Written by Monday was not the first time that the mayor wrongly shut down a council discussion, over my protests, when a single councilmember “called for the question”. The last time this happened, I knew she was mistaken and I said that on the record; but I did not stand up until the attorney opened the rulebook the way I did on Monday night.
However, the public record shows that an astute and articulate Renton citizen clearly warned the mayor in writing that she violated Roberts Rules of Order the previous time she did this. I don’t know why she thought she could get away with it again.
From: Brett Kappenman [mailto:bkappenman@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 2:22 PM
To: mayor@rentonwa.gov
Cc: tbriere@rentonwa.gov
Subject: Call the Question
Kathy:
I wanted to point out that the proper parliamentary procedure may not have been followed at Monday night’s Council meeting. I’m specifically referring to the “Call the Question” motion made by Terri. Calling for the question is usually in the form of a motion and requires a second in almost all circumstances. If the City of Renton’s parliamentary procedure does not require a second and therefore does not require a super-majority I would like to see a copy of the official rules for conducting meetings as they deviate from my understanding of what standard Robert’s Rules requires.
If memory serves me correctly Terri did ask to be recognized, but you believed that a second was not required. While I understand why you may have felt she was correct (due to what I’ve outlined below), I would like some clarity on this issue.
Sincerely,
Brett Kappenman
(206) 612-5600
———————–
Here is the official take on the subject from the Robert’s Rules web site:
http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html
(Emphasis added below)
Question 11:
Must debate on a motion stop immediately as soon as any member calls the question?
Answer:
It is a fairly common misconception that, after debate has continued for some time, if any member shouts out “Question!” or “I call the question!”, debate must immediately cease and the chair must put the pending question to a vote. This is simply not the case. Any member who wishes to force an end to debate must first obtain the floor by being duly recognized to speak by the chair, and must then move the Previous Question. Such a motion must be seconded, and then adopted by a two-thirds vote, or by unanimous consent. It is not in order to interrupt a speaker with cries of “Question” or “Call the Question,” and even if no one is speaking, it is still necessary to seek recognition. [RONR (10th ed.), p. 193-94; see also p 35-37 of RONR In Brief.]
And further references on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert’s_Rules_of_Order
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_the_question
Previous question
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Call the question)
Jump to: navigation, search
In parliamentary procedure, previous question, calling for the question, calling the question, putting the question is a motion to end debate and bring the main motion to a vote. It is usually invoked by a member saying, “I call [for] the question.” Under many rules of order, when a call for the question is made, a two-thirds supermajority is required to end debate.
In legislative bodies, this concept is frequently referred to as cloture.
I might also add that in instances when a specific question regarding parliamentary procedure is asked, the city attorney should be able to answer those questions as I believe he is the acting parliamentarian.
Attached Message
From: “Brett Kappenman” <bkappenman@hotmail.com> [ Save Address ]
To: <mayor@rentonwa.gov>
Cc: <tbriere@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Call the Question
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:55:50 +0000
Kathy or Terri:
I still would like an answer to my question.
Brett
From: Brett Kappenman [mailto:bkappenman@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 2:22 PM
To: mayor@rentonwa.gov
Cc: tbriere@rentonwa.gov
Subject: Call the Question
Kathy:
I wanted to point out that the proper parliamentary procedure may not have been followed at Monday night’s Council meeting. I’m specifically referring to the “Call the Question” motion made by Terri. Calling for the question is usually in the form of a motion and requires a second in almost all circumstances. If the City of Renton’s parliamentary procedure does not require a second and therefore does not require a super-majority I would like to see a copy of the official rules for conducting meetings as they deviate from my understanding of what standard Robert’s Rules requires.
If memory serves me correctly Terri did ask to be recognized, but you believed that a second was not required. While I understand why you may have felt she was correct (due to what I’ve outlined below), I would like some clarity on this issue.
Sincerely,
Brett Kappenman
(206) 612-5600
———————–
Here is the official take on the subject from the Robert’s Rules web site:
http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html
(Emphasis added below)
Question 11:
Must debate on a motion stop immediately as soon as any member calls the question?
Answer:
It is a fairly common misconception that, after debate has continued for some time, if any member shouts out “Question!” or “I call the question!”, debate must immediately cease and the chair must put the pending question to a vote. This is simply not the case. Any member who wishes to force an end to debate must first obtain the floor by being duly recognized to speak by the chair, and must then move the Previous Question. Such a motion must be seconded, and then adopted by a two-thirds vote, or by unanimous consent. It is not in order to interrupt a speaker with cries of “Question” or “Call the Question,” and even if no one is speaking, it is still necessary to seek recognition. [RONR (10th ed.), p. 193-94; see also p 35-37 of RONR In Brief.]
And further references on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert’s_Rules_of_Order
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_the_question
Previous question
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Call the question)
Jump to: navigation, search
In parliamentary procedure, previous question, calling for the question, calling the question, putting the question is a motion to end debate and bring the main motion to a vote. It is usually invoked by a member saying, “I call [for] the question.” Under many rules of order, when a call for the question is made, a two-thirds supermajority is required to end debate.
In legislative bodies, this concept is frequently referred to as cloture.
I might also add that in instances when a specific question regarding parliamentary procedure is asked, the city attorney should be able to answer those questions as I believe he is the acting parliamentarian.
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