By Rob Coulter
I took it as a kind compliment from Mr. Michael Smith that he would trust my advice on procedural matters at the upcoming Financial Town Meeting, as reported recently in the Sakonnet Times.
My opinion, however, and for whatever it’s worth, is that the Moderator has an independent role and, as such, should have his own independent counsel. I have consistently maintained this position with the Budget Committee, the Town Clerk, the Town Solicitor, and indeed, Mr. Smith himself. Last year, I also objected to the Town Council’s appointment of Mr. Mike Burk because of his repeatedly demonstrated seething bias against the Tiverton Citizens for Change, which I believe risked compromising his ability to impartially serve as Moderator.
I do not believe the Town Solicitor can properly fill this role, because the Town Solicitor serves by Town Charter at the pleasure of the Town Council. What’s more, the current Solicitor has outright defied the State’s interpretation of a critical state law involving the tax cap which is a key factor in financial town meetings. Much like the School Committee has its own counsel, so too should the Moderator.
We all remember the 2008 financial town meeting which was, to put it nicely, fraught with irregularities. 2009 was far better, to Mr. Burk’s credit, but still had at least one crucial incorrect procedural ruling. Whatever outcome is reached regarding the levels of taxing and spending in Tiverton, in my opinion it is secondary to restoring confidence in the process itself. For this reason, I continue to recommend that the Moderator – as independent, elected official – retain his own independent counselor to advise him at the Financial Town Meeting.
While I am grateful for his confidence and am interested in working together to improve the process and help people wrestle with complicated Roberts Rules of Order, I cannot serve in any type of formal role to Mr. Smith because I intend to fulfill my Budget Committee responsibilities and fully participate as an Elector (i.e. voting resident taxpayer). I may propose or object to Moderator rulings just like others and I did last year (such as where the Moderator and Town Solicitor both agreed an initial ruling was incorrect), but I stand in the same shoes as any other Elector. For these reasons, I continue to encourage the Moderator to retain his own independent parliamentarian to help him navigate the rough waters of the Tiverton Financial Town Meeting so that we can continue restoring confidence in the process after the damage done in 2008. Anyone interested in discussing these thoughts, or any other town matter, with me further is encouraged to call me at (401) 525-0469. Thank you.
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