Neualtenburg Constitution 4

Time for a new constitution thread!

While holding the first official meeting of the RA, we found our first snafu. Only two of seven RA members showed up, making voting on the first round of bills impossible.

I would like to add to the constitution a clause that would allow those who are present to vote without other members. The vote would be binding. To prevent abuse there must be at least two members present. A clear notification of the meeting time is required in advance, preferably by email. If the RA agrees upon regular meeting times, that should be sufficient as long as all members acknowledge the meeting time in advance. If a member cannot make it, they can vote either in the forums or by email. Other members of a faction may not vote for absent members to prevent fraud.

What do you think of this?

~Ulrika~

Maybe only 2 of seven showed up because the other 5 had no clue there was a meeting.

There should never be a vote on anything without full representation. Memebers can hold the vote until the other representitives can be contacted

Exactly! That's why I put a clear notification clause in the description above. We're still working out the kinks. Now that we're using PMs, IMs, email, and two forums there can also be confusion on where to look for notifications. I'm in favor of email supplemented with this forum but it's up to the RA. You'll also have to choose someone to send out reminders before meetings.

This is dangerous. If a single member of the RA decides they want to cripple the government, all they have to do is not show up for any votes or respond to communications. I want to make sure there exist no exploits in the RA proceedings that can be used to block the process.

I believe the U.S. Congress works the same way, with those who are absent not casting a vote. Is this true?

~Ulrika~

Yes the congress does work this way but they are many and we are few. I can also see where it could be turned around where someone could call for an emergency session knowing only 2 members would be there and vote on things. We aren't talking delaying anything that threatens life....this is SL.. There should be a system implemented if a member is away for an extended period but there shouldn't be a vote based on 2 people.

What about postal voting system? Ulrika has the technology

I agree. It could be abused the other way too.

I'll combine and summarize our points:

We should have a procedure that prevents members from delaying a vote indefinitely as well as calling last-minute sessions to disenfranchise other members of the RA. Additionally, we should remember that this is SL so we need to give members sufficient notice and have a mechanism for either formally delaying the vote or allowing verified voting in absentia.

Putting this into rules would look like:

1. Meetings should be at regular intervals such as once a week at the same time and place. If that is not possible, there should be at minimum a 5-day notice for meetings unless all members agree that the shorter lead time is acceptable and they can make it.
   
2. If a member cannot make it to a regular meeting or one scheduled 5 days or more in advance, they can either vote in absentia by email or forum or forfeit their vote.
   
3. In special circumstances (holidays), the RA meetings can be postponed if several members cannot attend.
   

To make things more efficient, I also recommend discussing the bills in the forums to make the in-world discussions go quicker.

~Ulrika~

That is a possibility, if it's requested. I was hoping to keep the RA voting completely in world so everyone could get together and talk while people dropped in on the meeting. Last time there were two visitors (I was one of them).

~Ulrika~

I can agree to this

just a quick question.. i thought the lindens only gave you guys so long with the land.. when does the lease expire?

That information is available to everyone that goes to the ministry of information office in Neualtenburg and fills out all the proper forms for processing. There is a one time processing fee in the amount of $1500.00 Lindens which is non-refundable. Your request for information will be handled in the order of which it came in and should be fully processed in 10-14 business days. If you prefer the request for information or RFI can be expidited for a further $1000.00 Lindens.

I hope this has helped you in your quest for Information.

Sincerely

Talen Morgan

Minister of Information

Minister of Disinformation

Minister of Smartass Comments

Minister of Laced Kool-Aid

Talen, you are too funny! You know the charge is only L$900 and he should send it to me.

billy, our lease will be up forever on 22 May 2005 at which time we will have to relocate if we feel the experiment is worth continuing. Unfortunately, the Lindens are phasing out all group projects.

Why do you ask? Is this related to your private sims project? If so, I'd love to talk.

~Ulrika~

I think an im in world would be a good thing =)