Video

[runs_on_batteries]

Good evening, Voidtreckers. I'd like to announce a council meeting in three days. It's overdue and I believe we have a number of items to discuss.

Please council members take some time over the next few days to come up with and notify me of topics we need to discuss so I can prepare an agenda. If anyone who is not a council member feels strongly about a certain topic we should consider, either tell me or seek out a council member so they may relay the information.

Comments

[runs_on_batteries]

[He nods as he listens, particularly at the new thought on the Team Leaders.]

That is a good idea. Let me take that to the council and I'll get back to you. If you have any more thoughts like that, find me.

With the Ombudsman or advocate, if you will, are you suggesting this should be someone different than the team leaders too? We could certainly put out a suggestion box that gets reviewed at every meeting.

I don't see the point in having someone outside of the council determining our agenda. I'm making the agenda for the meeting.

[He nods again.]

Yes, it's fine. I'll find a way to mitigate disruption while also having time for non-council member concerns and questions.

Thank you.

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel appreciates that Tony is willing to listen.]

I only have experience on my own world, of course, and it may not be feasible here. But on our Elven councils or in some of the more egalitarian kingdoms, there was a person who was not in a position of power, but who had access to those who were, who was not in the pay of any of them either, whose job it was to...well, to be perfectly blunt, to keep us honest. They operate outside of the councils, but have the ear of the council, and if someone say, had an issue with you, and therefore did not want to come to you directly, they could go to this non-biased third party to say, "hey, there is an issue." The Ombudsman would check the facts and if they felt there was justification, they would then take that to the board.

I know that there is a rule about being able to face your accuser, but in this case, once the Ombudsman did their investigation and determined there was cause, they would in effect be the accuser, unless the other person was willing to come forward. If the Ombudsman looks and there is no just cause, then they would act as a counsel and advisor for the accuser and help them see the truth. It is a complicated job, and not for everyone. We may not be at the stage we need such a person, either. By all means, let us try the suggestion box for now.

The secretary would not be a third party. They would be one of the other Councillors. If you are the moderator, surely you are too busy to do that AND keep the agenda! [President, secretary, and Treasurer are required by law to be three different people for a reason, lol]

I look forward to it.

[runs_on_batteries]

[This could be what was needed here, especially recently with all the animosity between Edge and himself. Glorfindel can see him pause and jot a note down on something in front of him.]

Are you angling for such a role?

[Might as well know all the cards on the table, right? He raised an eyebrow at the description of his own duties.]

I think you misunderstand my position. My job as moderator is to make the agenda, greet them and give a general introduction, and bake the cookies. I'd also be responsible for keeping others in line if they get disruptive, but I see my role as more of host of the council than having additional power to the rest.

[laurefindil]

Angling? No, but if such a role is needed, I might volunteer. Helping others is sort of the entire reason for my rebirth after my first death, after all.

[He's pretty sure there are others better suited on the train, but it depends on who volunteers and who is chosen, right?]

Ah, I see. That is a bit different. Others describe you as the Train Leader, so I was influenced by that. I apologize for jumping to a conclusion.

What kind of cookies?

[runs_on_batteries]

I'll bring this idea up as well. Don't be surprised if we come find you later about it.

[That threw Tony off guard and he gave the man a sheepish smile.]

Ah.. I was meaning strictly with the council. I wear many hats on board and that is one of them. I'm a control freak who likes having his hands in the details. My fiance is often faulting me for taking on too much as well. Believe it or not, I'm active in less now than I used to be.

Maple and bacon cookies. Don't tell, but the council are going to be my guinea pigs for the recipe. I may see if Ignis will make some crostini too in case the cookies don't turn out right.

[laurefindil]

I will be at your service. It's not like I'm going anywhere, right? [The last bit was said in a dry, droll voice.]

I understand there are more people to help shoulder the burdens now. [Definitely smiling on this.]

I am intrigued. If the pass the beta test, please keep me in mind! I have a bit of a sweet tooth.