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Rules Committee removes requirement that members vote when present after debate over abstentions
Summary
The committee voted unanimously on June 10 to delete Rule #10 — which required members present to vote unless a private interest created a conflict — after Councilor Brooks said abstentions can be used to avoid public scrutiny; Attorney Reilly will review stronger language for the future.
At the June 10 meeting, the Chicopee City Council Rules Committee voted to delete Rule #10, which had required committee members present at a meeting to vote on questions unless a private interest created a conflict of interest.
Councilor Shane Brooks raised the concern that, with the current language and the removal of the requirement to explain abstentions, members could use abstention as a way to avoid difficult votes and public scrutiny. He stated that he did not want to see abstentions used to evade accountability. The committee agreed to have Attorney Tim Reilly review the language to consider strengthening the rule.
A motion to delete Rule #10, made by Councilor Brooks and seconded by Councilor Laflamme, passed on a roll-call vote with all five members voting yes. The committee then voted to approve the rules as amended.
No replacement language for Rule #10 was adopted at the meeting; Attorney Reilly was asked to draft stronger wording for future consideration.
