Stephanie Chapman: Robert's Rules and RSA 91-A are completely different

To The Daily Sun,

On Monday night at the city council meeting, Councilor Jon Hildreth brought up the fact that Mayor Mike Bordes was “not being strict enough “with Robert’s Rules of Order. So, I would like to make a few things clear.

First, Robert's Rules is a procedural guide that is helpful but not law. For years, I have attended various meetings within Belknap County which include Gunstock Commission, county delegation, and past city council meetings. My observation is all meetings were run with leniency with regard to meeting rules. People skipped steps improvised motions and moved business along without perfect formality. Nobody complained because Robert’s Rules carries no legal penalty. RSA 91-A is different. It’s state law. Violating it has real consequences such as court action, legal liability, and the potential to invalidate decisions. There is no leniency with 91-A, and there never has been.

So, when a lawbreaker like Councilman Hildreth tries to compare a flexible guideline to a transparency law, he is not being honest with the public (imagine that). One is optional. One is mandatory. I am glad Laconia has Mayor Bordes who has decided to act and follow the law.

Councilman Hildreth and Councilman Bob Soucy want all meetings conducted by Robert's Rules. Councilman Hildreth stated in the last meeting by requesting all members and observers to address only the chairperson and to not address the councilmen directly; however, both Councilman Hildreth and Councilman Soucy were whispering to each other while that same meeting was still in session. So I ask the question, which is it? Robert's Rules or their own?

Councilman Soucy and Hildreth should step down and resign. The citizens have overwhelmingly spoken and agree with the Mayor. We will remember. 

Stephanie Chapman

Laconia