Ron, Procedural rules of Council need not be enshrined in our Charter. The abstention process has already been discussed by ExComm and is in place in the event Zahid or I have advance notice of an absence or abstention. I do not believe that Zahid or I have any 'misconception' about Councilor's roles, as they are clearly defined in the Charter. Any 'misconception' may instead center around other roles, particularly the administrative Chair, which rightly has no special role in policy development under our Charter. In other words, the Chair cannot instruct the Councilors how to vote, nor can the ExComm, and this is how it should be. Otherwise a small minority of members, elected for roles that have little to do with policy development, would have undue influence over the elected policy Councilors. It is up to the Councilors to vote in accord with the wishes of the Constituency, as judged from the Constituency's written policy positions and otherwise within the elected Councilors' discretion. If you are proposing to change that fundamental structure, then it is a very large change that requires debate. So, what are you proposing? Mike Rodenbaugh RODENBAUGH LAW tel/fax: +1 (415) 738-8087 http://rodenbaugh.com -----Original Message----- From: owner-bc-gnso@icann.org [mailto:owner-bc-gnso@icann.org] On Behalf Of Ron Andruff Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 7:39 AM To: 'bc - GNSO list' Subject: RE: [bc-gnso] CSG charter and knock-on effects to BC charter Mike, Philip and all, As part of the GNSO Council Operating Procedures Work Team, I note that one refinement to our Charter (under the new requirements) is that the revised charters need to require constituency reps to advise their constituencies when they will be absent or abstaining from a vote as all votes belong to the constituencies not the councilors. This new procedure is required because of the low voting thresholds within the new 'house' structure. This amendment not only clarifies any misconception that the BC's councilors can vote their personal wishes over those of the constituency, but additionally provides a clearly defined mechanism to alert the ExComm when councilors intend to abstain or be absent whenever votes are taken. Separately, Sarah, I would also like to join you, Philip and others on the drafting team working group. Thank you. Kind regards, RA Ronald N. Andruff President RNA Partners, Inc. 220 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10001 + 1 212 481 2820 ext. 11 -----Original Message----- From: owner-bc-gnso@icann.org [mailto:owner-bc-gnso@icann.org] On Behalf Of Philip Sheppard Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 7:32 AM To: 'bc - GNSO list' Subject: [bc-gnso] CSG charter and knock-on effects to BC charter Sarah, thank you for your reply. I wasn't aware I was making any accusations just a request. You reminded us of your Brussels presentation: "Welcome small working group to help to offer suggestions on language options and comments on draft text". I volunteer for this small working group. Who else is on it? May I see the draft text? Philip