Heated Debate Over Process Ensues

Zac Russell

Co-editor

​A nomination was made for editorial board of the Cherokee Phoenix, which was approved 17Y-2N. Afterward, heated debate ensued between Speaker Byrd and another councilor because only one nomination was heard. The councilor commented that such practice was improper as there was another candidate to be considered, and that it was contrary to Robert’s Rules of Order. Speaker Byrd noted that the process was the same as he had always remembered it being done, that the first candidate to get a majority would be selected. The debate expanded to whether nominations should be considered by private ballot. Both acknowledged that was not how it has historically been handled, but the councilor stated that it was not “best practices.” Private ballots are not frequently used for nominations in elected bodies to provide accountability of the elected officials to the electorate.