Katke for Consul [CAMPAIGN]

[Man814 30]

 

[!] All about Holm’s marketplace, academy, cloud district, and the Grove, a mass produced political parchment is distributed to all residents and citizens.

 

 

Katke ‘68

“Holm is Where the Heart is”

      After the preliminary announcement of his campaign five Seeds ago, Evan Katke has been dedicated to formulating and establishing his bid for consulship. After hiring a small campaign staff and collecting donations from avid supporters at his campaign rally, it is now essential and prudent to officially initiate his campaign. Our hope within the Katke campaign is to elect not only our nation’s leader, but also our chief strategist, our most respected diplomat, an influential policy maker, and a political revolutionary. Katke’s primary goals include the reinvigoration of the marketplace, the embracement of democratic-republican values, and most ambitiously, the implementation of a new constitution. It’s time to shake things up in Holmoite politics.

 

Policies

      The Katke campaign’s first and foremost goal is concrete policy changes. We don’t tap dance around the issues, we’ll tell you what our positions are without any of the charades, poorly characterized by other political leaders.

 

THE CONSTITUTION

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

       Through a careful analysis of the Holmoite Charter by legal scholars from the Academy of Holm, our campaign has come to the absolute conclusion that our society desperately requires a refurbished and renewed constitution. Critics of our efforts to reimplement and redraft the constitution may slander our campaign as retaining an “Unnecessary litmus test,” as many of the provisions in the Charter are no longer enforced. In reality, the only way to safeguard our protections from the government is by renewing this constitution. Without a revised version of the constitution, Holmoite leadership reserves all legal channels to alter our daily lives, and we, the people, would possess no legal recourse. Should Katke win, the Senate shall be convened multiple times to draft a new constitution, one that fits for the Holmoite people. Our exact grievances with the charter are as follows;

 

 

• The Constitution is Theocratic & Discriminatory. Not only does the preface of the Charter preach clearly Dwinic sympathetic rhetoric, there are legal implications to the language utilized by the authors of the Charter. For instance, under article II, section I, subsection C-2, it is clearly stated that, “The responsibilities of residents, on pain of losing the status of resident, are… to adhere to the Religion of the State.” The same is reiterated for that of citizens in the next section. “D. The responsibility to worship the Holy Pantheon of Seven above all other gods.” While desiring to respect the Brathmordakin as the aforementioned “state religion,” we would also like to establish an entirely secular government, free from references which half of the nation’s population doesn’t practice.

• The Constitution is Oppressive & Authoritarian. Time and time again, the mandatory conscription of Holmoite residents and citizens is noted. We can hardly call ourselves a “free” nation, if this remains a legal tenet of our governing document. Although not enforced, there is no legal recourse for those who don’t want to serve in the military -- it sets a poor precedent.

• The Constitution Justifies Dynastic Rule. Evan himself is a friend of the first family, and has no desire to remove them from Despotic power -- however, corruption riddles the electoral system in Holm. Incumbent Ironguts have an extreme governing advantage, as the Constitution clearly establishes a dynasty, ensuring the Ironguts as the heads of state via all legal recourse. While we’re able to compromise, allowing the Clan Father to retain ceremonial, administrative, and diplomatic powers as the Despot, the people should be free to rule themselves, and elect their own leaders without nepotistic advantages offered to the opposition.

• Technically, this Campaign is Illegal. That’s right, our campaign, under section IIIB, the “Protective Dissolution” clause, is considered illegal. The very fact that the constitution legally punishes those who attempt to change it in the name of preserving our Holmoite values truly emulates how authoritarian and corrupt the current system is.

 

 

VOTING RIGHTS

Spoiler

 

The voters ‘ought to have more say in what goes on within their government. We want to expand voting rights to meet the following criteria;

 

 

• Allow residents to vote for Consul. Residents who reside in Holm, and actively contribute to our society, should have the ability to elect their own leaders. Despite not owning citizenship papers, they’re still residents. We should not fall victim to timocratic propagandists, but instead, support an equal Consul vote for all.

• Expand the Senate. Every citizen should participate in the Senate, and we reserve the belief that only citizens should be allowed to serve in the Senate. As of now, if citizens physically miss a meeting, they are not allowed to vote on measures proposed in the Senate, nor vote for Consul. All citizens should be given the option to vote on measures before finalizing such.

• Inform the People. Senate meetings, instead of being held on a whim as they are now, should instead be constitutionally required to be hosted at least once every Stone’s week. This should allow citizens to address their grievances, propose measures, and vote on bills, akin to how the senate operates now. In addition, at the beginning of each Senate meeting, whoever the proctor is should be required to list off everything the Consuls have done since the previous session. If any senator wishes to oppose and measure enacted by a Consul, then they may call the measure to a vote. That is our vision for the senate.

• Extend voting stations to the rural districts of Holm. Participation in elections among those living in Avernante, High Rock, Thania, and the Grove are abysmal. There is little to no political participation from these rural regions of Holm, and as such, we wish to further incorporate these regions into the Holm senate.

• Allow voters to create political parties. Political parties are essential to creating a coalition of like minded individuals, in order to solidify voting blocs in upcoming elections.

 

ECONOMICS

 

Spoiler

 

The centerpiece of Holm has always been our economic superiority over other nations, but that monetary security is now threatened by a stagnating market, severely discerning unemployment, and a lack of domestic industry. We propose the following solutions to reinvigorate our market;

 

• Institute taxes. Although an immensely controversial issue, taxes need to be installed to keep our treasury afloat. With the recent adoption of a public schooling system, the expansion of the Iron Brigade, coupled with our own proposed economic policies, taxes will be necessary in order to continue running the social programs which make Holm great. We propose a flat tax of 150 minae per Stone’s Week for all residents, citizens, and nobles. In turn, these taxes will be used to fuel a thriving public sector, spiking employment rates.

• Create an Employment Registry. Let’s collect information on every individual’s employment in the city, so that we, as the government, know which careers to properly cater to, and which professions we need to further develop.

• Move away from the kiosk system. It’s time we establish more formal shops in our marketplace. Whilst kiosks allow for readily available products, we should erect more shops to encourage higher commerce traffic through Holm.

• Encourage entrepreneurship. Small businesses should be at the heart of Holm’s economy. We should be promoting startup shops and businesses who wish to offer unique services, which may attract more immigration to Holm.

• Privatize farms. Drive the economy by privatizing the agricultural industry, and selling raw products to producers and consumers. Industries such as leather, meat, wheat, and sugar cane all have the potential to be economically successful factors for farmers. 

• Socialize healthcare. Healthcare is a necessity. Owners of local clinics should be publicly funded and state operated to ensure maximum efficiency and accountability.

 

 

EDUCATION

Spoiler

 

Majoring in political philosophy at the Academy of Holm himself, Evan is prepared to support our newly created public education system.

 

• Increase funding to education. School supplies are expensive, especially textbooks, which the Academy imports from the Dragur Library, more than tuition fees will cover.

• Incentivize graduates to remain in Holm. By establishing scholarly positions in Holm which require a degree and education credentials, jobs which pay it’s employees, we could encourage so many workers to immigrate, educate, and work in Holm.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Spoiler

 

Our infrastructure isn’t great, compared to other nations. We’ve winding roads, messy farms, and little room for Holmoite expansion. As such, we propose the following;

 

• Support the sewer system. In a recent senate hearing, the construction of a sewer system passed. We completely endorse such an endeavor. Not only do we require a more efficient way to dispose of waste than simply tossing it off of a hillside, but we require a sewage passageway for city management purposes, emergency evacuations, and potential expansion into the mountainous terrain.

• Attract traffic to rural Holm. Our rural districts, such as the Grove, Avernante, High Rock, and Thania, could all benefit from a higher rate of foreign traffic. We propose a region wide road system, continuing onwards from the Whispering Crossroads into the mountains, connecting all districts of Holm.

 

FOREIGN POLICY

Spoiler

 

Evan supports non-interventionist policies. We should focus on the domestic development of Holm, as opposed to becoming heavily involved in foreign affairs.

 

• Solidify our borders. Along with our non-interventionist tendencies, we should also embrace an element of nationalism, increasing the amount of border security towers around Holm to more clearly define our borders.

• Remain neutral. It’s not our place to engage in combat with foreign powers at this time. Unless we suffer a direct attack on the homeland, Holm will not be going to war anytime soon.

• Engage in trade. May it be a protectionist or globalist trade deal, we need to start making trade agreements with foreign nations. It is prudent to establish state-protected kiosks and shops in foreign nations, in order to increase revenue to private shop owners in Holm. We also require certain resources in Holm; leather, dyes, woods of all kind, and luxury items. We should encourage domestic imports from other nations, based on necessity.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

Spoiler

 

As a member of the Iron Brigade, Evan’s military service has brought to light the lack of competent criminal justice reform in Holm. We require an expanded law enforcement, established judicial courts, and more stable prisons.

 

• Create a domestic and constitutional court. We must appoint a chief magistrate in Holm, responsible for passing judgement on petty crime, felonies, and other violations of the law, as well as the ability for citizens to file lawsuits. In addition, a constitutional court is prudent, especially should our refurbished constitution be implemented, to determine the legality of specific policies and government actions. 

• Train the Brigade. Our finest law enforcement officers could benefit from increased training in de-escalation tactics, opting instead to peaceful resolution of hostile situations, which would preferably result in criminals sitting in a jail cell, instead of bleeding out on the street. We’d also like to finance their armor, to ensure they’ve an able stockpile of blades and armor at all times.

 

 

 

SOCIAL POLICY

 

Spoiler

 

As a champion of freedom, Evan believes in social equality and tolerance. The ability to coexist is the only way to further advance the glory of the Republic.

 

• Freedom of religious expression. All individuals should have the right to practice their religion of choice, so long as no other laws are violated. Religious organizations, should they prove to have enough of a following in Holm, should also reserve the right to establish and construct religious temples of worship.

• Racial protections. Holm continues to hold the title of Holm’s most diverse population. With a large Kha minority, a Dwarven majority, Elves from all sects, human residents, and a racially mixed bureaucracy, racial equality is a definitive necessity.

• Political freedom. In order to further ensure the safety and security of the republic, we must tolerate political opinions of all strides, no matter how palatable or gruesome. Individuals must be allowed to create political parties, organizations, and further engage in the political process.

 

 

 

Campaign Info

      Originally announced in the lecture hall at the Academy of Holm, the Katke campaign has seen an unprecedented and encouraging amount of support. Together, we can initiate a populist wave that overtakes the Holmoite senate, through a non-violent electoral revolution. Holm belongs to you, the people, and not the political establishment. When Consul nominations roll around, please vote for Katke to ensure your future. Holm can’t afford to endure the same old leadership anymore.

 

Volunteering

Evan Katke’s chief volunteer includes Caius Roswell-Rubens, the current Headmaster at the Academy of Holm, volunteering in his free time. Roswell works for Evan as a consultant and speechwriter. If any residents, citizens, or nobles of Holm wish to either volunteer for the Katke campaign, or donate to the cause, they may seek out either Roswell or Katke himself. The campaign is in need of ground volunteers to spread the message, communications consultants to create posters and political advertisements, and policy advisors to assist in messaging endeavors.

 

We thank you all for reading this elongated parchment. Please consider voting for Katke in ‘68.

“Holm is Where the Heart is.”

•  

[Hiebe 2493]

Dwain looks at the old charter.

 

"Hm maybe I should post the new and most current version."

[Sherlocks_ homes 31]

Marrow reads the parchment eagerly. "Oh, this is going to be good. I really should be helping  Evan more, though.

[shortchangehero 4217]

Dain Ireheart II takes note of all the excessive writing and fancy formatting. He doesn't read any of it, because he really doesn't care, but what he does do is give a cheeky smile and firm nod before stating the dwarves around him;

 

"T'is fawkin' panzeh's got meh vote, look at all 'em fanceh wurdz."

[Medvekoma 2073]

Koralon read through the parchment before one of her lectures at the academy. She squinted her eyes ever more as she neared he end of the pamphlet, then crumbled it up and cast it behind, above her shoulder with a comment.

 

"Sanoism nae worked in Kal'Johann. Nae will it work in 'Olm either. Ah will 'ave to dig up me anti-sanoist propaganda pape's."