Carl King Quoted in The Salem News

An article ("Absences threaten board decisions") in the March 27 issue of The Salem News reports that many members of local planning commissions are volunteers. In today's world, when controversial or complex developments require a series of hearings that drag on, it is impossible for these unpaid volunteers to meet the burden of attending every meeting. If they miss meetings on certain issues, the "Mullins Rule" forbids them from voting on any matter if they miss even a single meeting at which it is discussed.

"Marblehead lawyer Carl King, who frequently represents developers, said without the rule, "It's like letting a juror vote without attending a trial." Most regulatory boards don't keep detailed records of their proceedings, so reading them yields little insight for a member who misses a meeting. Though an audio or visual tape of the meeting would provide an accurate recounting of the events, it does not afford the opportunity to ask questions. "How does one participate if one can't be there for the give and take?" King asked."