Office of former Governor Oakvale: Adios, all, and thank you!

[oakvale]

Hey everybody!

Firstly, congratulations to fuzzbigfoot on being confirmed as Pacific Justice. I'm confident he'll do a wonderful job.

Secondly, I'd like to draw your attention to the Pacific Voting Booth, where we're ratifying the documents produced by the Constitutional Convention.

Of course, I'd urge all to vote in favour of these much-needed reforms, but regardless of how you vote, please do vote.

[oakvale]

In a fairly minor but, I think, pretty useful move, I've added some basic information about the region to the first post of this thread. I'd suggest that other Governors do the same - it might help new people get an idea of the place.

General information

Introduction to Atlasia

Offices

Office of the Governor, Oakvale (...)
Office of the Lieutenant Governor, ArchangelZero.
The Pacific Court, headed by Justice fuzzybigfoot

Articles on the wiki:

The Pacific
Our laws
The Pacific Constitution

[oakvale]

Oh, also, I made an admittedly tongue-in-cheek attack ad against Naso/Reganfan.

"Excessive Hyperbole".

[oakvale]

I'd like to extend my warmest congratulations to Fritz and Kalwejt on their stunning upset of a victory. I wasn't the only JCPer who assumed AndrewCT would sail to a landslide, so this is a surprise - even with the race getting close, I assumed Andrew would pull out a second round victory. So, impressive, guys, very impressive.

I'm confident President Fritz and Vice-President Kalwejt will continue the great work of President Purple State, one of Atlasia's best statesmen, whose reforms I was happy to sign the ratification of - a unanimous vote in favour of the Third Constitution from the Pacific, for the record. Purple State leaves a wonderful legacy, and history will view his government very favourably indeed.

So congratulations, Fritz and Kalwejt, and commiserations to Andrew and Duke - frankly, I would have been happy with either result. Atlasia had a good choice this election.

EDIT: Oh, and I'd also like to extend my preemptive congratulations to my soon-to-be gubernatorial colleague - in the Northeast, Han looks sure to be elected, and hopefully he can restore activity and life to that region. We don't necessarily agree politically, but he has my full, if irrelevant, support.

[oakvale]

Egads! We've moved!

Welcome to the Regional Board everyone! It's an idea that's been kicking around for a while, but recently Governors Tmthforu, Han, PiT, Sewer and I messaged President-elect Fritz with a request for him to ask Dave to create a dedicated regional forum, and, in a great development, here we are.

I think this will make regional business a lot easier to attend to, without the clutter that we usually get in the Fantasy Elections forum.

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

We're supposed to be running for re-election pretty soon, aren't we?

[oakvale]

We're supposed to be running for re-election pretty soon, aren't we?

December, AFAIK.

[oakvale]

So, uh, hey guys. Archangel and I have been discussing the possibility of an elected legislature.

*ducks rotten fruit*

No, no - hear me out - there are advantages. First and foremost, I think we all know that it would increase interest and activity - although the regional board seems to have greatly improved our activity levels - if I don't say so myself, although I also think the Pacific Justice deserves a lot of credit for stirring things up every now and again.

It's important to note that our idea wouldn't replace our current, popular, assembly, which has served us well. Rather it would establish a - very! - small "upper house". In other words, a bicarmeal legislature, the first of its kind in Atlasia.

It would probably consist of there or so members, elected, of course, by popular vote. This chamber, which we've cheesily decided to call the "Council", will be in charge of introducing and approving legislation, which must then be referred to the popular assembly. Kind of like a reverse version of the US Congress.

It would also have to approve any impeachment proceedings.

Anyway, let me know what you think - we've got a rudimentary bill worked out which I'll be posting shortly, so if you've got any ideas we're more than receptive.



PS: If this passes I will have, er, expanded government, by a hilarious degree and fully expect to be defeated for re-election by some kind of right-wing challenger.

[oakvale]

Here's the first draft of the bill for you to critique:

Whereas the Pacific Region has not had an organized legislation, this amendment hereby establishes a bicarmeal legislative body known as the Pacific Council and Pacific Assembly.

Regarding the Pacific Council:

1.)  The Pacific Council will be in charge of drafting and approving legislation for ratification.  All legislation must by approved by the council by a simple majority.

2.)  It will be in charge of approving impeachment proceedings during specific circumstances.  All impeachment hearings are to be approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

3.)  The Council shall be composed of three members, to be elected via instant runoff voting.   The three candidates that recieve the most votes will compose the council.  All candidates must have at least 100 posts and have been living in the Pacific Region for at least 20 days.

4.)  Each council member's term will last for four months.  At which time, another election for the Council will be called.  No council member can serve more than three terms consecutively.  The term of each council member will begin and end the Friday following a Council election.

Regarding the Pacific Assembly:

1.)  The Pacific Assembly will be in charge of voting and ratifying all legislation.  It will also be in charge of beginning impeachment proceedings.  All impeachments proceedings must be approved by 2/3rds of the vote.  All legislation may be ratified with a simple majority.

2.)  The Pacific Assembly will be composed of the citizens of the Pacific Region.  The Assembly will not have elections as every citizen is part of the assembly from the moment they become naturalized in the Pacific.

Regarding Legislation:

1.)  The Pacific Council will draft legislation for the region.  It can also take bills proposed by citizens and approve the legislation for the Assembly to vote on. 

2.)  The Council must have a majority vote in order to allow legislation to move to the Assembly.

3.)  The Assembly will vote to ratify all legislation that is proposed by the Council.  A majority is required to ratify any legislation.

4.)  The executive branch may veto legislation.  However, the Council and Assembly can override this veto with a 2/3rds majority.

5.)  Should the Pacific Justice find any legislation passed unconstitutional, they must strike the law down with their banhammer of justice.

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

Please critique this bill so we may make improvements on it.  All suggestions are welcome.

[Jbrase]

It looks pretty good, unsure about the term limits though, and the long length of their terms. Also for the override I think the council should need 3/3's vote in order to move on with an override as 2/3 is the simple majority needed to pass a bill in the first place.

Other than that I think this is a really good idea

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

It looks pretty good, unsure about the term limits though, and the long length of their terms. Also for the override I think the council should need 3/3's vote in order to move on with an override as 2/3 is the simple majority needed to pass a bill in the first place.

Other than that I think this is a really good idea

Good points, which I hope can be addressed with my suggestion from the Legislature thread:

I like the bill except for the term limits, for which I don't really see the point. Also, the way Councilors are elected isn't very clear.

I thought about that myself after looking at our draft.  Maybe we could have one seat up for election say, every two months and each seat would have a six month term (after our first election, maybe two seats can volunteer for shorter terms so we can get the ball rolling)?  And use IRV for each election?

I'm hoping we can get this passed before the end of the month so we can have elections in December along with Governor and Lt. Governor.

Also, the term limits won't be permanent.  You're just out for however long you serve, then after that time period is up you can run again.

[oakvale]

Just an aside, Archangel and I will be seeking re-election to a second term as Governor and Lieutenant Governor next month.

I think we've done a pretty good job at increasing the level of activity in the region, and I can point to the regional board, the Pacific Justice position, and, hopefully, a new legislature, as evidence of our commitment to the region.

The legislature has become a place of spirited debate, due in no small part to the arrival of the always-welcome Jbrase, and to the brilliant activity of the wonderful Pacific Justice, fuzzybigfoot,  and I'm optimistic that the region will continue to grown in activity in the coming months. Activity is, and will always remain, the core value of my administration. Serving as Governor has been a privelege and a great experience, and I hope you can let me continue for another term.

As for my Lieutenant Governor, ArchangelZero has been a true friend and a staunch ally these last few months. You couldn't ask for a more dedicated, innovative public servant, and he deserves every vote he can get. The Pacific will be a poorer place when he inevitably moves on to the national stage.

Thank you.



 - oakvale


PS: Oh, right, I forgot. Vote for me. Thanks.

[bgwah]

Hmm, I dunno, it sounds intriguing. It might be worth trying at least. We could also revert to the old style of legislature if we didn't like it.

I would prefer you scrap the term limits part though (what a surprise!! )

[Ebowed]

Hmm, I dunno, it sounds intriguing. It might be worth trying at least.

The other regions have done that for us, IMO.

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

Hmm, I dunno, it sounds intriguing. It might be worth trying at least.

The other regions have done that for us, IMO.

Well true, but this is a weird kind of legislature, designed specifically with the Pacific in mind.

[bgwah]

Our legislature needs a cool name, though. Supreme Council, for example.

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

Our legislature needs a cool name, though. Supreme Council, for example.

Good thinking, but I feel like Supreme has been trademarked by the Southeast.

[Jbrase]

Our legislature needs a cool name, though. Supreme Council, for example.

Good thinking, but I feel like Supreme has been trademarked by the SoutheastImperial Dominion of the South.

No, but these have been:
Emperor
Lord of Darkness
The Cultural Revolution of Awesomeness

[Jbrase]

I made a few edits, what do you all think?

Whereas the Pacific Region has not had an organized legislature, this amendment hereby establishes The General Assembly, a bicarmeal legislative body known as the Pacific Council and Pacific Assembly.

Regarding the Pacific Council:

1.)  The Pacific Council will be in charge of drafting and approving legislation for ratification.  All legislation must by approved by the council by a simple majority.

2.)  It will be in charge of approving impeachment proceedings during specific circumstances.  All impeachment hearings are to be approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

3.)  The Council shall be composed of three members, to be elected via instant runoff voting.   The three candidates that recieve the most votes will compose the council.  All candidates must have at least 100 posts and have been living in the Pacific Region for at least 20 days.

4.)  Each council member's term will last for four months.  At which time, another election for the Council will be called.  No council member can serve more than three terms consecutively.  The term of each council member will begin and end the Friday following a Council election. The elections for the Council shall be held in the last week of February, June, and September.

5.) Should a vacancy occur the Governor shall nominate a replacement councilor. 

Regarding the Pacific Assembly:

1.)  The Pacific Assembly will be in charge of voting and ratifying all legislation.  It will also be in charge of beginning impeachment proceedings.  All impeachments proceedings must be approved by 2/3rds of the vote.  All legislation may be ratified with a simple majority.

2.)  The Pacific Assembly will be composed of the citizens of the Pacific Region.  The Assembly will not have elections as every citizen is part of the assembly from the moment they become naturalized in the Pacific.

Regarding Legislation:

1.)  The Pacific Council will draft legislation for the region.  It can also take bills proposed by citizens and approve the legislation for the Assembly to vote on. 

2.)  The Council must have a majority vote in order to allow legislation to move to the Assembly.

3.)  The Assembly will vote to ratify all legislation that is proposed by the Council.  A majority is required to ratify any legislation.

4.)  The executive branch may veto legislation.  However, the Council and Assembly can override this veto with a 3/3rds majority.

5.)  Should the Pacific Justice find any legislation passed unconstitutional, they must strike the law down with their banhammer of justice.

[Citizen (The) Doctor]

I made a few edits, what do you all think?

Whereas the Pacific Region has not had an organized legislature, this amendment hereby establishes The General Assembly, a bicarmeal legislative body known as the Pacific Council and Pacific Assembly.

Regarding the Pacific Council:

1.)  The Pacific Council will be in charge of drafting and approving legislation for ratification.  All legislation must by approved by the council by a simple majority.

2.)  It will be in charge of approving impeachment proceedings during specific circumstances.  All impeachment hearings are to be approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

3.)  The Council shall be composed of three members, to be elected via instant runoff voting.   The three candidates that recieve the most votes will compose the council.  All candidates must have at least 100 posts and have been living in the Pacific Region for at least 20 days.

4.)  Each council member's term will last for four months.  At which time, another election for the Council will be called.  No council member can serve more than three terms consecutively.  The term of each council member will begin and end the Friday following a Council election. The elections for the Council shall be held in the last week of February, April, June, September, and December.

5.) Should a vacancy occur the Governor shall nominate a replacement councilor.[/b]  

Regarding the Pacific Assembly:

1.)  The Pacific Assembly will be in charge of voting and ratifying all legislation.  It will also be in charge of beginning impeachment proceedings.  All impeachments proceedings must be approved by 2/3rds of the vote.  All legislation may be ratified with a simple majority.

2.)  The Pacific Assembly will be composed of the citizens of the Pacific Region.  The Assembly will not have elections as every citizen is part of the assembly from the moment they become naturalized in the Pacific.

Regarding Legislation:

1.)  The Pacific Council will draft legislation for the region.  It can also take bills proposed by citizens and approve the legislation for the Assembly to vote on.  

2.)  The Council must have a majority vote in order to allow legislation to move to the Assembly.

3.)  The Assembly will vote to ratify all legislation that is proposed by the Council.  A majority is required to ratify any legislation.

4.)  The executive branch may veto legislation.  However, the Council and Assembly can override this veto with a 3/3rds majority.

5.)  Should the Pacific Justice find any legislation passed unconstitutional, they must strike the law down with their banhammer of justice.

I like these changes.  However, I believe we should try to decide whether all Councilors will be elected at once or if we're going to have one seat open every two months.

[Fuzzybigfoot]

I made a few edits, what do you all think?

Whereas the Pacific Region has not had an organized legislature, this amendment hereby establishes The General Assembly, a bicarmeal legislative body known as the Pacific Council and Pacific Assembly.

Regarding the Pacific Council:

1.)  The Pacific Council will be in charge of drafting and approving legislation for ratification.  All legislation must by approved by the council by a simple majority.

2.)  It will be in charge of approving impeachment proceedings during specific circumstances.  All impeachment hearings are to be approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

3.)  The Council shall be composed of three members, to be elected via instant runoff voting.   The three candidates that recieve the most votes will compose the council.  All candidates must have at least 100 posts and have been living in the Pacific Region for at least 20 days.

4.)  Each council member's term will last for four months.  At which time, another election for the Council will be called.  No council member can serve more than three terms consecutively.  The term of each council member will begin and end the Friday following a Council election. The elections for the Council shall be held in the last week of February, June, and September.

5.) Should a vacancy occur the Governor shall nominate a replacement councilor. 

Regarding the Pacific Assembly:

1.)  The Pacific Assembly will be in charge of voting and ratifying all legislation.  It will also be in charge of beginning impeachment proceedings.  All impeachments proceedings must be approved by 2/3rds of the vote.  All legislation may be ratified with a simple majority.

2.)  The Pacific Assembly will be composed of the citizens of the Pacific Region.  The Assembly will not have elections as every citizen is part of the assembly from the moment they become naturalized in the Pacific.

Regarding Legislation:

1.)  The Pacific Council will draft legislation for the region.  It can also take bills proposed by citizens and approve the legislation for the Assembly to vote on. 

2.)  The Council must have a majority vote in order to allow legislation to move to the Assembly.

3.)  The Assembly will vote to ratify all legislation that is proposed by the Council.  A majority is required to ratify any legislation.

4.)  The executive branch may veto legislation.  However, the Council and Assembly can override this veto with a 3/3rds majority.

5.)  Should the Pacific Justice find any legislation passed unconstitutional, they must strike the law down with their banhammer of justice.

I like these changes.  However, I believe we should try to decide whether all Councilors will be elected at once or if we're going to have one seat open every two months.

A 100% majority to override the governor's veto?  This really gives the executive branch way too much power.



No offense to the executive branch.

[oakvale]

I made a few edits, what do you all think?

Whereas the Pacific Region has not had an organized legislature, this amendment hereby establishes The General Assembly, a bicarmeal legislative body known as the Pacific Council and Pacific Assembly.

Regarding the Pacific Council:

1.)  The Pacific Council will be in charge of drafting and approving legislation for ratification.  All legislation must by approved by the council by a simple majority.

2.)  It will be in charge of approving impeachment proceedings during specific circumstances.  All impeachment hearings are to be approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

3.)  The Council shall be composed of three members, to be elected via instant runoff voting.   The three candidates that recieve the most votes will compose the council.  All candidates must have at least 100 posts and have been living in the Pacific Region for at least 20 days.

4.)  Each council member's term will last for four months.  At which time, another election for the Council will be called.  No council member can serve more than three terms consecutively.  The term of each council member will begin and end the Friday following a Council election. The elections for the Council shall be held in the last week of February, June, and September.

5.) Should a vacancy occur the Governor shall nominate a replacement councilor. 

Regarding the Pacific Assembly:

1.)  The Pacific Assembly will be in charge of voting and ratifying all legislation.  It will also be in charge of beginning impeachment proceedings.  All impeachments proceedings must be approved by 2/3rds of the vote.  All legislation may be ratified with a simple majority.

2.)  The Pacific Assembly will be composed of the citizens of the Pacific Region.  The Assembly will not have elections as every citizen is part of the assembly from the moment they become naturalized in the Pacific.

Regarding Legislation:

1.)  The Pacific Council will draft legislation for the region.  It can also take bills proposed by citizens and approve the legislation for the Assembly to vote on. 

2.)  The Council must have a majority vote in order to allow legislation to move to the Assembly.

3.)  The Assembly will vote to ratify all legislation that is proposed by the Council.  A majority is required to ratify any legislation.

4.)  The executive branch may veto legislation.  However, the Council and Assembly can override this veto with a 3/3rds majority.

5.)  Should the Pacific Justice find any legislation passed unconstitutional, they must strike the law down with their banhammer of justice.

I like these changes.  However, I believe we should try to decide whether all Councilors will be elected at once or if we're going to have one seat open every two months.

A 100% majority to override the governor's veto?  This really gives the executive branch way too much power.



No offense to the executive branch.

Bwahahahahaha!

But yeah, that seems a little strange. The rest of Jbrase's changes are fairly reasonable, though.

So, what does everyone think of Archangel's proposal that Senators be elected seperately, every two months? It might liven things up a bit.

[Jbrase]

Well since the Council only needs 2 votes to pass something doesn't it seem weird to only require 2 votes to override a veto?

And the only problem I have with having the councilor seats elected at separate times is that it would be too easy for one group, the extreme far-left wing of the JCP,  to win every seat. But if they were all at once then it would give the more moderate people a chance. The likely results would be a healthy mixture of opinions. 

[Jayhawker]

I would like to add that I believe the Mideast did the same thing back when we only had 3 Assembly seats. It seemed to work pretty well.