A letter was drafted up, and sent to the Oracle to be published. This letter is in response to the "Open Query to Candidates" that was published in the most recent edition of the Oracle.

"Dear Miss Sarai,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your recent query published in this month's edition of the Oracle. I understand that your questions and concerns are very important to you, and I want you to know that I hold them in the same regard. The issues of the people are, of course, my issues as well. As I run for the position of Governor, I take such matters quite seriously. As I intend to work with and for the people, the agenda of the spoken majority is always a primary concern, although I will always hold the issues of the minority in the same high esteem. Part of being a representative of the people is being open to a dialogue about all issues, from those affecting each and every one of us, to those affecting a select few.

After all, in a city like Rhy'Din, understanding that each being is a unique individual with their own concerns is quite possibly the greatest bit of wisdom one can hold.

1. What do you feel is the most important issue we are facing right now and how do you intend to deal with it"

The most important issue is the current crime level in the city. This is not only a personal concern, but also the concern of many citizens that I have spoken with during and even before the campaign process. To counter this issue, I plan on increasing the amount of city-guardsmen on patrol and making those patrols much more frequent. I am also looking to increase the level of community involvement in the security of the city. There are a myriad of individuals in Rhy"Din with exemplary gifts, whether it be magic, extraordinary powers, or other unique skills and abilities that can compliment the already stalwart efforts of the Watch. I wish to continue my efforts to reach out to these people, and offer them the opportunity to step up and help make their city a better place.

2. How do you intend to deal with the most recent wave crimes in RhyDin, both those committed by the slavers/crime lords and those committed against them"

I believe my response to your first question would mostly answer this question as well. I am fully behind a diplomatic resolution in situations such as these, and I support our judicial system to grant fair trials to those that commit criminal acts.

Of course, in an emergency situation, I fully support the Watch's responsibility to react to the immediate threat, which often times means subduing any suspected criminals and troublemakers in order to bring them to justice. The level of force should obviously always be directly proportional to the nature of the threat, and any kind of physical violence would be considered a last resort, but one that should not be discounted entirely.

3. What are the most important characteristics you feel are needed in our next Governor and how do you feel you embody them"

Our next Governor must be compassionate, and must be willing to work for the people. The position of Governor is that of an elected official, elected by the people and for the people; and that means that it is the responsibility of that individual to work for the citizens and not against them. Governors are the figureheads of the public majority, the person that is supposed to be the one voice that represents what the citizens want.

The Governor is not, as some have suggested, the Supreme Commander of the Watch. When a Governor has direct authority over a police force, that's a slippery slope towards military rule. The Commander of the Watch has full authority over the day-to-day operations of the Watch itself. The Governor merely implements policy, arranging the budget to match their needs, and helping to enact the laws that keep us all safe.

This is a city, not a country. There is no Commander-In-Chief acting as de facto leader of the military. The Governor is a representative of the people, and while military experience allows a Governor to make informed decisions about the policies of the Watch, that does not make his role a militaristic one, nor should it.

For most of my life, I've stood shoulder to shoulder with men and women that were fighting for prosperity, peace and safety. Working in the trenches, getting dirty, and not being afraid to lose face in times of adversity have forged the kinds of qualities that I feel would greatly assist me in performing my duties as the next Governor.

That, I feel, combined with a rational outlook concerning the role and duty of the Governor, sets me apart from the other candidates, nearly all of whom are stressing not just an increase in the Watch's power, but are already claiming they should have the right to be Supreme Commander of that power.

If elected, my goal will not be to lead the Watch. It will be to strengthen it as a tool for the people. It is a policing force, not a private army.

Why should I vote for you?

I believe it's imperative to simply vote above anything else. Officials cannot be elected without a turnout from the people. So before I tell you to "vote for me?, it's more important to just vote. So please do.

As your next Governor, I will work towards solving the problems that plague the people by understanding the things that affect us all. My only political agenda is what the people have been asking for. The crime level, slavery, pollution, health care; all of these issues need to be addressed accordingly. I know that I will be able to work with other elected officials and government bodies to greatly improve our society.

I'm not looking to lead a great power. I'm not looking to form armies or gather power. I'm looking to help make the city stronger. I'm looking to bolster the economy without imposing what essentially amounts to an embargo on foreign goods. I'm looking to make a great city that's seen some hard times get through them and come out the other side. I'm looking forward: not for me, but for all of us.

Again, thank you for your time and your concerns I hope that I addressed these in a timely and informative matter. I implore anyone that has any questions at all to please come forth and present your questions, and you can reply to my Campaign address. Election time is closely approaching and the choice for leader rests solely in your hands. I look forward to seeing everyone at the polls on Election Day.

Thank you,

Wolvinator" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/FaMzNeSS/Wolvinator/WolvinatorCampaignSig.jpg

((OOC: You can leave a "letter" in this thread if you'd like to ask more questions))

His reply to Xania Saria's Oracle inquiry distributes both in print and on-air

What do you feel is the most important issue we are facing right now and how do you intend to deal with it"

I agree with several of the other candidates that crime, and the role of the City Guard in preventing it, is an issue of great importance but I do not believe it is the most poignant one. As I stated in my interview with Ms. Nozee, I believe the inequality within our borders is of paramount import and I'm fully convinced the two issues are inexorably linked together. Of course, some people commit crimes just to commit them, and I believe the Marketplace attack was a crime of that nature. However, countless other crimes are committed, as they are in other cities, by those with less against those who have more. Is that a legitimate excuse to commit crime" Of course not. Still, I believe that lessening the differences between the haves and have-nots, and perhaps at the very least opening the eyes of the average citizen to the plight of their neighbors, will have a positive affect throughout the city, not just in reducing crime but in other areas as well.

How do you intend to deal with the most recent wave crimes in RhyDin, both those committed by the slavers/crime lords and those committed against them'

One bad act should not beget another. I can appreciate and understand the sentiments behind reprisal attacks but in the long run, vigilante groups often harm more than they help. Bolstering the training and capabilities of the Guard should help and I encourage whichever candidate who does become Governor to explore utilizing the resources offered by the other candidates. It is my hope that these resources will not just be put into play if a certain candidate wins, but that there's an open spirit of cooperation once the elections are over.

What are the most important characteristics you feel are needed in our next Governor and how do you feel you embody them'

The next Governor should be someone who foremost wants the job; it's no secret that our current Governor has grown distasteful of the office, and not without reason. Still, the city needs someone with leadership experience, which I have. Someone with drive, which I have. Someone who won't quit, or become deterred, which I will not do. Someone who will listen to others, weigh advice, and not make decisions off the cuff. Someone who will reach out to all corners of the city, not just the sections where the elite sit. Someone who is willing to admit mistakes and work even harder to correct them than they did in making them. Someone who's smart enough not to promise the world on a silver platter, someone who realizes they can't solve every problem and create miracles. Someone who can assess a given situation with realism, and speak of things as they are instead of the standard political double-talk and tongue twisting. I believe I am that person. If the people don't believe the same, I do hope they vote for the person who they feel embodies those characteristics.

Why you should vote for me

I believe I have the skills, aptitude, and resolve necessary to perform effectively in the office, and that the city and its people would benefit from my place in it. It's my hope that, should you feel the same, you'll cast your vote for me twice: once in the primaries and once in the general election.

—Matthew Algiers Simon

1. What do you feel is the most important issue we are facing right now and how do you intend to deal with it" Have you looked around lately and noticed how many freakishly ugly children we have running around in the city' We have got to do something about that, honestly before I blow chunks when one of these ugg-os smiles at me. I say the solution is easy...we sterilize all the ugly people who are getting together and knocking boots.

2. How do you intend to deal with the most recent wave crimes in RhyDin, both those committed by the slavers/crime lords and those committed against them" Naked jumping jacks! Seriously people in this putrid skank hole of a city wouldn't take themselves so seriously if they all had to get up and do naked jumping jacks with everyone else. Have you ever done a nude jumping jack and kept a straight face" 3. What are the most important characteristics you feel are needed in our next Governor and how do you feel you embody them" To have a good liver"....Which I must as much as I drink..though having to deal with some of the morons in this place like the fellow canidates one needs to be totally blitzed outta thier mind. Why should I vote for you? Hey look it's either vote for me and get a juicy settlement for the government when I molest you, or dont and then you just get molested.

This letter was published in regards to the most recent Open Query to the candidates, that had been posted earlier in the day. The letter would read as follows:

Dear One of many Concerned Citizens,

I appreciate your questions in regards to the issues that matter to you most, and I would be more than delighted to answer them.

1. How do you intend to promote equality between humans and meta-humans"

I believe that there is actually a good amount of equality that already exists in our fair city. We have a variety of species, spanning countless planets, origins, colors, shapes and sizes; and despite many small problems, most everyone seems to carry out their day-to-day lives quite well. That doesn't mean that I am completely blind to the issue at hand, of course. There are those that treat others wish scorn or malice based on a purely prejudicial fear of the unknown or unfamiliar.

I have learned that racism can be overcome through the rational and open-minded exchange of cultural ideas, through discussion and honest debate, and through simple knowledge of one another. I would be delighted to hold annual cultural festivals, craft fairs, and other events that could promote the chance for all of our diverse cultures to learn about one another.

Schooling and education is the natural evolution of that same idea. By teaching our children and young leaders of tomorrow the importance of racial equality, we will help pave the way towards a more enlightening future. Rome was not built in a day, yet by teaching and raising our children to not judge anyone by the color of their skin, but the content of our character, we can ensure that today's mistakes will not be repeated tomorrow.

2. How do intend to resolve Rhy'Din's security issues and how would you fund your solution"

To resolve our security issues, I have quite a few initiatives that I would like to enact, if the people were to see fit. I am firstly looking to increase the level of community involvement in the security of the city. There are a myriad of individuals in Rhy"Din with exemplary gifts, whether it be magic, extraordinary powers, or other unique skills and abilities that can compliment the already stalwart efforts of the Watch. I wish to reach out to these people, and offer them the opportunity to step up and help make their city a better place.

Secondly, I wish to have recruitment drives for those willing to join the city Watch. These functions will serve not only as a tool for recruitment, but to empower our local citizens with tips and tricks on staying safe, avoiding confrontation, fire safety, basic medical assistance and how to recognize potential city-wide threats. I completely believe that knowledge is power, and by training all of our citizens on "the basics" at the very least, it will aid in making our city a safer and much more enjoyable place to live.

Lastly, the men, women, and let's say 'others' that serve and protect our great city will be much more effective at preventing threats by attending updated training seminars featuring the latest in non-lethal combat resolution, outfitting them with the newest gear available, and ensuring that they are ready to face off against real world scenarios. I personally believe that all of these elements together will secure a peaceful and fruitful society that all individuals will feel safe living in.

Funding will, for the most part, be obtained from the current budget. I would work to slowly recede funding from non-essential and over budgeted city systems, and funnel that into the City's security and protection. If need be I would also offer reasonable tax breaks and incentives to those who wish to donate money, time, or resources towards citywide security. Other monetary allotments can be attained from local events, festivals, and fund drives if necessary.

3. How do intend to address the issue of the slavers, and thereby assuring the security of the (well, to be honest) mostly young female population of the city"

I intend to work with the slavers in a diplomatic fashion. I am fully against slavery, but then again I completely understand that it cannot be fully abolished overnight. I would like to work with the slavers to begin a voluntary release program. Slaves are people who are deprived of personal freedoms and civil liberties. I believe all sentient beings; no matter what species, race, gender or color, have certain inalienable rights. The rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness being chief among these. As clich' as that may sound, that is what every person deserves. No one should blithely tolerate the total subjugation of another person against their will, and while I won't be tolerating it, I will accept that the transition cannot be made instantly.

I would like to come to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution with the individuals that are indulged in this business. I don't believe that walking into known slavery-rings with guns blazing is the answer, but I'm also aware that diplomatic discussion alone is not likely to resolve the issue. I do plan to institute a policy to have these captors work to have these "business" talents be used in a more useful, productive, and socially accepted fashion.

The second part of the question, in regards to the security of the mostly young female population, will also be a part of my current security initiative. However, I am quite open to suggestions from current Police and Detective officials as well. I plan on using all the resources I have available to me, to listen and trust in those that are the masters of their field, to guide our city into further prosperity.

I hope I was able to fully answer all of your questions, and I look forward to addressing any further inquiries that any of our citizens or fellow candidates may ask.

Thank you,

Wolvinator http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/FaMzNeSS/Wolvinator/WolvinatorCampaignSig.jpg