http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/dfenner_photo/6264346944a710cfe80dc5.jpg Senior Columnist and Investigative Journalist: Darien Fenner

2011 Election Primary Candidates: Wileyness, Women, and Words, Words, Words May 8, 2011

In spite of everything that happened in 2009, 2010 certainly seemed to be a magical year in politics.

It seems like only yesterday that The RhyDin Post was making its breakout influence with hands-on coverage of the 2010 election. What began as seven candidates rapidly dwindled to two obvious frontrunners, leading to one of the closest electoral races RhyDin has seen" well" ever. And when Sheridan Driscol was elected Governor, it became obvious that the way to RhyDin's heart is not through reason, but through a special kind of cleverness and ingenuity. Indeed, it appears as though the most suitable candidate for RhyDin's sole government position ought not to be someone with experience or an attention span that lasts longer than an evening of drinking and dancing; rather, the most equipped person to take up such a post is the one who can most effectively pull a veil over citizens' eyes. In the simple man's magic industry they call it misdirection. A magician distracts an audience with a pretty stage assistant or flock of doves, and when he pulls a disappearing act no one seems to be the wiser. But magic doesn't always have to involve fireworks and hocus pocus - a little verbal sleight of hand or a few flashy ideologies are more than enough to keep RhyDin mystified.

Here is to hoping 2011 is more than just smoke and mirrors.

At first blush, this year's election seems to have ferreted out a rather interesting array of potential candidates. As per nearly every election prior there remains the ever-present "No Confidence" campaign, but what lies behind most other runners' messages appears to be a taste of something lighter - not necessarily laissez-faire, but more of a "gentle touch" approach to politics. And it is just as well. RhyDin reacts to hands-on governing the way a stereotypical werewolf might to silver, and using words like "charge" or "command" when referring to a single person inevitably triggers a catastrophic backlash worse than blackmarket organ theft.

Whether these candidates carry two-sided coins or not remains to be seen. But as it is, the initial impression of the 2011 election is simply wileyness, women, and words, words, words.

Dyarhk

For every bit as soft-handed as Fio Helston seems to be, Dyarhk is poised to bring the hammer down on rock-hard politics.

Born in RhyDin, the singularly-named "Dyarhk" is no stranger to white-knighting endeavors on behalf of the less-fortunate. And that is not to be taken metaphorically.

"I have held many occupations in my long life, the most prominent of which have been service as a knight under a number of banners, all for peace and stability of nations," Dyarhk said in a personal interview with the Post. "I have fought for the independent nation of Adenna and RhyDin City, both here; and off-world I have helped return a governmental system to the people of Tirraru that had been under corrupt leadership; and in Huyglen, where I call home, off-world, I had been a herald with unheard of positive and preventative outcomes via skills of negotiation."

But fighting for the less-fortunate does not necessarily end or begin with the swing of a sword. Among Dyarhk's claims of experience lie declarations of ordinant dicta that savor strongly of some Terran-inspired legislative organizations - suggesting that while many of Dyarhk's inspirations may come from Tirraru, certain democratic techniques are universal.

Universal or not, while much of Dyarhk's governing approach falls under the category of democracy, it is not necessarily one RhyDin is used to.

"Yes, I will have to make decisions in office, but those decisions are chosen by the heaviest weight determined by the most collected voice of the people" cannot be achieved without the assistance and consent of the people."

Because RhyDin only annually holds elections and does not regularly poll for public opinions on current issues (with the exception of opinion polls issued by certain local publications), much of the decision-making process lies strictly with the appointed Governor. Generally one of two kinds of representatives can fill the gubernatorial position: a delegate, or a trustee. A delegate is someone who is elected based on representing the views of the majority, and his decisions will be made based on the opinion of the majority whether or not they agree with his own opinion. A trustee, however, is just as it sounds. It is a representative who is trusted to make decisions in the best interests of the people, even if those decisions are unpopular. And while Dyarhk's campaign certainly seems to be well meaning and generally beneficial, his outlook of RhyDin's current politics appears to be rather ideologically skewed.

"If anything I want to impress upon the people a fatherly profile, not just because I am one, but also because they can feel safe around me and trust me to get the job done. There is no one saying I will refuse to change plans or decisions after they've been made, so let's not start."

If the words and opinions of the people could be embodied in one voice, I hardly doubt it would be this clumsy.

While Dyarhk is nowhere nearly as riddled with vagueness as some of his other candidates, some of his more important points definitely need to be clarified. If Dyarhk does intend to run through certain proper channels and defer his decisions to the people as he claims, does this mean any disagreement he has will be met with a strict veto' If that is the case, what is the purpose of negotiating with RhyDin citizens in the first place - assuming he can even find means to follow through with such a claim' Granted Dyarhk could just as easily be taking up the role of the understanding parent - one who is up to negotiation. But then again?

"As governor, I will have to weigh what is important and what isn't in relation to how it will affect RhyDin, and sometimes Father knows best."

How fortunate we will be to have a Governor who actively patronizes his people.

The truth is, what little governing that a Governor does has in the past been left to the Governor's discretion. Of course, any better way to carry out the democratic processes is certainly welcome; and that is precisely what Dyarhk seems to have in mind.

"We wouldn't have space programs and interstellar trade if we did not try new things? What we have is a budget that's going to try and turn dreams into reality. I'm going to come up with ideas, and the people are going to come up with them."

The endeavor for innovation is perhaps one of the strongest platforms Dyarhk has going for him. Many critics assert that the reason Matthew Simon lost last year's election was precisely because he made no efforts to change his campaign or offer anything new. But while the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" argument may work on other planets or in other realms, RhyDin is in and of itself a melting pot of change and progress. In the last ten years it has adopted and integrated some of the most advanced technology in the universe into its society. Furthermore, thousands of new immigrants arrive every day and both assimilate with and adapt society to fit their needs. Perhaps this is why so many are claiming that this year's election is a matter of: "Either change it, or leave it alone."

Yet with all his impressive talk of improvement, Dyarhk is quick to give a happy nod to the stagnation situation.

"What I took away from tenures was what didn't happen," Dyarhk continued. "We didn't break the budget, we didn't succumb to any horrific terrorist attacks that people talk about every day. We didn't enter some large-scale war. We wake up and talk about pleasant things because today and tomorrow are protected, and it's one of those silent things that may get one of the largest credits behind the chair."

While most would argue that the Governor isn't anything more than a poster child, I would like to think that we go through all these efforts leading up to election to ensure that something more than just a preventative paperweight occupies the gubernatorial office. Just because a large-scale war didn't happen doesn't mean that the last Governor did anything right. By that logic if I appoint someone as my professional spontaneous combustion supervisor, as long as I don't spontaneously combust he is to be considered a successful supervisor. RhyDin isn't necessarily expecting results; contrarily, unless some catastrophic event occurs that requires prompt government intervention most citizens won't throw a temper tantrum if the city doesn't change into a sparkling metropolis overnight.

For all the flak Dyarhk has received - especially with regard to his decision to name a running mate (see the corresponding interview) - his heart seems to be in the right place. It will be interesting to see him defend his rather altruistic platform if he makes it past the primaries. After all, short of wandering the streets with an "alms for the poor" bucket hanging around his neck, there isn't particularly much that can be done in the way of organized taxation or charity collection. But regardless of how unrealistic some of his ideas sound, he at least seems to have done his homework and has high hopes for RhyDin's future.

As for whether they are the right hopes, only time will tell.

Continued on page three.

Cuyler Eustace Quinn

There is a bit of a difference between being an "underdog" and being "underground," and Cuyler Quinn seems to have the definitions slightly confused.

In her candidacy speech, Quinn readily touts her experience in some of RhyDin's more questionable professions - most notably in working as what she calls a "Necro Debt Relief Specialist," which is just as amusing a euphemism for grave robbing as "asking the gods for shoes" is for RhyDin's number one recreational activity. From what can be gleaned from her speeches and rebuttals, Quinn is anything but a few cans short of a six-pack. And by a pure stroke of luck, her gritty and frank personality might even be enough to last her through the primaries. But while she may not come across as simple-minded herself, what she has to offer RhyDin in the way of a campaign premise seems exactly that.

"I ain't gonna let my mouth write checks that my freckled rear ain't gonna cash. I'm gonna give it to ya and I'm gonna give it to ya straight. I'm running 'cause I wanna champion for the underdog. The misplaced, the strays and the so-called "filth" of this place. As a criminal myself, I can't see anyway of bringing some sort of organized justice to RhyDin."

I'll give her this much: when it comes to handling past government issues, Quinn is at least practical. Some of her present opinions, however, may not be as much.

"How about the criminals, yeah' People is so quick to label the pickpockets and the murderers as nothing more than filth when in reality I don't know of a single person around here that don't got at least one skeleton in their closet. Again if I'm elected I can't promise to eradicate? crime, but I can at least promise you that I will do everything in my power to try and help the individuals turn their lives around."

Astute as her perception is about a two-faced RhyDin, the "thief with the heart of gold" scenario usually only works in Disney movies.

" someone to work with its people, not rule over them. I hope the best person wins, yeah' needs someone that ain't gonna miss the individual voices of its people 'cause of the roar of the crowd."

While Quinn's enthusiasm is quite impressive, the "I'll listen" argument has been regurgitated by countless politicians before her who have twice as much experience. And while her rough-around-the-edges mentality and charming, quirky demeanor will definitely earn her points with the locals, unless she expands a little on her ideas or her history chances are the only thing she will walk away from this election with is a box full of unused campaign buttons.

Vote Cuyler Quinn: We're all criminals at heart.

Continued on page five.

Lueretta "Lucy" Ravenlock Egowrath

Whether or not she is more than just a pretty face, Lucy Ravenlock undeniably has the campaign process down pat.

There are always three ways to appeal to the RhyDin population: Money, sex, and children - independently, of course. And while "exploitation" might not be the word some would use, in her official candidacy speech Ravenlock certainly pulled no punches when it came to appealing to RhyDin's sympathies. After all, who can say no to a dozen smiling children"

"These children are all casualties of war," explained Ravenlock in a message to RhyDin. "I know it's hard to see, but can't see you their smiling faces" They do this out of their own free will for an act that means little next to nothing for them."

I have to give it to Ravenlock's ingenuity. Those smiling faces are wonderful for disguising her vacant intentions - something she seems not to have inherited from her father, who currently holds the office of Minister of Citizen Resources. Indeed, the logic and the specificity her relatives utilize in confronting prominent issues of the day have so far been absent in Ravenlock's addresses. Like many before her, much of Ravenlock's message remains vague and innocuous, with much of her fuel springing from a certain sentimental tempestuousness that some of her opponents lack.

"I don't want to rule this city," claimed Ravenlock. "I want to bring people together. I want everyone to speak through me, so that problems can be addressed. And fixed."

For every bit as ambiguous at Simon's campaign used to be, Ravenlock seems to be taking up the slack.

Still, the saccharine-sweetness and honesty of her approach will doubtlessly garner some attention from RhyDin. Virtually everyone can appreciate a hard-luck case, and Ravenlock is most assuredly cemented into the role of this year's "champion of love and justice." Yet despite her heartfelt pleas to the RhyDin citizens for understanding and compassion, there is a hidden venom behind Ravenlock's rebuttals. Whether this bite empowers or debases will have to be explored. So far her platform has seemed relatively harmless and generally public-spirited, but if she makes it past the primaries the real challenge will be providing candid, forthright ideas for current matters.

In her own words: Lucy Ravenlock for protecting the innocent!

Continued on page seven.

Corlanthis Wystansayr

It appears as though Ravenlock isn't the only one this election appealing to RhyDin's more endearing qualities.

Corlanthis Wystansayr has become a frequent sight in politics for the past couple of years, having run several times for the Governor's office without victory. Still, many of his endeavors have been met with relative success, launching him solidly past the primaries more than once.

With the exception of last year, of course.

Wystansayr's abrupt withdrawal from the 2010 election was met with varying degrees of indifference, amusement, and outrage. Confirmed reports maintain that Wystansayr announced his withdrawal rather informally in the middle of the annual gubernatorial debate, sparking accusations that he does not take candidacy seriously enough to be an appropriate Governor.

Has that changed? So far we don't know. What has been revealed about Wystansayr's platform is inscrutable at best. What we do know, however, is that he has taken an interesting initiative by announcing a running mate of his own - Taneth Mercer. And given what we know about elections and popularity, that move with doubtlessly serve to earn him quite a few votes.

That being said, it could very well be that Wystansayr takes this election least seriously of all.

It is up to you to decide.

Corlanthis Wystansayr for Governor; Taneth Mercer for Vice Governor!

Hardcopy transcript of the personal interview with Dyarhk. Available by request to the RhyDin Post.

Interviewer: First things first. May I please have your name and occupation for the record" Dyarhk: Of course. My full and only name is "Dyarhk." Being one of RhyDin's orphans, I never received the chance at what you might call a proper name, but, I do not dislike it. I have held many occupations in my long life, the most prominent of which have been service as a knight under a number of banners, all for peace and stability of nations. If the RhyDin people would like me to list all my allegiances in the past' Then I'll do that. Laughter. I have fought for the independent nation of Adenna and RhyDin City, both here; and off-world I have helped return a governmental system to the people of Tirraru that had been under corrupt leadership; and in Huyglen, where I call home, off-world, I had been a herald with unheard of positive and preventative outcomes via skills of negotiation.

Interviewer: It sounds as though you've spent quite a lot of time off-world. Exactly how long have you lived in RhyDin"

Dyarhk: I have lived in RhyDin for going on sixteen years. This is something the press are making quite a big deal about concerning my citizenship because I do live off-world. I have spent over half my life out of RhyDin, and I will be turning a ripe old age of thirty-eight in November. There is propaganda circulating right now that I'm anti-RhyDin because I live off-world and requests are being put out for me to regularly present my birth documentation! I do not humor such absurdities, not when a copy of my birth registration is on public record over at the RhyDin Public Library and the Preservation of Records Center. Conspiracists are even theorizing harmful terrorism campaigns centered around my ethnicity. It is no surprise I was orphaned. But make no mistake, I was born here, I am a citizen.

Interviewer: What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this position"

Dyarhk: I'm glad you asked this question because I think this is one of the things the people of RhyDin want most to know: just who am I" On the planet of Tirraru I was a councilman on their 'Board of Members' that yielded the arrest of a complete ring of corrupt officials that were exploiting their city's population of over three hundred thousand illegally, through legal channels. It was the city's biggest bust, and it happened specifically during my tenure.

At the beginning of this year I assisted the Minister of Citizen Resources" in a defense effort an invading enemy force at Town Hall and, later, acted as leading adviser in a refugee camp North of the Temple District for those directly affected by the attacks. I allied immediately with the Dwarven Mountain Lords of Northern RhyDin there helping prepare the camps and, together, we created and initiated the idea of portal teams, which were called 'portal platoons', that constantly ran day and night extraction missions. The camp grew to such a size we enlisted the assistance of the distant nations uninvolved but aware of our circumstances. The city of Adenna sent their strongest defenders, and the mage city of Liltu sent a portal team that was able to cast an illusionary shield over the camp and allow it to flourish with the safe evacuation of numbers beyond any of our imagining. At the time of the end of the crisis the camp had in excesses of four thousand evacuees, half of which were able to return to their homes. But there's still two thousand hungry and unable to return or relocate, and they're a big inspiration for my run this year.

Interviewer: That's certainly very impressive, but with all due respect virtually every person in RhyDin has taken part in some grand adventure or another. Not to discredit your actions, of course. But what do you feel really distinguishes you as a person from the other candidates" Dyarhk:You know, it's funny. Governor Matt Simon spoke of, in his 2011 candidacy speech, the criteria of humbleness of those elected governor and how it applies to the humanity and imperfections in all of us. It is unrealistic, and potentially dangerous to our citizens for a governor to assume they will not make a mistake, and I agree wholeheartedly with the past governor in that aspect. What I bring to the election this year is a fresh agenda with the leadership skills the people need and an understanding of what will be required of me, as governor, to bring about one of the most successful terms of the governing administration. I don't feel the majority of my competition offers this.

Interviewer: And how exactly do you plan to exercise that leadership" What approach or perspective do you expect to take in governing"

Dyarhk: An adequate example of my governing abilities would be how the RhyDin people and myself will be able to govern together. Yes, I will have to make decisions in office, but those decisions are chosen by the heaviest weight determined by the most collected voice of the people. It is together that we are going to accomplish one another's goals. If we work together, which I know we can, and I'm sure we will, there's nothing we can't accomplish. You've already heard the diverse range of titles I've held at one time or another. I've managed a shelter camp, heralded for warring nations and negotiated them out of confrontation that would have ended in bloodshed. I've swung the sword on the battlefield, and I've swung the pen in the courtroom and come out victorious in both arenas, and I want to fight for you now, RhyDin, exclusively.

Interviewer: Do you have any particular opinion on the governorships for the past two years"

Dyarhk: I am a huge supporter of Governor Driscol's innovations concerning his minister body and division of public duties. I think it was brilliant, and set a new standard for how the public views interaction with our government, and broadened the possibilities of a better prepared, safer RhyDin, and a more democratic government overall. Going back a bit to Governor Matt Simon's term, I think he did a great job in office. I've heard arguments of how he could have done "more," but I would tell those people to take a step back and look at what didn't happen under his governing. Look at his improvements to the Watch. The City Guard didn't founder, it reintensified, if anything, and reestablished that critical communication relationship we cannot do without, between citizen and our safety enforcers. Look at the Air and Space Guard. The governor showed his capabilities very early on, but it was after both terms had ended did we see what had really happened. How I view the past governors' terms was very influential in the construction of my agenda. Both Governor Driscol and Governor Simon took the position with confidence and the plan to take care of RhyDin, and that is what this whole election boils down to: taking care of RhyDin. Getting back to what I was saying, people are drawing critical analysis to the things that happened under Governor Simon and Governor Driscol's terms. What I took away from their tenures was what didn't happen. We didn't break the budget, we didn't succumb to any horrific terrorist attacks that people talk about every day. We didn't enter some large scale war. We wake up and talk about pleasant things because today and tomorrow are protected, and it's one of those silent things that may get one of the largest credits behind the chair. Maintaining the status quo, as Governor Simon put it, is not such a bad thing as I think some of the extreme left citizens may have made out, especially when the status quo is peace. I run under this belief, and I thank our previous governors for their contributions to our way of life.

Interviewer: That's an awful lot of praise for one of your opponents" You talk a lot about what they didn't do. What do you plan to do with the office"

Dyarhk: I'm actually going to be debuting my full agenda with your office! So let's start firstly with the two thousand RhyDinian war refugees currently situated, unwelcome mind you, in the territory of the Dwarven Mountain Lords here in RhyDin. Having played a strong role in evacuating these citizens from Arcanum Academy, Town Hall, the marketplace tragedy and across RhyDin City, you can imagine my emotional involvement after the attacks when these people were unable to return to their lives. A liability clause has turned up alienating, basically ostracizing those men, women and children from financial support and disaster coverage. Alienating our people from coverage when they should be inalienable. Fionna Helston is absolutely right, this clause should not exist, and it is why I am launching the Sudden Action Directive in partnership with Principal Supervisor for the relief effort in Town Hall, Commander McDowell, and my running mate for lieutenant governor, Gregory Finder"

Interviewer: Forgive me. If I could just interrupt you here a moment, who is Gregory Finder"

Dyarhk: Gregory, Gregory's awesome. He's a Tirraru native and a devoted family man, and an enforcer of the law who's dedicated to his job. I knew right away I had to have him in my corner if I was going to give RhyDin the broad understanding of issues that are sure to come up in office. You could say I represent an older age of RhyDin, which it certainly has, but it also has a very modern and futuristic community with specific needs related to their technological advancements. Gregory Finder's got that base covered.

Interviewer: I see. Please do continue.

Dyarhk: What this unit hopes to accomplish is investigate this ridiculous clause that sent geographical surveyors out to the shelter camps to verify mysterious "Western offices" in particular, not liable, or any other office for that matter. I am speaking out very clearly against Guy Vanderhorst, and this operation will be exposed for what it is, and justice will be served. Regardless of my election, you won't get rid of me and this particular agenda so easily.

Interviewer: If you would, could you tell our readers a little about Vanderhorst"

Dyarhk: My team that, if elected will be known as the Sudden Action Directive, have found out Guy Vanderhorst is forty-two years of age, he graduated law school, he emigrated here and opened up a retail business that went under. He remained relatively low on the radar up until two years ago when he launched a small practice that is now quite large in the West known as Vanderhorst & Sons LLC. A little while ago he met up with myself and the other camp leaders at the site of Devotion, the name of my shelter camp, and conducted a fictitious geographical survey on the lands with a crew, strengthening their case, Guy claimed, that the citizens had lived x amount of days in x amount of space to fall under this clause that voided their protection on their pre-existing properties, and are trying to enact a tax on all these people for false claims of dereliction in their "Effectual Abandonment Clause." These people aren't working! They have no income right now! And what?s keeping them from it, what?s roadblocking them, is this damned license. It's ludicrous! These are the words candidates for office Helston and Suliss'urn are talking about' specifically Suliss'urn. "Words that mean nothing." But the difference is, these words are trying to pass themselves off as law, and that's very dangerous. And what?s going to make the difference is realizing this threat, and dealing with it appropriately. Shut down Vanderhorst and his practice and prosecute him.

Interviewer: Interesting. You were saying about your platform'

Dyarhk: Second, I am working on a safety net to ensure nothing like this every happens to any citizens of RhyDin ever again regardless of foul play, which I suspect to be the culprit here. I am finalizing an agreement with foreign powers which will provide suitable room and boarding for victims of any home endangerment. RhyDin is about family; you will go to any lengths to protect your family, and, as your governor, so will I. This agreement is still being debated, but it is one of my primary focuses. With your help, supporting this push, I will boldly state the rate of homeless, especially that of children, will plummet 30-40%. I cannot do this alone, though. Help me nurture this bill, and we can put a solid foot down against this form of neglect. We can let the RhyDin people know we hear them, because we do, and we're not gonna stop fighting for them until they're taken care of. Like I said, this is all about taking care of RhyDin.

And lastly I am choosing to pursue Improving Foreign Policy in my campaign. Our interests as a people are of great importance, and how we choose to conduct our trades will play a pivotal role in both our advancement and survival. I realize this is in direct conflict with some of my competition, but I believe it is in the best interests of the people. Instead of doing like some of the other candidates are suggesting and "taking back our economy," I think that is a step backwards. These candidates are asking the wrong questions which surprises me since the main question to ask is a relatively simple one: How do these decisions affect RhyDin" Our situation with foreign policy is a healthy one, but it could be healthier. As governor, I will employ a team of ambassadors from RhyDin with proper credentials to help me manage a new Ministry of Finance department. What was wrong with the old system' Why do we need a new one" The old system works. But anything can work better, and it is our job as the future elect to test that very thing. What does this new ministry offer" More expeditious and safer transactions for one, which have been thoroughly tested via the interstellar trade routes and electronically. You will have to see it at one of my seminars along with a revealing of a scale model of the town here in RhyDin that the refugee program will build. Thank you. That covers my immediate platform.

Interviewer: There are quite a few things I'd like to address, if you'll humor me. First of all, when you say "liability clause" do what are you referring" Liability of finances" Of interests" Or are you simply referring to general indifference"

Dyarhk: The liability clause to which I am referring is one of the villains this office faces. It is a coinsurance clause, and it is bogus, it is absolutely bogus. In tandem with my run for office and the important attention it receives, I am declaring open season on this form. It is a lengthy license calling itself the RhyDin Insurance Code, and I am confident when I say it is a scandal. It came out of Western Rhy'Din from an office identified as "Vanderhorst & Sons LLC." The Public Library and Preservation of Records Center will tell you clearer than I their charts. They're taking in more money from investors than they're putting out for what their practice is supposed to be covering. They're not answering our phone calls. They're refusing to comment. There's so much wrong with this picture.

Interviewer: You talk about a Minister of Finance. Am I to understand that you wish to continue Driscol's Council of Ministers"

Dyarhk: It is like I said, the old system works. It does. But, that was Governor Driscol's personally tailored view of positions and the persons that could hold them. I cannot say I share the same mindset as the past governor has. I think a body of people would have been much more appropriate for the Justice Department instead of assigning one Minister, also, I would not have assigned one person to represent the whole of RhyDin Defense. I would have much rather seen several Ministry titles given to this department. One of the things I plan to be prepared for as governor is war so that some of our more memorable tragedies never have the chance again to leave such a lasting imprint on or lands and our people. Governor Driscol's Ministry body was an innovative moment, though, in the history of this office. I can safely reveal that it will be a template at the very least for an order I might form, yes. But I cannot disclose further information on the positions or my electoral council at this time.

Interviewer: In claiming "the old system works," you must realize that introducing a new system is slightly hypocritical. But as I understand it, you are merely suggesting that it is our duty to try new things in hopes that they may turn out to be an improvement. Do you think that the governorship is in need of an overhaul"

Dyarhk: Laughter. We wouldn't have space programs and interstellar trade if we did not try new things. Fortunate for the people of RhyDin, I am not a rocket scientist. But I am imaginative, so maybe you're not so safe. Laughter. I am kidding. Someone is going to take that seriously out there, so, that was a joke. What we have is a budget that's going to try and turn dreams into reality. I'm going to come up with ideas, and the people are going to come up with them. Unfortunately there is no money to be spent on ideas that will not benefit RhyDin in some way. My financial wiring system is set up, yes, but there's no telling what?s going to happen. Not to worry people! :: He throws his hands up, smiling. :: You don't want to know how many times we're going to test the system, and I'm sure other safety precautions will hold it up entering circulation even longer. But what I mean by there's no telling, is that it may or may outperform the existing system. We'll have to see. But I plan to use the office to try and improve what is already there, as well as bring new things. But, "dreamily-so" thinking behind the governor's chair is for free time, which I don't imagine there being a lot of, especially at first. But after things settle down, assuming things settle down, they may not; but assuming things settle down, I will try and implement some of the starrier ambitions of the people, because they are also very important. However you look at the wealth of direction in office, under my leadership, there's no going back. Only forward. Having said that, I don't think the governorship is in need of an overhaul. But is it in need of change" Absolutely.

Interviewer: Earlier you mentioned you are already "finalizing an agreement with foreign powers?" If you are capable of progressing such alleged agreements all the way through their "final" stages, then what use will a gubernatorial position possibly serve you?

Dyarhk: I used the term "finalizing" to say it is as far as I am able to get it alone. It cannot be achieved without the assistance, and consent of the people. But what has been established is an understanding with one another, and an agreement that something has to be done about this refugee situation in Northern RhyDin. The parties involved, like some of my agents working on the exposure of the Vanderhorst scandal, I cannot name at present for their protection. I'm sorry.

Interviewer: You're talking a lot about "family" and teamwork, but you seem to be taking a bit of a contradictory position here. You claim that you want to speak for all of RhyDin, yet at the same time you appear to be taking matters strictly into your own hands with regards to political relations, directives, and the sort. How do you expect to convey this idea of "family" when you are content with playing the estranged son'

Dyarhk: Laughter. Estranged son. I see. Well, family is nevertheless, family. But no, I do not see the preparative plans I am making as being so distant and uninvolved with the people of RhyDin as that sound makes out. If anything I want to impress upon the people a fatherly profile, not just because I am one, but also because they can feel safe around me and trust me to get the job done. There is no one saying I will refuse to change plans or decisions after they've been made, so let's not start. However, I am not going to be so wavering to potentially detrimental suggestions should such voices reach my office. As governor, I will have to weigh what is important and what isn't in relation to how it will affect RhyDin, and sometimes Father knows best.

Interviewer: I only have two questions left for you, and they are the same I have asked virtually every other candidate. Several candidates and many RhyDinians are promoting some version of an anarchical government this year - and please, forgive the contradiction in terms, but I believe you know what I mean. Given what you have told me about your platform so far, as I understand it you plan to take a much more hands-on approach. So how do you feel about, say, Suliss'urn's idea that RhyDin needs and wants no government'

Dyarhk: I suppose I stand no differently than Governor Matt Simon identified in his speech about essential abandonment in office. It's a joke! I couldn't think this is a legitimate action considering the needs of the RhyDin people given the good the governor's office can, and has done in the past.

Interviewer: And here is the generic question I have to ask every candidate: What do you feel RhyDin needs the most right now"

Dyarhk: What RhyDin needs right now, right now, is to find decent living arrangements for a some two-thousand men, women and children that are braving the elements in a insufficiently sheltered, insufficiently supplied, and insufficiently aided station in the far Northern forests above the Temple District. Fionna Helston said, in her candidacy speech, that it is not true that the shelterless and orphaned are going without aid. I wish to take Missus Helston to this site and have her see and touch the affected from the result of aerial attacks on Town Hall and RhyDin City itself at the beginning of this year, and show her that these people are very real and in need of very real help. I reiterate, this is my initial and immediate focus. What does this say of our policies if we continue to allow our fellow countrymen, our children and our future, to live in such conditions and not provide immediate relief"

Interviewer: I believe you've said it, sir. Lastly, do you have anything else to add" A message to RhyDin, perhaps" Dyarhk: I do. We're in a critical election this year. I say with great assurance many lives hang in the balance on top of the always pertinent issues we regularly face, and I plead with the RhyDin people to elect a governor who will deal directly with these issues, and any issue like them that hit home in our hearts and disrupt our way of life. I am that governor. I would also like to thank my running mate Gregory Finder, a highly decorated corruption unit detective, who will be acting as my lieutenant governor elect. I would like to thank my endorsers, Adenna, Aureania, the 18th District Telo Kale Yukon City Police Department, C.U. (Corruption Unit), main floor, and Olivier's Restaurant down near Dockside. I'd like to thank my fundraisers that have poured in to help me campaign. Keep an eye out for me this weekend putting those funds to good use in Dragon's Gate, the Red Dragon Inn, and the Marketplace for a Meet and Greet! Bring me your questions, bring me your concerns. I'll answer them to the best of my ability. Bring your babies, too. I'll kiss them! See you there!

Hardcopy transcript of the correspondence interview with Kate. Available by request to the RhyDin Post.

Interviewer: What is your full name and occupation'

Kate: Kate is my name and I plan parties and events for people.

Interviewer:What experience do you have, be it professionally, politically, or otherwise"

Kate: I've run various businesses, I've done some negioations for businesses and governments, I ran the Rhy Din Hockey League this season.

Interviewer: What do you feel distinguishes you from the other candidates"

Kate: Silly answer" I'm Kate. Honest answer" I've been around a while, I think I know people in most sectors of the city, and while I might not agree with everyone (who does"), I do listen and take into account other views before I make a decision. This doesn't mean I can't make a decision or that I sit on things for a long time, I just like to have as many facts as possible.

Interviewer: What do you feel is an adequate example of your governing abilities"

Kate: I ran an entire hockey league last season, everyone got paid, I made improvements, got sponsorships, and held it together while the corporation that was funding it fell apart. Sometimes it's the biggest falls that make the most interesting and best opportunities.

Interviewer: How long have you lived in RhyDin"

Kate: I fell here 18 or 19 years ago, after 8 years I moved to Infinity City for a year or so, came back, then 5 years ago I left for 4 years, got back a year ago and here I am. Confused yet'

Interviewer: What is your opinion on the governorships for the past two years"

Kate: I was only here for the last month or so of Matt Simon's governorship so I really don't have an opinion on it. Dris, I love the man and he had great ideas and goals but I think he should have asked for more help than he did.

Interviewer: If you could, please describe your platform in a few sentences.

Kate: I'd like to help new citizens acclimate to the often strange circumstances that surround RhyDin and help the local economy grow.

Interviewer: Several candidates and many RhyDinians are promoting some version of an anarchical government this year. How do you feel about that'

Kate: RhyDin in and of it's self is anarchical, no one is ever going to change that, so if you look at it even the government is going to have a slightly anarchical bend to it. The trick is keeping things going while letting the total insanity that we all love about this city live and in some places thrive.

Interviewer: What do you feel RhyDin needs the most right now"

Kate: Unity. When you look at the city it's almost a lose knit group of smaller city states, the West End, the City Center, the Stars End Sector, they're all so different and someone from one part might have no idea the other even exists, which is sad. If some sort of balance can be struck then perhaps we could offer more help to people and businesses.

Interviewer: Have you any special comments to add"

Kate: The people of RhyDin are unique and so are their needs, yet all of our goals are the same, a strong, thriving city. I hope the people trust me to help them achieve that.

Hardcopy transcript of the personal interview with Matthew Simon. Available by request to the RhyDin Post.

Interviewer: It's good to see you again, Mr. Simon. I know you are no stranger to our paper, but for the sake of tradition - and for those living under a rock - would you mind giving us your full name and occupation'

Simon: My full name is Matthew Algiers Simon. As far a public life goes, I'm currently the commanding officer of the RhyDin Air and Space Guard. I am also the owner-operator of The Outback, home of the sport Duel of Fists.

Interviewer: Again for the sake of those under-rock dwellers" why don't you give us a recap of what experience you have in the field of politics"

Simon: I'm a retired Colonel in the Terran Confederation Space Force " I was a pilot during the Terran-Kilrathi War. I've owned and run the Outback for the last decade, and for two of the last three years, I was Governor of RhyDin. I'm also a veteran of the three main dueling sports within the city.

Interviewer: What made you decide to run again?

Simon: I don't like to leave things unfinished; while I accomplished a great deal in my two terms as Governor, there's more to be done and more I want to do. Too, in looking at the candidates who'd publicly declared their intent to run before I did, I did not and still do not feel that any of them can be the leader that RhyDin needs right now, someone who can and will guide us and lead us in a positive direction. I believe that I am that person, that leader, that RhyDin needs in the here and now.

Interviewer: Will running a fourth time "finish" things for you?

Simon: Simply running" No, not at all.

Interviewer: And what about if you do happen to win the next election' Will you ever feel like you've done enough or been enough for RhyDin" Or would you ever trust someone else to do the job"

Simon: I'm not in the future-predicting business. Will I ever feel that I've done everything I set out to do' I don't know the answer to that. I can tell you that, right now, I don't feel like my job's finished and I hope the people allow me the chance to continue the journey we began together three years ago. And yes, I can see trusting someone else to do the job. Do I sense or believe that person is within this current crop of candidates" No, I do not.

Interviewer: What sets you apart from them"

Simon: I do not believe any of the other candidates can match my leadership experience nor my accomplishments in leadership roles. I have a proven track record of success not only in the military, but here in RhyDin both as a civilian and as a civil servant. I bring real ideas along with comprehensive plans to accomplish them and genuine solutions to combat challenges; I don't make lofty promises. When I say I'll do something, I don't merely say it, but I explain how and why. More importantly, I back up those words with actions. I follow through. With few exceptions in the last several years, most candidates cannot say the same. Thus far this year, I have seen little change in that regard.

Interviewer: Exceptions"

Simon: You could argue, and I'm sure some people will, that most candidates weren't given a chance to follow through or take action because they weren't elected. And to a small degree, that may be true, though more candidates than not have run on platforms not entirely serious, or ones not thoroughly thought through. Many of those proved their lack of seriousness by quitting their campaigns - we saw two prominent examples during last year's debate when Aaron Marshall quit before it began and Corlanthis quit right in the middle of the debate.

Interviewer: What do you feel was or were your moment(s) of glory during your past terms as governor"

Simon: My track record as RhyDin's Governor provides several examples " the successful overhaul of the Watch - in regards to training, equipment, capabilities - the formation of the RASG and Disaster Aid Recovery Teams, my response during the aftermath of Sanyumato....those are some of the big things. But Governorship and leadership isn't always about the big-ticket items, quotes-of-the-week, or things that the media writes about or captures on camera. It's about buckling down and doing your job without looking for fanfare or praise. Sometimes, it's as simple as a handshake and conversation with someone, sharing stories and memories over a cup of coffee, taking the time to do the small things that many of us do every day.

Leadership isn't about sitting high above on some platform and dictating things from above in a vacuum. It's about talking to real people about real problems and about the good things. It's about taking feedback and making decisions that, even at the risk of unpopularity, are the best decisions for the city and those who live and work here. Myself, Kitty O. Helson, Sheridan Driscol"we're not superpeople, we don't glow in the dark. We're people who, like so many others, have made RhyDin their home and people who are lucky enough and honored enough to have been entrusted with the care of this city by the people who live here.

But it's a balance - a leader can't simply bend to the masses or do everything the people want or ask for. Sometimes, the leader, be it a military general, a governor, a prime minister, because of their position of leadership, can and absolutely must be able to elevate themselves above a situation rather than getting mired in it. And that's tricky. It's very easy to get stuck in the details of something and once you're stuck, it's difficult to extract yourself. A good leader needs to examine any situation from all angles, listen to opinions and feedback, and then make the best decision for the people, for the city. And to do that successfully, they need to maintain an overall perspective. Believe me, it's by no means an easy task nor a responsibility everyone's cut out to handle. In my first term as Governor, it took some hard lessons before I was able to master the art in the political arena. Whoever's elected Governor must have the ability to do what I've described. If they can't, or if they won't, the people will suffer the consequences. I know how to find and maintain this balance, I'm both willing and able to do it, and I've shown that I'm capable of doing it.

Interviewer: You mentioned that being Governor isn't necessarily about being popular. Do you think there are some unpopular decisions that you have made in the past"

Simon: Definitely. The decision to focus my attention and efforts on the Watch rather than, say, healthcare, was an unpopular decision with some citizens....healthcare's been an issue raised in the last two debates as you might recall. My decision to not back Proposition Thirty-Seven was certainly unpopular within some circles as well. But as I said, a true leader cannot make the popular choice because it's popular and will benefit them, politically or otherwise. This people of this city deserve a Governor who will unselfishly look out for the best interests of the citizens and not themselves. I've shown the ability and willingness to do that in the past and it's not something I'll compromise going forward. Governorship is not about doing what?s popular, it's about doing what?s best for RhyDin. Whomever's elected Governor absolutely must understand that, agree with it, and abide by it.

Interviewer: How do you feel the government was handled in your absence"

Simon: It's no secret that I'm no fan, at least in a political respect, of Sheridan Driscol. My opinions of his campaign, of his promises and claims, are well documented. But however narrow the margin, he was the one the people elected, and while I don't have to like it or agree with it, I do need to respect that choice. He was missing for a long period of his governorship and, aside from establishing the different Ministerial positions right after he was elected, didn't do much, if anything, with his elected post.

Interviewer: Were you pleased with the job you did before Driscol came along"

Simon: When I was Governor, my opinion is mostly favorable. We accomplished a lot together in that year " the success we had as a result of my leadership are not solely mine to claim. We, as a city and as a people, worked together to achieve them and I'm very proud of that. And as I've already said during this campaign " I was not perfect. Not every decision I made worked out in the way I hoped, nor was I infallible. I made mistakes but I learned from those mistakes and will not repeat them. Everything I did, everything I continue to do, is with the best interests of this city and its people at the core.

Interviewer: Could you tell me a little about your platform"

Simon: In summary, I believe we, in the coming year, need to take full advantage of our resources and capabilities. While still keeping close watch over domestic challenges because we cannot ignore them, we must expand our influence and propensity outside of our city walls. I believe we should begin this process by focusing upon the outlets of trade, imports and exports of goods, and by sharing our extremely unique culture. For a more detailed answer, your viewers and readers can listen to or read copies of my campaign speech.

Interviewer: You received a lot of criticism last year for not having anything new to offer the governorship. Has that changed"

Simon: Has the criticism changed" We'll know if it has in the coming days. Has my approach changed" I took the criticism last year to heart and have been even more forthcoming this year about my ideas than I was during the last campaign. And let's be clear, it wasn't that I had no ideas last time nor that I did not share them, because I did on both counts. My ideas, while not guised in such a flashy way as, say, Mr. Dricol's, were more about stabilization and maintenance than drumming up something new and exciting. As I said then, I wouldn't come up with some crazy new idea because the other candidates were daring me to. But this year is not last year - this year I see opportunities that didn't exist last time, such as what I mentioned during my first official campaign speech.

Interviewer: What do you see that didn't exist last time"

Simon: As far as my approach to style of leadership, I believe it's proven effective and efficient. Like any good leader, I need to adapt to situations and times as they change. But fundamentally, I plan to lead as I did before - with clarity and efficiency that leads to tangible positive results. As far as my approach to the campaign, I've taken criticism received during the last election and will be even more open about my plans and ideas and how they can and will benefit RhyDin more than those of the other candidates.

Interviewer: You're no stranger to the "No Confidence" platform. Has your opinion changed about that since you last run"

Simon: The people of this city, everyone....those two ladies, those babies, everyone we can see....they deserve someone in a position of leadership with their best interests at heart. The anarchist movement, the no-confidence movement, they seek to undermine what we've worked so hard to build over the last four years. It saddens me.

I feel that those candidates should not be elected. While I respect the beliefs and opinions of those candidates and their supporters, I do not by any means share them. I believe the Governor's seat, with an active experienced leader, is of vital importance to the city, especially now when we're perfectly poised for growth and expansion. We cannot let this opportunity slip away and we need a staunch and dedicated leader to foster that growth. I firmly believe that I am the best person for that task.

Interviewer: Here's your million-dollar question, Mr. Simon: What do you feel RhyDin needs the most right now"

RhyDin needs a clear and unifying direction that the people can rally behind. That direction should be a positive one for the city and for its people not just for the short term, but for the long term. That direction should elevate us to the next phase in our development as a city and as a people. We do not have the time or luxury for misguided hopes, for baseless experimentation, or for someone to learn as they go. We've already seen one candidate, Kate, completely reverse direction in her campaign platform. One day, she says that we need to focus on building home-grown businesses and banish foreign businesses. Later, she says that, now that she's done some research, she realizes what a bad idea that was. Now she wants to create more governmental bureaucracy in setting up some business-establishment authorization team who will, with no real specific criteria that she's defined, get to decide who can and cannot open a business in our city. The sentiment might be well-intended, but her plan, if we can even call it that, is ill-defined and under-developed.

We know what we need by understanding exactly what it is we do not need. We do not need, and cannot afford, to elect someone who can't do their homework ahead of time or who has entered this race with haphazard ideas that change with the direction of the wind. We cannot elect someone who doesn't believe in the Governorship, the capabilities of the seat, and who will not use the post to actively benefit the city and its people. We cannot elect someone who doesn't have experience as a proven effective leader. We cannot elect utter silence. We cannot elect the loudest mouth who shouts meaningless words. We cannot elect someone so focused on one or two ideas that they lose the forest through the trees. We cannot elect someone who's shown an attitude of and an aptitude for quitting, time and again, in the face of adversity and challenge. We cannot elect someone who will listen and then not act, who will act reluctantly and hesitantly, or who will act hastily and rashly. We cannot elect someone who would operate in their own selfish interests first and the good of the citizens second.

We are RhyDin! We cannot allow ourselves to put people with those attributes in a position of leadership. I am the antithesis of all those things I just described. I have proven that in my military career, in my time as RhyDin's Governor and as the head of the RASG. We are RhyDin! We must take our next steps together and I not only want to lead us as we take those steps, but I believe I am the best person to lead us as we do so. In the end, the choice isn't mine " it's in the hands of each and every citizen. We candidates must earn their respect and their trust and show them that we are worthy of their valuable votes come election day.

Interviewer: I suppose that will work for now. Do you have anything else to add"

Simon: Only what I've requested from the citizens in past elections - that they weigh their choices carefully. Consider our words, our plans - or lack thereof - and our capabilities. Decide which of us is best positioned to undertake the honor and responsibility of leading us all over the next year. As I have asked before, I again request your trust, confidence, and votes.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Mr. Simon. We look forward to seeing more of you this election.