Board Meeting Runs Smoothly With Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer Enacting Stricter Rules
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer while presiding as Chair over the San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting enacted stricter rules in accordance with the Board’s adopted Rules of Procedure, which resulted in the meeting running smoothly. The actions were taken as a precaution in light of the recent political violence that took place in Pennsylvania over the weekend.
Rules enacted by Supervisor Lawson-Remer included reducing speaker comments to one minute for discussion items with 10 or more public speakers and enacting a one warning system before being removed for audience members who violate the rules and disrupt the meeting. ( See Video of Rules Here)
Supervisor Lawson-Remer also clarified the importance of what constitutes as being off-topic when speakers provide their comments at the podium. Expressing support or opposition to agenda item recommendations is what is considered being on topic when someone speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting by phone or in person. If a person was not speaking in support or opposition, they were not on topic.
“It is our responsibility to make the Board Chambers a safe haven for residents to express themselves and staff to conduct the business of our County; today the measures we implemented helped to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer, who chaired Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. “It was an honor to preside over the meeting and I was happy we were able to get through the people’s business in an efficient and effective way. I appreciate the support of my colleagues and County staff.”
Other actions taken to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, County staff and the Supervisors included:
- The San Diego County Deputy Clerk’s desk was moved so their back is not the audience,
- County staff presenters entered at the front of the room instead of the back of the room,
- The location where public speakers line up for comment was changed and arrows for where to stand were installed in the chambers,
- Smaller groups of three public speakers were called to line up instead of five, and
- An additional San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy was in the chambers.
The meeting was recessed twice, and two people were directed to leave the meeting.
Additionally, Supervisor Lawson-Remer decided to get her colleagues more involved in opening up the meeting. Supervisor Joel Anderson, who is Chair Pro Tem, recited the Tribal Acknowledgment.
Supervisor Nora Vargas was absent on Tuesday.