HOA - how to assert speaking rights when President's gone rogue?

[Guest bobswift]

Looking for advice here. I'm dealing with an upcoming annual HOA meeting with some pretty controversial amendments up for vote. The HOA tried pressing this last year too, but it failed to secure votes. Last year, the President refused to let anyone comment, discuss, challenge the amendment topics and moved straight to a vote.

 

Any advice for asserting, citing RR's to ensure Membership discussion of the topics?

 

What happens if the President still refuses to let Members speak?

[Rob Elsman]

You might want to read RONR (12th ed.) 62:2-15.

[Joshua Katz]

On 5/3/2023 at 10:36 AM, Guest bobswift said:

Last year, the President refused to let anyone comment, discuss, challenge the amendment topics and moved straight to a vote.

Not the President's right to do so, but if the people let themselves be trampled, that's what happens.

On 5/3/2023 at 10:36 AM, Guest bobswift said:

Any advice for asserting, citing RR's to ensure Membership discussion of the topics?

 

Raise a point of order, and appeal if necessary.

On 5/3/2023 at 10:36 AM, Guest bobswift said:

What happens if the President still refuses to let Members speak?

That depends on the membership. If he refuses after an appeal, he should be relieved of his duties and someone else should preside.

[Guest bobswift]

  

On 5/3/2023 at 10:03 AM, Joshua Katz said:

Not the President's right to do so, but if the people let themselves be trampled, that's what happens.

Raise a point of order, and appeal if necessary.

That depends on the membership. If he refuses after an appeal, he should be relieved of his duties and someone else should preside.

Any specifics to cite and say and do to relieve President of duties?

[Joshua Katz]

On 5/3/2023 at 11:15 AM, Guest bobswift said:

Any specifics to cite and say and do to relieve President of duties?

As to the assembly's right to debate, it's almost too basic to cite, but check out the entirety of chapter 2, in particular section 4.

As to removal of the chair, see Mr. Elsman's citation above.

[Gary Novosielski]

Yes, 62:2 ff are right on point: Remedies for Abuse of Authority by the Chair in a Meeting

But you will also want to memorize the phrase Point of Order!  That's the only meaningful way to demand that the rules be properly followed. Simply asking questions or complaining will not work.

You will want to be familiar with §23 Point of Order for how and when to use this motion. Points of order can interrupt the proceedings even while someone (including the chair) is speaking.  They call for an immediate decision (ruling) by the chair.

You should also memorize the phrase I appeal from the decision of the chair!  and have someone lined up to quickly call out Second! any time you utter it.  Study §24. Appeal  for details.  

If proper use of these two motions does not tame the chair's autocratic impulses then you have to move on to §62, as noted.