| Let us explore what is legal and possible. It is not simply a matter of mechanics. Let’s fully examine and diagnose BEFORE we prescribe.
The one thing could do immediately is to implement clicker ( anonymous ) voting but leadership is reluctant to citing budget issues.
I would put that at the top Of my list and make cuts to accommodate. Sent from my iPhone I believe the proposal is to vote after, not in advance. So any floor amendments would already have been established.
In my mind, the pinnacle of "democracy" is the vote. Not floor amendments, not getting to speak your 2 minute pithy statement (which actually is quite limiting, because how many 2 minute statements can people really sit through? Very few individuals, in proportion to the total electorate, can even be heard in the open comment period). The vote is what gets counted, and ultimately what decides the issues. Therefore, we should not erect artificial barriers to allowing as many voters as possible to get their votes in.
It's fine to have the open comment period, but we should expand access to the vote, so that it is not dependent upon physically being in the building at the exact right moment, which is not published in advance. Voting should be scheduled, across a range of times so that as many people as possible can all have their voices heard *in the way that gets counted*, even people who, through scheduling conflicts or physical limitations or whatever, can't physically be in the building all day.
All, The point of Town Meeting format is to allow binding amendments from the floor ( you and me) and to hear oral arguments that may introduce new facts and ideas. While it might often seem all is already known - some may have a crystal ball- I, for one, benefit from hearing good questions and others opinions.
Returning to the amendment- inviting any and all in directly shaping the actual warrant, on the floor, during town meeting is an amazing democratic offering. How can you vote in advance if you don’t know what is being voted on?
This does not speak to how the meeting is conducted, only the importance of being there. Sent from my iPad Paul 100% agreed. Also, especially in Lincoln things do not just appear at town meeting we have dozens of meetings and forums before hand so if you have a major opinion or want something changed those are the times to do it. This is why I support we vote as soon as possible or do ballot votes we should come to town meeting having already flushed out the issues. The 2 minute limit for speakers at town meeting has raised some questions. I’m not part of the group that governs town meetings but have run meetings many times in the past so let me try to explain the reason for limiting speakers time at meetings. In the 80s I attended all town meetings, early morning until early evening, coming back on a weeknight because we didn’t finish. People would stand and speak for 10 minutes or more often totally off subject so most people would give up and just call the vote so they could go home or leave before the vote. At this meeting I counted 20+ people at the mikes in the auditorium, also some more were in the gym. At 2 minutes giving some time between speakers this would take close to an hour. At 3 minutes it could be 1 1/2 hours. If we are to accomplish the town’s business it important that the meeting proceeds at a reasonable rate so people stay and vote. If you are familiar with the warrant article prior to attending the meeting it should be possible to prepare a statement that is short, clear and takes only 2 minutes. If you have major points to make you should consider asking for a place on the agenda to present a rebuttal. Sorry this ran so long, I usually try to keep things short and to the point. Paul Rice-- The LincolnTalk mailing list.To post, send mail to [email protected].Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
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Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
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