New Delegate!

We have a new delegate, here in The North Pacific! Flemingovia took the delegacy earlier this week. This nation was democratically elected to be the new Delegate by the registered UN voters in The North Pacific. The delegacy has, in this region, been held by three nations and numerous player over the past 8 months. After Pixiedance, (with Lungwallabad in between), Stars of Sky became interim delegacy. She held the position for a couple months, thus securing the delegacy for the elections. It is a great sign of hope and an optimistic future for a region that has endured so much over the past year.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Education, I would like to wish success to Flemingovia as he occupies one of the most streesful and significant positions in the region!

The Dissolving of The Nile River Valley

After a little more than five months in existance, The Nile River Valley government is now to be dissolved. This small region, founded by Ator People, has been declining in activity this summer until it was finally decided to close the government. The Prime Minister yesterday stated:

I, Chocolatl, as Prime Minister of The Nile River Valley, do hereby ask to dissolve this region's government. This shall dissolve the Charter and the region's laws. The regional Charter specifies the procedure to do this in the following fashion:

"This charter can only be amended two ways. One is if three fourths (¾) of the nations in the region vote to do so and the Prime Minister does not veto it. A second is if three fourths (¾) of the senators vote to do so and the Prime Minister does not veto it."

So therefore, under the provisions of the Charter I ask all nations in this region to post here "I support the dissolving of the regional government and Charter."

Since this was posted, two out of the three required votes have been cast. This nation, though not very influential, did manage to support the NPC during the delegacy of Pixiedance. In fact, the Senate's first act in The Nile River Valley was to adopt the following sublaw:

We, the government of The Nile River Valley vote to pass this sublaw to officially not recognize the current government administration of delegate Pixiedance and rather support the administration located at http://s2.invisionfree.com/The_North_Pacific . This pertains to the government of The North Pacific

The Nile River Valley was known mainly for its many kind foreign relations. It had embassies in a variety of countries and was also a member of the Alliance Defense Network. When its founder left the region a month or two ago, he went on to become Minister of Culture and Education in The North Pacific and the very reporter who is writing this article.

Many nations shall miss The Nile River Valley...

Second Annual Fantasy Football League

For those interested...and have Yahoo accounts...you are invited to join the Nation States League Fantasy Football...hosted by The North Pacific!!

If u have a Yahoo account simply log in and go here (click me).
You will need the following information:
League ID#: 74478

League Name: Nation States League

Password: maxbarry

We need 20 teams...so if u play NS and love Football...sign up!!!

This is not a requirement...but can u please include your forum or nation name in your teams name...to make things easier!! Thanks

Election Results

Today Free4All certified the election results for the Aug. 2005 General and Delegate Elections.


Prime Minister
Tresville

Delegate
Flemingovia

Minister of Defense
Grimtash

Minister of Culture and Education
Ator People

Minister of Communication
Sydia

Minister of External Affairs
Blackshear

Minister of Immigration and Internal Affairs
Baribeau

Minister of Arts and Entertainment
Democratic Donkeys

Minister of Justice/Attorney General
Great Bights Mum

Speaker of the Regional Assembly
Romanoffia

Security Council
Great Bights Mum
Grosseschnauzer
Baribeau
Blackshear
Ator People
Free4All


Thanks to all who voted and those who ran!

Interview with Romanoffia

Well even though voting is over, here is another interview with Romanoffia, (un-opposed) candidate for the Speaker of The Regional Assembly.

* How long have you been playing Nationstates?

I’ve been playing off and on almost as long as the game has been in existence in various ‘incarnations’ (pun intended). My original nation I let expire a couple of years ago. It was only in the past two that I became active in playing the game full tilt.


* When did you join TNP, and when did you become involved in TNP politics?

I’ve been in TNP since just before the Great Bight incident with a nation that was founded in TNP. What really got me involved was when my nation of “Romanoffia” was ejected by Great Bight for no reason whatsoever. It was then that I decided that I was going to remain in TNP no matter what it took. My current nation of “Novare Res” was created at the very beginning of the Great Bight incident as a means of maintaining my presence in TNP during that conflict. I became regularly active in TNP government during the Pixiedance era.


* Why did you decide to run for Speaker of The Regional Assembly?

Speaker of the RA is a brand new position, so to say. I view it as an opportunity to help define the position of Speaker and lay the ground work for future speakers to build upon.


* What will be your main goal if elected?

My main goal will be to promote the smooth functioning of the Regional Assembly and to provide assistance in the legislative process by applying my RL legislative experience. I also want to promote an efficient and civil legislative process in which everyone has the opportunity to have input into that process. I would like to see the number of nations actively participating in the RA be over the 100 member mark, at least. The more members there are in the RA, the more stable the legislative process will be. The more RA members we have actively participating, the more accurate any consensus that will be attained.


* Now off topic a bit; Who do you think are the top 5 most influential players in Nationstates? They can be from any region.

That’s a tough question. There are so many influential players out there that it’s difficult to boil the number down to just five. So, off the top of my head, I’ll run off the top five that I think are going to play major roles in the future.

Thel
Grossenschnauzer
Tresville
Flemingovia
Great Bights Mum

and many more!


The total list I would have would probably contain about 50 players, almost all of which are active in The North Pacific. I would have on that list everyone that was involved actively in the Constitutional Convention and the NPC government who made everything come together.

The fact that there are so many players out there that I would call influential is a good sign for the region because this means that we are going to have a great number of active players instead of most players just sitting back and watching.



* And one last question, what is the main reason you think you would be a good Speaker of The Regional Assembly?

I think my RL experience with legislative processes and my ability to take a consensus so that solid compromise can be attained makes me the perfect candidate for the position. I understand how legislation is constructed and how to make sure that it doesn’t have the propensity or opportunity to conflict with constitutional issues. I am inclined to take the position of a ‘strict constructionalist’ insofar as I tend to take a more literal view as to the letter of the word of the Constitution. As such, I hold the position that a Constitution is not something to be legislated around, but rather to be supported by legislation.

Interview with Candidate for Minister of Immigration and Internal Affairs

After the last day of voting comes to an end, here is another interview with Baribeau, the unopposed candidate for Minister of Immigration and Internal Affairs.

----------------------
When did you first start playing Nationstates?

One day after New Thyatira ... That equals out to early April of 2004. My XML feed says 484 days ago, but it can't be trusted.

When did you join TNP, and when did you first become active in TNP politics?

I was born in TNP, left, then came back last summer, when Great Bight was UN Delegate. I joined the forums a day or two later. I guess I got involved with politics right away, although not particularily heavily. Baribeau ceased to exist shortly after Sydia's delegacy began, and was revived in the beginning of Pixiedance's delegacy. I stayed in Lazarus for a couple weeks, then quickly came back to TNP, this time with more heavy participation.

You are running for Minister of Immigration and Internal Affairs. Why did you decide to run for this particular position?

I had originally intended on running for Minister of Defence, but I decided that Grimtash was more qualified. Unsure of where to turn, I was contacted my Tresville, who was curious if I was going to run for a cabinet position. By process of elimination, I decided that Immigration & Internal affairs is where I was most qualified, and would be most comfortable. I pretty much would've settled for anything but Deputy Minister of Culture & Education, though.

What do you think is the main thing that needs to be done in this branch of the cabinet (changes, etc.)? How do you plan to accomplish this if elected?

In my paranoia, I've convinced myself that the majority of the Registered Voters are puppets of people I don't like. I'd like to find the list, and smoke out the doubles. Then, I'd like to amend the constitution, placing a few more restrictions on voter registration, so that it is more difficult to infiltrate our region. Most notably, I want UN membership to be a RV requirement (though it wouldn't have to be in TNP), and I'd like to see a minimum number of posts (3 to 5 would be fine), before an application is accepted.

Oddly enough, I would also like to drastically increase the number of Registered Voters, get more people to come out for the Regional Assembly, and encourage new nations to become ambassadors. I'm crazy like that.

Election participation is something I'd like to focus on later in my term.

Now a little off-election-topic. Who do you think are the 5 most powerful nations in Nationstates? From any region.

Why does this always come up?

In no particular order, I'm gonna go with PopeHope, Thel D'Ran, Dilber, Tresville, Mammothstan and Sarda.

If you point out that I just listed 6 nations, you might get slapped.

You mentioned Pope Hope. Do you have any opinion about the ADN?

ADN = Alliance Defense Network.

I'm not a member. I don't want to be. However, I know tons of people that are, and I have enormous respect for most of them.

One final question. What is the main reason you think you would be a great Minister of Immigration and Internal Affairs (to get back on the election subject)?

Election Math

(Experience + Activity) * Baribeau + TNP = Awesomeness


Thanks for the interview, AP!

Thank you Baribeau!

Fulhead Land's Interview

A little while ago I had a chance to interview Fulhead Land, candidate for Delegate of The North Pacific. Here is that interview:

When did you first start playing Nationstates?

too long ago! lol

At the last count it was over 450 days ago, which was during magicalitys reign. Though i only joined the forums when UPS seized control

During Pixiedance's reign, did you support any particular organization/government in TNP, such as the NPC or NPD?

Yes, as most nations well know.

I joined the Regional Assembly of the NPD, though i was mainly inactive during that period due to my bad 'net connection.

I later became a minister of the NPG

When and why did you first decide to run for delegate?

I first decided to run quite recently.

why? because i think i can do a good job for the region. The role of delegate now is not the traditional one. And i think this opens up new and exciting possibilities for us all.

If elected, what is your stand on a possible endorsment count in TNP to protect the delegacy?

If elected i would follow the guidelines in the constitution to protect the delegacy

In the past, TNP was a member of the Alliance Defense Network. What is your stand on future relations with this organization, and for that matter, other defense organizations?

I have no problems with defender orgs, i was in fact head of Avengers Assemble, which closed very recently.

The ADN though is another matter. I seem to remeber that not that long ago the major arguements in the region involved the ADN. It would, in my opinion, be best to avoid that. Any decisions, I believe, should be one supported by the large majority of players after much discussion

How do you feel about the recent revisions to the TNP Constitution and the Convention that was held?

Firstly, well done to tresville for organizing it, it must have been hard work! But maybe it was run too quickly, and many people were blocked out unfairly. I understand the situation the NPC was in however, but was hidden voting the best way to go about things?

But we now have our ratified and approved constitution. It recieved the majority vote and so it is the document we live by.

It is by no means perfect. It is IMO too long and potentialy confussing, especially to the new. That is why, as delegate, i believe i would be best placed to help encourage people to make changes, and to help people understand.

What is the the main reason people should vote for you for delegate?

Because i can do the job. I know what it requires of me. I can handle the pressures and the critisisms.

With the adapted role the delegate will play, i have a good feeling the position can be used for good. as we all can recognize, the delegate is a figure head, and is so uniquely placed, to help a positions of government, and all citizens. this would be my aim.

and of course most importantly: I care about TNP and its people.

Anything else you would like to say about your candidacy?

There is alot of myths and rumors about me, mostly about my most recent past.

I want to ask people to let there perceptions go, and judge me on my campaign and my posts, not what they have heard about me. Of course if you want to know more about me and what i've done, or indeed will do, go ahead and ask. I will be happy to answer. Vote for me if you believe in what i'm saying, if you like my aims and ideas.
But judge me on me, and not on what you've heard.

Other than that, I believe i can be more of an asset to the government and the region. I have a wide range of skills, and i see the delegacy now as a open job. Let me act to my abilities. let me help the region in as many ways as possible. Vote Fulhead Land and let me help you.

Thank you and I wish you success with your campaign.

Breaking News and Interview with Flemingovia

Breaking News: James2spooky has withdrawn from the race for Minister of Arts and Entertainment.

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Interview with Flemingovia, Candidate for delegate:

• When did you first start playing Nationstates?

I began playing NS on January 1st 2004, after NS was mentioned on a radio programme as “Website of the day”. Compared to the likes of Nastic that makes me quite a newbie.

• When did you first move to TNP?

I was born in TNP, and have never strayed far from these shores. Who knows what would have happened if the gods of NS had born me in another region? I first registered on the forum as “Hartley Hare” – but realised that was a bit sad and changed it within 10 minutes. I have been Flemingovia ever since.

• What is your past experience in TNP politics or other regional politics?

Like a lot of players I became involved beyond OOC in the Great Bight era, when I was the Government In Exile’s representative on the League of the Pacifics (together with Drkwych). I have served in every elected NP government, going back to the first constitution last year, mainly in the department of Internal Affairs. I have been active in the NPA and I have also been a forum admin for number of months, which certainly gives you an insight into another whole area of NS life!

• Why did you decide to run for delegate?

Because I thought I could give the job the time and attention it needed, and I was urged to run by a lot of people who felt that I could do a good job in “the hot seat”. I have gained a lot from this region and the players in it. So it is good to have the opportunity to put something back into the region.

• What is your opinion of the revised Constitution?

I think it is a great improvement over the codex it replaced! It incorporates a lot of ideas that I think will be good for the region. I support the notion of delegate elections, and the more limited role for the delegate generally. I particularly like the introduction of a security council and wider accountability for all officials. The BEST thing about it was the number of people who had input into its creation, and the chance to vote on its adoption.
Ultimately, any piece of legislation is only as good as its implementation. So it will be up to the new government to make it work. And I would urge everyone to get behind the new government and make this work, rather than standing on the sidelines criticising.

• Would you, in the future, support TNP joining the Alliance Defense Network ever again?

Absolutely – if it was clear that this was the will of the electorate of the region. But then I would also support us joining the Union of Sovereigns if that was the declared will of the region as a whole. I opposed us leaving the A.D.N. because of the WAY in which it was done – a stitch up by a couple of players – rather than the decision itself.
Speaking personally, I am grateful to the ADN for their support of democracy in this region over the past 12 months or more. But I feel that opening a debate on ADN membership would not help the region at the time, and would further fragment the community. I think we need a period concentrating on building up TNP before we get heavily involved in interregional politics again.

• What do you think has been the most important historical event in The North Pacific?

Two events, really. The first would be the rise of Great Bight and the subsequent struggle and liberation. The second would be the handing over of the Pixiedance password. Both were events that shaped our region like no other.

• How about some off topic questions? Have you ever started your own region? If so, what was it called and how did it do?

I have started one region, called “the playpen”, designed as a play area for my one-year-old son Andrew. I alsocreated a forum for the North Pacific called “der Norf Pacific”. I created DNP when I realised that there were about 15 North Pacific forums floating around out there, and I thought to myself “Why should I be left out?” So I created my own NP forum. Let’s just say that it is a …. Unique take on NP politics. But I had a lot of fun with both the Playpen and DNP.

• Who do you think are the top five most powerful players in Nationstates, OUTSIDE of The North Pacific?

I know you are thinking of the obvious suspects – CG, Gates, Eli, Moldavi etc. But in reality the answer has to be [violet], SalusaSecondus and the senior game Mods. They are the real powers in this game. And woe betide anyone who forgets it.

• Okay, back to the election subject. What do you plan to do first if elected delegate?

My first job would be to get enough endos to actually become delegate! Winning the election is only the first part of the process.
As well as the basic duties of the delegate: UN voting, security etc, one of the things that I passionately believe in is that the delegate should be accessible and available, so I would start publishing the times when I will be on IRC/AIM etc, and on forum, and encouraging people to come and talk to me.

• And finally, why should people vote for you as delegate this week?

Because over the past 20 months they have come to know me and trust my integrity, and because they have heard what I have to say about the delegacy and believe in my platform. I have pledged myself to support and uphold the constitution. If you want to give the constitution a good chance of working – vote Flemingovia.

Prime Minister Tresville representin'!

I recently had the opportunity to have a chat with Tresville, our Prime Minister. He is running for a second term and thusly he gets an interview! It was quite a challenge to find the time to interview him, he has been as busy as ever helping The North Pacific. My thanks to both him and Ator People who was coauthor of this interview. And good luck to Tresville in the election!


When did you first start playing NationStates?

December 03...between Dec. 10 and the 18th I believe.


When did you first join TNP and when did you become active in TNP politics?

My nation was born in TNP (check dates above).....I joined the forum a few days later. It was very inactive and had no real Government structure at the time. Twoslit pretty much chose who held what positions then...weren't many I believe...Blackshear was head of the Diplomatic corps...Ananke was head of the Army. I really became active in the politics when members started asking for a more democratic structure. I helped to organize the First Gov structure by collecting the various ideas that members had...ran a poll...majority rules and all that....then Twoslit did what he wanted and set up the Gov how he liked. Really ticked me off....it was the first public service that I did for the region...spent a lot of time on it....to be ignored and pushed aside like that...really made me feel left out...what made it worse was that no one but me said this publically....sure I received Pm's about it...but that's it.


Why did you decide to run for the position of Prime Minister?

Well, the first time...it was more like a natural progression. Since, I had lead the reorganization of the North Pacific Underground and kept our diplomatic corps and the NPA alive....it was just the right fit at the time. I decided to run now because I would like to finish...what WE started. I think we need a familiar name running the gov that can make the current transition easier.


If re-elected Prime Minister, what do you plan to do first?

Wow.... there is so much....well...I would really like to sit down with the Elected Ministers and forum admins and reorganize the forum...make it easier for newcomers to navigate. I was lost when I got to s2 (The Original North Pacific Forum) as well...I know how it feels....its overwhelming to see so many topics and threads...u don't know where u should post first..or where to post at all and with such a large community of members that know each other...you tend to feel like an outcast...like u don't belong. Its a problem we have always had.

I would like to really have a sit down with Twoslit...the Root Admin...and hash out some rules or at least put in writing how to moderate properly in respect to Government issues and TOS offenders. With the Regional Assembly, Registered Voters and the cabinet present to voice their opinions. We really need to make sure that S2 doesn't get shut down...we need to make sure that it remains a place that people feel free instead of restricted. I would like to actually have a separate forum for the Government...since most of the Flaimbaiting and Spamming actually takes place in Gov related topics and threads. In my opinion ....It would make s2 enjoyable to the community as a whole...we can redirect everyone to the gov forum in s2...so a second URL in the WFE wouldn't be necessary. Too many Veteran members have left s2 because of the bickering and fighting...too many newbies have been pushed away because of it...in a game where active members are a regions life blood...we cannot afford to continue doing that. However..in s11 I got many negative responses to this suggestion...many felt I was trying to undermine S2 (IMHO)..which really isn't what I want. It will be up to the Regional Assembly if this actually happens....we will soon see.

The NPA has always been my reason for being active in the region....so I would like to work with the elected Minister in restructuring it...perhaps taking a page out of the West Pacs Army and having an Auxiliary branch. This way less active Army members can still participate. I have many other ideas that I won't get into now.

If Blackshear Wins in the election...I will be so relieved ....it means I don't have to worry about the Diplomatic corps...I can just be a regular member. I would like to work with him in reopening relations with all NON INVADER regions. We have less external enemies now than we have ever had (least while I have been in the NP)...we should keep it that way for a while.

Hopefully, we can find more writers and editors for the NP Wire. I am glad both you guys (Democratic Donkeys and Ator People) have helped Heft and myself keep it alive. Hopefully, we can work together and make a real structure for the Wire...with editors, writers, etc etc. I started the Wire to help keep S2 active during the Pixiedance Reign, to let our friends in other regions know what's happening in the NP and to inform our citizens of what's going on outside of the NP as well. I hope we can continue this.

I believe the Diplomatic Corps, NPA, RA and The NP Wire are our best tools in making the region great again....we need to recarve the North Pacific Identity and stray from getting involved in External Political Conflicts. That has been our problem for too long....since I arrived in the region we have been either part of this group..or against that group...we need to be for ourselves for a while...secure our homeland before we go out trying to secure democracy and freedom everywhere else in NS.


What do you think is the single greatest reason people should vote for you?

I pretty much have a hands on knowledge off all the Gov positions.. since at one point or another I was either part of it... or ran it. No disrespect to any other candidates, citizens, ex or current Ministers....but I believe I have the knowledge, activity, connections and experience to do this job well.


How do you feel about the revised Constitution that was recently passed in TNP?

I feel that it has less loop holes than any other constitution we have had. It is long...yes... I know...its boring...yes I know...language is hard to understand...believe me...I KNOW!! Gross, Hersfold and Pulpphenom are my Translators and lawyers...lol....I wouldn't be able to navigate the thing without their posts and insight. But those are complaints that we always get...its like....people want a simple democratic Gov...without the loopholes and abuses....u can't get that with a simple constitution. It will always be abused and bent to suit the needs of those in power. With a well structured, specific yet adjustable constitution...we can have checks and balances ... it gives the people more power...and can be changed according to what is needed. It has stipulations that allow it to grow...and face any obstacles that the Government may have. After I leave office...I don't want to read the thing again!!! But I will sleep well knowing its there!!


What's your favorite food?

Eh....Mcdonalds!!! lol I love Platanos as well...I'm American born but half Dominican...its something Dominicans eat...their are even chips that u can find in the supermarket and grocery store near u!!


Do you believe in heaven?

I'm Catholic...So Yes.


Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Owning various strip clubs, pool halls, property in New York City...3 homes....5 cars...4 dogs...3 kids...one ehh... wife. Traveling a bit...visiting my NS friends...See u soon Thel, Eras!! Living it up NYC style...BX baby Holla!!! I'd like to give a shout out to......Just kidding!!


Why are we here?

To live...to live...so go do it!!!


Any parting words for the readers?

Long Live The North Pacific...The largest and greatest region in NS!!

Interview with Poltsamaa, Candidate for Prime Minister

After a day of elections comes to a close, here is an interview I conducted with Poltsamaa, who is running for Prime Minister of TNP: --------------------- When did you first start playing nationstates?

I started playing NationStates in september of 2003!!

When did you first join TNP and when did you become active in TNP politics?

I joined TNP in January 2005 when I created the nation Poltsamaa!! I became active in politics almost immediately when nobody volunteered for the position of Deputy Minister of Justice prior to the formation of the NPD!! I decided to take the job on rather than have it left vacant!!

If elected Prime Minister, what do you plan to do first?

If elected Prime Minister the first thing I will do is focus government attention on reviewing and revitalising the internal aspects of our region!! We need to get more people involved in the government, preferably through the Regional Assembly!! I think it is all well and good to have people involved in the OOC section, but the region only truly benefits if we can get more diversity and competition in government offices!! A similar initiative would be undertaken for the NPA as the stronger our region is government-wise and militarily the more self-sufficient we become!!

What do you think is the single greatest reason people should vote for you?

I have fresh ideas for the region and a vast amount of experience in working within a regional government!! I am not the type of person to shirk an issue or neglect a job and I think TNP needs people who can think outside of the square in order to move forward from the chequered past!!

How do you feel about the revised Constitution that was recently passed in TNP?

It is adequate but far too long and complex!! This opinion is confirmed by the confusion and self-contradiction of the constitution with regards to Delegate candidates' eligibility requirements!! I think that it probably was not subjected to critical analysis that it needed prior to it being accepted as the regional constitution!! We have the mechanisms to make changes and I hope to facilitate the changes that I and others think are needed through these channels!!

Why did you decide to run for the position of Prime Minister?

I decided to run because I'd like to make a difference in the region!! I do not like to see people win office uncontested as it reflects poorly on the government situation in the region!! Competition keeps people honest and means that people have to work hard in their jobs when they have them!! I feel I have a lot to offer the region with my experience and knowledge of the game and politics!! If I am elected it would be a bonus, but this will hopefully encourage others to run next time and challenge those that currently hold office!!

I also asked for any additional comments:

I must say I am disappointed that certain people running for a contested office do not feel they need to campaign!! To me, that is an insult to their opponent and also an insult to the electorate as they obviously feel they are above the need to campaign!! I have no personal grievance with these people but I feel it sends a negative message to those who might consider running in the future when they see a person who did not even campaign win an election easily!! It adds credence to the "I'm not going to win so why bother" mentality that I believe stops people from running!! That belief is confirmed by the fact that so many offices are uncontested in these elections!!