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August 22. 2012 1:13AM
In Nashua, a fine for rude antics in the aldermanic chambers
NASHUA — An alderman trying to promote peace within the aldermanic chambers is proposing a policy that would force city officials to fork over cash if they misbehave.
Aldermen have been warned on at least two occasions this year to be more respectful and courteous with one another, prompting Paul Chasse Jr., Ward 6 alderman, to figure out a way to stop the outbursts.
“All I can say is, it is embarrassing.” Chasse said.
Chasse, who serves as chairman of the aldermanic Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee, announced his proposal to amend the Code of Ethics this week.
His amendment calls for a $10 fine for any alderman deemed to be out of line when dealing with other aldermen during public meetings at City Hall. Subsequent offenses would net a $25 fine.
All of the money collected will be contributed to the aldermen’s Sunshine Fund, which is used to buy flowers or similar gifts for board members who are sick, bereaved, etc.
“That is all I can come up with to try to have a little bit of respect thrown out in this chamber here.” Chasse told his fellow committee members Monday, adding the policy will need to be approved by the full Board of Aldermen.
In June, the board voted unanimously to enforce a standard of decorum after comments were made about an alderman who was not present for a meeting, and not able to defend his actions, which were being criticized.
Chasse said if an alleged violation takes place, all of the aldermen involved would be asked to attend the next meeting of the Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee. The committee will decide if a fine is necessary.
Diane Sheehan, Ward 3 alderman, questioned the scope of the new policy. Her concern is that some outbursts may occur outside the aldermanic chambers.
Chasse said the idea is to deal only with problems that take place in the horseshoe chamber.
Shaheen also questioned whether the Code of Ethics, sometimes referred to as the Code of Conduct, was a city ordinance, meaning the new policy would need to be adopted as an amendment to existing legislation. Chasse said he did not think it would require a legislative change, but if it does, it will be addressed.
Shaheen also suggested that the violations be forwarded to the Ethics Committee rather than a peer committee. But Chasse argued that complaints among aldermen should remain between aldermen.
“Let us handle our own baggage,” he said.
“I commend you for trying that. I think it is an interesting concept,” said Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly. “ ... It certainly will put people on notice.”
Pressly stressed that she would want the process to be as transparent as possible. Chasse agreed that any alleged violations would be discussed in public.
Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.
Aldermen have been warned on at least two occasions this year to be more respectful and courteous with one another, prompting Paul Chasse Jr., Ward 6 alderman, to figure out a way to stop the outbursts.
“All I can say is, it is embarrassing.” Chasse said.
Chasse, who serves as chairman of the aldermanic Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee, announced his proposal to amend the Code of Ethics this week.
His amendment calls for a $10 fine for any alderman deemed to be out of line when dealing with other aldermen during public meetings at City Hall. Subsequent offenses would net a $25 fine.
All of the money collected will be contributed to the aldermen’s Sunshine Fund, which is used to buy flowers or similar gifts for board members who are sick, bereaved, etc.
“That is all I can come up with to try to have a little bit of respect thrown out in this chamber here.” Chasse told his fellow committee members Monday, adding the policy will need to be approved by the full Board of Aldermen.
In June, the board voted unanimously to enforce a standard of decorum after comments were made about an alderman who was not present for a meeting, and not able to defend his actions, which were being criticized.
Chasse said if an alleged violation takes place, all of the aldermen involved would be asked to attend the next meeting of the Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee. The committee will decide if a fine is necessary.
Diane Sheehan, Ward 3 alderman, questioned the scope of the new policy. Her concern is that some outbursts may occur outside the aldermanic chambers.
Chasse said the idea is to deal only with problems that take place in the horseshoe chamber.
Shaheen also questioned whether the Code of Ethics, sometimes referred to as the Code of Conduct, was a city ordinance, meaning the new policy would need to be adopted as an amendment to existing legislation. Chasse said he did not think it would require a legislative change, but if it does, it will be addressed.
Shaheen also suggested that the violations be forwarded to the Ethics Committee rather than a peer committee. But Chasse argued that complaints among aldermen should remain between aldermen.
“Let us handle our own baggage,” he said.
“I commend you for trying that. I think it is an interesting concept,” said Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly. “ ... It certainly will put people on notice.”
Pressly stressed that she would want the process to be as transparent as possible. Chasse agreed that any alleged violations would be discussed in public.
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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.