On Mar 29, 2008, at 21:02, John Plocher wrote:
> I see no reason to require unanimity here, since it is simply a
> safeguard to prevent undesirably "fast" decision making.

I am not requesting unanimity. I am requesting consensus. The two are  
quite different. Consensus exists when no-one objects, and can be  
achieved without unanimity.

> The
> same result is obtained via a "derail" option that immediately
> moves the decision/vote/discussion to a real meeting.

I almost agree. I sought to create a mechanism like that by my use of  
words in the fifth bullet.

> How about:
>
>     * (bullet 2) s/when all members/when a majority of the current
>       OGB members in office/

Since e-mail is so easily overlooked or automatically discarded, I  
think it's very important to make sure that every member is aware of  
every attempt to conduct business via e-mail. The easiest way to do  
this is to require that we see a response from every member.

>     * (bullet 4) s/from all members/from participating members/
>
>     * (bullet 5) The matter will be deemed to be approved if the
>       number of votes for is greater than the number of votes
>       against the resolution and no member derails the discussion
>       and so forces the decision to be made at a properly constituted
>       meeting of the OGB.

I think the words I have already proposed have this effect since those  
not wishing to derail simply remain silent. Additionally the form of  
words I used allow us to regard the process as meeting the description  
in the constitution. What do you object to? The 48 hour delay?  
Remember, I am not demanding active unanimity, I am requiring passive  
consensus.

By the way, if your wording stands, you need to make it clear that it  
only applies either after 48 hours or after all votes are cast since  
as written it makes the first vote approve the resolution.

>
>       [strike: At this point, "such consent  shall have the same
>        effect as a unanimous vote."]

And there's the rub :-)  Removing that makes this cease to be an  
interpretation of the constitution :-)

>
>
>     * (bullet 6) Business that does not result in closure [was  
> consensus]
>       via e-mail may be concluded at a properly constituted OGB  
> meeting.

I also suggest adding to bullet 3:
"The Secretary shall also report at the next available OGB meeting on  
all business concluded via e-mail, so that resolutions may appear in  
the minutes."

S.



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