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Protesting

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
I wasn't present during our last Stated Meeting, but an investigative committee came back with 2 favorables and 1 unfavorable. Apparently there is a Brother who is protesting the balloting because the full reports were not read out, only the results.

Now reading from the GLofTX bylaws, it only states that a "Report" must be made, yet I haven't found what they define as that, so I assume that it's up to the WM. Thoughts?
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Art. 412. Committee: Duties and Report.

The investigation by the committee shall include: the moral character and reputation of the petitioner, facts relating to jurisdiction, physical qualifications, and all other matters the Lodge is called upon to pass in balloting on petitioner. A face-to-face interview between each Investigation Committee member and the petitioner is required on all petitions for the Mysteries and Advancement, except on approval by the Worshipful Master. (1990)

Before a ballot can be taken a signed report of each of the three members of the committee shall be attached to the petition and read to the Lodge; each of which reports shall cover all matters referenced in this Article and in Form No. 28. If the Master of the Lodge is a member of the committee before his installation he may continue to serve thereon. (2003)

I'd consider the "report" to be the page of the investigating committee Form 28 which contains the mandatory questions to be asked the petitioner, that page upon which the investigator marks "Favorable" or "Unfavorable" and then signs at the bottom.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
I do not believe that I have ever heard a "full" investigative report read out loud at a Stated Communication, only if favorable or not favorable... I suppose that I assumed the information included on these reports was intended to remain private to the individuals.
 

Bro_Vick

Moderator
Premium Member
I do not believe that I have ever heard a "full" investigative report read out loud at a Stated Communication, only if favorable or not favorable... I suppose that I assumed the information included on these reports was intended to remain private to the individuals.

I have heard it a couple of times, it just takes up more time in already long meeting. I would suspect they would if one came back unfavorable.

S&F,
-Bro Vick
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Since I've been Master, we've never read the FULL investigation report, petition yes. We have a couple of troublemakers within the Temple who love to stir up trouble. More than likely, since my SW was Master that night, they saw an opportunity to raise a stink.
 

Ashlar

Registered User
Though I am not from Texas , the Secretary reads the pertinent information such as name , criminal record , drug use (like someone would tell us the truth) in my lodges and if found favorable/unfavorable . The Secretary does not delve into addresses , work history and other trivial things . We DO lay the report in front of the ballot box so if any member has any questions , they can read it themselves .
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Though I am not from Texas , the Secretary reads the pertinent information such as name , criminal record , drug use (like someone would tell us the truth) in my lodges and if found favorable/unfavorable . The Secretary does not delve into addresses , work history and other trivial things . We DO lay the report in front of the ballot box so if any member has any questions , they can read it themselves .

I like that idea!
 
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