Small Council of Nerridon
The Small Council of Nerridon serves the people of the Nerrid Alliance by setting policy, levying taxes, and funding public works. In the event of a catastrophe the small Council would theoretically lead the response effort. In fact, it was during such a catastrophe, the great earthquake of 423 PN (Post Nerridon, also known as 1120 BC) that the council was formed. Its recommendations at the time - to reinforce all tunnels with stone - was roundly rejected by the Guild of Enumerated Accounts after much public debate and to this day the workings of the council mirror this first task.
The council consists of a dozen white and curly wig wearing Nerrid that are elected to a term of dozen years. While it is considered an honor and civic duty to serve when selected, Nerrid do not typically declare candidacy or seek election. Instead, they are generally pushed forward by the great crowds that gather to participate in Small Council meetings held every Kingsday in the People's Square. Those literally pushed forward by the crowd when the call for elections is made are approved or denied via voice vote. Similarly, the People can call for a vote of no confidence in any member of the council, triggering an immediate voice vote for their removal. Given this chaotic method of Council selection, the group often finds itself with different members denary to denary. Since business is conducted almost entirely by committee and membership in the various committees and subcommittees is by seniority, every change in membership of the council triggers a reorganization of comittees. It is said that, committees, the Small Council spends a third of their time simply assigning and revoking memberships, setting agendas, and, of course, counting votes.
While this may seem dysfunctional to those used to the streamlined workings of a monarchy, the Council has its benefits. They express the will of the people of the Alliance, setting (and re-setting) the priorities of the various projects that the government undertakes. Importantly, the actually act of governing - leading projects, funding them and most critically cataloguing them - is conducted by a vast expanse of professional bureaucrats. The Council sets direction, but the Nerrid government itself ensures that everything is completed with typical Nerridan precision.
Founding Date
1120 BC
Type
Governmental, Senate/Parliament
Parent Organization
Location
Related Species