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Welcome to tatte's February Election Debate! All standing candidates are welcome to take part in these discussions and additional questions from the audience are welcome, as long as presented in orderly manner.

Candidates, please be seated in your assigned seats.

Now, the first topic I would like to bring up is the classical dilemma of Underhusen activity. It's a subject that has been tossed around endlessly yet no solution has ever been found. A normal government has regular more or less mandatory sessions where current events are discussed. What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job? After all, even a menial discussion has the power to lead to greater things.

*debate erupts*

Moving on to the next issue. Our irc channel has been the stage for many incidents regardless very high amount of operators guarding it. It would seem that despite of its integral role in our region, not enough effort has been put to define its precise relationship to the rest of our shared domain. Perhaps it has too great role, maybe the opposite. How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how? Let's not forget we have able programmers, a ghost for real time logs integrated to the forum could be crafted.

*debate erupts*

We will now take a small break, please stay in the proximity of the studio. A friendly reminder, the doors for the audience close 15 minutes before our live debate continues, if you miss it you might as well go home.

*non-offensive generic background music plays*

I'm glad to see so many of our candidates to return, audience looks healthy too. Our first subject of this session are regional events. While we already have a thriving region with plenty of activities for the citizens, they might go underutilized in the efforts of turning plain members to citizens. We also lack a dedicated group that would focus in directing the multitude of ongoing events. Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how? After all, our beloved monarch shouldn't be burdened with duties unfit for royalty.

*debate erupts*

Our closing question to you, our respected candidates is: What does Wintreath mean to you? Please get as emotional as you feel appropriate, show our audience how deeply you care about our region, and why it means so much to you. Best parts will be turned into billboards without any cost to you, so here's your chance to save a buck or two!

*lights dim and spotlight focuses in each candidate individually as they respond*

This concludes our debate. I'd like to thank all our candidates who managed to take part in this debate, and big thanks to our audience, it wouldn't be the same without you! This debate was sponsored by Frost-a-Cola!

By far my favorite Debate thread I've ever seen.  I can't wait to see the candidates' answers. 

What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

First, I think that we need an open assembly, where everyone can discuss and debate anything and everything. Second, we need to reform the UH. My idea is to merge it with the OH, make it half and half, half elected and half appointed. Finally, all bills can be vetoed by the Monarch but such a veto can be overridden by a 2/3 majority in the new house. At the very least, thats my idea.

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?

I would be the first to admit that I'm out of my depth. I dont use the IRC channel and know nothing about it and as such any opinion I form would be ill advised so I will defer on this topic.

Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?

Forgive me, but I thought that there was a ministry dedicated to culture? Would this not fall under their purview? In all honesty, I think that the number 1 priority for the UH should be to reform the UH. Anything else can be resolved when that has been accomplished.

What does Wintreath mean to you?

This is an easy question. Wintreath is a place for everyone. A place for anyone to call a home. A place where, in my case, after the...events that occurred in Equinox, I found a place where I was accepted. I'm very grateful for this place and hope to serve it as a servant of the people.

Thank you and I hope you have a pleasant day! :]

What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

First, I think that we need an open assembly, where everyone can discuss and debate anything and everything. Second, we need to reform the UH. My idea is to merge it with the OH, make it half and half, half elected and half appointed. Finally, all bills can be vetoed by the Monarch but such a veto can be overridden by a 2/3 majority in the new house. At the very least, thats my idea.

Am I right if I were to say what you are proposing is that the open assembly will exist where everyone can propose a bill, but the only ones who can actually vote on them is the newly formed council consisting of an equal number of elected and appointed officials? If so, what's the point of an open assembly? Is that not currently existing as Citizen Platform already?

What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

First, I think that we need an open assembly, where everyone can discuss and debate anything and everything. Second, we need to reform the UH. My idea is to merge it with the OH, make it half and half, half elected and half appointed. Finally, all bills can be vetoed by the Monarch but such a veto can be overridden by a 2/3 majority in the new house. At the very least, thats my idea.

Am I right if I were to say what you are proposing is that the open assembly will exist where everyone can propose a bill, but the only ones who can actually vote on them is the newly formed council consisting of an equal number of elected and appointed officials? If so, what's the point of an open assembly? Is that not currently existing as Citizen Platform already?

Indeed.  From the way it sounds, the only change would be that the OH and UH would be a merged entity of half-elected/half-appointed, rather than two separate things.  But the assembly idea sounds exactly what the Platform is supposed to be utilized for...especially if this new UH/OH entity would be the ones doing the voting.

The open assembly would be able to propose, debate and draft any legislation it wants. I'm not saying that open assembly legislation needs to go through the reformed house, quite the opposite, I'm saying we need a backup. An open assembly is a nice idea but what if 2 separate factions have 2 different ideas about how to resolve an issue? And they both have equal support? What then? And what if we need a bill drafted and passed right away? The reformed house would exist as a broker, where OA proposals that conflict with each other are sent to be voted on, a place where vital or mundane legislation can be passed right away and a way to prevent the OA from becoming a clusterfuck. At least, thats my idea. Thank you for the question, Sapph :]

No problem, I am still quite confused about the role of this new Open Assembly.

Do you mean to say that "vital or mundane" bills would go through the reformed house while "others" could be ratified directly from the Open Assembly? If so, how do you provide a clear definition of "vital or mundane" and "others"?

Or are you simply agreeing that this new Open Assembly you are proposing and the existing Citizen Platform have no difference in terms of power and role, in the sense that both have the ability to draft, propose and debate any bills but in the end, they have no voting rights in determining whether the bills pass?

Oh no, they can pass bills. The reformed house would be there so that if 2 conflicting proposals pass or if the OA cannot compromise then they would step in and take over. They would also pass bills if the issue was one the OA either did not address or did not have time to address.

The description you have provided is quite vague but I rest my case. Thank you for your time!

What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

Personally I think the Underhusen is fine as is. A little tweaking could be done in some areas, but overall I feel like the Underhusen needs to not be changed at all, as a lot of the discussions occurring seem to mention similar, if not the exact same things, as some of the ideas that were discussed while we were first drafting our constitution, and also the Storting itself.

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?

Well I think it's fine right now. Besides there isn't much that can be done to either of them. Ultimately any ideas would be up to Wintermoot to implement....

Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?

This is generally up to the Ministry of Culture, not really the Storting.

What does Wintreath mean to you?

It means a place to be able to be free, to be able to kick back and discuss whatever you may wish. For me it means a home of sorts, a place to have fun.

A normal government has regular more or less mandatory sessions where current events are discussed. What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

In our current system (that is to say, before any kind of potential reform law is passed), having mandatory sessions may initially seem productive, but I fear that these sessions will only results in the consensus being that "there is no additional legislation needed at this time". If these sessions require at least one law to be passed in each one, then there will be laws that are passed for the sake of passing and may turn out to be poor because they either were unnecessary or created hastily.

In an open assembly plan (as the general consensus for reform is), mandatory sessions are unneeded because one of the main positives of moving to an open assembly is to combat low activity due to the fact that laws can be passed as circumstances arise instead of having the pressure to complete laws in a given time period. Given that an open assembly would potentially consist of a mostly-static membership, debate could last on laws indefinitely, so there needn't be a time limit or a quota on sessions or laws passed.

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?

I have to say that I am not generally an active participant in the IRC, although it would be nice if it were to replace the Shoutbox and be placed on the top of the page to increase its visibility, thereby encouraging more members to join it. However, because I'm inexperienced in the matter, the IRC's assumed exclusivity may actually be a good thing.

Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?

I very much appreciate Wintreath's culture as it is, but there is always more that can be done. However, any such matters are the responsibility of the Monarch and of the Ministry of Culture and not the Underhusen. As much as I would like to take influence in our culture through the Underhusen, it is improper to pass laws mandating such culture be created. Anything that can be improved on should be taken up at a private citizen level and not a legislative one.

Although this isn't anything that can be influenced by the legislature, I'd like to restore activity in the RP Guild at the very least, seeing as how that's taken a lull this month. I'd also like to continue the regional games that have been enacted as well as production of our regional news. There are stated plans to continue all of these, so hopefully these all come to fruition.

What does Wintreath mean to you?

Wintreath has been my online home for some months now, and I believe I have discovered a community where I can open myself up to people, discover parts of who I am, make valuable friendships and connections, play Civilization to my heart's content, and try my hand at influencing lawmaking. I have found such an accepting community here and I have never felt judged or that I couldn't share parts of myself. Wintreath has become much more to me than the Nationstates game I originally joined, and I would like to remain a part of it for a long time to come.

I thank you, tatte, for this fun and entertaining opportunity to debate policy. I hope that all the candidates, even the ones who don't create a campaign thread, can make their intentions known here.

So far three out of nine candidates have taken part in this debate. In general we're having a good level of campaigning going on with seven candidates running their campaigns!

Following candidates have not yet taken part in the debate. I would especially like to reach out to BraveSirRobin and Govindia who have not yet even started their campaigns.

@BraveSirRobin
@Govindia
@Gerrick
@Nox
@Rasdanation
@RedRevenant/Sci

So far three out of nine candidates have taken part in this debate. In general we're having a good level of campaigning going on with seven candidates running their campaigns!

Following candidates have not yet taken part in the debate. I would especially like to reach out to BraveSirRobin and Govindia who have not yet even started their campaigns.

I shall certainly take part in this debate, though I must apologise for my lateness to it—IRL happened, but I'm here now!! 

A normal government has regular more or less mandatory sessions where current events are discussed.  What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

I'd certainly be open to the idea, although I think it might be a hard thing to do considering that we have people from almost every continent and time zone on here minus maybe South America and Antarctica. 

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?

Though I'm mostly on-forum here and steer clear of the IRC (it requires more time on cell phones and stuff, and I'm more of a PC person, honestly...), I do think that it'd be good to somehow get some of the IRC logs on the forums, in a sort of similar way to the shout box that we have.  Maybe add it below the shout box?  I'm just guessing here.  I can't do any programming past basic html... .  But I'd think it'd be a fun feature to see.  Some people spend all of their time on the IRC, others all on the forums, and others, both.  I think that some way to unify the IRC channel and the forums would only help strengthen our community. 

Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?

Well our current Ministry of Culture is excellent, and I'd say that it's probably one of the best on NationStates.  We could perhaps "cash in on it" more by using it in recruitment telegrams more, but I think that currently our culture is in a very good place with a plethora of active, diverse and interesting roleplays. 

What does Wintreath mean to you?

To me, Wintreath is a place of acceptance, learning, fun discussions, fun, interesting, and most importantly, a place where fascinating people from all over the world can come together to discuss events, play games, have great conversations about so many topics (philosophy, life, politics, etc.).  It's just so multi-faceted and unique, and I really hope that never changes.   

If anyone would like me to futher explain any of my responses, I'd be glad to!! But for now, Goodbye!!   

A normal government has regular more or less mandatory sessions where current events are discussed.  What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

I think that it would be a good thing to try out. I also think maybe having some sort of IRC channel for Underhusen could be a idea, with no spamming and such in there. It would be more reminding to the members of the underhusen to work and ushc.

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?
I think that the IRC and forum are different in a lot of ways, but i think having some sort of way to get interesting topics (of debate) that are debated on IRC onto the forum.


Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?
I do say that there is always improvement. I think that a big thing would be to increase the number of people in Wintreath and active. I also think having more region wide and inclusive activities are good (programming challenge, games).


What does Wintreath mean to you?

To me Wintreath is a safe haven. A place where people don't judge others based on outward things, but instead on their personality. A place where you can go to have fun and enlightening discussions about all different topics, with no one caring about your side of the argument. Also a place to have fun playing games.

A normal government has regular more or less mandatory sessions where current events are discussed. What would your thoughts be on instituting similar system here, thereby more so making the elected position a full time job?

This perhaps could work with the UH, though I fear people would just shrug and say "I don't know" after a bit, which would bring us back to inactivity. This is why I support minimal elected positions with an open assembly and/or jury/legislator pools -- activity isn't necessary. Having these current event discussions would actually be healthy for an open assembly, though, so perhaps an officer could lead this discussion every month or so.

How would you streamline the unity of both the forum and irc channel? Or would you separate the two, if so, how?

Other candidates have proposed adding an IRC box to the front-page, which I would support, though I don't know much about the IRC, so I don't know if it is possible. To my understanding the IRC already has a team that administer the chat and its rules, so this should remain separate from the legislature to prevent stepping on toes. Also, as far as I know, the IRC rules have recently been updated and made more clear, so it shouldn't be as much of a problem now. If the Chat Op team decide that a member needs to be penalized in the IRC as well as the forum, then they may bring this before the forum's court system, and then there will be a further trial there.

Would you say that more could be done to cash in our rich culture? If so, how?

Yeah, there can always be more done, but as others have stated, this is more the job of the Ministry of Culture (and I applaud Pengu and Sapphiron's job with this). It is my opinion that the legislature should stay separate from culture, since I don't even know of any laws that may be passed that would positively impact the culture, and the role of the legislature should solely be to work with legislation.

With that said, I am currently one of the most active recruiters (I won last month's recruitment contest and I'm almost certain I will win this month's), so I am obviously dedicated to bringing in new members to our region and its culture.

What does Wintreath mean to you?

Wintreath means a lot to me because it has allowed me to meet many like-minded (as well as many different-minded) people and consider them to be my friends. I'm always learning something new and enjoying my time here -- not to mention Civ V Saturdays are always one of the highlights of my weeks. I hope to stay active here in Wintreath for a long time as well as gain your vote.

I encourage everyone to ask me any further questions either here or on my campaign thread. Thanks.