Says Franklin County Officials Should Use Robert’s Rules to Restore Order

My answer is start using and practicing Robert’s Rules of Order. The book is designed for use in ordinary societies rather than legislative assemblies.

Commission meetings and all public meetings could start using and living Robert’s Rules of Order by all attending. Hand everyone attending the meetings rules, including the commissioners, public officials and general public.

No one should be above the rules. Quickly read and review before each meeting and then everyone would know the rules. There would be uniformity and consistency at each and every meeting. Robert’s Rules would be the basis and standard for everyone — commissioners, public officials and general public to be accountable.

Consistent and uniform rules could be a reminder to be civil in discourse and demeanor. No one — general public, county commissioners or Franklin County employees — should bully others in the meetings or, for that matter, after the fact.

Robert’s Rules of Order were created to bring order and civility to public meetings. So use the “rules” to control the meetings — not ugly rhetoric — written, spoken or whispered.