POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT:

From the time the Office of Speaker was first created, there have been variations in how each occupant of the Office has chosen to exercise that right as a member of the Regional Assembly to vote.

I think it fair to state the practice I am following so there are no misunderstandings when I elect to cast a vote. I reserve the right to cast my vote when:

• My vote is needed to reach quorum. When the result is otherwise not in doubt, I will cast an abstention or state "present" so my participation is included to reach quorum.
• My vote will create or prevent a tie vote on the matter at vote, or create or avoid a required supermajority vote for passage of the matter at vote.

It is my position that when a matter fails to reach quorum, the vote is nullified, and the vote has to be done over until a result is reached with a quorum.

Finally, it is appropriate for the Speaker to send messages to all members of the RA,or that portion who have not voted reminding them of the matter(s) at vote.