NE1: Capital Relocation Amendment [Tabled]

[Simfan34]

AN AMENDMENT

To move the location of the Northeastern capital.

Be it enacted by 2/3 of the Assembly of the Northeast Region assembled.

SECTION 1. TITLE

This act may be cited as the 'Capital Relocation Amendment.’

SECTION 2. AMENDMENT

Article I, paragraph II of the Northeast Constitution is hereby amended to read:

The administrative center for the government of the Northeast Region established in this Constitution shall be [currently existing city].

SECTION 3. EFFECTIVENESS

This amendment shall go into effect upon the finalization of the capital city as designated by the appropriate legislation.

Sponsor: Sen. Scott
Debate time: 72 hours
Debate ends: 3pm, Sunday 22 July

[Simfan34]

I would only support the construction of an entirely new capital. New Haven, Buffalo, or any other city does deserve to be burdened with the task of capital, especially long-suffering cities like these. Especially with the surely half-baked construction that shall follow and sure-to-fail modern urban renewal strategies, all that shall occur is the destruction of the preexisting urban fabric. Greenfield construction is the only option.

[Simfan34]

I would only support the construction of an entirely new capital. New Haven, Buffalo, or any other city does deserve to be burdened with the task of capital, especially long-suffering cities like these. Especially with the surely half-baked construction that shall follow and sure-to-fail modern urban renewal strategies, all that shall occur is the destruction of the preexisting urban fabric. Greenfield construction is the only option.

I also supported the construction of a new city for the capital, but that didn't get through the Assembly last time.  We have to compromise.

This attitude is emblematic of a major problem facing our society, which is a fear of commitment. Rep. Winfield and Mr. Cincinattus fears what might happen if we stop running surpluses. We issue bonds, and so what if we run a bit over budget? We need something done, and we are going to get it done. There is a predilection for half-baked patch ups and repairs as opposed to comprehensive replacements and solutions. This extends beyond mere infranstructuture (but it certainly is what turned ours into the embarrassingly backwards systems they are today), into our business and personal lives.

Shall we go to another city in this region, undoubtedly based upon outdated and autosarcogaphic suburban and "urban renewal" models of planning. Shall we jam that unfortunate locale's highways or cul de sacs? Or shall we invest in a city designed for the project of governance, meant for official business? One that will show others the way forward in urban planning? I say we should, and escape this debilitating epidemic of small-mindedness, as I said before.

Compromises lead to disappointments that please no-one.

[Simfan34]

If we put it in New Haven it will have to be neo-gothic. In retrospect Rep. Winfield's proposal sounds good.

[Simfan34]

I propose an amendment:

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[Simfan34]

You can declare it friendly.

[Simfan34]

Very good.

[Simfan34]

I'd rather New Haven, it is more central.

Debate extended 48 hours.

[Simfan34]

I fail to be. As a compromise, let us select Walden, NY as our capital.

[Simfan34]

It is in a good location centered between the centers of Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Middletown, NY.

[Simfan34]

Demolishing Walden is not an issue right now. The capital need not be Walden per se, simply in that triangle of Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Middletown, NY. Putting it in a dense urban center like New Haven, as you said Governor, would have adverse effects... but it would in Buffalo, or any other city. Putting it an area near cities would minimize those while the enforcement of New Urbanist development principles will take care of the rest.

[Simfan34]

The remainder should be left to the private sector, though I think suitable housing for the employees should be assured if requested.

[Simfan34]

You keep on making reference to our high speed rail network, which if it could reasonably connect Buffalo to the rest of the region could connect Walden or one of the nearby cities to it.

Stewart International Airport is already very close. In any case, almost all of those concerns would apply to a new sector in another city s well. Hospital, internet, again, the private sector.

[Simfan34]

I am extending debate by another 24 hours.

[Simfan34]

I intended to say 48. Members of the Assembly, which location do you prefer?

[Simfan34]

We have reached an impasse, I fear. (No, I'm not jumping to conclusions) We might have to send this to the People.

[Simfan34]

I urge Sen. Scott to table the bill.

[Simfan34]

No, but the lack of consensus on where to place the capital makes any vote on this bill at present doomed to failure.

[Simfan34]

What harm has occured in Washington State? I do want a final proposal reached, perhaps more than you do, but I do not want to waste the Assembly's time in proposing legislation bound to fail. I can assure you I will to my best to keep the capital debate at the forefront of the Assembly's concerns.