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[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I sat down for an exclusive interview with Governor Nix of the Northeast today, discussing the Roscoe Conkling Equity Before the Law Act.

1. The main political battle in the Northeast was the Roscoe Conkling Equity Before The Law act, which was recently passed 3-2 and signed by you. Explain the reasoning behind this law.

I wrote and first introduced this law during the last session of the Northeast Assembly. It has always seemed perverse to me that a person who earns $150,000 in a year must pay the same fine as someone who earns $15,000 or less. This is not equal treatment. $500, for instance, is a hefty charge for the second person, while it amounts to almost nothing for the former. I introduced this law to guarantee that everyone would receive the same kind of treatment before the law.

Also, during that session, we had devoted a great deal of attention to public safety, debating proposals from Representatives Winfield and Simfan such as the Distracted Driving Act, the Bicycle Safety Act, and the Mind-Altering Substance Accountability Act. This legislative theme inspired me; I see this not only as an issue of fair treatment, but also as an issue of public safety. The penalties for engaging in dangerous behavior must be significant enough to deter people of all income levels from doing so.

2. This act was first proposed under Governor Napoleon, but he chose to veto it. What was his reasoning behind it?

Governor Napoleon’s veto surprised me. I had not realized that so many would receive this bill as a radical proposal. I’ve always seen myself as a moderate and a compromiser, and I think that my work on earlier pieces of legislation – the Healthy Skin Act, for instance – shows that I’m committed to crafting consensus. You’ll recall that I received support from a diverse group of Atlasians during my gubernatorial campaign, including a crowd of left-wingers, Whigs, and libertarians. Generally speaking, I’m to slightly to the right of Napoleon.

As far as I could tell, Napoleon vetoed the bill because he understands the purpose of a penalty differently than I do; whereas I see a fine as primarily a deterrent, Napoleon views the payment of a fine as the payment of an almost-literal debt against society.

3. Why the name? Conkling was best known as the corrupt New York senator and party boss in the late 1800's.

I'm glad that you asked! Conkling helped draft the 14th Amendment - I think that has some relevance to what this law aims to accomplish.

4. Pirates or ninjas?

Pirates.

5. Finally, the main opponent of the RCEL has been Assemblyman and Former Governor Winfield. With worries that Atlasia is becoming more divided along partisan lines, on what issues do you hope to unite the Northeast on?

For one, I’ve already introduced an improved version of Winfield’s Gambling Benefits Act. Winfield himself agrees that his original proposal was flawed. I would prefer to repeal it, but I know that the Assembly favors retaining the law in some form. My proposal is a compromise - it introduces clearer language, introduces oversight with regard to how funds are disbursed, and reduces the special tax rate for casinos by 25%. I think that voters who follow the process closely understand that this is how I usually operate.

It also appears likely that my proposed budget will soon pass with bi-partisan approval in the Assembly. This will be a huge achievement for the region, and I owe thanks to Representatives Simfan and Jones for their service on the Budget Committee, to GM Shua for his aid in compiling figures and performing calculations, and to Governor Napoleon for implementing the budget process that allowed me to introduce and refine a budget bill so easily.

Finally, I believe that Representative Simfan’s proposal for a new regional capital offers a chance for a spiritual renewal in the Northeast. And while this project will be expensive, moving the capital out of New York City is likely to save the region money over time.