sanction

Lost the vote? Don’t sabotage the council’s action

By Ann Macfarlane / April 20, 2021 /

A black circle contains a white bomb illustration with a lit fuse, symbolizing the explosive impact of a lost-vote.

We’ve had inquiries recently about elected officials who lost a vote, and then actively worked against the outcome. This amounts to trying to sabotage the council. It is wrong, wrong, wrong. Download PDF The majority rules General Henry Martyn Robert, the original author of Robert’s Rules of Order, expresses it this way: The great lesson…

Removing the chair during a meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / July 30, 2019 / Comments Off

Red text on white background saying "YOU'RE OUT!" in uppercase letters, similar to a stamp, as if removing a director.

Updated November 19, 2022 What can you do when a chair (presiding officer, person running the meeting) refuses to follow Robert’s Rules, abuses their power, or acts in an arbitrary manner? The first step is to make a Point of Order bringing the error to the chair’s attention. If the chair rules against you, you…

They threw him out of Parliament. You can sanction too.

By Ann Macfarlane / December 12, 2018 /

A golden scepter topped with a cross and intricate crown-like structure, featuring detailed engravings and ornate decorations along its length, symbolizing royal sanction.

High drama in the House of Commons as Member of Parliament expelled for the day.

Motion to censure in Kaysville, Utah

By Ann Macfarlane / January 4, 2018 / Comments Off

A red stamp with the word "CENSURE" in all capital letters, symbolizing a motion to censure, on a white background.

Here in Salt Lake City for the Utah School Boards Association, I find an interesting news item. The Kaysville city council is scheduled to pass a motion to censure a council member and request his resignation at this evening’s meeting. Read the Salt Lake Tribune news story here. Why pass a motion to censure? The…