October 21, 2024 Jane Fulk added two serious items to the agenda. Two supervisors were taken by surprise, while the other two did not seem surprised at all
Jane Fulk presented changes to station 8 EMS. No prior notification was given to Supervisor Steve Marshall or Supervisor Doug Perry. This incident ultimately set in motion Debbie Halls, editor of the Enterprise, war on Doug Perry and Steve Marshall.
Here, Jane Fulk makes a motion on a non-existent issue, which is emphatically seconded by Clayton Kendrick—who, during the vote, tries to inject even more drama into the mix. No one had ever suggested buying cars, and the issue was presented solely to cause drama and create the illusion of impropriety. Notably, Jane Fulk shouts down and suppresses any debate on the motion
Good Morning, Board Members,
I believe this is an opportune moment to reaffirm an important principle: critical and complex issues should never be introduced as last-minute motions during board meetings. This is especially true for matters of significant consequence to our county, such as the EMS issue we faced in October of last year. When such practices occur, they undermine transparency, erode trust, and compromise the integrity of our decision-making process.
Introducing high-stakes items without proper notice or discussion is not just poor governance—it is a deliberate act of political maneuvering that disenfranchises both board members and the public we serve. It prevents thorough analysis, stifles meaningful debate, and often results in decisions that lack the necessary depth and consideration. This approach is not only counterproductive but also deeply disrespectful to the collaborative spirit that should guide our work.
The consequences of such actions are far-reaching. They breed cynicism among constituents, who rightly expect their leaders to operate with honesty and accountability. They create divisions within the board, fostering an environment of suspicion rather than cooperation. Most importantly, they jeopardize the well-being of our community by prioritizing short-term gains or personal agendas over the long-term interests of the people we are sworn to serve.
Let us commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our proceedings. By ensuring that all significant matters are presented with ample notice and open dialogue so we can make informed, equitable decisions that truly reflect the needs and values of our county. Together, we can set an example of responsible leadership and restore faith in the democratic process.
I call on our Board Chair, Mr. Wood to address and seek a fair and equitable solution for this issue.
Thank you.
-Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving all of Patrick County.
Below is my presentation on this subject from the January 13th Board of Supervisors Meeting
Discussion on Rules and procedures
I want to speak to the multiple times that major issues have been added to the agenda by supervisors on the night of our Board of Supervisor Meetings. The issues that were added had very obviously been planned and discussed by at minimum 2 supervisors prior to the meetings. These were major issues with major ramifications to both the operations of and expense to the county. I believe this practice violates our rules of procedure so I would like to draw the boards attention to several areas of the rules that should be followed going forward or amended here and now.
in Section 4-1. Agenda Preparation, I would draw your attention to
B Any two Board members may request that items be placed on a meeting agenda by contacting the Clerk by noon six days prior to the Board meeting for which they wish the item scheduled.
D Nothing herein prohibits the Board from adding items to the agenda, provided that such a request is in the form of a motion, voted upon by a majority of the Board.
Now while it would seem that item D cancels out Item B, I would draw your attention to section
1-2. Basic Principles Underlying Rules of Procedure
C. The Board’s actions should be the result of a decision on the merits and not a manipulation of the procedural rules;
G. Every member must have equal opportunity to participate in decision making;
There is no way that a board member can be afforded their right to debate on a complex subject when no time has been allowed and they are effectively gated from studying the issue. This disenfranchises large segments of Patrick County from the representation that is their right. These practices while great political theater are unethical and of great disservice to the county.
For instance I represent the Blue Ridge District. If I am gated from an issue then everyone in the Blue Ridge District is denied representative government pertaining to that issue.
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