Colin Wixted/Jas Presidential Townhall

[Јas]

May I say that I'm glad that we're holding this townhall meeting - it provides what could be a valuable opportunity for Atlasians to become better acquainted with our campaign.

I ask this to both the Presidential candidate Wixted and the Vice-presidential candidate Jas:

If elected, what would your relationship be with PPT Porce?

Thanks for the question.

As the President has said, it's not a given that the Seante will elect Porce to be the PPT when it re-convenes. In any event, my relationship with whoever the PPT would, I hope, be much the same whosoever holds that office.

As Vice President, I would hope, where possible to aid the PPT in the carrying out of his role. The role of President Pro Tempore is a challenging and difficult one and one which I've never envied the occupant from holding. I plan on consulting with the incoming PPT on what form co-operation between us would take, whether that would be as effectively both of us pushing forward Senate business (as in the Vice Presidency of Emsworth) or in more peripheral but nonetheless useful ways, such as maintaining a Senate Notice Board. I wouldn't wish the PPT to feel threatened by my position, but nonetheless I would be eager to ensure that the Senate's efficiency should be maximised.

As a Senator, indeed as an Atlasian, I have always tried to be civil and respectful with others. While I may vehemently disagree with someone on a political issue, I nonetheless hope that I have at all times respected the decorum of the Senate. Whosoever the PPT may be, I would hope to retain a cordial relationship. With regard to Porce specifically, I have respect for his politics, his political record and his contribution to Atlasia. On a personal level, I see no reason why there should be any significant difficulties in achieving an effective working relationship.

[Јas]

I'm undecided as of now, as The General lost my support following his lack of campaigning, why should I support you?

Preston's activity levels in Atlasia, either in office or in this campaign are both concerning. His running-mate, Speed of Sound, is making a brave effort to continue the campaign and his activity levels in each of his Atlasian roles cannot be questioned. Indeed the difference between Preston and SoS's contributions to this campaign are reflective of their activity differences in office - I'd note that Speed of Sound was an active Secretary for External Affairs who engaged in diplomatic missions. Preston merely established an office and failed to engage in any activities. For my money, that ticket would be best turned upside down. The activity and contribution levels of Preston are something which would concern me greatly should he be elected.

Conversely, there can be no doubt about the activity of myself or of Colin Wixted, either on the campaign trail (as seen from the Wixted platform annoucement; the VP devate; Colin's efforts in the Presidential debate; this townhall session) or in our roles as members of the Atlasian Senate.

The key focus of our campaign is to reawaken the Atlasian Presidency, to make it relevant once again in the Atlasian political process. The focus is on forum affairs where our goals are simple but important to aid the revitalisation of our government.

[Јas]

If anyone has any final questions please feel free to throw them forward - polling opens shortly!

[Јas]

The official period for voting is now very near at hand. As the Wixted/Jas campaign draws to a close, I'd like to encourage all Atlasians to use their ballot - Atlasia thrives on elections and I think that for the first occasion in some time we have a series of competitive Senate races and a competitive race to the White House. Each vote matters, please use it.

Finally, I like to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the campaign (something I didn't think I'd be able to say when I started!). I'd like to thank Colin for inviting me onto the ticket, whatever the result, it's been fun and I think we ran a good campaign. I'd also like to thank all of you who have followed the campaign through the various debates and announcements, I hope they've helped you come to a decision.

Now it's time for me to leave the stage and let the voters take the spotlight. I'm sure there will be plenty of election coverage to keep everyone informed of the latest goings on and whatever the result I imagine I'll be back with a statement when the results become clear.

[Јas]

If you are elected, what will be you relationship with the left, and organizations therein such as the Progressive Caucus?

Well speaking personally, I consider myself to be (broadly speaking) left-of-centre on most issues. I am a member of the Progressive Caucus and was also for a time the Chairman of the Independent Liberal Party.

I would also say that many of the Atlasians whom I hold in greatest esteem are members of the Progressive Caucus. I consider myself to be on good terms with most of the membership (politically and personally) and I would hope to retain that status. I will always have time to listen to the views of the membership and I imagine I shall agree with them more often than not.

The left has nothing to fear from me, nor do I believe they have anything to fear from Colin Wixted - indeed I feel they should welcome him. Look at his long voting record in the Senate and I don't think anyone will see someone who has no time for progessive legislation. I know that Colin will also have time for everyone's views - he is a thoughtful, respectful and considered person, if he were not I would not be on the ticket supporting him.

[Јas]

From the way current voting trends are going it looks like the ticket of Colin Wixted & Jas will be Atlasia's new President and Vice President! Congratulations. Sorry for the premature celebrations.

I appreciate the sentiment, but this is an Atlasian Presidential election and from experience I know that anything could yet happen.

If elected, what would you do to solve Hawaii's 100% unemployment rate (me)?

Well, the same proviso for the Presidential election applies to the regionals - it's not over 'till it's over. So, I think we should wait and see the results before confirming your unemployment.