keeping things moving" and do away with the 4x4 rule. Let democracy and open debate take care of things. Not to mention the motion for the previous question.

[JohnR]

So as a Chair, what would you do?

Privately, compliment the proponents on their strategy.

[Guest Hoisted on Own Petard]

So as a Chair, what would you do?

Tell the assembly to be careful what it wishes for. If there is a desire to stop debate at a certain point, they should feel free to "call the question"

[JohnR]

But do see FAQ #11.

[Sean Hunt]

So as a Chair, what would you do?

Get sat on, probably.

[jstackpo]

Robert, on 24 October 2012 - 03:17 PM, said:

So as a Chair, what would you do?

Nothing, or, more exactly, call for the vote in that the rules have been followed and the opportunities for debate are exhausted.

Otherwise you, as chair, will be accused (quite rightly) of being partial to one side or the other.