Special At-Large Senate Election Debate

[Franzl]

Sure.

[Franzl]

I'm ready when you all are.

[Franzl]

We're really running out of time for this...

[Franzl]

So...

Pepsi or Coke? I choose Coke.

Neither. And I'm disappointed that you're advocating sugary drinks despite our child obesity problem.

[Franzl]

So...

Pepsi or Coke? I choose Coke.

Neither. And I'm disappointed that you're advocating sugary drinks despite our child obesity problem.

I weigh 115 pounds, Mr. Franzl. I can afford to eat pure sugar. This is a question of brand loyalty and I'm disappointed that you're trying to make this political. We're not even debating yet.

Will someone please think of the children?

[Franzl]

Begin the debate now. Allow both Whigs to participate until the party has selected a candidate.

Scott, are you moderating?

I guess?  Technically I never volunteered, but I suppose I can moderate if no one else wants to.

Candidates, please deliver opening statements.

Thank you, Scott

I'll try and keep this statement short and I ask voters to visit my campaign thread for more detailed explanations of my top priorities.

Atlasia has problems. We live in an unstable world (particularly the 2012 board) and we need to be serious about protecting our citizens from these threats, using primarily soft power but also by keeping the capability to go further when, unfortunately, it becomes necessary.

More and more people are having trouble paying for education. As someone who believes that education is the best possible social program, this is unacceptable and we have a moral responsibility to ensure education both at secondary and higher education levels. Of course we need an advanced welfare state, but properly educating our citizens for the jobs of today and tomorrow will go a long way towards reducing dependency on the welfare state.

We need to ensure affordable transportation for our citizens. Fuel prices are getting higher and higher, and to be quite honest, the days of cheap individual travel are not coming back. When I was in the Senate, I sponsored a program to bring high speed rail to Atlasia, for example. We need to do more to encourage rail and at a more regional, local level: local public transportation. A high speed train from Nyman to New York is not worth a whole lot if someone living in the suburbs can't make it to the train station.

So in general, I'm running for the Senate to make Atlasia a more livable place. Healthy, educated and mobile citizens that are responsible for their lives....but also a society willing to stand together and help each other when required.

I hope that my record speaks for itself and that you, my friends, will vote for me and allow me to start working for you again!

Thank you.

[Franzl]

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My campaign slogan has basically become "livability", and I stand by that. I want to improve the lives of ordinary Atlasians by making Atlasia an objectively better place to live. Education, health, mobility and fairness.

If our budget situation allows it at some point, I will almost certainly be introducing legislation to help solve our education affordability crisis.

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There are some really great members in the Senate currently. The biggest problem (and it's a big one), however, is the lack of activity. That's the only way to seriously improve the Senate.

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I agree with Alfred. Nothing more to say.

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Yes, without a doubt. I was the first candidate in this election to announce my unwavering support for this necessary military action. We can't just stand by and watch this evil take place.

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Well, I helped pass it. So yes, I do think it's fair. Is it optimal for our economy? I don't think our top tax rate has had very many bad effects....but I recognize that a rate at that level is not necessarily optimal. I would be willing to consider lowering it if we have money to spend at some point....although I caution that there are other priorities (education, infrastructure) that I would likely give preference.

[Franzl]

Not all candidates have answered yet, but here are the two last questions from shua:

For all candidates:
1. What is your position on the Contempt of Congress Act?
2. Are there any reforms you would like to see to help the national economy?

Closing statements may be delivered upon answering these.

1. Reluctantly support. I see valid concerns about it, but have sufficient faith in our judicial system to allow it.

2. The national economy is improving. Providing direct support at this time is difficult for financial reasons, but given the opportunity, certain infrastructure investments would be on my agenda. That would at least make long-term sense as well, as opposed to some stimulus measures that tend to just provide a short term boost despite the cost.

[Franzl]

In closing, I hope I have been able to convince you of my experience, competence and ideas. I want to make Atlasia a better, healthier, more educated, more environmentally friendly place to live. With your help, both in this election and afterwards, I'm confident that we can make it happen. I want everyday Atlasians to know I'm looking out for their interests and will use my influence to best represent their interests!

Thank you all, all the best to my opponents, and I hope we can celebrate in 3 days!