Questions for Delegate Candidates, 7/19

[Paffnia]

It's yet again time for the the ol' barrage of delegate questions!

WA
- Except in cases where you have actively decided to abstain, do you pledge to vote on every single WA resolution during your term?
- Do you plan on posting WA polls on the forums like our past delegates have?
- Any thought of using the regionwide vote displayed on NS instead of a forum poll?
- Besides SC resolutions on matters concerning TITO and when a nation illegally mass-TGs the Islands about a proposal, will you always abide by poll results when casting the region's vote?
- What would you do in those two exceptions?
- If you do decide to vote by forum poll or regionwide WA vote, are there any circumstances (other than matters concerning TITO and mass-TGs to the Islands) in which you would not be able to vote according to the poll results? In other words, are there any issues about which you feel so strongly that you could not cast a vote a certain way, due to conflict with your beliefs/conscience?
- Would you have voted for this proposal?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/31560/ns230-mandatory-delegate-voting-rules
- If FOR and AGAINST are tied on the forum vote, what then?
- When timing your vote, will you vote as soon as possible, with a XKI discussion thread set up even earlier in an attempt to sway the vote; or wait awhile before voting to get the full spectrum of opinion from more Islanders; or something else?
- In a close and shifting forum vote on a resolution, how often will you change your vote? As soon as FOR overtakes AGAINST, for example, or wait to see if it switches back?
- Will you keep the "delegate's prerogative" option?
- Will you provide Islanders with your own views on proposal, or merely seek their input?
- Although this won't matter much if you vote based on polls, how do you align yourself in the GA? Do you side with the International Federalists or National Sovereigntists more (or some other position entirely)?
- How will you decide which WA proposals to approve for quorum? Would you do this just by your own judgment, take requests, or some other system?
- Would you create and regularly update a dispatch pinned to the WFE, with links to the most recent forum discussions of WA resolutions at vote, so that NS-going nations can find our WA discussions?
- How will you encourage citizens to vote in WA polls?
- How will Islanders be able to hold you accountable if you fail to post polls or vote in a timely manner?
- Both current candidates are WA resolution authors. Do you plan to continue to propose/write resolutions while in office? Do you plan to encourage others to do so, and if so, how will you support them?


Foreign Affairs
- What criteria would you use to choose emissaries?
- How would you ensure and monitor that emissaries actually do their job (posting our monthly reports, reporting back on the state of the assigned region, etc.)?
- What criteria would you use to decide when to fire emissaries?
- Should XKI sign new formal alliances with regions, or just keep it at embassies?
- Will you actively seek out new regions to have embassies with?
- If the emissary corps is ever overstretched (as happened during my term), is lack of emissaries a valid reason to deny a new embassy with a borderline region? Or would you move to accept the embassy and then try to make do?
- Do you plan to restore the initiative of having Islanders visit friendly regions for a weekend?
- Will you appoint a foreign affairs secretary?
- Do you plan on adding your own touches to the emissaries' report, or just letting the BCN senator write it?
- What do you think of this law?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35949/277-interregional-forum-thread-passed. How do you plan to use our NS thread during your term?


Internal
- Will you endotart? Will you send messages to Islanders encouraging delegate endorsement?
- Will you post telegrams you receive, in a thread like this: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/19903? Will you have an office thread (either combined with the inbox thread or separate)?
- Do you think endorsing the delegate should be mandatory?
- Will you mass-TG the Islands with updates? If so, what kind of updates and how often?
- Will you post the emissaries report in a pinned dispatch every month?
- What do you think of this law?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/36910/288-delegate-term-limit-passed
- Without holding you to the promise, will you consider running for a second term after this one (especially noting that this coming term is already longer than normal due to United Royal Islands' resignation)?


Take your time; I've thrown the kitchen sink out here.

[Lenlyvit]

I hope you don't mind that I use most of my answers from my first term in office Paffnia, as my answers are still the same now as they were then.

WA
- Except in cases where you have actively decided to abstain, do you pledge to vote on every single WA resolution during your term?
Yes, I pledge to vote on every WA resolution during my term in office. While some find it hard to accomplish this task, I lead a fairly boring IRL and am on NS a lot lol.
- Do you plan on posting WA polls on the forums like our past delegates have?
Absolutely. I plan on utilising both forum and on-site polls to determine the communities thoughts, and which way they wish me to vote. Furthermore, I plan on posting polls and discussion threads as soon as a resolution reaches quorum instead of waiting until its at vote, as I believe a quick vote by a delegate can make or break a resolution.
- Any thought of using the regionwide vote displayed on NS instead of a forum poll?
Please see above, as I answered this there Furthermore, I also plan on utilising the region-wide telegram system to keep citizens informed of WA resolutions and important events.
- Besides SC resolutions on matters concerning TITO and when a nation illegally mass-TGs the Islands about a proposal, will you always abide by poll results when casting the region's vote?
Unequivocally and irrevocably yes. If I'm elected, ill be elected to represent the WA community in 10ki as a whole and not just myself.
- What would you do in those two exceptions?
On matters concerning TITO I would consult TITO Command and listen to their advice, as they are our military leaders. On matters of an illegal mass telegram to 10ki, I would immediately either stomp in the opposite direction than that telegram says or immediately change my vote to whichever one they don't want. I would also use the region-wide telegram system to inform our WA nations to vote with me, as any illegal mass telegram to 10ki on WA matters is an attempt to usurp our popular vote.
- If you do decide to vote by forum poll or regionwide WA vote, are there any circumstances (other than matters concerning TITO and mass-TGs to the Islands) in which you would not be able to vote according to the poll results? In other words, are there any issues about which you feel so strongly that you could not cast a vote a certain way, due to conflict with your beliefs/conscience?
To be perfectly honest, I would abide by the popular vote. While I do have some issues I feel strongly about, I would be elected to represent the community and not just myself.
- Would you have voted for this proposal?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/31560/ns230-mandatory-delegate-voting-rules
To be honest, no I would not have. While it makes sense, it would tie the delegate exclusively to a forum vote and would also not allow a delegate to vote the way they wish if Delegates Choice is chosen by the community. (If I'm reading that right?)
- If FOR and AGAINST are tied on the forum vote, what then?
If FOR and AGAINST are tied on the poll then I would abstain from voting at all until one or the other takes the lead. If, by the time that the vote is about to end, neither have taken the lead then I will actively seek out those that haven't voted in the polls to gain their opinions and try to get them to vote in the poll.
- When timing your vote, will you vote as soon as possible, with a XKI discussion thread set up even earlier in an attempt to sway the vote; or wait awhile before voting to get the full spectrum of opinion from more Islanders; or something else?
As I said above in an earlier question, I would try to set up discussions and polls as soon as a resolution reaches quorum. In most cases this could be days before it even reaches a vote, and while I understand a quick vote can make or break a resolution in the vote I believe that sometimes that is a necessary thing.
- In a close and shifting forum vote on a resolution, how often will you change your vote? As soon as FOR overtakes AGAINST, for example, or wait to see if it switches back?
On a close and shifting poll vote I would hold my vote until such a time as one takes a clear majority. Switching votes too many times as a large delegate could potentially cause chaos and fatigue within the WA community, which is something I would wish to avoid.
- Will you keep the "delegate's prerogative" option?
Yes. While I would be elected to represent the community and its opinion as a whole, I myself still have my opinions and if the community sees fit to allow me to vote the way I choose, that would be a true honor.
- Will you provide Islanders with your own views on proposal, or merely seek their input?
I would indeed, as while the delegate is elected to represent the whole community the delegate also has an opinion.
- Although this won't matter much if you vote based on polls, how do you align yourself in the GA? Do you side with the International Federalists or National Sovereigntists more (or some other position entirely)?
I would say that I do not have an alignment, as as an individual I would vote on the reasoning of the resolution and my opinion on what that resolution entails.
- How will you decide which WA proposals to approve for quorum? Would you do this just by your own judgment, take requests, or some other system?
I would say that I would use my own judgement as a regional delegate, as it would be one of the very few liberties I would have.
- Would you create and regularly update a dispatch pinned to the WFE, with links to the most recent forum discussions of WA resolutions at vote, so that NS-going nations can find our WA discussions?
Yes, I would do this. I would also seek other means to broadcast it such as a region-wide telegram and posting on the RMB.
- How will you encourage citizens to vote in WA polls?
While some are hesitant to use it for fear of fatigue, I would use the region communication system. I find it would be the best way to get people active in the community and active in voting in the WA.
- How will Islanders be able to hold you accountable if you fail to post polls or vote in a timely manner?
This one is tricky, and to be honest I do not know a correct answer. I would hope that they would hold me accountable by coming together and deciding that all of them vote in the way they choose as a collective, as that's basically what I would be doing while voting with their extra votes.
- Both current candidates are WA resolution authors. Do you plan to continue to propose/write resolutions while in office? Do you plan to encourage others to do so, and if so, how will you support them?
Yes, I plan to continue writing proposals if elected to office. I hope to pass many more in my time on NS . As to encouraging others to write proposals, I most certainly will! I think it would be great to have more resolution authors in XKI both SC and GA. I would support them by offering feedback, helping to write them as a co-author of they wish, and to publicly endorse their finished product both on NS and in XKI. I would also pursue the possibility of creating some kind of honor or trophy or medal to give to new authors if they pass a resolution.
Foreign Affairs
- What criteria would you use to choose emissaries?
I would use a background check by TITO command, as well as their history in 10ki and the way they've acted over time.
- How would you ensure and monitor that emissaries actually do their job (posting our monthly reports, reporting back on the state of the assigned region, etc.)?
There's nothing I can do to ensure it, all that can be done is asking and if that doesn't work warn them that they may lose their job due to not doing their job. I would monitor it by actively checking embassy regions that the updates have been posted, as well as keeping in touch with my counterparts in embassied regions.
- What criteria would you use to decide when to fire emissaries?
The deciding factor would be that if they don't do their job, they don't deserve that job. While I understand that we may at some point be short on emissaries, I would temporarily take over that job until one can be found.
- Should XKI sign new formal alliances with regions, or just keep it at embassies?
I believe that 10ki should sign new formal alliances with active, like-minded regions as well as create embassies. However, those would need to be scrutinized heavily and a full check would need to be performed upon the region by TITO command before anything ever happens.
- Will you actively seek out new regions to have embassies with?
Yes. I believe a time has come where 10ki could benefit from such a thing, as many regions are becoming more isolationist and reaching out to them could help them and us open up more. However, each one would need to be scrutinized by both the Co9 and TITO Command before any official step could be taken.
- If the emissary corps is ever overstretched (as happened during my term), is lack of emissaries a valid reason to deny a new embassy with a borderline region? Or would you move to accept the embassy and then try to make do?
I would move to have the embassy discussed by the Co9, and try to make do from there. I don't believe that the fact we're short on emissaries should stop us from opening up relations, as I myself could post the regional updates if necessary until an emmisary could be found.
- Do you plan to restore the initiative of having Islanders visit friendly regions for a weekend?
Yes. I'm actually quite saddened that fell out of practice, and wish to reinvigorate this option.
- Will you appoint a foreign affairs secretary?
If I find that I'm overworked by the amount of work, yes I would. This could also teach more people how FA works and get them interested in running for office in the future.
- Do you plan on adding your own touches to the emissaries' report, or just letting the BCN senator write it?
It has traditionally been the job of the BCN senator, and I see no need to change that. If I see things that are wrong or misinforming I would gladly fix them however.
- What do you think of this law?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35949/277-interregional-forum-thread-passed. How do you plan to use our NS thread during your term?
I believe that the passage of this law was necessary, as a NSGP thread could help to showcase 10ki and what it stands for on a greater level than it already is. I believe it could also work as a passive recruitment thread, as many newcomers who look at the forums and see our thread may be interested in checking our region out. My plans for using the thread are the same as I did in my last term, to post emissary reports as well as major Co9 announcements.

Internal
- Will you endotart? Will you send messages to Islanders encouraging delegate endorsement?
Yes and yes. Both are necessary for me to be able to represent the region as much as possible.
- Will you post telegrams you receive, in a thread like this: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/19903? Will you have an office thread (either combined with the inbox thread or separate)?
Yep! They could help teach our region members on how to craft good telegrams over bad telegrams. I would also have my own office, of course.
- Do you think endorsing the delegate should be mandatory?
Absolutely not. Nations should remain free to endorse who they want based upon their values, even if that means not endorsing the delegate.
- Will you mass-TG the Islands with updates? If so, what kind of updates and how often?
As I've said before, yes I would. I would send updates on the state of the region, our emmisary reports, and any necessary telegrams pertaining to WA resolutions.
- Will you post the emissaries report in a pinned dispatch every month?
I would indeed.
- What do you think of this law?: 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/36910/288-delegate-term-limit-passed
As the main thinker behind this law during my last term, I still think it was the right thing to do. It provides the ability for the delegate to accomplish more if they get constrained in RL and can't achieve their objectives during one term.
- Without holding you to the promise, will you consider running for a second term after this one (especially noting that this coming term is already longer than normal due to United Royal Islands' resignation)?
I think I would like to see how a possible 8 month term will go, and decide if I will run near the end of the term. It's a possibility that I might, depending on RL constraints and whether or not that's the best way I can serve XKI and it's people at that time.

[Sargon Reman]

WA
- Except in cases where you have actively decided to abstain, do you pledge to vote on every single WA resolution during your term?
Yes. You cannot be Delegate and not take the position seriously. I will vote on every resolution that reaches quorum .
- Do you plan on posting WA polls on the forums like our past delegates have?
Yes. I will post polls on the forums for every resolution that is close to quorum or that will reach a quorum.
- Any thought of using the regionwide vote displayed on NS instead of a forum poll? Since it is WA nations that give the Delegate voting authority I think that this should be utilized for them. Its only fair to those nations that are not forum active.
- Besides SC resolutions on matters concerning TITO and when a nation illegally mass-TGs the Islands about a proposal, will you always abide by poll results when casting the region's vote?
10000%. I will always abide by poll results when casting a vote. Our citizens voices matter.
- What would you do in those two exceptions?
Any mass telegrams from outside of 10KI that are illegal only serve to undermine our democratic vote on the resolution and I would immediately inform the region of illegal TGs in the Delegates mailbox thread. I would likely stomp in the opposite direction unless the region feels otherwise.
In matters concerning TITO I would consult TITO Command and listen to their advice, as they are our military leaders. On matters of an illegal mass telegram to 10ki, I would immediately either stomp in the opposite direction than that telegram says or immediately change my vote to whichever one they don't want.
- If you do decide to vote by forum poll or regionwide WA vote, are there any circumstances (other than matters concerning TITO and mass-TGs to the Islands) in which you would not be able to vote according to the poll results? In other words, are there any issues about which you feel so strongly that you could not cast a vote a certain way, due to conflict with your beliefs/conscience?
Absolutely not. Being Delegate means putting aside personal differences for the benefit of the region. If the region wants me to vote a certain way then I will. I might make some comment stating how I view things from watching NS forum discussion. If the voting goes against that decision then I will honor the vote of the region.
- Would you have voted for this proposal?:10000islands.proboards.com/thread/31560/ns230-mandatory-delegate-voting-rules
No. I think it unnecessarily restricts the Delegate . It is a rather sloppy proposal. Regulating how the Delegate votes can hurt the entire process of voting for the region .

- If FOR and AGAINST are tied on the forum vote, what then?
I would simply wait until voting changes. If voting is about to conclude and the tie is the same I would try to consult with those who have not cast a vote. I would likely abstain if this situation continued.

- When timing your vote, will you vote as soon as possible, with a XKI discussion thread set up even earlier in an attempt to sway the vote; or wait awhile before voting to get the full spectrum of opinion from more Islanders; or something else?
I will always have a poll up when quorum is reached or possibly sooner. It can take several days for proposals to reach a vote. By doing this there is a higher chance that a wider spectrum of region opinion is realized before casting a vote.

- In a close and shifting forum vote on a resolution, how often will you change your vote? As soon as FOR overtakes AGAINST, for example, or wait to see if it switches back?
In a close poll I would wait until a clear consensus emerges. Switching a vote looks like poor form for a Delegate of the largest UCR. Switching votes sends the wrong message to foreign allies and other large delegates.

- Will you keep the "delegate's prerogative" option?
Yes. I believe a Delegate should have an extra option in certain cases. I have my own opinion on the WA community and I will glad use any experience I have if the region wishes me to do so in that context.

- Will you provide Islanders with your own views on proposal, or merely seek their input?
I will always provide my immediate view of a resolution when I post polls. An informed voter is crucial to making a good and well thought out decision for a resolution vote.

- Although this won't matter much if you vote based on polls, how do you align yourself in the GA? Do you side with the International Federalists or National Sovereigntists more (or some other position entirely)?
I don't necessarily have an alignment. I always vote and review resolutions based on their solely on merits and gameside rules.

- How will you decide which WA proposals to approve for quorum? Would you do this just by your own judgment, take requests, or some other system?
I would go solely by my own sound judgement and as I said earlier the merits of a resolution.

- Would you create and regularly update a dispatch pinned to the WFE, with links to the most recent forum discussions of WA resolutions at vote, so that NS-going nations can find our WA discussions?
Absolutely. I think our Regional population needs to be informed of current events. As Delegate I would make sure that a Dispatch is displayed that shows recent discussions and votes.

- How will you encourage citizens to vote in WA polls?
I will significantly utilize the region communications system during my tenure. I would even include the latest news on current WA events in case they were overlooked.

- How will Islanders be able to hold you accountable if you fail to post polls or vote in a timely manner?
They can hold me accountable by simply messaging me and calling me out on it. This is entirely up to them, since I am their representative.

- Both current candidates are WA resolution authors. Do you plan to continue to propose/write resolutions while in office? Do you plan to encourage others to do so, and if so, how will you support them?

Yes. I currently have three resolutions I am working on and I believe its crucial to have an active author as Delegate. I would make comments to islander proposals in a timely manner. Many times I myself have posted drafts of a proposal in the forums and they were overlooked until the Delegate realized that it reached quorum. As Delegate I will make sure this doesn't happen.
I have already proposed legislation before the co9 that addresses having a specific official look at WA retention and recruitment of WA authors. It has majority approval and I can say that we are hammering out the final details now. It should be up for wider discussion soon. It is illegal to discussion the exact contents of the co9 chamber or else I would volunteer more. I think that authors should receive a stock share or some tacos or other incentive and recognition when passing a successful resolution.


Foreign Affairs
- What criteria would you use to choose emissaries?
I would always make sure that the applicants for a position are:
1. Active
2. Have passed security checks
3. Have a good moral character in the region. I would not appoint someone who has a harsh or combative demeanor to represent us in an allied region or embassy region.
- How would you ensure and monitor that emissaries actually do their job (posting our monthly reports, reporting back on the state of the assigned region, etc.)?
Yes. I would speak with them in private if I notice that they are being tardy when reporting to an assigned region. If this happens more than a two times I would likely issue a final warning or hire a new emissary. I will proactively monitor all of our embassy regions.
- What criteria would you use to decide when to fire emissaries?
As I stated earlier I think that after two or three lapses in posting reports that I would seek a new emissary. This is important work that they are doing. I will fill vacancies where needed.
- Should XKI sign new formal alliances with regions, or just keep it at embassies?
I think we should pursue alliances and new embassy regions. I would look into active regions that share our ideological makeup and general values. In line with co9 custom I would always consult TITO Command and not join in formal alliances with those who destroy other regions through raiding.
- Will you actively seek out new regions to have embassies with?
Yes. I think this is something that is essential to our own diplomatic influence and interests in the international community. There is great potential for expansion in this area. Any embassy or diplomatic relationship will still be reviewed by Command and the Co9.

- If the emissary corps is ever overstretched (as happened during my term), is lack of emissaries a valid reason to deny a new embassy with a borderline region? Or would you move to accept the embassy and then try to make do?
Having a low emissary count should not prevent foreign relations. As I stated earlier I would post updates as needed when there are vacancies. The Co9 always takes part in embassy discussions, as I should note.

- Do you plan to restore the initiative of having Islanders visit friendly regions for a weekend?
Sure! Its absolutely necessary to our foreign policy. I also plan on hosting cultural festivals with allies in our forums.

- Will you appoint a foreign affairs secretary?
No. Nothing beats a foreign diplomat talking directly to the Delegate. I would be very reluctant to appoint one. I think the FAS gives the appearance that a Delegate is only distantly engaging in diplomacy. It is better that the Delegate respond to embassy matters all the time.

- Do you plan on adding your own touches to the emissaries' report, or just letting the BCN senator write it?
I am a former BCN senator. I think the BCN should have responsibility and accountability in writing a report. I think that the Delegate should always touch base with the BCN to provide feedback and criticism. I value the experience I have in writing one for 6 months in a row.

- What do you think of this law?:10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35949/277-interregional-forum-thread-passed. How do you plan to use our NS thread during your term?
I supported this law when it was passed. I think having an active thread is important to highlighting 10KI in the international community and to show new members that we are available for their choosing. I would post emissary reports and major regional events and announcements.

Internal
- Will you endotart? Will you send messages to Islanders encouraging delegate endorsement?
Of course. I will engage in both activities. It is absolutely necessary when the Delegate is representing the region and beyond.

- Will you post telegrams you receive, in a thread like this:10000islands.proboards.com/thread/19903? Will you have an office thread (either combined with the inbox thread or separate)?
I will maintain the Delegates special inbox of TGs and I will have my own office as I have in all of my current and previous positions.

- Do you think endorsing the delegate should be mandatory?
No. This would go against our Regional values. Any nation should be able to endorse those that share their point of view and not be forced into endorsing the Delegate or anyone.

- Will you mass-TG the Islands with updates? If so, what kind of updates and how often?
Yes. This would be general events and emissary reports. In the Co9 have proposed that our primary newspaper The Mad Surfer play a more direct role in outreach to residents and citizens.

- Will you post the emissaries report in a pinned dispatch every month?
Yes I will. It is only appropriate that such an important report be communicated in all possible channels.

- What do you think of this law?:10000islands.proboards.com/thread/36910/288-delegate-term-limit-passed
I was staunch supporter of this proposal when it was proposed. It puts the Delegate in a better position when they are restricted in Real Life scenarios or unforeseen situations.

- Without holding you to the promise, will you consider running for a second term after this one (especially noting that this coming term is already longer than normal due to United Royal Islands'resignation)?
That depends greatly on the first term. If I can serve the region effectively and without restrictions then I would consider running for a second term. I would wait until the vast majority of my term is up before making a decision.

[Paffnia]

Thank you both for the prompt and well-thought-out answers.

[United Royal Islands]

Sargon Reman, Lenlyvit
So in addition to Paffnia’s regular segment, I felt it time to do something similar.

World Assembly
- During my term I have offered Islanders the option to elect that we abstain from a vote, during this period it can be just as a compelling sign to an author. How do you feel about the choice to abstain from voting? And will you continue to offer the choice to Islanders?
- There was a lot of controversy in the SC forums regarding 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37267 “Condemn Lands of Kings and Emperors”; how would you handle controversial resolutions such as these, and what is you perspective of the tradition of not voting for condemnations against raiding regions — as it only incentivizes badge hunting?
- What do you feel about the tactic of issuing statements on symbolic resolutions?
- There have been many changes to the WA Culture over the past couple of years, including the formation of policy blocs such as WALL, how do you feel this development has impacted the islands and our ability to have a meaningful sway in international affairs? If negatively, what do you believe can or should be done to increase our influence internationally?
- How do you feel about the current state of drafting on the NS forums, and/or what recommendations do you have for new islanders interested in learning the ropes?

Foreign Affairs
- Paffnia covered much about emissaries, embassies, and alliances in his questions, but are there any additional thoughts on the state of our diplomatic affairs , or a positive vision for what 10000 Islands Diplomacy will look like under your watch?
- Another area of our Foreign Policy is international engagement and advocacy, how important do you believe this function is and what do you plan to do that will help promote 10000 Islands?
- R/D was a big theme in the last delegate debate, how do you feel about the current state of gameplay and what do you think can be done to address the issues caused by raiding?
- Additionally do you plan to proactively advocate for Defender values in communications both affirmatively to our allies and to counteract raider propaganda?
- One of the areas I am most saddened in not be able to address during my time as delegate is the unfortunate recruiting tactics of the Black Hawks, which target new nations to our region with propaganda. By my estimation nearly 40 nations have succumbed to the thrall of these messages during this term. How do you feel about this state of affairs, and what actions or efforts will you lead to stop, or counteract this influence?

Internal
- What role do you feel the delegate plays in helping to shape and guide our region? Are there areas where you feel your experience will lead you toward certain ideals or goals for the region over others?
- How do you feel about the relationship between our foreign facing activities (such as the XKI update), and our ability to recruit and retain nations in 10000 Islands?
- What do you think about the relationship between the delegate and the various ministers?
- During my term I have found it can be hard to reach everyone for an endorsement; what strategies and methods will you use beside endotarting to ensure that we have as high delegate endorsement percentages as we can?
- What do you think about TIBOE, or other endorsement programs to encourage high cross endorsement?
- While the delegate is separated from TITO during their term, what role do you feel you can play to help promote TITO?

Given the multipart/explanatory nature of the questions, I ask everyone to not hold either candidate to a fast timeline — only to judge candidates on the honesty and sincerity of their answers.

[Jabberwocky]

Paffnia,Lenlyvit,Sargon Reman,United Royal Islands, here's a question for all candidates: in the last year, we've seen a disturbing tendency for candidates to run for office, but once elected to vacate their office. The question is: if elected, will you serve your full term?

[Lenlyvit]

Jul 5, 2019 13:31:24 GMT -5 Jabberwocky said:

Paffnia,Lenlyvit,Sargon Reman,United Royal Islands, here's a question for all candidates: in the last year, we've seen a disturbing tendency for candidates to run for office, but once elected to vacate their office. The question is: if elected, will you serve your full term?

Yes, I pledge that I will serve the full length of office publicly

[Lenlyvit]

World Assembly
- During my term I have offered Islanders the option to elect that we abstain from a vote, during this period it can be just as a compelling sign to an author. How do you feel about the choice to abstain from voting? And will you continue to offer the choice to Islanders?
Back during my first term I thought over adding this very option, and to be honest I was surprised when I saw you had added it into your polls. I wasn't sure at that time whether or not that it was a good idea to add it, but now that I've seen it I think it is a good idea. After thinking it over, I have come to the conclusion that it's a good addition. I will continue to add it into the polls if elected, because sometimes an abstention is louder than a vote.
- There was a lot of controversy in the SC forums regarding 10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37267 “Condemn Lands of Kings and Emperors”; how would you handle controversial resolutions such as these, and what is you perspective of the tradition of not voting for condemnations against raiding regions — as it only incentivizes badge hunting?
During this controversial resolution I payed very close to the debate. If such a controversial resolution happened during a term of mine I would handle it by first paying attention to it, then by keeping Islanders informed of the debate happening. I would keep them informed about major events in the debate, by using both the Forum threads as well as the RMB and discord.

My perspective on the tradition of not voting for the condemnation of a raider region has changed over time. Not too long ago I would say that I'm absolutely against it, but lately my opinion has changed. Some raider regions, or imperialist regions such as LKE, vehemently oppose a condemnation of their region. It is in those instances that I think we should vote for, as it is not something they are seeking and it's not something they want. It is not badge hunting if they don't want it, nor is it badge hunting if they actively oppose its passing. For the ones that do actively seek it, I would vote against on the principal of a badge hunt.
- What do you feel about the tactic of issuing statements on symbolic resolutions?
I feel that this tactic is the right way to go about things, but just not solely with the delegates voice. If statements should be issued on symbolic resolutions it should either be run by the populace of XKI first, or the Co9, or TITO Command before bring posted publicly on NS or anywhere else needed.
- There have been many changes to the WA Culture over the past couple of years, including the formation of policy blocs such as WALL, how do you feel this development has impacted the islands and our ability to have a meaningful sway in international affairs? If negatively, what do you believe can or should be done to increase our influence internationally?
I feel like this development hasn't really affected the Islands yet, as the current coalitions (WALL and at least one other socialist bloc) haven't taken a stance against a resolution authored by an Islander. As of now, even the blocks don't always vote together on a proposal, and still allow member regions to vote according to their own systems. Our ability to have sway in international affairs at this point in time isn't that great, but not due to the WA blocs but rather due to us being mainly isolationist.

To increase our influence we can start reaching out to like-minded regions, collaborate with them on resolutions. Watch and learn how they conduct their WA affairs, and possibly adapt them to use here. We can seek to have active ambassadors assigned to XKI so that they can see what we ourselves are like. Or, alternatively, we can form our own WA bloc.
- How do you feel about the current state of drafting on the NS forums, and/or what recommendations do you have for new islanders interested in learning the ropes?
I feel like the current state of drafting on the NS forums is hectic, and not very friendly for newer authors at least in the GA area. My recommendation for new Islanders interested in learning the ropes is to read the SC and GA guides on NS, to ask questions of the more experienced authors before diving into it. There are a few SC authors within our region, Sargon and I, and we're always open to giving advice when asked.

Foreign Affairs
- Paffnia covered much about emissaries, embassies, and alliances in his questions, but are there any additional thoughts on the state of our diplomatic affairs , or a positive vision for what 10000 Islands Diplomacy will look like under your watch?
My thoughts are that we are too isolationist at this point in time still, and that's something I started correcting in my last term. My vision for the future of XKI diplomacy is of a more open region, a region that runs more events with allies and friends. A region that not only pays attention to the forum side of NS, but the game side as well. We have embassies on NS with other regions, and if elected I'll do my best to try and encourage on-site cross embassy posting.
- Another area of our Foreign Policy is international engagement and advocacy, how important do you believe this function is and what do you plan to do that will help promote 10000 Islands?
I believe this function is very important. My plans to help promote XKI are to continue doing embassy visits like I did during my last term, as well as hosting or getting involved in cultural events such as cross regional RP events and the NS World Fair provided its hosted in a safe manner unlike last years.
- R/D was a big theme in the last delegate debate, how do you feel about the current state of gameplay and what do you think can be done to address the issues caused by raiding?
The current state of gameplay is basically a dead state, or at least in hibernation. I feel like at this point in time defending is finally making a comeback, while raiding is falling off to the side. Something that can be done to address the issues caused by raiding is educating the founderless region natives on how to protect themselves, how to identify sleepers that are hostile to them.

Another thing that can be done to address the issues of raiding is to use our influence in the world to benignly influence defender thinking, to show others what it means to save founderless regions and the gratitude natives have when we help them. Saving a founderless region from raiders is saving a community and that communities history, and a lot of people don't realize that and that needs to change.
- Additionally do you plan to proactively advocate for Defender values in communications both affirmatively to our allies and to counteract raider propaganda?
Straight up answer: YES
- One of the areas I am most saddened in not be able to address during my time as delegate is the unfortunate recruiting tactics of the Black Hawks, which target new nations to our region with propaganda. By my estimation nearly 40 nations have succumbed to the thrall of these messages during this term. How do you feel about this state of affairs, and what actions or efforts will you lead to stop, or counteract this influence?
I feel both saddened, and mad, that XKI is being targeted with these things. We ourselves never openly try to engage in this, so it's highly unfair that we'd get targeted for the recruitment efforts of other orgs. I don't think there's much that can be done to stop it outright, because TBH absolutely hates defenders and would never stop. However, one way to mitigate it is by rewriting our welcome telegram to educate new XKIers on how to block them as soon as they enter the region. That is one effort I plan on leading if elected.

Internal
- What role do you feel the delegate plays in helping to shape and guide our region? Are there areas where you feel your experience will lead you toward certain ideals or goals for the region over others?
I feel like the delegate plays a very large role in shaping our region, the role of guiding our regions interactions with others as well as developing WA matters. I feel like my experience in WA matters, as well as my knowledge in GP overall, will help to lead me into keeping our region safe from bad outside influences and help me to lead WA developement within XKI.
- How do you feel about the relationship between our foreign facing activities (such as the XKI update), and our ability to recruit and retain nations in 10000 Islands?
I feel that the relationship between our foreign facing activities and our ability to recruit and retain nations in 10000 Islands is almost as critical as recruitment. While in and of itself it's not recruitment, and therefore not poaching, it is showing members of other regions who we are, our likes, what makes us unique, and many other things. If they think we're cool they may come over to check us out, and they may decide to stay and get involved.

Long time players are far more likely to stick around, and if we can attract more then I think our retention would be higher. I also think that if on-site only XKIers see our monthly emissary report they will likely check out the forum, and therefore stick around longer and possibly get more deeply involved in XKI.
- What do you think about the relationship between the delegate and the various ministers?
I think the relationship between the delegate and the various other ministries is important. They need to be able to work well together in case one needs help from the others to finish a project, or to achieve a goal. If the MoE has a project that needs a teacher from the outside of the region, they would need to partially rely on the delegate to find that teacher because the delegate is knowledgeable.
- During my term I have found it can be hard to reach everyone for an endorsement; what strategies and methods will you use beside endotarting to ensure that we have as high delegate endorsement percentages as we can?
The strategies I will use are the same as always, telegrams and the creation of a dispatch such as the one employed by URI to notify nations not endorsing the delegate.
- What do you think about TIBOE, or other endorsement programs to encourage high cross endorsement?
I think they are a good idea, and one thing I want to look into is the creation of an endo-tarting program. I looked into it during my last term, but got caught up on not being able to do an endo-tarting program because I can't host the script for it. Hopefully I will someday find a way to have a program that doesn't rely on scripts, but I'll cross that hurdle if I am elected.
- While the delegate is separated from TITO during their term, what role do you feel you can play to help promote TITO ?
The role I feel that I can play to help promote TITO is to talk about it more with XKIers and to get them interested in trying it. TITO is one of the largest, most experienced, defender orgs on NS and I feel that it is our duty to find new TITO members and to train the next generation of defenders.

[Sargon Reman]

Jul 5, 2019 13:31:24 GMT -5 Jabberwocky said:

Paffnia ,Lenlyvit ,Sargon Reman ,United Royal Islands , here's a question for all candidates: in the last year, we've seen a disturbing tendency for candidates to run for office, but once elected to vacate their office. The question is: if elected, will you serve your full term?

For months on end I had the responsibility of simultaneously running two Executive departments granted to me by two different Chief Executives. The Regional Reserve from Woon and the Ministry of Immigration by Markanite a short time later. I never burnt out or fell inactive in either role, nor when I was Senator before that. I feel very confident that I can serve a lengthy term as Delegate and I promise that I will do so.

[United Royal Islands]

Thank you for your insightful answers Lenlyvit!
Sargon Reman, can voters expect a response to my questions?