The Life of Riley: Non-Meeting Meetings

By Jerry Riley

As my readers know, I attend a lot of public meetings. One board member noted that since I attend as many committee meetings as time permits, I likely attend more than many of those elected. That was even more true this week than most.

As my readers know, I attend a lot of public meetings. One board member noted that since I attend as many committee meetings as time permits, I likely attend more than many of those elected. That was even more true this week than most.
I attended two meeting where some of the committee members were present, but not enough to hold the meeting— and, what a revoltin’  development that is! A third meeting was canceled so that no one wasted their time.
I’m not terribly worried about wasting my time, but I am somewhat concerned  about the absent members, who apparently didn’t bother to tell anyone that they were not going to attend.
Now, who is this unfair to? First, the members who gave up their time to come to a scheduled meeting that they  were elected to attend. Second, the people they represent; because these  people chose not to attend, we were not represented. Third, again the taxpayers lose, since these meetings may hastily be held before the next main meeting.
These members are paid for the meeting they attend. Yes, I realize the ones who were absent were not paid, but what about those who did?
Is it fair to  penalize them because their fellow members failed to appear? There was no official meeting, but they did arrive and were present at the proper location, ready to represent those who elected them. Maybe the members who caused the meeting to be cancelled should have to pay those who attended(?)
That would be fair to the taxpayers, and it might cut down on missed meetings.

Jerry Riley is an occasional commentator for the News Bulletin. He is a retired telecommunications supervisor.
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