Chair/President appointing a Parliamentarian

[debkillmon]

Dear RR Forum,

 

According to our BY-LAWS, the Chairperson presides over all meetings, serves as Parliamentarian or may choose to obtain one following Robert's Rules of Order.  

 

Can the Parliamentarian, chosen by the Chairperson, lead/chair the meeting?  Or, only serve as a consultant/expert on Robert's Rules?

 

Clearly I need to research much more in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised IN BRIEF, and maybe even the official book.  But, any feedback/references would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you very much,

Deb

 

 

[Josh Martin]

Can the Parliamentarian, chosen by the Chairperson, lead/chair the meeting?  Or, only serve as a consultant/expert on Robert's Rules?

 

The President may appoint someone else to preside over the meeting, but only with the consent of the Vice President and the assembly, by majority vote or unanimous consent. (Without the Vice President's consent, a 2/3 vote would be required.) In such a case, however, this person is not serving as the parliamentarian, as the parliamentarian's role is to advise the chairman on parliamentary procedure.

[debkillmon]

Thank you, Josh.  

 

So, if I want to appoint Bob as chair, is it the appointment raft that needs approval or Bob? And, can the group say NO to Bob or no to my appointing someone?  If no to Bob, and they want Sally instead, but the president doesn't want  Sally, then what? 

[Josh Martin]

So, if I want to appoint Bob as chair, is it the appointment raft that needs approval or Bob? And, can the group say NO to Bob or no to my appointing someone?

 

It's Bob that needs approval. If they don't like Bob, then the President will need to pick someone else (who will also need approval). Or just preside himself.

 

If no to Bob, and they want Sally instead, but the president doesn't want  Sally, then what? 

 

Then Sally won't be presiding, unless the assembly suspends the rules (2/3 vote). Then the assembly can pick whoever it wants (including Sally).

 

This all assumes, by the way, that the President is present when all this is happening. The President cannot appoint someone to preside in his absence in advance.

 

It might also help if you would give us some details about why the regular chairperson is not presiding and why there is so much controversy over who does preside.