Office of Game Moderator - Part Deux - PLEASE READ THINGS

[Adam Griffin]

Office of GM Adam Griffin

   

Welcome to the office of Game Moderator of Atlasia, a wonderful adobe where game mechanics, dynamics and mathematics are the law of the land! It is here that any requests for information in regards to budgetary issues, unemployment figures, economic growth, commodity prices and more should be placed.

For the time being, I have decided to combine all aspects of the GM role into this one thread (mainly to get rid of one more sticky topic at the top of the forum). If time and experience dictate otherwise, then a second thread will be started. Below, you will find several main posts that outline key metrics of the game, such as those mentioned in the above paragraph.

Regional and national employment figures will be disseminated on the first Friday of each month, giving all citizens and officeholders the information they need to determine what effects policy and external events are having on the game's employment and broader economic health.

View Most Recent Unemployment Report Figures Here

Many unique facts and figures exist in Atlasia, waiting to be unearthed and given the spotlight. The Grab Bag Report will consist of analysis on random subjects, providing a level of coverage and asking the age-old question: “did you know?”. This report will be released on the second Friday of each month.

Facts and figures relating to the financial sector and associated elements will be released on the third Friday of each month. These releases will include, but are not limited to, ANSE and NASDAQ indices, commodity prices, GNP and CPI figures.

Known in another life as GriffGraph, the GM's Political Report will be released on the fourth Friday of each month in order to give Atlasians ample information on the political breakdowns of their elected leaders. This release will also include highlights of major legislation passed by regions and the federal government for the preceding month.

View Most Recent Political Report Here

[Adam Griffin]

February 2014

IDS - 8.60%
Mideast - 6.20%
Midwest - 6.90%
Northeast - 6.30%
Pacific - 15.40%

National - 9.70%

[Adam Griffin]

[Adam Griffin]

[Adam Griffin]

[Adam Griffin]

RESERVED

[Adam Griffin]

On behalf of the IDS, could you do a cost analysis of the Clean Power Act? The current form of the bill is located here:
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3640119#msg3640119

Once you guys have settled upon the power output of each reactor, I'll be happy to provide an estimate.

[Adam Griffin]

On behalf of the IDS, could you do a cost analysis of the Clean Power Act? The current form of the bill is located here:
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3640119#msg3640119

Once you guys have settled upon the power output of each reactor, I'll be happy to provide an estimate.

Since we discussed this via PM briefly, the cost analysis for the project is as follows:

IDS Clean Power Act - (11) 1200-MW water-pressurized reactors

Construction Costs: $24.948 billion
5-Year Operational Costs*: $11.562 billion

Total 5-Year Cost: $36.512 billion

*(Fuel, Maintenance, Staff, Decommissioning; $0.02/kWh)

[Adam Griffin]

will you archive past reports?

I'm still debating on the particular format. For now, the most recent update for each set of data will be displayed in the placeholders above, while each new report will be posted additionally as a reply in this thread. That'll leave a paper trail which can be indexed as needed. Adding the information to the Wiki is another possibility, as is displaying a graphic in each placeholder that shows the past metrics.

re: the headlines: what awesome font is that?

Eve Alpha!

[Adam Griffin]

Since three separate regions are now mulling over budget matters at this point, I felt it necessary to disseminate the following information ahead of schedule so that each region has some idea of the leeway in regard to balancing expenditures and revenues.

Current as of 3/20/2013

National GNP & Growth Stats:

GNP: $15.06 trillion
GNP 6-Month Growth: 0.98%

2013 Projected Federal Revenue: $3.01 trillion
2013 Projected Federal Revenue As % of GDP: 19.98%

CPI (1 month) +0.22%
CPI (Last 12 months) +4.04%

Gold: $1986.45/oz
Crude Oil: $93.57/barrel

ANSE: 871.37
NASDAQ: 2298.56



*ME, MW & PAC budgets not completed for 2013; ME Regional Revenue & Revenue as % of GDP based off of 2012 budget

     

[Adam Griffin]

Due to the 5-Friday month messing up the election scheduling when compared to the scheduling I have for releasing the Political Report, it will be delayed until Monday, March 25th.

[Adam Griffin]

The first set of images show plurality/majority party affiliation by region:





The Federalists' registration advantage in the Mideast has been nicked away at over the past month, due to a combination of new citizens and defections from the party/region. In the Midwest, Labor's advantage on the roles has likewise been reduced as the region has implemented an elected legislative branch, allowing for more competition and a revived interest in relocating to the region. The IDS as a whole remains unchanged in registration counts when compared to one month ago, while the Liberal Party has made modest gains in voter registration in both the Northeast and Pacific.

The second set of images compare an aggregate of voter registration, executive, legislative and judicial control to effectively determine which parties have the most power:





Three regions - the Northeast, IDS & Midwest - had regional elections this month, with some modest changes in the balance of power.

In the Northeast, former NE Rep. Bore (LAB) was ultimately replaced by Rep. Sirnick (LIB) in the Northeast Special Election early this month. Unfortunately, Rep. Spenstar succumbed to inactivity, leading to Governor Scott (LIB) appointing Kalwejt (LIB) to fill the vacancy until a special election can be held in a few days. This also created a vacuum for Rep. Snowball (LAB) to become Speaker & Lieutenant Governor.

In the Mideast, the Federalist Party has seen a rapid decrease in its formal power on par with a similar trend that was observed over the late summer among the conservative establishment. The People's Party has nearly as much influence in regional affairs now as the Federalists, while Clinton1996 (LIB) gained the newly-created Lieutenant Governor's seat. While a recent reformation of the voting system in the region to PR-STV was believed to give the Federalist Party a solid advantage in maintaining a majority in the Mideast Assembly, it appears that the Assembly is evenly split after the most recent election, with Gass (LAB), Talleyrand (TPP), LumineVonReuental (IND), ZuWo (FED) & Inks (FED).

In the IDS, a very close election has resulted in Vice-President Duke's seat (TPP) being won by Hashemite (NMM). This is a first in modern history for the region, as leftist causes now control a majority in the IDS Legislature. Incumbents Dereich (FED) & Zanas (LAB) also won re-election this month. While this may spell a turn for legislative affairs in the region, the formal power indicators remain completely deadlocked when compared to last month.

In the Pacific, a nomination & confirmation of Idaho Blue Dog Dem (IND) to the long-vacant judicial seat appears imminent. This appointment gives independents a much stronger voice in the Pacific and led to them being the number three power-broker in Pacific affairs as of now.

Finally, the Midwest saw its elected legislature take office in March. Unsurprisingly, leftist candidates dominate the region's affairs, with the election of Representants ilikeverin (RON), Sewer (LAB) & Thomas D (LIB).

Finally, an image depicting the swing in each region – based on the Balance of Power maps above:

[Adam Griffin]

Obviously, the Political Report issued yesterday will need to be revised. I'll have an updated version posted in the coming days - hopefully after all the dust settles.

[Adam Griffin]

There'll be no revolution in this office, I'm afraid. Scoot!

[Adam Griffin]

President Marokai proposes overhaul of economic and market relations between Atlasia, Canada; Prime Minister Harper issues response

March 28, 2013
Ottawa, CA

The political spheres were set on fire with much discussion today, as Atlasian President Marokai Blue announced a comprehensive proposal that would seek to eliminate existing economic barriers between his country and Canada.

Dubbed the Atlasian-Canadian Common Market, the implications of this proposal are vast and will no doubt cause speculation on the future of the two countries' relations. Among the details released, proposals include common and unified customs agreements, freedom for citizens to freely traverse between Atlasia and Canada, reductions in the trade barriers between the two countries and a more efficient atmosphere for the movement and production of goods traditionally marketed for export.

One of the proposals gaining the most attention is the idea of allowing Atlasian citizens living in Canada to be fully counted and represented in regional and national elections within Atlasia.

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement this afternoon regarding the proposal, saying “The people of Canada understand and truly appreciate the existing economic bonds with Atlasia, and both countries are better off as a result of it. The administration is carefully reviewing and considering all proposals laid forth by President Marokai Blue, and will issue a formal opinion on the matter later today”.

At a press conference outside of 24 Sussex Drive today, the Prime Minister stated, “I have always been a proponent of free and unhindered trade, and there are certainly many ideas within the proposal of an Atlasian-Canadian Common Market that have true merit”.

He went on to address the need for more uniform customs and travel regulations. “There has been a double-standard for far too long; Atlasians have unfettered and non-intrusive access to the country of Canada but Canadians unfortunately face some of the most stringent border protocols of any country when entering Atlasia. To have a resolution on this matter that draws on commonality is vital (for trade)”.

Harper's tone suggested that he was open to further discussions on key elements of the proposal, perhaps allowing for more rational dialog among constituents in both countries.

However, some MPs broke ranks with the Prime Minister, believing that any sort of agreement would render Canada as a second-tier party in a union dominated by Atlasian influence. The key point of contention for many came from the proposal of legitimizing Atlasian citizens in Canada's right to participate in both regional and federal elections.

“How long will it be before Atlasians will be permitted to vote in our ridings? When will Canadian votes be cast in Atlasia as legitimate? This is a slippery slope toward complete loss of our autonomy as a people”, Scott Reid (Conservative-Lanark) was quoted as saying. Other members of the NDP & PQ also expressed disagreement with the freedom of movement concept.

Still, there seems to be initial support from members of all major Canadian parties to give any potential dialogue an opportunity. It is virtually assured that both the President and Prime Minister will need political cover in order to discuss the aforementioned affairs.

[Adam Griffin]

Harper sticking his neck out; finding his foes are his friends

March 31, 2013
Ottawa, CA

Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears ready to cement his legacy as an economic reformer with the Atlasian-Canadian Common Market – but what does everyone else think about such a change?

Surprise, surprise: it's a mixed bag.

At another press conference on March 31, Prime Minister Harper made clear that the initial proposals outlined will undergo “serious consideration” by his administration. “We have the chance to enact permanent free trade solutions across the vast majority of North America. One in three Canadian jobs is reliant on export, and we owe it to our citizens to increase the economic bonds between our largest trading partners”, Harper proclaimed.

Large majorities of NDP & Liberal Mps have come around the broader idea of economic cooperation in recent days, while Harper's Conservative Party remains heavily divided on the issue. Many Conservatives view the potential common market as a way to guarantee free trade and freedom of movement, while others believe a silent coup d'etat will occur if Canada is no longer completely autonomous in its economic decision-making.

Even stranger, several BQ MPs and Quebecois separatists have announced their tentative support for this idea – given that certain guarantees are met, with one being that Quebec is assured “cultural and economic security”. It has been suggested that many Quebecois would welcome certain measures as a way to further reduce the Canadian government's influence in Quebec's affairs.

Further details outlining a specific Atlasian proposal are expected in the coming days from the Marokai Blue Administration, which will most likely cause a new flurry of discussion among MPs and citizens alike.

While it appears in broader discussion, there could be significant support for such a measure, Prime Minister Harper must choose between cementing his economic legacy, or confronting the primary obstacle standing in his path: his own party.

[Adam Griffin]

At the request of a member of our legislature, would you redo the cost estimate for our nuclear bill? The number of nuclear plants has been reduced to 5.

IDS Clean Power Act - (5) 1200-MW water-pressurized reactors

Construction Costs: $11.941 billion
5-Year Operational Costs*: $4.209 billion

Total 5-Year Cost: $16.150 billion

*(Fuel, Maintenance, Staff, Decommissioning; $0.02/kWh)

[Adam Griffin]

Current as of 4/7/13

[Adam Griffin]

Why did unemployment in the Mideast rise?

The single biggest contributor was brinkmanship politics regarding the budget amendment process - instability over budget issues always leads to a crisis of confidence in those who are or would be hiring. Similarly, the lack of a budget in the Pacific has kept many businesses and investors from making any large investments as of late.

[Adam Griffin]

Current as of 4/7/13

Wow, the IDS is a success story and a half. Funny it's the region with the most Federalists.

Population growth in regions is also now taken into account when calculating unemployment, and the IDS has been steadily growing for the past 9 months or so. If a region grows too fast or too slow, however, that has a negative impact on employment. The IDS also is on par with the NE in being consistently proactive in determining budgets, which as mentioned above, also has positive connotations. 

[Adam Griffin]

Pleased to see fourteen months of center-left governance has kept the Northeast economy prosperous and its tri-annual budget balanced.

To be fair, though, the drop in unemployment would probably be more substantial if the effective regional tax rate wasn't higher than that of the federal government. That certainly - at least in regards to unemployment numbers - has kept the NE in a holding pattern (although that pattern is markedly better than the national average).

[Adam Griffin]

Pleased to see fourteen months of center-left governance has kept the Northeast economy prosperous and its tri-annual budget balanced.

To be fair, though, the drop in unemployment would probably be more substantial if the effective regional tax rate wasn't higher than that of the federal government. That certainly - at least in regards to unemployment numbers - has kept the NE in a holding pattern (although that pattern is markedly better than the national average).

Hm.  If I showed you a plan to reduce regional taxes, would it be any trouble for you to tell me how it would affect our surplus?

This is what I'm here for.

[Adam Griffin]

Just reporting that I've received all requests and will be reviewing them shortly.

[Adam Griffin]

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Is is too soon to have a first idea on whether disabled people are being a bit more hired down South after the Incentive we annexed to our budget in that prospect ? I guess it may be a little too soon but maybe a rough idea ?

We'll need to wait a bit to observe the effects. Come see me in June.

Could you run the numbers on projected revenues generated from and the expense of running a 10-cent (containers 24 fl oz or less) and 15-cent (larger) container deposit program covering beer/malt/ale/soft drinks/water (including flavored, mineral, and soda)/wine/coffee/tea/juice, but not dairy products, covering glass, plastic, or metal containers smaller than 4 liters?

I assumed initially you meant regional, but then I thought maybe no?

[Adam Griffin]

Could you run the numbers on projected revenues generated from and the expense of running a 10-cent (containers 24 fl oz or less) and 15-cent (larger) container deposit program covering beer/malt/ale/soft drinks/water (including flavored, mineral, and soda)/wine/coffee/tea/juice, but not dairy products, covering glass, plastic, or metal containers smaller than 4 liters?

I assumed initially you meant regional, but then I thought maybe no?

I'm not planning a Senate/Presidential run It's regional.

2013 ESTIMATED REVENUE: $6.142 B
2013 ESTIMATED COST: $2.925 B

2013 NET REVENUE: $3.217 B

Net revenues would substantially drop assuming this program is successful over a period of 5-10 years; it is estimated that within the first year of the program, 48% of qualifying containers would be recycled.