"No" said Christopher Robin. "It is on the agenda for discussion because there seems to be some confusion about the role".
Tigger bounced to his feet.
"I do not agree with any of this and intend writing long and rambling letters to the paper and talking to the media about the disgraceful way you have brought this to the table without consulting me".
Kanga looked in her pouch and pulled out a copy of the Committee rules.
"It says here that you cannot do that - all comment to media must be done via the Chair".
"But I was elected by the animals that live in the Hundred Acre Wood and have a right to have my views heard" said Tigger.
Owl looked puzzled.
"Your role as an elected member of this committee is to work for the benefit of the community - not too use it as a platform for your own opinions."
Tigger started waving his paws, declaring the whole process to be flawed and that he was going to challenge everything because he knew he was right. Eeyore lifted his head and nodded.
"I have not seen anything about you in the Hundred Acre Daily News for a while. Is that why you are harrumphing? I never get my name or picture in the paper. Just being gloomy is clearly not enough.
"Perhaps I need to start blaming other people for things. I could do more to try and stop committee members acting like a bunch of dysfunctional nutters but why bother - nobody listens to me".
At this point Rabbit chimed in.
"We should be out there watching our staff. Who knows what they are doing. They could be operating in ways we do not approve off. If we all watch 20 staff each and check their work we will know exactly what is going on."
Christopher Robin thumped the table.
"No, no, no. We are governance. Our job is to guide the organisation strategically - not debating the best way to organise the storage of honey pots".
Pooh got up and went to look in the cupboard. Piglet was getting nervous and trying to catch the eye of the Chair.
"I am worried about the future. If we as a committee do not work together, then what chance is there for all those who live in the Hundred Acre Wood?
"There is a risk that we will become so caught up in arguing about the trees we will forget to see the whole forest of problems that lie before us".
Tigger and Rabbit immediately stated they were walking out of the meeting as this was not important enough to warrant discussion.
The Chair thought about saying that these two committee members rarely attended anyway and more work would get done if they did leave but refrained as this would only encourage grandstanding as a spectator sport.
"Point of order' said Pooh. "I have just checked the honey pots and they are all empty".
Terry Sarten is a parent, writer, social worker and musician. Feedback email: tgs@inspire.net.nz
