During our recent Town Council meeting, I acted to protect the integrity of our public process after witnessing a note being shown between councilmembers during deliberation that said, “Vote with the Mayor.”
I believe every elected official should vote their conscience — openly and on the record. Private influence has no place inside a public meeting.
When I saw the note being held up, I calmly asked for the floor and ensured that the entire council — and the public — could see what was taking place. I didn’t raise my voice or attack anyone. I acted to protect transparency and uphold the process that belongs to our citizens.
Under Robert’s Rules of Order, debate and persuasion must occur openly, in front of the public. Whispered instructions or handwritten notes directing votes are expressly out of order. The South Carolina Ethics Reform Act also reminds us that government decisions must be made “free from all threats, favoritism, undue influence, and impropriety.”
As I said that evening:
“Transparency is not disorder. Disorder is when votes are directed by whispered words and handwritten notes instead of by conscience.”
My intent was simple — to make sure the people’s business was done in public, free from pressure or choreography. That’s what integrity looks like in practice: sometimes uncomfortable, but always necessary.
Importantly, I did not violate any section of Robert’s Rules of Order.
I was recognized by the chair before speaking, I did not interrupt or raise my voice, and I did not engage in any conduct prohibited under Sections 43 or 61. The Mayor did not gavel me out of order, which under Robert’s Rules §61:11 means my action stood as procedurally valid. I acted transparently and within my rights as a councilmember to protect the integrity of open deliberation.
Under Robert’s Rules §61:11 and §63:3, a breach of decorum must be ruled at the time by the presiding officer. Because no ruling or gavel occurred, no breach exists. Any attempt to label the incident otherwise ignores the governing parliamentary authority.
As we move forward, I hope this moment leads to a stronger Code of Conduct that makes it unmistakably clear — no private influence, written or verbal, belongs in our council chambers.
Mount Pleasant deserves transparency, independence, and accountability from every elected official. That’s not a breach of decorum — that’s the standard of public service.
Robert’s Rules and Ethics Violations from the Incident
The following parliamentary and ethical standards were breached by the action of holding and displaying a note instructing another councilmember how to vote:
- Robert’s Rules §43:28 – Disturbing the Assembly:
No member may whisper, write notes, or otherwise engage in private communication during debate. This rule was violated when a written message was used to influence another member’s vote. - Robert’s Rules §43:20 – Confinement to the Merits of the Question:
Debate must focus on the issue at hand, not personalities or private alliances. “Vote with the Mayor” was unrelated to the merits of the motion and constituted off-record influence. - Robert’s Rules §61:10–11 – Breach of Order and Decorum:
Attempting to influence another member’s vote privately constitutes a breach of order and undermines deliberative independence. - South Carolina Ethics Act §8-13-700(A):
Public officials may not use their position to influence another’s official action for personal or political alignment. The act of showing the note constituted undue influence within a public proceeding. - South Carolina Code §5-7-250 – Open Meetings Requirement:
All deliberations and actions by public bodies must occur in open session. Written instructions between members during debate violate the spirit and purpose of open government.
Our citizens deserve — and are entitled to — a council that deliberates openly and independently. That’s the principle I stood to protect, and that’s the standard I’ll continue to uphold.
Transparency isn’t disruption — it’s accountability. And accountability is what our residents expect and deserve from every elected official.
