DJ Zazzy Yas knew when something was a big deal in Rhydin. Considering an election was only held once a year, that made it a big deal....also because her producers at WHAM! 101.1FM told her it was a big deal. She happily attended the event, but sat way in the back and kept her mouth closed due to the agreement she was forced to sign by station producers. She managed to get a hold of a recording of the public event and play it on air for her audience at selected times throughout the rest of the election.

(OOC: This is edited to only include the three Gubernatorial Candidates and the Host, Dib Jaster Aurene. If there are any mistakes in the formatting, I would be more than happy to correct my errors if you let me know. Thanks!)

WELCOME FROM DIB JASTER AURENE

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 2012 RhyDin Gubernatorial Debate! I am your host, Dib Jaster Aurene, Grand Poobah of Dominion Exports. Thank you for coming. Before we proceed let me tell you a little about how this works. Each of you will present an opening statement before we open up the floor for questions. Once that's done, as we did last year, please speak to one of the assistants that will be walking down the aisles if you would like to ask the candidates a question. Each candidate will get a chance to respond to each question. Candidates, if you would like to respond to another candidate's answer, please press the big shiny red button that looks like candy, located on your podium." "I'd love for all of you lovely people to get your chance to ask a question. Unfortunately my barbarous and uncivilized people, the Aurkindri, turn into pumpkins at the stroke of eleven by the eastern clock, and we wouldn't want to see that. I may have to cut the questions short so we can proceed to the closing statements in a timely manner. For our candidates tonight, we have Kruger Allen at the first podium, incumbent Fionna Helston Al-Amat at the second, and Magenta Horne standing in for Audrey Horne at the third. This debate is between the gubernatorial candidates, so please, only the candidates should supply answers to the questions as they are presented."

INTERSPECIES MARRIAGE

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Now, let's move on to our first question of the evening, a write-in by Harris..." *He clears his throat. Then he stares at the question.* "O-kay..." "What is your current stance on undead interspecies robot marriage" Gross, really gross, or SUPER gross" All of the above?" *He worries his upper lip behind his tusks for a long thoughtful moment.* "...huh. Ms. Al-Amat' If you would go first this time, please."

FioHelston: She was having a hard time keeping her own laughter under control. It danced richly in her voice as she stepped forward again. "Thank you. And let me first thank Harris. I cannot imagine the hours that he puts into the crafting of his annual question and I believe this is perhaps the best to-date. I believe that if any consenting being in this city wishes to many, regardless of species, gender or number, there is no law forbidding it. Every RhyDinian has hte same right in this respect as any other: If you do not like it, do not do it yourself. But do not think to interfere with a fellow citizen's happiness, where no one is being hurt." "And if I may add?"

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Jaster tips his head in reply.* FioHelston: "Harris, wherever you are, if you decide to marry a robot....I want an invitation to the ceremony. I have a feeling the reception will be out of this world!" And with that, she was done.

Dib Jaster Aurene: *The Aurk finally allows himself a cackle.* "Mr. Kruger! Your turn, please!"

Kruger: He folds his hands and leans on his forearms, taking this question seriously. "Marriage by any must be entered into with a commitment. A love that can span not only species but but death itself is something to be in awe of. If the marriage is mutually giving, then why not hold it up for all to see...no need to hide it, love in any form can be beautiful.....but loving many forms, that is Rhydinian!"

Dib Jaster Aurene: *There is another polite bow for the candidate's reply, hands clasped before him. Then he turns his gaze on Magenta.* "Ms. Horne" If you would, please."

Magenta: ::The blonde bites her lip in thought, obviously visualizing the permutations:: Undead interspecies robot marriage" Well, I guess I'd suggest they live together for a few months first just to figure out what fits where? I mean that's always a good idea....::She lowers her voice dramatically:: But remember this, if undead interspecies robot marriage is outlawed, only outlaws will have undead interspecies robot sex!

Dib Jaster Aurene: *He can't help but be grinning throughout this question.* "Thank you, Ms. Horne." *Cough.* "Next question!" *A page is heading towards the stage from across the room, index card in his oustretched hand. Jaster scowls and makes a hurrying motion.* "I'll dock your pay!" *he snarls after the page, whose fleeing reply is,* "I'm a volunteer!"

CRIME REBUTTALS

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Ms. Horne" You have a rebuttal?" *Opening his hand for her to proceed.*

Magenta: I'd like a chance to clarify, in response to Ms. Al Amat's clearly well thought out answer. Audrey has never pretended that the Watch, at least in its current form, is the be all and end all to solving these problems, However, if the Watch is the legally constituted law enforcement agency in RhyDin, and if our current governor believes they are incapable of doing that job, perhaps we can see where some of the blame might lie" Thank you.

FioHelston: She buzzed. Oh, how she buzzed.

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Ping-pong! Jaster's eyes bounce back and forth. He's clearly enjoying this.* "Ms. Al-Amat."

Kruger: He too looks over at Jaster...clearing his throat and waiting to see if he gets a rebuttal.

FioHelston: "I would ask Ms. Horne to not put words in my mouth that I have never said. What I said, to paraphrase, is that the Watch made positive identification of the individuals involved in a reprehensible attack and that the city's efforts to deal with the incident resulted in the withdrawal of the group responsible from conducting any further activity in the city for over nine months. Thank *you*."

Dib Jaster Aurene: *At this point Jaster looks about as pleased as a fox in a hen-house. He bows his head to Fio, and waits a moment to look over the other candidates, just in case.* "Oh!"

Kruger: Jaster gets a nod from. "I'd like to address madame governor"

Magenta: ;:A polite smile and a nod for Fio::

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Ten thousand apologies," *clasping his hands before him and bowing his head to Kruger.* "Proceed, Mr. Allen."

Kruger: He steps once more to the podium. "I think the word organized crime was in the context of the question..something Fiona obviously failed to hear...but I am disturbed that she would rely on off world law enforcement' Shall we import our police" No, the solution is not call for help from our nearest neighbor...it is right here inside all of us." He steps back and gives Jaster another nod.

FioHelston: She buzzed, sighing.

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Jaster is leaning onto a podium of his own - yes, apparently he has one - chin in his hand, fingers curling up the side of his face, looking utterly smitten with the three candidates right now. He pries his fingers away long enough to gesture to Fio.* "Thank you, Mr. Allen. Ms. Al-Amat?"

FioHelston: "Mr. Allen, No one said anything about importing law enforcement. You obviously weren't listening to what I said. I will speak simply for you. Bad guys go bye-bye. Home to their bad place. We tell people there to spank."

ANIMAL ABUSE

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Clearing his throat before he reads.* "Mr. Wystansayr allegedly has it on good authority that....someone in this town engages in punching kittens for sport. Do each of you approve or disapprove of violence against animals?" "Ms. Horne. You have the floor." *He's sighing at this point, massaging his brow.*

Magenta: ::She blinks:: This isn't related to the robot sex question, is it"

Dib Jaster Aurene: "I do not believe so, Ms. Horne."

Magenta: ::And clears her throat:: Animals deserve to be treated like people and thus it depends on the animal's temperament. If a monkey is gnawing off your face, you have to right to defend yourself" For sport, though' I believe that this person should probably find a better hobby, or at least a good shrink. Thank you.

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Okay. Thank you, Ms. Horne. Ms. Al-Amat?"

FioHelston: She cleared her throat. "I join with the majority in personally opposing domesticated shorthair violence. However, if the domesticated shorthair in question is consenting and able to kick it's opponent's backside in the rings?" she shot Kruger a small smile. "Well, it's a free city."

Magenta: :Secretly glad the question hadn't invloved pervert rabbit punching. And Fio's reply earns her a wink::

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Cackle.* "Thank you. And Mr. Allen?" *Nodding to Kruger.* "Your turn, please."

Kruger: Oh he gives that smile right back to Fiona. "I remember the duel well, thank you for reminding me Cor. If the cat steps in to duel, then what shall you do feed it fish' Isn't that kind of an insult to the prowess of the cat' take a look at how many felines have done well in the duels. Of course the Kitten in question does belong to an emerald and former opal in the dueling venue..I am thinking it picked up a few pointer or two." Gives a point to Rachael and fixes her with that flashgrin before stepping back.

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Right. Thank you, Mr. Allen."

SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Moving on to the next question." "This one is from Alyssa Deya." *He clears his throat.* "Do you have any plans on furthering education in Rhy'din, such as funding for more schools or libraries?" *A nod to Kruger.* "Mr. Allen, you have the floor."

Kruger: Leans into the podium. "The education of the young is something that readily needs to be addressed. An assessment of our current standard should be employed, we can't fix the plumbing until we find out where the leak is. If a well has gone dry, do you stand around and wait for rain or dig a new one" I pose that if the well of knowledge is found lacking then it is up to the community and it's leaders to dig a new well, newer books, stiffer restrictions on teachers, and plans that will address every education level and ability."

FioHelston: Her eyes ticked around the place while they waited, pausing on a strawberry-blonde head and curling a smile.

Kruger: He stepped away looking to Jaster once again

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Bam! Kick it up a notch, Ms. Helston Al-Amat." *Don't ask him why he's behaving like this all of a sudden. Could be he's beginning to transform into a pumpkin.*

FioHelston: "To translate Mr. Kruger's response for everyone: He doesn't know." "He says that *IF* an assessment is done and standards are found lacking, *THEN* something should be done." "I spent the early part of last year seeking a school for my daughter, since I was stepping into this office and since her studies had progressed to the point where I would be unable to continue her education sufficiently at home." "We visited any number of institutions in RhyDin City and Stars End, and I was pleasantly surprised at the number and quality of options available." "I also serve, outside of my role as Governor, as a volunteer and advisor at two of the city's orphanages. Again, even there, the lack of opportunities for both education and apprenticeship programs was not lacking." "I would also remind the other candidates that there is currently no taxation in RhyDin. The funding for these institutions comes from a number of sources - private companies, philanthropists, neighborhoods banding together. In the event it is brought to the council's attention that something is lacking, we would work together to find an appropriate solution drawing on the resources currently in place. But it would not be the City - as in the government - funding this." And that was her answer.

Dib Jaster Aurene: *To indicate that it is now Magenta Horne's turn, Jaster turns and points at her. Both hands, Fonzie-style. 'Eyyy.* *It should be noted that Jaster's red hair is beginning to turn green at the tips, and his face is ever so slowly, increasingly blushing orange.*

Magenta: ::The blonde twists a strand of hair in thought:: We've talked about this a lot, what with Suzie's future to think about. We think training classes should be put into place to help those who want to learn a trade, perhaps pair them up with professionals of the same ilk. There are already a great many schools in Rhy'Din, such as the Institute of Arcane Principal. The spark for an education has to be struck at home, but without libraries and institutes of learning, too many of those sparks....will die out for lack of fuel. RhyDin is full of entrepreneurs, and where there is a need there is a market. Education is no different, but a society that won't invest in its children will not be remembered by them kindly. Thank you.

FioHelston: Noting Jaster's condition, Fionna glanced past him into the wing offstage to see if the spacey receptionist he was dating was anywhere nearby.

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Thank you, Ms. Horne."

CLOSING STATEMENTS

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Thank you very much, that's all the time we have for that question....Now we must move on to the closing statements." "Due to time constraints I must disallow rebuttals to these statements. This is the candidates' last opportunity to present their platform in this forum. Ms. Horne" You have the floor."

Magenta: I want to thank the other candidates for tolerating me in Audrey's absence. I came here because I believe in my wife and in her campaign, and wanted to take whatever opportunity there might be to help people understand that she sees RhyDin with fresh eyes, that she brings both youthful energy and a fierce determination to everything she does. She is a businesswoman, and understands that taxes are an answer on occasion, but never THE answer....::a nod to Shy in the audience:: she will work harder than anyone to make our home a better place for our daughter, Susanna Quentin Horne, to grow up in. Thank you all for your patience and courtesy. ::Steps back from the podium almost demurely

Dib Jaster Aurene: *At this point there is a 'poof' sound, a big cloud of smoke, and a pumpkin is left rocking gently on the floor before it stills where the Aurk had been only moments before. A woman named Daisy steps out from backstage, scoops the pumpkin up into a wooden box, casts a nervous smile around and timidly approaches Jaster's podium.* FioHelston: Oh, dear. *Daisy*.

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Ms. Notsleh-tamal....oops, sorry..." *She clears her throat.* "Ms. Helston Al-Amat, you have the floor."

FioHelston: "Thank you, Ysiad," she answered carefully, twisting her mouth around the backwards syllables. "I am very proud of what we've done over the past 13 months. The city came together in the face of a devastating medical crisis. We've established a public calendar recognizing no fewer than thirteen official RhyDinian holidays that represent the diverse spectrum of our citizens. The institution of the advisory council has proven to be very effective, giving a voice to people throughout the city, while the governor's service medal program has recognized heroes and encouraged community efforts of every sort. The city successfully passed its first year working towards FLA compliance very successfully. We established a small business relief fund, built a network of private citizens willing to fund small business start-ups, and refurbished the Welcome Center network throughout the city. I could go on and on. We have done this without leveraging taxes. They are unnecessary and if anyone wishes information about financial funding of city works, I will be happy to stay and speak to that afterwards. I will close by saying that while the past year was wonderful, the coming year will be phenomenal. I have some exciting things planned and people continue to work hard behind the scenes - as do I - for you."

Magenta: ::If she is shocked by the pumpkin transformation, it is lost in her relief at the debate being over for her, she finishes the hated water and sighs as she listens to Fio and Kruger's summing up::

Dib Jaster Aurene: *Daisy gives the pumpkin a few affectionate pets and a whispered coo before quietly shutting the lid on the wooden box.*

FioHelston: "And one more thing - I wish both of my candidates the best of luck. Thank you for listening to us tonight."

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Thank you, An'noif," *with a smile, since the woman had offered Daisy's name in the proper, traditional way.* "Mr. Allen?" *she manages it this time, dipping her head to Kruger.* "Your closing statement, please."

Magenta: ::Smoothes her tee and buttons the suit coat, feeling formal now that the trial is almost over::

Kruger: "I'd like to thank both Fionna, and Mrs Horne for coming out tonight, you both had some fair points to offer. Now I don't necessarily agree with all of them. It's true, I haven't had need to look into the schooling in Rhydin, but if my significant other were to become pregnant, I would star looking early, though I agree that Audrey's point through her, mediator?. It is true that the governor has intstituted many wonderful plans, but just as true that there is more to be done." A sigh. "However I have to be adamant against her policy...of letting others handle city issues." He just shakes his head. "Like I say don't vote for me if you are satisfied."

FioHelston: "Oh, good grief," she muttered, turning away from the microphone so it wouldn't be picked up.

Dib Jaster Aurene: "Alright! Well, thank you!" *She smiles prettily, bows her head to the candidates, and blinks owlishly out at the audience for a long moment. Hm.* "...Good-night!"