A Tribute to Bob Davis...

A Tribute to Bob Davis

Friends of Bob Davis are sponsoring publication in The Staunton News-Leader of the following tribute which appeared soon after his death, in a neighboring newspaper:

The tragic death Thursday of Albert Wakefield Davis (Bob Davis was his professional name) has signaled the end of an era in broadcasting here.

The veteran announcer will be buried tomorrow at Asheville, N.C., his birthplace and boyhood home. Buried with him will be the mark of quality and intellectual integrity.

Bob Davis had the all too rare ability to entertain, to be clever on schedule. His talent for broadcasting was said to be equaled by few announcers. He possessed an exceptional command of the English language, coupled with a vocal delivery which was the envy of his colleagues.

His sincerity was evident, whether he was speaking of an idea or a sponsor's product --- and it went unchallenged.

Mr. Davis was known among the professionals as an "excellent air man," with the ability to handle any type of program or situation. His newscasts were authoritative and bore the stamp of understanding and depth of perception. His taste in music, as in all the arts and in literature, was impeccable. His talents for "putting a show together" were said to be unsurpassed.

A sensitive man, of almost delicate feelings, Mr. Davis excelled in what he undertook and he expected excellence in those around him. He had little patience with mediocrity -- in people or in their accomplishments. He loved and respected the superlative. On more than one occasion he was known to verbally lash a record manufacturer from his microphone for what he considered a poor recording or one that was in bad taste.

Mr. Davis took with him to the microphone a wide range of experience, resulting in programs of exceptional depth. His personality and air presentation were generally enhanced through an extensive acquaintanceship with the famous, primarily in the entertainment world.

He knew and loved good books. He had a great feeling for poetry, and was considered an excellent reader. His classical production of "The Vagabond's House" has drawn wide acclaim and repeated requests for rebroadcast.

Off the air, Mr. Davis was an introvert, who took delight in taking long hikes alone through the woods. He held a sincere fascination for nature and its lore. His depth of feeling was evidenced by the fact that he gave up hunting a number of years ago when a shot fired from his gun failed to kill a deer quickly. Intimates say he was forever after troubled by the memory of the dying sounds uttered by the stricken animal.

But he remained a sportsman. On Nov. 2, 1955, he hit a "hole in one" at Staunton's Gypsy Hill Golf Course. A horse fancier who knew good horse flesh, he once owned and rode a palimino. He maintained an elaborate and enviable collection of firearms and knives. He would spend hours at a time working on wood refinishings, mostly driftwood which he gathered to convert into ornamentation.

Mr. Davis enjoyed a reputation as a comic who stressed the ironic. His comedy was of the spontaneous variety rather than that of production. He was one of the best ad lib men in the business and could convert an embarrassing situation into a riotous farce to send listeners into gales of uncontrollable laughter.

It was this ad lib ability and his fondness for speaking his mind, spontaneously as it occured to him, which often landed him in hot water. But listeners were soon laughing again and not for long remain upset by his antics. He once talked on the air without interruption for an hour and 45 minutes to win a "biggest lie" contest with a colleague.

People here still recall his ride astride a mule from Waynesboro to Staunton in behalf of the March of Dimes. One year he sat for a week on a raft in the middle of the fairgrounds lake without ever coming to shore during the period. All his broadcasts were beamed that week from his watery perch.

Mr. Davis had great respect and affection for the aged and ailing, and he devoted much of his free time to visiting with them, offering the cheer of his vibrant personality.

There are thousands who will remember his major shows: "Bob Davis at Large," "Starlite Serenade," and "Curtain Time" . . . In his words, "a conglomoration, a pot pouri of warm waxings and cool sides. So if your musical mood needs to be wooed, stay with us as we wax enthusiastic."

(Originally published, June 5, 1960)

Bob Davis, Valley Radio Legend, dies

Today marks the 48th anniversary of the tragic death of the famed radio personality of the 40s, 50s, and 60s -- Bob Davis.

He was also my grandfather.


Accidentally Killed While Cleaning Gun
Albert Wakefield (Bob) Davis, well known announcer at radio station WTON, was pronounced dead on arrival at King's Daughters' Hospital shortly after 10:30 this morning.
Death was attributed to a gun-shot wound in the chest area --- apparently accidentally self-inflicted while he was cleaning his gun. Dr. Quentin O. Carr, medical examiner, has given an official "accidental death" ruling.
Mr. Davis, 34, was rushed to the hospital after a babysitter who was upstairs in his 1304 N. Coalter St. home, Mrs. Kathleen Whitescarver of 624 C. St., heard a shot, rushed to the basement, and found him apparently dead.

Planned to Clean Gun

Chief of Police R. Ruff Cline said Mrs. Whitescarver told him Mr. Davis told her he was going to the basement to clean his gun. A can of gun oil and several rags were found near his body, on a sofa. The shot came from a .38 calibre frontier model Colt six-shooter he apparently was cleaning. The bullet passed through his body at a point just below his heart, came out the back, and struck the cement wall of the basement. The fatal bullet was the only one in the gun.
It was learned that Mr. Davis and his family were preparing to leave shortly on a vacation to North Carolina. His wife was not at home at the time of the accident.
Mr. Davis had been employed as an announcer from WTON for about five years. Just last week he resigned his job.
Mr. Davis came to Staunton from Hollywood, Cal., where he had been employed in radio agency work. He was a native of North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and a young son.
Funeral arrangements will be announced.

(Pictured above in the NewsLeader article, the home of Bob Davis. Across the street from present day Robert E. Lee High School -- also-- Paul Harvey and Bob Davis in a publicity shot. They were good friends.)

The NewsVirginian noted Bob's popularity at WTON and in Valley radio as one that, "commanded probably the largest listening audience of any announcer in the Valley."

It is also worthy to note that Bob was the radio announcer that gave Staunton's famed Statler Brothers their first air time. It was Bob that first played them on the air.

Davis also served in the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps.

Pulling the Knives Out.... Part 4

What you are about to read is the first installment in a series detailing, in real time, the improper and proper events that occurred in the Augusta County Mass Meeting on April 10, 2008. These "reconstructed minutes" were compiled from the original minutes, raw audio and video footage of the meeting, countless hours of interviews, and pages of filed reports on the incident. Each section will include an overview of the meeting followed by a report on how it stands up against many legal sources and documents. We apologize for not getting this all out sooner--but the original SWAC bloggers have been having to pull a few knives out of our backs as of late....kinda hard to multi-task.

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PART 4 - Kurt Michael: Into the Fire

The meeting erupted with points of order being heard from throughout the body (all of which were ignored) including one by Al Katz for voting irregularity, one by Buddy Deaton sighting the illegal nature of the meeting’s proceedings, and Lynn Mitchell for voting without rules being set. A point of order was then made by Michael who cited that no delegates had been elected and begged the chair to reconsider (1).

Bailey had repeated that he had already adjourned the meeting sine die and ignored his point of order (2).

Points of order erupted again (all ignored) including Bibeau citing possible voter fraud, Jim Taetzsch citing the illegal election of convention delegates and failure to vote on them as a Mass Meeting, and Lynn Mitchell citing the voting that had occurred without a Permanent Chair being elected (3).

Michael rose with a motion of no confidence in the Temporary Chair, which was seconded by Kim Wiseman and the motion passed. With no Temporary Chairman, Michael then opened the floor for nominations for Temporary Chairman of the Mass Meeting. Bibeau nominated Michael with a second by Wiseman. Mitchell moved to close nominations and was seconded.

The vote was called and Michael was elected Temporary Chairman. Michael entertained a motion for Permanent Chairman of the Mass Meeting and Bibeau ‘so moved’ and received a second. The vote was taken and Michael was elected Permanent Chairman.

Senator Hanger and Roller approached Michael at the podium. Hanger asked the Temporary Chairman to affirm the delegates to the convention at that point. Michael then called for a vote, asking if the meeting should be adjourned. His request was denied.

Senator Hanger continued to object to Michael’s call to adjourn, so Michael repeated it, with the same results. Michael then asked Senator Hanger to affirm, even though the Mass Meeting had just voted in the majority to keep itself open, that their vote was out of order. Hanger complied and affirmed his statement again. Roller moved behind the podium to try and take over the Mass Meeting again.

Michael then called for a vote of the Mass Meeting for permission to continue with the meeting as the Temporary Chair and it passed. Hanger again, who had backed away, approached the podium to question the authority of Michael’s Temporary Chairmanship. Michael cautioned the Senator if he continued to disrupt the meeting without being recognized, he would ask him to leave. Michael appointed Drake as his Parliamentarian.

Roller then took the microphone from Michael and proceeded to attack him personally and claimed to the Mass Meeting that he was the rightful Chairman. Keith Drake called Roller out of order six times in a row and Roller finally relinquished his position behind the podium.

PART 4(a) - Kurt Michael: Into the Fire

1. Again, points of order must be recognized and acted upon by the chair. These were not, and as such, Bailey violated Robert’s Rules of Order (See pgs. 117 – 119).

2. Regardless of adjourning the meeting sine die or not, it still, under Robert’s Rules of Order must be called to a vote, receive a second, and receive a majority in favor of the action (See pg. 385).

3. Again, points of order must be recognized and acted upon by the chair. These were not, and as such, Bailey violated Robert’s Rules of Order (See pgs. 117 – 119). Also, even if Bailey had taken the initiative to certify the delegates to their respective conventions, he would have no authority to do so. (See Augusta County Republican Committee Bylaws, Article X, Section E and the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization, Article VIII, Section H (1)(a) )

Part 5 - The Wrongs are Righted...coming soon!...

See The Opening - Part 1 here.
See Bailey Stumbles Forward - Part 2 here.
See With a Vote of No Confidence - Part 3 here.

Pulling the Knives Out.... Part 3

What you are about to read is the first installment in a series detailing, in real time, the improper and proper events that occurred in the Augusta County Mass Meeting on April 10, 2008. These "reconstructed minutes" were compiled from the original minutes, raw audio and video footage of the meeting, countless hours of interviews, and pages of filed reports on the incident. Each section will include an overview of the meeting followed by a report on how it stands up against many legal sources and documents. We apologize for not getting this all out sooner--but the original SWAC bloggers have been having to pull a few knives out of our backs as of late....kinda hard to multi-task.

________________________

PART 3 - With a Vote of No Confidence

Because the Temporary Chair did not appoint a Nominations Committee, he then appointed Chris Green to read who had already pre-filed for the Chairmanship. Bailey then appointed Temporary Chair to each Magisterial District, leaving out Riverheads in the process and moved on. An objection was raised by Poppet Nelson that it was forgotten and the mistake was corrected. Throughout this process two points of order were raised by Kim Wiseman who inquired which set of rules and bylaws would govern the meetings of the Magisterial Districts, the State Party Plan or the Augusta County Republican Committee By-Laws. Both points of order were ignored. Joe James then made a motion that the rules be amended to select the new chairman by majority vote and not by magisterial district. The motion was seconded and passed. The committees moved out with the purpose of electing chairman of each individual Magisterial District, vote on names of district members to go to the 6^th District and State Conventions, and on committee membership (1).

When the committees were brought back together in the Mass Meeting, Charles Wyatt then moved to operate the meeting from that point forward, solely based on Robert’s Rules of Order. This motion was seconded and passed (2).

Jason Bibeau called for a vote of no confidence in the Temporary Chairman, received a second, but was ignored by Bailey. Charles Curry then put a motion on the floor concerning the adoption of the rules just outlined in Wyatt’s previously accepted motion. Bibeau called for a point of order, citing that his call for a vote of no confidence was still on the floor because it had not been voted on. A voice vote was taken that was deemed to close to call but Bailey ruled against it and ignored Bibeau’s call for a division of the house.

The Temporary Chairman then called for each candidate to speak to his candidacy. Steve Kijak approached the podium, spoke in support of Dr. Larry Roller, announced he would drop out of the race, and gave his remaining time to Dr. Larry Roller. This occurred with all the other candidates (respectively: Steve Kijak, David Beyeler, Sharon Hanger, and Vickie Parkinson).

After Dr. Roller’s 23-minute speech and Kurt Michael’s two minute speech, Bailey ordered that the candidate selection vote be recorded on the back of each individual’s Voting Pass. Bill Shirley rose to a point of order citing that the original rules of the Mass Meeting called for a secret ballot and that this form of voting would not meet that requirement and called Bailey’s ruling out of order. Bailey conceded and told the committee to bring up their individual Voting Passes to verify each member as eligible to vote and in turn, they would receive a blank blue note card in which to cast their vote.

The blue ballots were not inspected and were distributed by the first row passing the whole stack back and so forth. Nor was the box inspected (to prevent voter fraud or irregularities) where the votes were being placed.

During the roll call, called by John Wirth by the names complied by the Credentials Committee, of names eligible to vote, some names were called of people that were now absent, Michael’s name was called twice, and three ladies were permitted to vote even though they had not previously signed in and did not have a Voting Pass.

The Chair then appointed John Wirth, Steve Kijak, Ray Ergenbright, and Tom Nelson as counters. Michael made a point of order, noting that he had not been afforded any vote observer. His request for one was denied twice by the Temporary Chairman. The men Bailey appointed began walking into a back room to count the vote total when Kevin Lacey rose to a point of order asking why the vote count had to be recorded in secret and why it could not be done in view of the public. Again, Michael rose to a point of order, this time appealing his objection to Senator Hanger to not having an observer present. Hanger agreed and told Bailey that Michael should be afforded one observer. Bailey allowed Michael to appoint Terry Argenbright to serve in that capacity.

Again, a point of order was raised by Lacey, who implored the counters to count the votes in public to guard against voter fraud and tampering. Again, this was ignored.

While the votes were being tallied in a back room, speeches from Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Delegate Ben Cline were heard. The vote counters and observers returned and Wirth (not Bailey) reported the voting results: Dr. Kurt Michael, 103 – Dr. Larry Roller, 141. A formal objection was raised by Nelson to this mass meeting because it had been illegally conducted. The Temporary Chairman then adjourned the Mass Meeting with no motion to do so being made, no second, and no vote taken (3).

PART 3(a) - With a Vote of No Confidence

1. The Temporary Chair chose not to appoint a Nominations Committee which was in violation of the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition in which it clearly states it is the Temporary Chairman’s duty to elect a Nominations Committee and its Chairman (See Article V, Section D, Part 2 and Article V, Section E, Part 2). When Joe James motioned to select the new chairman by mass vote (“one man, one vote”) and not by magisterial districts (in an electoral college system), he went against the Bylaws of the Augusta County Republican Committee which state that the “Mass Meeting or Convention” breaks down into magisterial districts to elect delegates, committee members, and chairmen (See Article X, Section B, Part 5). Jones’s motion, though not permitted by the Bylaws, was superseded by the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization (See Article VIII, Section I, Part 4) which, like the Handbook (See Article V, Section A), defines a Mass Meeting as it being public vote (See Article VIII, Section L) and so also in Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 62). There was no official vote taken at the Mass Meeting for delegates to the State or the Sixth District Convention, directly in violation of the Bylaws (See Article X, Section E), State Party Plan (See Article VIII, Section H), the Handbook (See Article 5, Section C), the Official Mass Meeting Call of the Augusta County Republican Committee (See Official Call, Section C and D), and Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 225). There was also never a vote on Membership to the Augusta County Republican Committee, in violation of the Official Call (See Official Call, Section A).

2. Charles Wyatt’s motion that was passed to suspend all rules and operate only under Robert’s Rules of Order is in direct violation of the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization (See Article VIII, Section I, Part 4) and the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition, compiled by John Padgett, Shane Ostrowski, and John G. Selph (See Article V, Section D), the Bylaws of the Augusta County Republican Committee (See Article V, Section 20), and even Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 39).
   

3. With Bibeau’s motion for a vote of no confidence in the Temporary Chair, that motion was seconded. It must be taken to a vote. Bailey’s first time at ignoring Bibeau’s motion was out of order. At the point when Charles Curry stood and began another, unrelated motion, this went against Robert Rules of Order regarding Illegal Actions because two motions cannot be on the floor at once (See pg. 8). His call for a division of the house was ignored by Bailey. This is in direct violation of Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 126). When the first voting process of the night began occurring, questions of voting irregularities and fraud began to be heard. Certain names can up that were unreadable and were deciphered by asking the committee for help, Michael’s name was called twice, and three ladies were allowed to vote that had no credentials present—all illegalities according to Robert’s Rules (See pgs. 71 and 199). Again, when both Michael and Kevin Lacey made points of order, they were ignored by the Chair repeatedly, regarding the counting of the votes, which, according to Robert’s Rules (See pgs. 117 – 119), you cannot do. Wirth’s announcement of the election results for Committee Chairman at the first improper vote is in violation of Robert’s Rules (See pg. 184), where it states that only the presiding chair of the meeting can announce the voting outcome. Bailey’s premature adjournment of the Mass Meeting with no motion, so second, and no vote is in direct violation with Robert’s Rules (See pg. 385)

Part 4 - Kurt Michael: Into to Fire...coming soon!...

See The Opening - Part 1 here.
See Bailey Stumbles Forward - Part 2 here.

Happily Ever After...!

Staunton Academy of Ballet

presents

Happily Ever After

featuring


The Ugly Duckling

After the Ball
Act III - Cinderella

A Birthday for
A Princess
Act III - Sleeping Beauty

Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 2:00 p.m.

John Lewis Auditorium - R. E. Lee High School
North Coalter Street, Staunton

RESERVED SEATING
Call 885-8542 before May 14th - 8:00am - 7:00pm
$14.00 - Adult $12.00 - Children through High School

GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
Ticket Locations Beginning May 1st

GENERAL ADMISSION:
$10.00 - Adult $8.00 - Children through High School

The Bookstack - 1 E. Beverley Street, Staunton
You're A Star - Staunton Mall

General Admission Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

For Information Call: 885-8524

Pulling the Knives Out.... Part 2

What you are about to read is the first installment in a series detailing, in real time, the improper and proper events that occurred in the Augusta County Mass Meeting on April 10, 2008. These "reconstructed minutes" were compiled from the original minutes, raw audio and video footage of the meeting, countless hours of interviews, and pages of filed reports on the incident. Each section will include an overview of the meeting followed by a report on how it stands up against many legal sources and documents. We apologize for not getting this all out sooner--but the original SWAC bloggers have been having to pull a few knives out of our backs as of late....kinda hard to multi-task.

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PART 2 - Bailey Stumbles Forward

Jim Bailey then asked Michael to hand over his agenda for the Mass Meeting seeing that he (Bailey) had none. Michael explained that he had his agenda but not Bailey’s. Bailey then stated to the meeting that obviously Michael would not share his agenda with the Mass Meeting. Michael rose to a point of order, stating that the agenda he had had been prepared by him (Michael), but he was not elected Temporary Chairman and therefore, could not use it and that it was the duty of the elected Temporary Chairman to report his own agenda.

A point of order was raised by Katz and Argenbright citing the ill-preparedness of the newly elected Temporary Chairman and his lack of a prepared agenda when Michael had spent weeks preparing for this mass meeting.

Senator Emmett Hanger then approached the podium with David Beyeler. Staunton Republican Committee Secretary Alex Davis and former Albemarle County Chairman Keith Drake also approached. Hanger made a motion that the vote be rescinded and reinstate Kurt Michael for, at least, Temporary Chairman if he so desired the position. Bailey refused. Davis, with the backing of Drake, defended the validity of Hanger’s motion citing Robert’s Rules of Order. Beyeler turned, ordering them to back away, as they were not County residents.

Bailey moved on to the reading of the Call. Tom Nelson called for a suspension of the reading and was seconded. Bailey then moved to suspend the reading of the minutes. This was seconded and approved. Bailey then moved that nominations be taken from the floor for candidates for the chairmanship of the Augusta County Republican Committee. Nelson rose in a point of order, because the nominations process had already been concluded with the submission of pre-filing forms. To this, there was a general agreement and the Temporary Chair moved on.

Bailey then called for the candidates for chairman to come up and speak to their candidacy. A point of order was raised by Michael stating that committees had to be formed before that call could be fulfilled. At this, Bailey appointed only chairs of committees and not full bodies.

He appointed the Jean Shrewsberry as chair of the Rules Committee, Lynn Mitchell to the Credentials Committee—who declined and in her place, John Wirth was appointed—no one was appointed to chair or to serve on a Nominations Committee. Bailey then opened the floor for nominations for Temporary Secretary of the Mass Meeting. Lynn Mitchell was nominated but declined. Phil Lynch nominated Chris Green, received a second, and with no opposition, the vote passed unanimously (1).

Bailey then called for a ten minute recess so that the committee chairs could go out, appoint their own bodies, and discuss (2).

John Wirth reported these numbers from the Credentials Committee: Beverley Manor – 24 , Pastures – 42 , Riverheads – 21 , North River – 74 , South River – 39 , Wayne – 37 , Middle River(3). – 30 , and full Mass Meeting Voter Count – 267. Bailey appointed Ray Ergenbright as his Parliamentarian. Jean Shrewsbury then rose and made a motion to suspend the rules and received a second and the vote moved forward, being passed in favor: 138 – 110

A point of order was raised by Nelson that not only was Shrewsberry’s motion out of order because no Rules had been adopted but also cited that this type of vote needed a two-thirds majority to pass. The temporary chair agreed, but did nothing to reverse the vote. Shrewsberry then called for another ten minute recess to speak to her committee, which Bailey granted. According to the Official Minutes of the Mass Meeting they returned with this ruling, “It is their understanding that a majority vote is only necessary. Mr Ergenbright ruled that a 2/3s majority was necessary to suspend the rules, and further ruled that a majority was necessary to change the rules of the meeting.” The chair took this into consideration, but no action was taken to reverse the first vote. Hahn then stood and made a motion that all those wishing to speak, should stand to be recognized by the Temporary Chair, as per Robert’s Rules of Order. It was seconded from the floor, but Bailey ignored the motion and it was never called to a vote (4).

PART 2(a) - Bailey Stumbles Forward

1. According to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition an agenda is recommended and its planning deemed “absolutely essential for the mass meeting to run smoothly.” The Handbook even provides a basic agenda for use. Bailey’s lack of an agenda validates the point of order that Katz and Argenbright raised. (See Article V, Section D and Article V, Section D, Part 3.) The way Bailey addressed Michael to hand over the agenda, could call his ability to lead the Mass Meeting into question as per Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 148) The motion made by Senator Hanger to possibly rescind the motion is validated by Robert’s Rules (See pg. 137). The Official Mass Meeting Call of the Augusta County Republican Committee stated that candidates for Chairman had to pre-file with Chris Green no later than 5.00pm on March 22, 2008. Bailey’s calling for nominations from the floor went in direct violation of the Call. Nelson’s point of order checked Bailey’s error. (See Official Call, Pre-Filing Requirement Section.) As also noted in the Handbook, committees must be appointed and then have reported, before candidates for Chairman can speak to their candidacy. More directly, the Nominations Committee must meet to make sure each candidate for Chairman met all requirements listed in Augusta County’s Official Mass Meeting Call. (See also Article V, Section D and Article V, Section D, Part 2.) All Temporary positions, as stated in [1(a), Point 1] must become Permanent by a vote of the Mass Meeting or by a provision in the approved and voted on Rules (See Article V, Section D, Part 3). Neither the Temporary Chair nor the Temporary Secretary of this Mass Meeting was voted into a Permanent position.

2. According to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition the Temporary Chairman appoints not only the Committee Chairmen but also their full bodies as well. This is not left up to each individual Committee Chairman. Bailey made this mistake but was unchecked (See Article V, Section D, Part 1).

3. Shrewsberry motion to suspend the Rules of the Mass Meeting were out of order because, while the Bylaws of the Augusta County Republican Committee state that the committee approve in advance the rules for the conduct of the Mass Meeting, it goes on to order those rules to be handed over to the Rules Committee for their “consideration” only. They need not accept those Rules and can return with a completely different set if they so choose (See Article X, Section B, Number 2). If the Rules Committee has not yet reported, in effect, there are no rules for the Mass Meeting. With no rules, there can be no suspension of Rules since they, as yet, do not exist. After Wirth’s report of the Credentials Committee, according to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition it states that at that time, a Permanent Chairman is to be elected (See Article V, Section D, Part 3).

4. Nelson’s point of order about this fact was ignored—against Robert Rules of Order guidelines (See pg. 117). His point of needing a two-thirds majority to suspend rules in the first place, while noted by the Temporary Chairman, was not acted upon. Though the Rules Committee under Shrewsberry went out to discuss this matter, they came back with a ruling that was in total contradiction to Robert’s Rules of Order (See pgs. 128 – 129). They were corrected by Ergenbright, and his ruling was taken into consideration by Bailey, but he refused to do anything and the majority vote held, again, in direct contradiction of Robert’s Rules of Order. Also in violation of Robert’s Rules was Bailey’s failure to follow proper Rules of Debate (See pg. 46) when it came to recognizing speakers.
   

Part 3 - With a Vote of No Confidence...coming soon!...

See The Opening - Part 1 here.

Pulling the Knives Out.... Part 1

What you are about to read is the first installment in a series detailing, in real time, the improper and proper events that occurred in the Augusta County Mass Meeting on April 10, 2008. These "reconstructed minutes" were compiled from the original minutes, raw audio and video footage of the meeting, countless hours of interviews, and pages of filed reports on the incident. Each section will include an overview of the meeting followed by a report on how it stands up against many legal sources and documents. We apologize for not getting this all out sooner--but the original SWAC bloggers have been having to pull a few knives out of our backs as of late....kinda hard to multi-task.

________________________

PART 1 - The Opening

Augusta County Republican Committee Chairman Kurt Michael called the Augusta County Republican Committee Mass Meeting to order April 10, 2008 at 7.10pm. Terry Argenbright led the invocation and Al Katz led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance to our country’s flag. Michael then opened the floor for nominations for Temporary Chairman of the Mass Meeting. Bill Shirley nominated Kurt Michael and was seconded by Lynn Mitchell. Jean Shrewsberry nominated Jim Bailey for Permanent Chair of the Mass Meeting but her nomination was ruled out of order (1).

Another woman from the floor nominated Jim Bailey as Temporary Chairman of the Mass Meeting and received a second. A voice vote was called for to decide Temporary Chairman. The vote was disputed and a division of the house and hand vote was then called. After that vote outcome was disputed, David Beyeler called for a division of the house, which was granted, and Zanette Hahn made a point of order asking Bailey to remove all visitors from the room. Seeing that Jim Bailey received the most votes, Jim Bailey was elected Temporary Chairman of the Mass Meeting (2).

PART 1(a) - The Opening

1. According to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition the Unit Chairman calls the meeting to order until a Temporary Chairman is elected. Only after the membership of the Mass Meeting is elected can nominations be heard from and an election take place for the Permanent Chair. This is why Shrewsberry’s motion to nominate Jim Bailey as Permanent Chairman was ruled out of order. (See Article V, Section D, Parts 1 & 2.)

2. According to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition a mass meeting is open to all interested persons. While there are qualifications the interested parties must meet in order to run for an office or to be eligible to vote, interested persons cannot be turned away. The order by Hahn for all guests to leave the room while this portion of voting commenced could be considered out of order (See Article V, Section B.). Also the continual voting and re-voting as requested by Bailey’s supporters could be considered a dilatory action by Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 150).

PART 2 - Bailey Stumbles Forward....coming soon...!

Larry Roller: The Lies of An Illegal Chair? Part 2

You decide...

If you have read Roller's article in the NewsLeader, you might have picked up on the hypocrisies, exaggerations, and untruths that the article was riddled with.

As an outside observer to this meeting, I feel it is right to comment and set the record straight on his fabrications.

See Part 1 of the breakdown of Roller's Fabricated Article here.
_________________

1. Roller cites in his article that Dr. Michael did wrong by not letting Temporary Chairman Jim Bailey use the agenda that Dr. Michael had himself prepared. He states that, "The agenda he had was the one approved by the ACRC members at its March meeting. Therefore, it was the official committee’s agenda — not Michael’s." Again, we find this statement completely wrong and completely biased.
2. Why might that be? Michael was not required to do so. According to the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition an agenda is recommended and its planning deemed “absolutely essential for the mass meeting to run smoothly.” The Handbook even provides a basic agenda for use. Bailey’s lack of an agenda validates points of order that Al Katz and Terry Argenbright raised at the Mass Meeting regarding this issue. (See Article V, Section D andArticle V, Section D, Part 3.) The way Bailey addressed Michael to hand over the agenda, could call his ability to lead the Mass Meeting into question as per Robert’s Rules of Order (See pg. 148)
3. Roller then alleges that when it came for the illegal election of the committee Chairman, "Jim Bailey asked for the ballots. Again he was told that if he wanted ballots, he should have prepared them. They would not give him the prepared ballots." This is not true. This did not happen. Nowhere, other than this article is this incident mentioned. Not in the Official Minutes of the Mass Meeting, not in any other report in the media, and not in any of the audio or video files of the entire meeting. This whole idea that Dr. Michael refused to hand over ballots that he had made is entirely fictional and a fabrication of the worst kind. Also completely fabricated--appearing nowhere else in any source, save for this biased article, was Roller's invitation to address the Mass Meeting. What did happen, which is on video, is Roller pushing Dr. Michael away from the podium and overtaking the microphone while Dr. Michael tried to conduct a legal second half of the Mass Meeting. Roller was called out of order by the duly elected Parliamentarian, Keith Drake.
4. Near the end of his article, Roller makes up an entire dialog between Senator Emmett Hanger and Dr. Michael. Point blank--this did not happen. The video confirms it.
1. What actually occurred at this time?
1. Senator Hanger and Roller approached Michael at the podium. Hanger asked the Temporary Chairman to affirm the delegates to the convention at that point. Michael then called for a vote, asking if the meeting should be adjourned. His request was denied. Senator Hanger continued to object to Michael’s call to adjourn, so Michael repeated it, with the same results. Michael then asked Senator Hanger to affirm, even though the Mass Meeting had just voted in the majority to keep itself open, that their vote was out of order. Hanger complied and affirmed his statement again. Roller moved behind the podium to try and take over the Mass Meeting again.
2. Michael then called for a vote of the Mass Meeting for permission to continue with the meeting as the Temporary Chair and it passed. Hanger again, who had backed away, approached the podium to question the authority of Michael’s Temporary Chairmanship. Michael cautioned the Senator if he continued to disrupt the meeting without being recognized, he would ask him to leave. Michael appointed Drake as his Parliamentarian. Roller then took the microphone from Michael and proceeded to attack him personally and claimed to the Mass Meeting that he was the rightful Chairman.
3. Keith Drake called Roller out of order six times in a row and Roller finally relinquished his position behind the podium.
5. Roller notes that Bailey then declared the meeting adjourned and abandoned his position as the Temporary Chairman (you cannot adjourn a meeting without a motion, second, and a vote). The meeting was still open. Roller goes on to say that over 200 people from the Mass Meeting left as soon as the illegal adjournment occurred. Video evidence again proves this to be a complete fabrication, as it can be seen that a good number of Roller's supporters stayed in the room until after Dr. Michael was elected the legal Permanent Chairman of the Mass Meeting. They even voted on a number of motions put on the floor. They made the choice to leave. They could have stayed until the end, but did not.

The bottom line on this article is that it is a complete fabrication and a fantasy. Not only is it biased, but it is also completely untrue and most all of its content is not factual. Larry Roller's followers continue to scream about Party Unification, but do absolutely nothing, except open the wounds of Party DISunion all the more. They spin their fabrications in the public eye while supporters of Dr. Michael work silently in the background, walking the walk, to get the party to unify. There is the difference. That is why Dr. Michael is in the right. And Emmett and Co. knows this. And they cannot stand it.

Larry Roller: The Lies of An Illegal Chair? Part 1

You decide...

If you have read Roller's article in the NewsLeader, you might have picked up on the hypocrisies, exaggerations, and untruths that the article was riddled with.

As an outside observer to this meeting, I feel it is right to comment and set the record straight on his fabrications.

See Part 2 of the breakdown of Roller's Fabricated Article here.
_________________

1. In his article, Roller states that the loser in any election should congratulate the winner. He said that he did not receive this congratulation. He is right. And he shouldn't have. The first part of the meeting under which he was elected was illegal. No rules were ever adopted and no Permanent Chairman to elect Roller was ever elected--all the way to Jim Bailey's outright refusal to vote on and credential delegates to the Conventions.
1. How is this the case? Roller’s statement that there is no doubt that he was duly elected is a fabrication. Because Jim Bailey was never elected as Permanent Chairman of the Mass Meeting, he did not have the authority to conduct or oversee the initial vote for Chairman (See the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition: Article V, Section D, Part 3). Parliamentarian Keith Drake even ruled that because a Permanent Chairman had never been elected at the Mass Meeting up until the point at which Michael was elected, that fact canceled all business conducted by Jim Bailey that only a Permanent Chairman was authorized to conduct. This included the election of Larry Roller.
   
2. Dr. Kurt Michael fulfilled ALL of the requirements required to run a legal and effective Mass Meeting. It was not until a vote of no confidence was held to oust the Temporary Chairman from his position, did the Mass Meeting finally conform as it should to the State Party Plan of Organization.
2. Dr. Michael's email, that Roller makes mention of did ask for the 6th District to look into and possibly try to resolve the Mass Meeting situation. However, the point that Roller forgets is that Dr. Michael's e-mail was not an appeal, only a notice. Not only that, the email sent by Dr. Michael to the 6th District did not meet the qualifications for a legitimate appeal. Dr. Michael did not appeal. Larry Roller did. And by Roller's doing so, the playing field shifted to now have Roller proving that Dr. Michael shouldn't be the chair. Not the other way around.
1. Furthermore, Roller goes on to state that Dr. Michael did not file a statement that, "attest[ed] to his being duly elected as unit chairman, and the statement must be attested by at least 25 signatures of persons who were in attendance at the mass meeting and voted..." According to the State Party Plan of Organization, only those who are to appeal the decision of a Mass Meeting must obtain and collect the signatures on a petition as well as include a statement of appeals. Since Dr. Michael did not file and Roller did, that task fell to Roller, not Dr. Michael. (See Article X, Section B, Part 4)
3. Roller then goes on to cite the report a special "fact finding" committee (appointed by Fred Anderson, 6th District Chairman) compiled, that showed evidence that he was rightful Chairman. Roller somehow forgot to mention that the establishment of such a committee was ILLEGAL.
1. How so, you might ask? Anderson’s appointment of a ‘fact-finding’ committee to investigate the disputed chairmanship before the actual deliberations of the Sixth District does not conform to the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization. The only provision that it provides for in an appeals matter, is a committee that is only relegated to these members only: State Chairman, all State Vice Chairman, and one General Assembly Committee Member appointed by the Joint Republican Legislative Caucus. This body is recognized as the Appeals Committee and is the only committee sanctioned by the Plan of Organization (See Article X, Section A, Part 1). Even Robert's Rules of Order are clear that before forming a committee like this, the concept must go before the standing body (in this case the 6th District) and made into a motion, second, debated, voted on, and approved. Only then, could they disperse to conduct their inquiry (See pgs. 215 - 216). This did not happen. Regardless of the 'fact-finding' committee's outcome, since they were in direct violation of the Plan of Organization and Robert's Rules, their ruling is meaningless and ultra vires.
4. Roller goes on to state that Dr. Michael refused to show up for the illegal 'fact-finding' committee's inquiry, while he [Roller] obliged them. What he doesn't say is why Dr. Michael did not show.
1. Why didn't he show? Michael’s inability to attend the Saturday meeting based on Anderson’s mistake of forgetting the date on the original email is defended by Robert’s Rules of Order. By the same token, Anderson’s mistakes as far as this entire situation goes, are in direct violation of how discipline should take place. (See pgs. 215 – 216)
5. Roller later makes this statement: "The only appeal was when Michael contacted Fred Anderson by e-mail requesting a meeting with the 6th District." We have already addressed that Dr. Michael never appealed to the 6th District (See 2 - 2.1) and why Dr. Michael's email did not meet the requirements for such. But what we have is Roller caught in another complete fabrication. At the 6th District meeting, 'fact-finding' committee chairman Vito Gentile, told the body that Roller had indeed submitted an appeal to the 6th District outlining his [Roller's] reasons why he was the legal chairman. For Roller to state he did not file an appeal is not true.

Larry Roller: The Lies of An Illegal Chair? Part 1

You decide...

If you have read Roller's article in the NewsLeader, you might have picked up on the hypocrisies, exaggerations, and untruths that the article was riddled with.

As an outside observer to this meeting, I feel it is right to comment and set the record straight on his fabrications.
_________________

1. In his article, Roller states that the loser in any election should congratulate the winner. He said that he did not receive this congratulation. He is right. And he shouldn't have. The first part of the meeting under which he was elected was illegal. No rules were ever adopted and no Permanent Chairman to elect Roller was ever elected--all the way to Jim Bailey's outright refusal to vote on and credential delegates to the Conventions.
1. How is this the case? Roller’s statement that there is no doubt that he was duly elected is a fabrication. Because Jim Bailey was never elected as Permanent Chairman of the Mass Meeting, he did not have the authority to conduct or oversee the initial vote for Chairman (See the Handbook for Mass Meetings, Conventions and Party Canvasses: Second Edition: Article V, Section D, Part 3). Parliamentarian Keith Drake even ruled that because a Permanent Chairman had never been elected at the Mass Meeting up until the point at which Michael was elected, that fact canceled all business conducted by Jim Bailey that only a Permanent Chairman was authorized to conduct. This included the election of Larry Roller.
   
2. Dr. Kurt Michael fulfilled ALL of the requirements required to run a legal and effective Mass Meeting. It was not until a vote of no confidence was held to oust the Temporary Chairman from his position, did the Mass Meeting finally conform as it should to the State Party Plan of Organization.
2. Dr. Michael's email, that Roller makes mention of did ask for the 6th District to look into and possibly try to resolve the Mass Meeting situation. However, the point that Roller forgets is that Dr. Michael's e-mail was not an appeal, only a notice. Not only that, the email sent by Dr. Michael to the 6th District did not meet the qualifications for a legitimate appeal. Dr. Michael did not appeal. Larry Roller did. And by Roller's doing so, the playing field shifted to now have Roller proving that Dr. Michael shouldn't be the chair. Not the other way around.
1. Furthermore, Roller goes on to state that Dr. Michael did not file a statement that, "attest[ed] to his being duly elected as unit chairman, and the statement must be attested by at least 25 signatures of persons who were in attendance at the mass meeting and voted..." According to the State Party Plan of Organization, only those who are to appeal the decision of a Mass Meeting must obtain and collect the signatures on a petition as well as include a statement of appeals. Since Dr. Michael did not file and Roller did, that task fell to Roller, not Dr. Michael. (See Article X, Section B, Part 4)
3. Roller then goes on to cite the report a special "fact finding" committee (appointed by Fred Anderson, 6th District Chairman) compiled, that showed evidence that he was rightful Chairman. Roller somehow forgot to mention that the establishment of such a committee was ILLEGAL.
1. How so, you might ask? Anderson’s appointment of a ‘fact-finding’ committee to investigate the disputed chairmanship before the actual deliberations of the Sixth District does not conform to the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization. The only provision that it provides for in an appeals matter, is a committee that is only relegated to these members only: State Chairman, all State Vice Chairman, and one General Assembly Committee Member appointed by the Joint Republican Legislative Caucus. This body is recognized as the Appeals Committee and is the only committee sanctioned by the Plan of Organization (See Article X, Section A, Part 1). Even Robert's Rules of Order are clear that before forming a committee like this, the concept must go before the standing body (in this case the 6th District) and made into a motion, second, debated, voted on, and approved. Only then, could they disperse to conduct their inquiry (See pgs. 215 - 216). This did not happen. Regardless of the 'fact-finding' committee's outcome, since they were in direct violation of the Plan of Organization and Robert's Rules, their ruling is meaningless and ultra vires.
4. Roller goes on to state that Dr. Michael refused to show up for the illegal 'fact-finding' committee's inquiry, while he [Roller] obliged them. What he doesn't say is why Dr. Michael did not show.
1. Why didn't he show? Michael’s inability to attend the Saturday meeting based on Anderson’s mistake of forgetting the date on the original email is defended by Robert’s Rules of Order. By the same token, Anderson’s mistakes as far as this entire situation goes, are in direct violation of how discipline should take place. (See pgs. 215 – 216)
5. Roller later makes this statement: "The only appeal was when Michael contacted Fred Anderson by e-mail requesting a meeting with the 6th District." We have already addressed that Dr. Michael never appealed to the 6th District (See 2 - 2.1) and why Dr. Michael's email did not meet the requirements for such. But what we have is Roller caught in another complete fabrication. At the 6th District meeting, 'fact-finding' committee chairman Vito Gentile, told the body that Roller had indeed submitted an appeal to the 6th District outlining his [Roller's] reasons why he was the legal chairman. For Roller to state he did not file an appeal is not true.

Kurt Michael -- Ruled as GOP Chairman

In a NewsLeader poll, the public has ruled on who they believe is the best man to serve the Augusta County Republican Committee. The public has spoken. And they have said:

Kurt Michael