Keystone Phil Town Hall Questioning

[Keystone Phil]

Welcome to the Keystone Phil for Senate Town Hall!




This is where all campaigning, questions regarding the Senate race and my positions on the issues will be located. Feel free to participate!

[MasterJedi]

Though I am not in the region I have a question. What is your legislative agenda you'd like to see passed?

[Keystone Phil]

Though I am not in the region I have a question. What is your legislative agenda you'd like to see passed?

I thank the Senator for his question.

The general issue that I plan on focusing on is government reform. Firstly, I will stand in opposition to the proposed Parliamentary switch. While I have stated in the past that I am not strongly opposed to such an idea and it might be good to try something new every once in awhile, I have realized the problems with such a switch such as the fact that only sitting Senators may be elected Prime Minister. Also, the idea of an immediate takeover by the newly elected Prime Minister does not allow for a brief transition period which I feel is necessary especially for such an office.

Another area of government reform which I would propose would be initiating term limits for our Supreme Court justices. A justice serving for as long as he or she likes is unreasonable in Atlasia. My idea would call for a term of six months for each member.

[Keystone Phil]

Fridays with Phil


Please listen to the premier of my program!

http://store.goldenagecartoons.com/atlas/PhilSpeech1.wmv

[Reaganfan]

Sounds good Phil. Good luck!!!

[jokerman]

Though I am not in the region I have a question. What is your legislative agenda you'd like to see passed?

I thank the Senator for his question.

The general issue that I plan on focusing on is government reform. Firstly, I will stand in opposition to the proposed Parliamentary switch. While I have stated in the past that I am not strongly opposed to such an idea and it might be good to try something new every once in awhile, I have realized the problems with such a switch such as the fact that only sitting Senators may be elected Prime Minister. Also, the idea of an immediate takeover by the newly elected Prime Minister does not allow for a brief transition period which I feel is necessary especially for such an office.

Another area of government reform which I would propose would be initiating term limits for our Supreme Court justices. A justice serving for as long as he or she likes is unreasonable in Atlasia. My idea would call for a term of six months for each member.

I can't say I find any disagreement at all with those answers, Phil.  Baring any major change in the race, you have my full support!

[Keystone Phil]

I can't say I find any disagreement at all with those answers, Phil.  Baring any major change in the race, you have my full support!

I thank you for your enthusiastic support, Governor Kramer.

[Frodo]

Though I am not in the region I have a question. What is your legislative agenda you'd like to see passed?

I thank the Senator for his question.

The general issue that I plan on focusing on is government reform. Firstly, I will stand in opposition to the proposed Parliamentary switch. While I have stated in the past that I am not strongly opposed to such an idea and it might be good to try something new every once in awhile, I have realized the problems with such a switch such as the fact that only sitting Senators may be elected Prime Minister. Also, the idea of an immediate takeover by the newly elected Prime Minister does not allow for a brief transition period which I feel is necessary especially for such an office.

Another area of government reform which I would propose would be initiating term limits for our Supreme Court justices. A justice serving for as long as he or she likes is unreasonable in Atlasia. My idea would call for a term of six months for each member.

So far you have made clear that you would not support switching to a parliamentary system.  Can you outline what manner of government reforms that you will support and/or propose if you become senator?  I assume there must be more to your governmental reform agenda than just imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices. 

[Keystone Phil]

So far you have made clear that you would not support switching to a parliamentary system.  Can you outline what manner of government reforms that you will support and/or propose if you become senator?  I assume there must be more to your governmental reform agenda than just imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices. 

Thanks for the question. I'm loving the participation here.

Other proposals I'd have if elected: term limits for Senators (no more than two, full consecutive terms) and move to FPTP voting system with a runoff in federal elections. The latter issue I hope to champion if elected. We have gone far too long standing by a broken Preferential voting system.

[Colin]

Nice speech Phil.

First set of questions are what are your thoughts on the budget deficit and economic affairs in the upcoming Senate? Would you work to lower the deficit? What are your thoughts on deficit spending?

Second question is do you believe that Silvio Burlusconi is the Jesus Christ of politics?

[Keystone Phil]

Nice speech Phil.

First set of questions are what are your thoughts on the budget deficit and economic affairs in the upcoming Senate? Would you work to lower the deficit? What are your thoughts on deficit spending?

Second question is do you believe that Silvio Burlusconi is the Jesus Christ of politics?

Thanks, Mr. Justice. I'd like to answer the last question first here. As we all know, Mr. Berlusconi referred to himself as the Jesus Christ of politics because of the "struggles" he has been through for Italy. While I am rooting for Mr. Berlusconi and his Casa della Liberta coalition in this weekend's elections, I think his remarks were inappropriate. I do hope for a "political resurrection" for Berlusconi this weekend but comparing yourself to Jesus Christ is out of line.

Now for the more serious question. When it comes to spending, sometimes we find ourselves in difficult situations. While I'd support any reasonable measures to lower the deficit and drastically lower deficit spending, we could very well find it necessary to spend while "in the red." This is why I am wary of balanced budget amendments even though I'd be thrilled if we would be granted such each fiscal year.

[Yates]

You have my endorsement, Mr. Future Senator.

[Keystone Phil]

You have my endorsement, Mr. Future Senator.

Wow. I consider that quite an honor but don't call me future Senator just yet.  Thank you for your support and hopefully we'll get the chance to work together.

[DanielX]

Does this town hall 'questioning' have 'answerings'? Or are we just going to ask questions to a wall?

[Keystone Phil]

Does this town hall 'questioning' have 'answerings'? Or are we just going to ask questions to a wall?

I don't know if that was serious or not.    If it was, I think I've answered everything and I'd be happy to answer any other questions.

[DanielX]

Okay then, do you believe that Ted Kennedy is the Chuck Norris of politics?

[Keystone Phil]

Okay then, do you believe that Ted Kennedy is the Chuck Norris of politics?

Actually, yes - both are incredibly annoying. 

[Keystone Phil]

Questions, anyone?

[Colin]

As a Senator would you try to advance a socially conservative agenda? Do you believe that things such as abortion should remain regional issues? Do you believe that marriage itself is a federal issue?

As a strong supporter of both preferential voting and the creation of a parliamentary system your lack of support for either of those two positions is keeping me from support you as a candidate. Would such reforms be essential part of your agenda as a Senator? Why do you believe in First Past the Post and the current Presidential system?

[jokerman]

As a Senator would you try to advance a socially conservative agenda? Do you believe that things such as abortion should remain regional issues? Do you believe that marriage itself is a federal issue?

As a strong supporter of both preferential voting and the creation of a parliamentary system your lack of support for either of those two positions is keeping me from support you as a candidate. Would such reforms be essential part of your agenda as a Senator? Why do you believe in First Past the Post and the current Presidential system?

Let me ask you a question.  What benefits do you see from preferential voting that is not achieved by Gabu's system?  Through his system, we can simplify the process while at the same time preserving choice through a comprehensive runoff system.

[Keystone Phil]

As a Senator would you try to advance a socially conservative agenda? Do you believe that things such as abortion should remain regional issues? Do you believe that marriage itself is a federal issue?

Yes, I would try to advance a socially conservative agenda and this should come as no surprise. I think pushing issues such as abortion and gay marriage off to the regions can sometimes lead to even more problems. I am not much of a fan when it comes to federal involvement on certain issues but abortion is not one of them. I could accept marriage being left to the states but I'd fight to make abortion a federal issue.

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Yes, these are two essential parts of my agenda. I'm not going to try to get around that. I believe in First Past the Post (with a runoff - something I have recently accepted) because I believe the current system hurts candidates. In my opinion, it awards more than one vote to the voter. I am opposed to a Parliamentary system because I am a strong believer in the people having a large role in electing their chief executive whereas the proposed system involves only Senators voting for Prime Minister. Sitting Senators are also the only ones eligible to be elected which I am strongly against.

[Keystone Phil]

Come on, people. Anymore questions?

[Frodo]

Come on, people. Anymore questions?

Certainly -Keystone, would you consider running for the Northeast regional senate seat recently vacated by Brian from Family Guy?   

[Keystone Phil]

Certainly -Keystone, are you considering running for the Northeast regional senate seat recently vacated by Brian from Family Guy?   

Yes. I contacted Governor Fezzy, asking him to consider me for the seat.

[Platypus]

What's your favourite town hall?

Do you prefer town halls to fly just the County Flag and the National Flag, or to include the State/Regonal Flag as well?

Would you say brick, wood or stone is the best material for exterior walls of townhalls?

Is it just me or does the term 'city hall' just sound wrong?