Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Sergeant at Arms...Good Idea or Not so Good

When I first heard of the Sergeant at Arms issue, my first thought went to memories of middle school. Having the esteemed title of Class President of my 8th grade class, I relied on the Sergeant at Arms to maintain order while the teacher was out of the room.

Although it was really all quite juvenile considering the mindset of 8th graders, a Sergeant at Arms is even present in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Their purpose is not just to keep order but their duties include escorting, holding the gavel, requesting the attendance of absent participants, decorum, administrative duties, protection, security and a host of other duties.

Just how far do we want to take this Sergeant at Arms position? Are we creating a new monster or doing what needs to be done? How will the BOD manipulate the position and how do the members feel having even more weapons at the hands of the BOD? Do the members feel it is necessary and will the presence of a Sergeant at Arms make them more comfortable and secure.

Will this create a new paid position and will this free up more tribal police to do what they need to do which is to protect the rest of the membership not in attendance?

This should not be a frivolous action but needs to be well thought out before any permanency is applied to it.

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Our right to make changes through referendum is the one voice we have left....use it.