For those who are interested, the debate is here.
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=16232.0I addressed much of this at that time, so I'm repeating most of what I said, but I'll add some more, too.
In my time in the Senate, we've faced many challenges. Atlasia is a nation that is strong, vibrant and prosperous, but we also face problems. I have nothing but the utmost faith in the ability of the Atlasian people to overcome the challenges that they face.
My main focus has been, and will continue to be, in 5 main areas--
1. Reform of the way government works, to make it more accountable to the people
2. Improving education to close the opportunity gap in Atlasia.
3. Community development, specifically fighting poverty and helping bring back hope to our inner cities and economically stagnant rural areas.
4. Strengthening the environment and preserveing it for generations of Atlasians to enjoy in the future.
5. Improving and expanding our nation's transportation infrastructure.
I feel that these are issues not only of importance to Atlasia as a whole, but also to District 3. Our district borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean; we have some of the most pristine forests, farmlands, and shores in the nation. We have a wonderful educational system, but there are areas that need improvement. We need to provide job skills for our people, to help them meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and of globalization and a changing world. Transportation infrastructure is in a state of decay; our brutal winters, coupled with the fact that many of our states were the first and foremost innovators in road-building, specifically the Interstate highway system, has left us with a now aging and inefficient system. And we must make government work for the people, not the people work for the government.
Now how do we do this? Well, above all, we must build alliances. That's what I've done in the Senate. Now some of my opponents may throw around labels, and attacks, and make good sound bites, but I've been working hard for the people of this District. In the Midwest, we know the difference between a workhorse and a showhorse. People here value hard work, experience, dedication, and above all, the abililty to get along with others. I have a proven record of being able to compromise, put forth pragmatic legislation that will improve the lives of the people rather than being beholden to the special interests, whether they be corporate or public. I'm doing the people's work, getting things done, forming positive relationships with my fellow Senators. So some of my opponents might toss out accusations, attacks, and rhetoric, but as former President Clinton said, no attack ever educated a child, or brought anyone health care, or created a job. I've built positive working relationships with my colleagues, and in the process, we've accomplished great things, but the future holds even more promise for our ability to solve Atlasia's problems together without resorting to partisan warfare and grandstanding.
Now, regarding specifics, my top 3 priorities would be:
1. An education bill that devolves power to the regions regarding the spending of money, application of educational standards, etc. while also increasing overall funding. I feel this is the best way to tackle this issue; devolve power, but also strongly support public funding. I am also open to vouchers provided that they don't take away any money from public schools and provided that they don't violate the church-state seperation.
2. I will reintroduce a revised version of my Environmental Protection and Intermodal Transportation Act, which should be more widely acceptable to those who opposed it before. I feel that we are very close to being able to accomplish great things on this issue, and I'd like the opportunity to continue working on it.
3. I would also like to bring the Community Development and Fair Wage Act again; that one unfortunately wasn't able to be voted on in this session as we didn't have time to get to it.
I'm assuming that most of the more technical issues regarding the Constitution will be fixed in the new Constitution; if not, that's something that we'd have to take a look at.
On a more personal level, I think that the number one thing that has to change in this country basic respect toward others and civility; I feel that's something that's very important for a successful nation, and especially for leaders of our nation, such as Senators.
