Yellowknife (Apr 21/03) - Should the chair of a board be allowed to vote?

That fundamental democratic question put Yellowknife Catholic Schools board trustees in separate camps at last week's regular board meeting.

The topic came up after the second reading of a motion to accept a new policy manual the board recently produced.

The manual condenses 50 years worth of redundant policies into 16.

Unlike the first time it was presented to the board, this time the motion didn't go uncontested. During the first reading, trustee Raymond St. Arnaud questioned whether the manual was ready for public consumption.

Trustee Nancy Gardiner wanted to amend a policy which prohibits the chairperson from voting on or speaking to a motion.

The present policy states the chair may hand over the gavel to the vice-chair to debate or vote.

"If you're voting, you're going to be taking sides," said Gardiner.

Board chair Larry Purcka said when the public elected him as a trustee they were expecting him to vote.

"I don't want to have to sit back and accept things," he said. "I'd like my vote to be counted. I wish to have the same rights as the rest (of the trustees)."

"I feel my vote is important and I should have the right to exercise my vote on any motion that is put before the board."

Trustee Mary Vane agreed with Gardiner.

"When one accepts the role of the chair they know the situation," said Vane.

"We have six board members who do vote and represent our ratepayers and stakeholders very well. I feel strongly about the chair being impartial."

Trustee Debbi Ross felt it would be hard to attract a chairperson if they took away the privilege to vote.

"I would hesitate to take away the basic democratic right from a member of this board, whether they are the chair or not."

In the end the amendment was defeated, with only Gardiner and Vane voting in favour. The third and final reading for the manual will be at the next board meeting, May 21.

The new policy package is available at the Yellowknife Catholic Schools board office.