§ 1702.5 - Duties and powers of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

(a) Personnel. Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Chairman is empowered by section 6(d) of Pub. L. 86-380 (42 U.S.C. 4276(d)) to appoint, fix the compensation of, and remove all personnel other than the Executive Director, without regard to civil service laws or political affiliation; and to procure the services of temporary and intermittent employees.

(b) Information requests. The Chairman is empowered to request necessary information of federal departments and agencies to be furnished by them as required by Pub. L. 86-380, 42 U.S.C. 4276(b). The Vice-Chairman also is empowered to request such information.

(c) Presiding and voting. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall preside at Commission meetings. In the absence of both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Commission member who will preside shall have been designated by the Chairman or failing such designation, by majority vote of those attending. The Chairman votes only in the case of a tie or when a vote is taken by written ballot.

(d) Committees. The Chairman may establish committees as necessary.

(e) Hearings. The Chairman may call hearings and fix their time and place.

(f) Encouraging attendance and reducing absenteeism. The Chairman shall promote regular attendance by Commission members at regular Commission meetings and other Commission functions. Whenever a member misses three or more consecutive regular Commission meetings, the Chairman shall write the member, on behalf of the Commission, requesting the member's resignation. The Chairman shall send a copy of his letter to the officials responsible under the law for nominating and appointing that member to the Commission, noting his record of absenteeism and suggesting that efforts be made to vacate the seat so that a new member may be nominated. Every effort will be made to make attendance expectations known to all new members and to officials making nominations and appointments.