2011 MLA Convention Blog: Addendum
9 January 2011
What's the current arrangement? Resolutions are expressions of sentiment of the MLA. Small numbers of signatures bring proposed resolutions to the Delegate Assembly where they have often produced lengthy and sometimes contentious debate.
Once passed by the Delegate Assembly, resolutions are vetted for legality by the Executive Council and then sent to the general membership (30,000 strong) for a vote. The majority wins. Here's the rub: participation can be low (think: very low) and sometimes MLA sentiment has therefore been determined on the basis of just a tiny number of voters.
There have, however, been cases in recent years where resolutions were adopted with higher participation rates (although far from a majority of membership). This is better. Presumably some resolutions get members’ attention, and others just turn them off.
So: the proposed constitutional amendment will steer us toward a stronger resolution process by stipulating that a resolution would be adopted only if it attracts more yeas than nays (of course) and the number of yeas is greater than 10% of the whole membership. A kind of quorum.
Consider the data: three resolutions in 2003 and one in 2005 all passed the 10% hurdle of support from the general membership and would qualify under the proposed amendment. 10% is definitely realistic as a target.
However, a 2008 resolution that received support from only 2.8% of the membership would not be deemed to have passed under the proposed amendment. In other words, the proposed amendment strengthens the value of resolutions by (slightly) raising the bar for their adoption.
This amendment will eventually be sent out to the membership for ratification. I hope all members will vote for this sensible reform. I will.
Russell Berman
MLA first vice president