Office of ZuWo

[ZuWo]

After some consideration I sign the

Welfare Responsibility Act

Section 1

1. In order to receive welfare or food stamps in the Mideast Region, an applicant must submit to a drug test.

2. If it is determined that the applicant has no history of narcotic or alcohol addiction, the applicant shall be cleared to receive welfare and/or food stamps within the Mideast Region.

3. If it is determined that the applicant has any narcotic and/or alcohol in their system at the time of their application, they shall be barred from receiving welfare or food stamps in the Mideast Region, and instead shall be offered counselling in order to kick their habit and begin to receive welfare.

4. "Narcotic" shall be defined as any inhalant, hallucinogens and any non-prescription depressants, anti-depressants, stimulants and opiates.

Section 2

1) One may receive welfare for a maximum of one calendar year before they are put on review by the state in which they reside.

2) If it is determined that the welfare recipient is actively searching for work and, however, is unable to find work, they shall be cleared to continue receiving welfare for another calendar year.

3) If it is determined that the welfare recipient is not actively searching for work, they shall be denied welfare for the next calendar year and instead will be placed in a state Government-sponsored workforce training class.

4) Upon completion of the class, the individual shall be required to submit job applications to a minimum of five (5) companies. If all five companies deny the application, the individual shall be granted continuation of welfare.

Section 3

1) Any individual caught abusing or cheating the welfare system shall be sentenced to six (6) months in prison in the state where they reside. They shall also have to pay a fine of $1000.

2) "Abuse" shall be defined as submitting false DNA samples for a drug test, lying about job applications or skipping workforce training classes.

Governor ZuWo

[ZuWo]

I would like to direct your attention to the following statement of Inks, Speaker of the Mideast Assembly, the content of which I fully support:

Press Release: Speaker Inks.LWC makes fiery speech on Assembly floor this evening

During a period of open discussion, a visibly frustrated Speaker Inks.LWC walks up to his chair at the front of the Assembly.

Fellow Assemblymen and citizens of the Mideast, today this Assembly passed two very short-sighted amendments.  As a life-long resident of the Mideast, and someone who has seen this region go through many cycles of activity and inactivity, I am deeply disappointed that my advice was ignored.  This assembly has now passed two amendments to our Constitution that will be on the ballot: one that will place back the Lt. Governorship and strip this Assembly of its ability to choose its leader, and another that will raise the size of the Assembly to 5 members (at least until 2014).

These amendments are the result of short-sightedness from some of my colleagues (for whom I still have much respect and generally agree with) and a select few influential citizens of this region.

I urge the citizens of this region to reject these amendments, at least for the time being.  Before we begin growing the size of our government, we should ensure that we have active members in our government.  I should also point out that these two votes were the first time that all five of our Assembly members actually engaged in voting in the Assembly.

I am deeply disappointed that these amendments made it out of this Assembly, but I have faith and confidence in the citizens of this region to reject these shortsighted amendments.

###

[Big Wiggly Style]

Thank you for signing the Welfare Responsibility Act, Mr. Governor.

[ZuWo]

Thank you for signing the Welfare Responsibility Act, Mr. Governor.

You are welcome!

[ZuWo]

Information on two constitutional amendments and a proposition

It seems that the Mideast Assembly has passed two constitutional amendments (the "Amendment to Article III of the Mideast Constitution" aka "Assemly-size amendment" and the "Unnamed Amendment" aka "Lt. Governor amendment"). Additionally, the Assembly is on track to reject the "Amendment of the Mideast Time of Alcohol Sales Statute" which I've put forward. Since I want to get this bill passed, I will bring this to a popular vote and let the people decide by way of proposition. Thus, we're going to have the opportunity to vote on three different issues.

Depending on when Speaker Inks officially closes the Assembly vote on the two amendments and the bill, voting shall begin this or next week - the constitution demands that these votes be held "between midnight Eastern Standard Time on the first Thursday [after the adoption of the] proposal and 0001 Eastern Standard Time on the first Friday thereafter". Thus, if the results of the Assembly vote will be certified today, voting will start tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll vote in a week.

As a reminder, the constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority to pass while the proposition only requires a simple majority.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

My apologies on the oversight - I thought I had already closed those votes.

Also, the following bill has passed:

Honouring Veterans of Foreign Conflict Act

Section 1

1) WHEREAS the Mideast is home to many veterans of foreign conflict.
2) NOTING these veterans deserve endless praise for risking their lives to defend Atlasia.
3) SALUTING all Atlasian veterans of foreign conflict, regardless of regional residence.
4) HEREBY denotes August as Veteran's Month.
5) PROCLAIMING that because veterans have risked their lives, which is more valuable than anything material, they are hereby entitled to discounts to state or regionally-funded institutions, such as museums, public transportation and national parks.


Section 2

1) In order to receive a discount on any service, a veteran must provide a membership card to a veterans' organization such as the Legion, VFW, AMVETS, VVA, etc.
2) The discount to be received by any eligible veteran shall be determined by the individual state in which the service is located if the state funds the service.
3) If the region funds the service, the discount is hereby set to a 50% discount.

[ZuWo]

I hereby sign the

Honouring Veterans of Foreign Conflict Act

Section 1

1) WHEREAS the Mideast is home to many veterans of foreign conflict.
2) NOTING these veterans deserve endless praise for risking their lives to defend Atlasia.
3) SALUTING all Atlasian veterans of foreign conflict, regardless of regional residence.
4) HEREBY denotes August as Veteran's Month.
5) PROCLAIMING that because veterans have risked their lives, which is more valuable than anything material, they are hereby entitled to discounts to state or regionally-funded institutions, such as museums, public transportation and national parks.


Section 2

1) In order to receive a discount on any service, a veteran must provide a membership card to a veterans' organization such as the Legion, VFW, AMVETS, VVA, etc.
2) The discount to be received by any eligible veteran shall be determined by the individual state in which the service is located if the state funds the service.
3) If the region funds the service, the discount is hereby set to a 50% discount.

Governor ZuWo

[ZuWo]

Citizens,

you now have the opportunity to vote on the "Treaty Ratification Amendment" which has been passed by the Atlasian Senate and requires the approval of the regions.

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=157284.0

Governor ZuWo

[ZuWo]

Voting on the federal Anti-Conscription Compromise Amendment is closed. The amendment passes with 16 AYEs out of 16 people voting.

Thanks to everyone who has cast their vote!

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=156962.new#new

[ZuWo]

Voting in the Mideast feels like voting in Switzerland today because you can vote on four amendments/propositions at the same time!

1. Federal Amendment ("Impeachment Clarification Amendment"):

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=157643.0

2. Regional Proposition ("Amendment of the Mideast Time of Alcohol Sales Statute"):

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=157640.0

3. Regional Amendment I ("Unnamed Amendment" aka "Reestablishing the Lieutenant Governor Amendment"):

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=157642.0

4. Regional Amendment II ("Amendment to Article III of the Mideast Constitution" aka "Size of the Assembly Amendment"):

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=157641.0

I must admit that the vote on the regional amendments/proposition started one and a half hour too late. I had my birthday yesterday and I only remembered to open the vote this morning. If this is a serious problem for anyone feel free to bring this case to court.

Governor ZuWo

[pillage the village, trash the scene]

I know that this is not my business, but it'd be more rational to have 4 referendas at same time in one thread. Just sayin'

[ZuWo]

I know that this is not my business, but it'd be more rational to have 4 referendas at same time in one thread. Just sayin'

You have a point here. Indeed, it would be neat to have all four votes in the same thread. However, I guess the risk of making an error is higher if you vote on four issues within the same post and I wanted to minimize this risk because some of the issues we're voting on are quite disputed.

[ZuWo]

Amendment/Proposition Tracker

1. Federal Amendment (Impeachment Clarification Amendment):

Aye: 12
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0

Support: 100% (Current Result: Passes)

2. Regional Amendment I (Unnamed Amendment aka Reestablishing the Lieutenant Governor Amendment):

Aye: 6
Nay: 6
Abstain: 0

Support: 50% (Current Result: Fails)

3. Regional Amendment II (Amendment to Article III of the Mideast Constitution aka Size of the Assembly Amendment):

Aye: 4
Nay: 8
Abstain: 0

Support: 33.3% (Current Result: Fails)

4. Regional Proposition (Amendment of the Mideast Time of Alcohol Sales Statute):

Aye: 12
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Support: 92.3% (Current Result: Passes)

[Big Wiggly Style]

[Is JCL in mushy sappy love]

I guess I can further work on improve the Lt. Governor compatancies to gain further support. Are we ready to put the Nefarious Bill in for debate?

[ZuWo]

I guess I can further work on improve the Lt. Governor compatancies to gain further support. Are we ready to put the Nefarious Bill in for debate?

Yes, the Lt. Governor's amendment can certainly be improved. As I stated in the debate thread, this version of the amendment didn't really achieve much because we already have a Speaker who does exactly the same. If you want to go ahead with the idea of reestablishing the Lt. Governor, it makes more sense to propose the creation of an additional position.

As for the "Nefarious Bill" - that's the Speaker's business, not mine. He's the one who creates debate threads for the bills that have been introduced. All I can do as Governor is comment on bills and sign or veto them. You know, separation of powers and such.

[ZuWo]

Endorsement for Senate

I will make a formal endorsement for the upcoming Senate at-large elections on one of the next days. A candidate's ideology certainly plays an important role but I am also planning to endorse candidates who, despite being far away from me politically speaking, have a record of activity in Atlasia.

[Is JCL in mushy sappy love]

I guess I can further work on improve the Lt. Governor compatancies to gain further support. Are we ready to put the Nefarious Bill in for debate?

Yes, the Lt. Governor's amendment can certainly be improved. As I stated in the debate thread, this version of the amendment didn't really achieve much because we already have a Speaker who does exactly the same. If you want to go ahead with the idea of reestablishing the Lt. Governor, it makes more sense to propose the creation of an additional position.

As for the "Nefarious Bill" - that's the Speaker's business, not mine. He's the one who creates debate threads for the bills that have been introduced. All I can do as Governor is comment on bills and sign or veto them. You know, separation of powers and such.

I know. Just keeping ya on your toes.

[ZuWo]

Vacancy in the Mideast Superior Court looming?

Judge Franzl has announced his candidacy for Senate at-large. I wish him the best of luck and he will certainly get a high preference from me!

Now, this may have practical implications on the office of Mideast Superior Court Judge. Should Franzl be elected to the Senate we will need a new Judge. So, if you are a regional citizen and you might be interested in this office, start thinking about it now. It is notoriously difficult to fill the office of Superior Court Judge so I think it's a good idea to consider all options early enough. That being said, formal applications for the office of Superior Court Judge can only be made if and once Franzl has been sworn in and starts his new job.

Regardless of your political affiliation, I wish everyone an exciting election!

Governor ZuWo

[ZuWo]

Amendment/Proposition Tracker

1. Federal Amendment (Impeachment Clarification Amendment):

Aye: 12
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Support: 92.3% (Current Result [Vote is still ongoing!]: Passes)

2. Regional Amendment I (Unnamed Amendment aka Reestablishing the Lieutenant Governor Amendment):

Aye: 6
Nay: 6
Abstain: 0

Support: 50% (Final Result: Failed)

3. Regional Amendment II (Amendment to Article III of the Mideast Constitution aka Size of the Assembly Amendment):

Aye: 4
Nay: 8
Abstain: 0

Support: 33.3% (Final Result: Failed)

4. Regional Proposition (Amendment of the Mideast Time of Alcohol Sales Statute):

Aye: 12
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Support: 92.3% (Final Result: Passed)

Thank you to everyone who voted!

[ZuWo]

Statement on outcome of the various amendment and proposition votes

I think the people of the Mideast made the right decisions. On the one hand, they rejected unnecessary and detrimental reform proposals and voted in favor of the current system of electing Assemblymembers - a system which has worked just fine so far. On the other hand, the people approved of a pragmatic bill on the times of alcohol sales in the region. I am also pleased by the relatively high number of people who voted, though there is still room to improve this. There is work ahead of us, and if we want to continue to be successful there is no time to lean back and rest on our laurels.

Governor ZuWo

[ZuWo]

Senate elections: Endorsement

I originally planned to publish my endorsement earlier but since so many new candidates have emerged in the last few days I had to rethink my choice. So, here's my official list of the candidates that I endorse for the upcoming Senate elections:

1. Hagrid (Whig)
2. Clarence (Whig)
3. Franzl (Liberal)
4. SJoyceFla (IB)
5. Snowstalker (Labor)

As a member of the Whig Party and as Mideast Governor I have three main goals in mind regarding this election. Firstly, I want to strengthen the conservative fraction in the Senate, which is why I support Hagrid and Clarence. Secondly, I want to have as many Senators from the Mideast as possible as well as candidates who emphasize regional rights, which is why I endorse Franzl and Snowstalker on the one hand and SJoyceFla on the other hand. Finally, it is also important that we elect active Atlasians, and I think all of the candidates that I endorse are more than qualified in this respect.
This obviously doesn't mean that the other candidates are all bad and that I believe they wouldn't make good Senators - not at all. But there are only five spots and at some point I had to make a clear choice.

Again, I wish everyone a happy election.

[ZuWo]

Gubernatorial Schedule of the next days (Public Appearances)

- August 23 to 26: trip through the Mideast to campaign for the candidates I endorsed
- August 27: statement on the outcome of the Senate elections
- August 27: the next question time session will be held
- August 28: the latest edition of the "Governor's monthly newsletter" will be published
- at some point during the next week: official launch of the "Four More Months: Re-Elect Governor ZuWo" campaign

[ZuWo]

Cross-regional endorsement for spamage, candidate for Pacific Governor

If there is one thing I have learnt during my time as Governor, it's that this office matters. A Governor doesn't have unlimited powers, but he can help to invigorate his region if he takes his job seriously and tries to engage with the people. As far as I can tell, this appears to work well in the Mideast, the Northeast and the South.

However, the Pacific, even more so than the Midwest, is a region which is in a worrisome condition. At least one election has not been held in time, not a single bill has been introduced in the regional legislative chamber during the recent months, the number of citizens has stagnated and there are not many people in the Pacific who regularly take part in regional or federal elections. Now a registered voter from the IDS, the Mideast, the Midwest or the Northeast could think "Who cares? That's not my business!" but we must realize that a dying region like the Pacific hurts Atlasia as a whole since this nation can only prosper when all of its regions are alive.

Therefore, it's absolutely important that the Pacific elects a Governor who is motivated to do his job, who has ideas to revive the Pacific and who is not afraid to work hard for the well-being of his region. There is such a candidate, and this candidate is spamage. People like spamage is what the Pacific - and Atlasia in general - needs and it's not only the duty of the people in the Pacific to help spamage fix a broken region but it's the obligation of all Atlasians to make sure that people like spamage, who have the best intentions for the game, are encouraged and supported.
It is with great joy that I endorse spamage for Pacific Governor because we need Governors who do their job right!

[ZuWo]

Mideast Budget

The Mideast Assembly is debating a regional budget proposal. Since this is the first budget of our region in the history of Atlasia, I invite all citizens to have a look at the debate thread and make comments if they want to contribute to the process of creating this budget. Since this is our first budget and the entire region will be affected by it, it is very important that the budget has broad support. So, regardless of whether you are a conservative, liberal, libertarian, independent or socialist - have your say. Post directly in the Assembly thread or contact me as your Governor or one of the members of the Assembly.

For those who are interested in the budget - this is the link to the debate thread in the Assembly:

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=156705.0

Have fun (and don't forget to vote in the federal Senate election if you haven't done so yet),

your Governor

ZuWo