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Old 03-16-2016, 08:48 AM   #15
longislander
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As Lakegeezer points out there was plenty of info.

The vote to "Call the Question" is not a parlor trick. It is a recognized legal event to end debate on issues that have had enough discussion. Article 2 filibuster would still be on, if not mercifully ended. No minds were going to be changed by further grand standing.

Robert's Rules are not part of the issue. That mechanism is not used, nor recognized by Moultonborough in its town meeting. The Moultonborough moderator uses what the the New Hampshire Municipal Association (counsels to municipal lawyers) suggests ... be fair, and subject to judicial review.

The moderator's rules can be overruled by a simple majority vote of the voters there. That is in the moderator's rules.

The 2/3 rds and "seconded" in the moderator's rules would more than likely be viewed as "oppressive" in court. If there is court action, it is highly doubtful any court would require another town vote, for moderator rules that can overruled by the voters, or the voters failing to make a "point of order". The Select Board would only bring more embarrassment upon itself.

No parlor trick. Astonishment that a Call the Question has caused so much consternation. There were several other Call the Questions executed subsequently in the meeting. Parlor trick, or folks becoming more learned, less ignorant? Maybe more should be encouraged!

It is not an SB-2 procedure. Under SB-2, the vote would have taken place in secret, and all of the warrant article would have been checked off at once in a few minutes. Minds did not need changing. As Lakegeezer mentions, there was plenty of info. Some claiming they needed to hear more, because they did not like the outcome of the vote, is incredulous!

If this vote was controversial, wait to see if a 50 registered-voter petition for July, comes about, when the snowbirds are back, gets submitted.

A petition: To see if the Town will vote to eliminate the Moultonborough Recreation Department ...

With no appropriations in the petition, no requirement for Superior Court approval. No 2/3rds majority needed; simple majority prevails. Would save the town @ 1/2 million dollars /year.

Now folks can get angry ... or very nervous!
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