Question the Power: Ask Me Anything! (Mideast)

[tmthforu94]

Per the "Questioning the Power Act", I am required to open a thread once a month where Mideasterners are able to ask questions. I've always been a big fan of questions, so if you have any, please ask, and they will be answered!

Some possible discussion topics:
- Mideast Budget
- Mideast Immigration Bill
- Mideast Education Bill
- Wiki Reform
- The Changing Dynamics of the Region
- The Assembly in general

[tmthforu94]

-Are you going to run for president in February?

-What is your opinion on having pony time in the mideast assembly?

- At this time, my focus is on serving the people of the Mideast as Governor. I love being Governor. This is a great gig.
- Pony time? I know a song named that, but nothing else. You'll have to explain that, though it sounds pretty tempting.

[tmthforu94]

- What are your thoughts on the changing dynamics of the region (to borrow your words)?

Politically, the region has moved to the center more with more liberals coming into the region. I actually think the balance right now could be really good, as I think we're likely to have some really competitive elections in the coming months. Just look at how the Senate race turned out! Additionally, I think our region is going through one of our strongest phases right now, with activity up across the board and the Assembly jiving - now all we need to do is get the public more involved in issues. Hopefully this activity never fades.

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I think September was ultimately the perfect storm for moderates and those left of center in the Mideast. While it was certainly an improvement for the left, I'm not sure if I would refer to it as a wave. Both sides had two candidates easily elected, and the fifth spot was a very close battle between Progressive Realist and SPC, two with very differing ideologies. Had just a couple preferences been mixed around, the right could of had a majority in the Assembly. I suppose November will give us an idea if the bare liberal edge our region currently has is permanent, or was just a couple-month stand.

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Well, the last amendment for it was rejected, but the vote was much closer than I would have expected. It's something I certainly would be open to discussing again, perhaps after we pass some pending legislation, particularly the budget, but it will need to have specific responsibilities.

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Expect a snide remark after this response from someone, but I've always been a dog person. When I was in 5th grade, my parents bought me a puppy - a black Labrador. I've grown up with him for the last eight years, and as silly as this might sound, he's my best friend. You have me sad, now, as I suddenly want to see him, but can't since I'm at college.

Who is your favourite L-PA avatar wearing Assemblyman?

Hmm, tough question. I'll have to get back to you on that.

Also, in response to the Pony Time - I enjoyed that article. Sometimes things can get heated in the Assembly, so it might be a good idea from time to time for us all to sit back, relax, and enjoy some great television.

[tmthforu94]

So.... What's going on here? I haven't been paying attention to 'Lasia since my resignation from SoEA many months ago.

Well, since I've been elected...

Franzl was elected to the Senate, and I appointed TJ in Cleve to replace him as Judge. Progressive Realist ended up resigning from the Assembly, and I picked TexasDem to replace him. I'm making a concerted effort in the Assembly to compromise as much as possible, not just ignore the minority, and I think we've done a great job at that. We're debating bills that deal with critical issues such as immigration and education, and have also worked harder on the budget than I've ever seen - I truly believe we will be able to reach a balanced budget. We'll be getting close.

[tmthforu94]

Out of curiosity, why did ProgRealist resign?

He didn't feel like he could give enough time to work in the Assembly.

[tmthforu94]

Out of curiosity, why did ProgRealist resign?

He didn't feel like he could give enough time to work in the Assembly.

Oh Wasn't he only in the Assembly for like, a week?

Yeah, maybe a little longer.

[tmthforu94]

How do you think the upcoming departure of Assemblyman 20RP12 will shift the dynamics of the assembly? And what other changes might we see in the next Assembly?

Well, I suppose it depends on who all decides to run in November. 20RP12 has been a great asset to this region, and we'll certainly miss him. If I had to guess, Oldiesfreak will likely take his spot, and the other four assemblymen will be reelected. I don't expect the Assembly to be much different next session.

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Hmm, there might be a small split. I would say that Mr. X and Gass are usually agreement, and 20RP12 and Inks are usually in agreement, mainly on economic issues. I expect you to usually side with Gass and Mr. X, but you are pretty moderate, and I think your vote pretty much guarantees whether a controversial bill will reach my desk or not. That being said, I think thus far, we've done an excellent job at compromising and working together in the Assembly.

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I've always been a proponent of Wiki Reform, so I think they would pick up some Wiki responsibilities. Another idea that has been discussed before is having the Lieutenant Governor preside over the Assembly, but I know there have been concerns on that, as some believe the Assembly should select its own leadership. And, of course, the expected stuff, such as stepping in when the Governor is absent. In the coming weeks, I plan to host a Mideast town-hall where we specifically discuss bringing about the position, just to get an idea on where voters stand and what specific ideas they might have for it.

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Well, as the Vice Chair of TPP, I certainly hope so! We currently have a vote in the Assembly, the Governorship, and the Regional Senate, so I think we're off to a great start!

[tmthforu94]

It's the last day of October! Ask your questions.

[tmthforu94]

With such a wide gap between acceptable budgets to all of the Assemblymen, do you see a budget passing this session?

Before GM Shua's report on our tax proposals, I would have been inclined to say yes. We still have the gas tax to be figured in, but it looks like we're still going to have a deficit remaining, and I think we're going to have difficulty finding common ground on what areas of government should be cut. I'm going to spend this weekend going through each state's individual tax code, and hopefully I can find one that might be able to generate enough support.

As of right now, my answer is no. That being said, I think we've made a lot of progress this session, and we've shown that we're completely serious about not just passing a budget, but a balanced one. I fully expect us to have one passed by the end of this year.

[tmthforu94]

I am a Governor

You go away now

Now me can answer all question from the People

Let's go!

Iowa in Midwest this mideast. we cna bth be a Governor

[tmthforu94]

November 2012

It's time for a new month of "Questioning the Power". I am looking forward to hearing a lot of feedback. Recent polling shows my approval rating just over 50%, so I must be doing something wrong, and would love to hear from those who disapprove of my performance on what I could be doing better. Please don't hide behind the poll and share - I want to know what I can do better so we can make this region even greater than it already is.

[tmthforu94]

This has nothing to do with you, but that post above really brings a tear to my eye.

The biggest mistake ever made on this forum was banning the great Governor John Engle. I still can't believe they did such a horrible thing.

[tmthforu94]

Inks, we must be John Engle's voice, as he has been silenced.

While it is listed as a responsibility of the Attorney General, I would be supportive of a constitutional amendment assigning it as a responsibility of the President that the statue be regularly updated during his tenure, otherwise face impeachment, similar to what we have in the Mideast. It can still be the Attorney General who is primarily responsible for it, but now the President may have some urgency on it as well, as he could face impeachment if it is neglected.

As President, I would immediately order set up a task force of Atlasians experienced with the Wiki and work with them to go "digging" and update it. Making sure the Constitution is up-to-date would be the first priority, followed by all other legislation. I would also happily serve on this committee.

As it stands, I'll probably begin sifting through the boards tomorrow to try and find all Constitutional Amendments and trying to add them in. I feel reasonably comfortable in taking that on as the Mideast's Wiki is in pretty good shape. It'll be difficult making sure they're in order, but I'll do my very best. Would be great if others would also pitch in.

[tmthforu94]

He was a troll.

Please don't use this thread to attack one of the greatest Atlasians ever to exist. Thanks!

[tmthforu94]

Another month, another BUMP! Ask away!

[tmthforu94]

What are your views on gun control?

Had a feeling I would get this one...

I am deeply saddened by what happened in Sandy Hook - as someone who is planning to go into the education field, as well as having a godson who is four, the tragedy really hit home to me. Just thinking of how many presents went unopened on Christmas...it's a tragedy.

Sticking strictly to gun control, my view is slowly evolving on the issue. This is a big issue for me as a proud gun owner and hunter. I am in favor of requiring background checks - as someone who just filled out my application for a new license, I can say from personal experience that more is needed on that application. I also don't think it would be bad to register the more dangerous types of guns, perhaps even most. It's a tougher issue in Atlasia, as we can't use the argument that "it is a constitutional right for us to bear arms" as it isn't. (Thought it is by our Mideast Constitution!!!)

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Mint chocolate chip.

[tmthforu94]

What are your views on campaign finance reform in general?

Is it necessary? I feel bad for anyone who uses actual money to help win a campaign on here.

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A tough one - I like Mike and Ike's the most.

[tmthforu94]

Inks has herpes.

Mr. X is currently secretly dating two women at the same time.

Gass3268 runs a meth lab in his basement.

Benconstine is actually a pimp.

(Sorry, just trying to stir some discussion here)

[tmthforu94]

Would it offend you if I said every time I thought of you here in Atlasia I'm reminded of the Mary Howitt poem about the Spider and the Fly?

Because I entered and won't leave? Explain!!!

[tmthforu94]

What goes on between myself and a certain member of the Assembly is only between us, and it is not something I feel I should share with the public, as details may be too inappropriate for our younger citizens.

I cannot comment on the rumors swirling around other members of our region.

[tmthforu94]

Another month, another questioning time. Ask away!

[tmthforu94]

How do you plan to take into account the concerns of the new left-wing minority in the Assembly, especially now that you have a governing Federalist majority?

It doesn't change anything in my perspective. I'm still going to try and achieve compromise between the two sides, just as I've always done. Granted, legislation will likely turn out more conservative than it would have under a liberal majority, but I suppose that just reflects the will of The People.

Inks would be good for this role, but if its just these two, Ben.

That is, if I lived in the Mideast.

I think Inks was briefly regional Senator in 2010, but was defeated by Franzl for a full term. Maybe he'll run for Governor once if Tmth retires from the position.

Do you intend to run a dictatorship in the region sometime in the foreseeable future?
[/quote]
If you mean by scrapping elections and just become the permanent leader, no. If you mean running again in May, well, it's just way too early to tell. What's going on in the real world will likely determine that for me.

[tmthforu94]

Governor, as your politics fall on the conservative side of the spectrum, what can your administration do to cancel out the growing liberalism in the Mideast District?

I plan to banish them all!!!

Not really - there's not a lot I can do, really, though I would fight hard if strategic registration were being implemented. Hopefully just produce common-sense reforms that get our region going strong economically - hopefully that can get some to realize that good moderate-conservative policies can be very successful and can translate into better election results for our side, as long as we keep that message.

[tmthforu94]

I'm sick with bronchitis (shocker!) so may not be on a whole lot for the next couple of days.

[tmthforu94]

A new month!

Folks, especially after last months approval poll, I want to get as much feedback and suggestions from y'all as possible.