On page ten of the RhyDin Post, November the seventeenth, is a published reference copy of the VanDuran-Simon interview transcript.

Fenner: Thanks for meeting with me today, Minister. As you well know, it has been six months since the inauguration and the institution of the Council of Ministers. What I would like to know is, do you think your office has made much of a difference this gubernatorial term"

VanDuran-Simon: I think my office has done its main job " mainly, being here for the people if they've got questions, need assistance or need to be informed. That's the very reason we're talking now. Those citizens who look to the Governor's office for leadership want to know what?s happening with said leadership and they've got every right to be heard and to be given whatever answers are available.

Fenner: Inform us, then. What are your thoughts on the Governor's absence" Do you have any knowledge as to his whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance" When was the last time you saw him"

VanDuran-Simon: I believe in giving the truth straight, even if it's unfortunate. The truth is, to the best of my knowledge, we don't know where Governor Driscol is. And while that does pose a host of problems, as anyone from RhyDin will tell you, it's not unheard of for people here to disappear for a period of time only to later turn up just as suddenly. It's my hope that wherever he is, the Governor is safe and in good health. We are doing what we can to track him down and I do believe there will be a legitimate explanation to what could pull him from office without informing the public. Whatever opinion you have about the Governor one thing I've seen firsthand from him is that he cares greatly for the people and this city. Until someone proves it otherwise, I remain optimistic that we'll see him soon.

Fenner: What does the Ministry plan to do about the vacant gubernatorial office" And, more specifically, do you believe that the Ministry of Cultural Diversity loses any of its power, influence, or necessity now that the Governor is gone"

VanDuran-Simon: It's a tricky dilemma and one we're still working on. As far as my office, I've never looked at it so much as something that wields a power that requires constant vigilance to stay dominant. I'm a public servant, and for this position, a social one at that. A majority of my job is talking to and listening to the people as much as they'll have me. I'd be doing that with or without a desk in City Hall. I'm merely in a better position to make sure those opinions make it to the ears of the Governor and my fellow Ministers. While it's true that none of the people will be happy all of the time with what our administration chooses it's still our responsibility to take all the voices of the people into consideration. So no, regardless of what happens now my only concern is that I continue to be available for those who want my office's help and that the people have a chance to be heard.

Fenner: How do you feel about the demand by citizens to hold a mid-term election to fill the gubernatorial office" What about the promotion of a Minister"

VanDuran-Simon: While I do understand that approach my current thought is that it'll cause more confusion than clarity at this point. It takes time to organize an election campaign. By the time we worked out the logistics, candidates made themselves known, and we could have a proper election we'll be coming up against next term's elections. And in all that time there'll be so much unknown about how any of us should proceed that I can imagine many issues needing attending to falling through the cracks. As I mentioned as well, I'm still very optimistic Driscol will return soon enough to reclaim his position. I'm of the opinion at this point in time it'd be better to appoint an acting Governor by unanimous decision of the Ministry to serve in that position until such time as Driscol returns or a new Governor is elected for the next term.

Fenner: Theoretically, if the latter were agreed upon, who would you suggest as a likely candidate to take the reins"

VanDuran-Simon: If it were to be a Minister, I could perhaps see it being Wolvinator. Defense is always a major issue for our city and one that requires probably the closest working relationship with the Governor. I've seen, not only as a Minister this term but under my husband's own administration, how vital that area is to the welfare of the city. But I'm open to other ideas.

Fenner: Let's focus on you a little bit, if you don't mind. The last time we met, you and I spoke extensively about your plans for a Tourist Center. Have those plans come to fruition' If so, would you tell me a little bit about how that is working out"

VanDuran-Simon: The Tourist and Information Center, aye. I'll be honest with you, when we spoke last about it I was reaching for the stars without paying enough mind to the ladder. I found out soon enough that it was better to make sure we had a foundation of bedrock and to grow from there. There's been quite a bit of trial and error to learn from, with one of the bigger challenges being training a staff to ensure they're capable and equipped to deal with any person or creature of any race that comes in looking for information. That's a lot harder than it sounds as I've learned it's a special type of person who can work there and be helpful, gracious and welcoming no matter the race of the being in front of them. So it's taking longer to refine our system of working but everyday we're learning, we're getting" the word out and guiding people in the direction they want to be going in. We're being thorough so we can build something tha'll last as long as it's providing a useful service to the people.

Fenner: What have you been occupying your time with this term specifically"

VanDuran-Simon: The Center has taken up a good deal of time, but all things built to last do that. But above all else, I've seen it as my job to dedicate my time in office to simply being with the people on a daily basis to hear their concerns and to partake in their joys when invited in to help with events.

Fenner: While I may bring this up often, Mrs. VanDuran-Simon, I feel the need to ask. Your colleague, former Minister of Justice Riley O'Rourke, abandoned her position when she felt RhyDin wasn't in need of her services, and she claimed - and I quote - that trying to get through to RhyDinians was like "beating head against a brick wall." Now that you have had adequate time to experience the duties of your office, do you agree" Do you feel that your position is necessary"

VanDuran-Simon: I think Ms. O"Rourke was in a much more difficult position than I am in my office. We're a city filled with strong, brave citizens who are willing to stand up for themselves. When it comes to enforcing a concept of law, or even government for that matter, as we've all seen it's not clear, cut and dry. There are always going to be people who want some formal body they can turn to and can expect to look out for them and there are always going to be those who'd rather be left to handle any problems on their own. It's a fine line to walk between helping us all to co-exist peacefully and intruding on people's privacy. I understand that and I respect it. As long as there's a group of citizens wanting a government to guide them then we're going to be here to try and give them that reassurance and care while trying not to step all over those who'd have nothing to do with a formal body. My office involves shuttling back and forth between the government and the people as well as being, to put it in a nutshell, sociable. I've got a lot more width on the line that I'm walking in that regard than anyone trying to define what constitutes justice in this city so I'm fortunate to run up against fewer walls that can't be broken.

Fenner: Do you plan to pursue politics next term, now that you have had a taste of what a position of authority is"

VanDuran-Simon: As I've said in many ways what I'm doing is more a civil service of being social than being political. I'd hope to keep helping the Tourist and Information Center continue to grow and improve beyond this term. Anything beyond that would be because the people, whether directly or through their choice of Governor next term, want to call on me again.

Fenner: I'm going to have to play the devil's advocate for a minute here, Minister, based on your comment. While it is not entirely relevant, I wonder if you would oblige me: In your opinion, do you believe that your husband would have had more success than Governor Driscol, had he won this term' Do you believe he should have"

VanDuran-Simon: You know Governor Driscol has my current support but Matt, he's got my heart. I wouldn't have married him if I didn't think he was the best. It's no secret I voted for him and I will always vote for him. I appreciate that Governor Driscol has kept the RASG in tact with Matt still involved. Pause. I do think comparing one Governor's term to another's is a bit like comparing apples and oranges though. Success is always going to be a subjective measurement depending on who you ask and the unique circumstances each Governor is faced with in his or her term. There's no way for any of us to know who would've done what. I know what kind of a wonderful leader my husband was, is, and will continue to be wherever he goes — the man can't take up a hobby involving other people without someone looking to him to take the reins — but that doesn't mean he's the only one who's capable of being a leader, if you catch my drift.

Fenner: Do you have any words that you would like to impart unto the citizens" Reassurances perhaps"

VanDuran-Simon: We are RhyDin. We will always adapt, survive and be stronger for any challenges thrown at us. I believe the Governor will return but whatever happens we'll figure it out together, the way we always do.

End transcript. This transcript has been edited to exclude intonations and slang for easier comprehension.