Opolis: Town Hall IC

[Alozia]

Joseph rose to comment on the new proposal, this time far more pleased to see what's on the table. "Out of all proposals submitted to this assembly the work of Mr. Combs is by far the best we've seen. And while that may not seem like much of a compliment considering the lack of decent competition this Charter proposal experienced, I would like to commend Mr. Combs for his work. There are however some suggestions or amendements I would like to submit for consideration. In my personal view holding elections to every branch of our government every year is simply too much. I would like to suggest that members of the Hall of Representatives should be elected to a two year term, Mayor to a four year term and the Members of the Judiciary Recognition Commission to a five year term. Besides that I believe that there should be a two term limit for the position of Mayor."

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

Joseph rose to comment on the new proposal, this time far more pleased to see what's on the table. "Out of all proposals submitted to this assembly the work of Mr. Combs is by far the best we've seen. And while that may not seem like much of a compliment considering the lack of decent competition this Charter proposal experienced, I would like to commend Mr. Combs for his work. There are however some suggestions or amendements I would like to submit for consideration. In my personal view holding elections to every branch of our government every year is simply too much. I would like to suggest that members of the Hall of Representatives should be elected to a two year term, Mayor to a four year term and the Members of the Judiciary Recognition Commission to a five year term. Besides that I believe that there should be a two term limit for the position of Mayor."

Wyatt nodded to the man. "Thank you, sir. Annual elections for a national government are an encumbrance, but for a city of our size, taking a few hours out of a Saturday each year to go to a local polling booth ran by volunteers will be worth it to ensure our democracy remains representative through election terms. I have a moral disagreement with term limits, for their restriction of democracy, but will not refuse to include them if they are supported by the majority of representatives here."

[The United Artherian Federation]

Ethan looked up from his pad of paper, crumpled it, and said “Now that, that is something that I can support.”

[Zjaum]

Everett looked the proposal and folded his fingers. The Legislative section has a punctuation error, there is no fail safe for a stalemate when the mayor and legislative disagree, and the court system is far too complex for a city of, what fifty kay? I’m going to be the naysayer for this proposal, but it’s the best charter we have thus far. I won’t fight this one tooth and nail, nor will I withdraw my neighborhood if it passes. I just state my opposition. That way, we can get to the police establishment as soon as possible.”

[Vienna Eliot]

"We will put Mr. Combs's proposal to a vote. Any further discussion?"

[OOC: 24 hours debate and voting starts now.]

---

Municipal Charter of Respite

We the people of Respite, to enshrine a sensible union of our divided neighborhoods, provide for the needs of the people of our city, fulfill the responsibilities of a government to it's citizens, and to secure liberty and prosperity, establish this Charter for the City of Respite.

Signatories:

---

Section 1: Legislative

1. The Legislative Body of the City of Respite shall be the unicameral Hall of Representatives.
2. This hall shall be made up of individuals elected to represent recognized neighborhoods at large as constituencies, every year, using an STV ballot system.
3. The Hall of Representatives is responsible for it's internal proceedings, and may determine it's own standing rules and other processes.
4. The Hall of Representatives shall have exclusive right to draft and pass legislation into law.

Section 2: Executive

1. The Executive of the City of Respite shall be the City Council, headed by a Mayor.
2. The Mayor, elected by the city at large every year by STV ballot, shall draft a proposal City Council on their election to fulfill executive portfolios. The Hall of Representatives may then accept the Council, or with a simple majority can exercise a veto on the proposal, in which case the Mayor is expected to draft a new proposal.
3. Members of the City Council may exercise all executive authority over portfolios assigned to them, except in cases restricted by legislation passed by the Hall of Representatives.

Section 3: Judiciary

1. An independent commission of three members, the Judiciary Recognition Commission, shall be elected each year and shall be responsible for administrating the recognition and registration of adequately skilled practitioners of law.
2. Court vacancies shall be offered, by random lot, to members of this registry of meritorious lawyers.
3. There shall be three courts of law in the Judiciary of Respite. They shall be as follows, in ascending order of their precedence of rulings:
   3a. Small Court; first resort for cases involving monetary value of less than $5,000, or other minor legal disputes.
   3b. General Court; first resort for cases that are not handled in Small Court.
   3c. Supreme Court; last resort for cases not otherwise settled. Only court with the right to make rulings on constitutionality and other matters of the legality of legislation or executive actions.

Section 4: Amendments

1. Amendments to this charter may be proposed and voted on like normal legislation in the Hall of Representatives.
2. Should a charter amendment pass the Hall of Representatives, it will be put to public referendum.
3. On the success of a referendum on amending the charter, the amendment is considered made.

[The United Artherian Federation]

“Aye.” Himeler would say.

[Zjaum]

“Nay again, for previously stated reasons. Good enough work, though. Minus the punctuation.”

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

"Aye."

[White Bluff]

"Aye, it's the closest any of us will agree on anything here."

[Alozia]

"Aye."

[Bruke]

"Aye".

[Kazarogkai]

"I'm Going to have to say no to this, I can handle many things but the thought that the various riff raff that constitute such places like Fergaland or Los Fidels..." He looked at the representatives from there with a look that clearly conveyed nothing but disdain "being allowed with just a simple majority to impose upon me and my own well that is honestly something I can't get behind. At the MAXIMUM I was elected by my constituents to allow for the establishment of a confederate structure of government which we might be willing to join but this... this obviously unitary system goes too far. Including having the audacity and the gall to go so far as to tell my people how to elect are own god damn representatives to this proposed body!? You do realize even the former constitution that functioned as the basic law of this land prior to the Dawn of this new era didn't do such a thing?

As such my demands are rather simple, I will be willing to accept such a charter with the following conditions. The First Option: either equal representation between all neighborhoods is established within the proposed House of Representatives with individual neighborhoods being given the choice on how to elect and choose their representatives with the passing of laws requiring a 2/3 majority of all to be established.

Or the Second Option is to structure it as it is now but make it so that any proposed law made by the aforementioned Hall of Representatives be required to go through a second round whereby said law must be ratified by the individual neighborhoods themselves within their own legislative bodies at which point they will be required to enforce the law within their lands as if it is their own. Once said proposed law has been ratified by a total of 3/4 of all Neighborhoods it becomes a full national law at which point the Central government from henceforth has the power and duty to enforce said law."

"Those are my demands take them as you will, But as it stands I will have to say Nay to the proposed charter. And for pete's sake people it doesn't even have a bill of rights, atleast I included a Chapter within from which such a thing could be built upon, I wanted that to go through you guys rather than just making something unilaterally myself."

Sitting himself back down Solomon said in a quiet murmur "That is all"

[Vienna Eliot]

"The meeting will come to order," Vienna says, quoting the book. "The question is on the proposed charter. Those in favor say AYE.... those opposed say NO...."

A wave of ayes and noes came in. Then Vienna looked around.

"I think the ayes have it. So the charter is adopted."

He allowed for any applause and murmuring before continuing.

"So, it is now about half past 11 O'clock, and we've all got neighborhoods that we've got to report back to tomorrow. So I will say this meeting is adjourned, to meet in one week's time at 5 in the evening. Meanwhile, as County Recorder, I will begin arranging for elections to the Hall of Representatives, and for the office of Mayor. Have a safe trip home, everybody."

[Kazarogkai]

Solomon Amon Day
Old Town Hall building

"I see if that is the case me and my congregation will take are leave. We will with minor regrets decline to join the City of Respite in it's endeavors for the moment and as such will decline to ratify the proposed charter for are moral concerns with the charter in question are of too great a degree. As such the Black Step Mountain Community for the moment will maintain it's independence and will refuse to recognize the authority of the City of Respite which will have no jurisdiction over any and all of lands that we lay claim to and maintain control over until further notice and negotiations. Be forewarned any attempts to force incorporation of my community with out the prior consent of my own will result in dire consequences...Good night to you all may we meet at a later date."

And with that Solomon and his entourage made their way out of the building to tell their people of the things that transpired with dark shadows on their faces and with mouths that only made quiet murmurs. Dire days were ahead for the entire city which despite being so young would soon find itself in the mourning facing it's first major crisis. What it does and the choices they make will affect the course it will take for generations ahead.

Actions
- Black Step Mountain refuses ratification of the new charter.

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

After watching Soloman rant and walk out, Wyatt sighed and stood. He had to head home and let them know that people had had voted for their draft charter, but also that not every neighborhood was happy, and that it would be some time before the first government was formed and would be able to start paying public employees.

[The United Artherian Federation]

Ethan stared at Solomon as he threw his temper tantrum and stormed out.
“Well it seems to me like we have some civil disobedience on our hands eh? To those remaining in the chamber I think that it for the time being we censure mister Solomon Day while they refuse to ratify the charter. During tomorrow’s session I will propose this.”
With that, he walked back to his car and drove home to Winding Creek.

[Adab]

"Very well then," Fergal commented as he watched, with equal disdain, Solomon and his entourage make their way out of the building. "I say we let them be for now, disgraceful brats. I reckon they won't last long anyway. I, for one, shall be laughing from my seat here when they come back begging for our love and mercy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm dying to go home."

Slowly he turned his back on the hall and filed past the door, the sound of his cane echoing across the place. "Daniel boy!" he was heard calling his driver on the phone. "Get over here now. We better be home real quick, I've an appointment with that ol' doctor at 2 p.m."

[Vienna Eliot]

By around noon, Vienna, who was joined by a small crowd — much larger than would fit inside the hall, at least — decided he had waited for enough people to show up, and climbed atop a stool in front of the doors. He tried to look out at the crowd, then climbed down and went inside the building. A couple minutes later, he exited with a larger stool. Climbing up on top of it, he was clearly satisfied, and pulled some folded papers out of his pocket. Looking down at them, he read:

"Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! I, Vienna Eliot, in my capacity as County Recorder, hereby give notice that the results for the City's general election of August, 2018, have been tabulated. The results for members of the Hall of Representatives have been delivered (in a very painstaking process) by hand to the clerks of each neighborhood. Baron Waqa, Jim Kravitz, and Janet Michaels have been elected to the Judiciary Recognition Commission unopposed. The results for Mayor were as follows."

He took a breath. "There were 14,011 legal ballots cast. 7,006 votes were necessary for election. In the first round, Ernest Everett received 145 votes, Sophie Thompson received 2,311 votes, Vivian Cherry received 6,933 votes, and Ethan Himeler received 4,622 votes. Ernest Everett was eliminated. In the second round, Sophie Thompson received 2,316 votes, Vivian Cherry received 7,004 votes, and Ethan Himeler received 4,667 votes. Sophie Thompson was eliminated. In the third round, Vivian Cherry received 8,406 votes, and Ethan Himeler received 5,181 votes."

Vienna sighed, hungry and wanting to eat lunch, as some in the crowd cheered, and some booed. "Therefore, in testimony whereof, I, Vienna Eliot, declare Vivian Cherry of Cherry Hill duly elected Mayor of the City of Respite. Given under my hand, in Respite the 20th of August in the year of our Lord 2018."

He leapt down from the stool, made a few mental notes — put the results in the filing cabinet in the back room of the Town Hall, furnish Cherry with the keys to her office on the second floor, email notice of the City Hall meeting tonight to all the elected representatives and neighborhood clerks — and then he strutted across the street to the sandwich shop.

[Ol Hickory Ham Mike]

Ol Hickory Ham Mike, who is always late, arrived at the City Hall building, opened the door with no struggle, and assumed his seat at the head of the chamber very slowly and easily, as the newly elected representatives of the City Hall shuffled into the room, along with some spectators.

"Order, order, I call this meeting to order." He gazed out over the room. Having been appointed by the county to preside over the Hall — for now, at least — he remembered when he sat in this room decades ago, when the city voted to split into the neighborhoods that constituted it today.

After some brief opening ceremonies — a prayer from a local pastor, a pledge of allegiance to a flag — Ol Hickory Ham Mike resumed his seat on a stool behind the podium and smacked his hand on the table.

"The first order of business is the report from the Mayor of Respite. Mayor Cherry, you are recognized."

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

Wyatt walked into the hall and found his seat. While Thompson had had electoral troubles, Wyatt easily swept the representative election in Scarrige with little opposition. He collapsed into the chair, sighing deeply. Cherry was not his first pick for mayor, but he was not an ideologue and was perfectly happy to work with whoever took the seat to get things done. Mayor Cherry was due to speak, and while proceedings were organized Wyatt pulled out several paper documents from his jacket and prepared to table them when the Hall got down to real business.

[Van Hool Islands]

Victoria Garrett, the representative for the neighbourhood of Armitage walks into the chamber, and takes her seat.

[White Bluff]

Vivian stood up as she was introduced, "Hello and thank you for electing me to this important and needed position. I, Vivian Marie Cherry, personally will make it my mission to help this town though anything and everything it may go though and need." She smiles, "Now on to what you've all been waiting for, my picks for the council, I nominate, Mr. Thompson Wyatt as my Director of Public Works, who better to run our water, gas, garbage, sewage, and power then than that of Mr. Wyatt, who for so many years diligently has ran our sewage sytem. And As my Director of Recreation, who will be in charge of our parks, tourist areas, landmarks, and historical sites, I nominate Ms. Victoria Garrett, under which her community has become a social hot spot for our young and old people alike. Also nominating Mr. Grover Denton as Director of Urban Development, in which he will be in charge of residential areas, how they change, what areas will become residential areas. This is because under him the community of Canary park has prospered, crime has lowered and education is up. As Director of Education, I nominate Mr. Ethan Himeler, because under his leadership schools in his community have reached top levels and top graduation rates. As Director of Health and Emergency Services, I nominate Mr. Ernest Everett, though he may have ran against me I still believe that he has the peoples best interest at heart and the fact his community has some of the healthiest people in it, I really do believe that he will do amazingly. And finally I nominate Mr. Desmond Fergal IV as my vise mayor. Thank you for your consideration and time." She sits back down to listen to the debates.

[Bruke]

Vivian stood up as she was introduced, "Hello and thank you for electing me to this important and needed position. I, Vivian Marie Cherry, personally will make it my mission to help this town though anything and everything it may go though and need." She smiles, "Now on to what you've all been waiting for, my picks for the council, I nominate, Mr. Thompson Wyatt as my Director of Public Works, who better to run our water, gas, garbage, sewage, and power then than that of Mr. Wyatt, who for so many years diligently has ran our sewage sytem. And As my Director of Recreation, who will be in charge of our parks, tourist areas, landmarks, and historical sites, I nominate Ms. Victoria Garrett, under which her community has become a social hot spot for our young and old people alike. Also nominating Mr. Grover Denton as Director of Urban Development, in which he will be in charge of residential areas, how they change, what areas will become residential areas. This is because under him the community of Canary park has prospered, crime has lowered and education is up. As Director of Education, I nominate Mr. Ethan Himeler, because under his leadership schools in his community have reached top levels and top graduation rates. As Director of Health and Emergency Services, I nominate Mr. Ernest Everett, though he may have ran against me I still believe that he has the peoples best interest at heart and the fact his community has some of the healthiest people in it, I really do believe that he will do amazingly. And finally I nominate Mr. Desmond Fergal IV as my vise mayor. Thank you for your consideration and time." She sits back down to listen to the debates.

POST DELETED

[Adab]

Fergal rose to his feet, having quietly made his way into the hall. He leaned on his cane, scanning the entire place and his fellow representatives. "I thank you for your trust in me, Madam Mayor. Though I am the representative of Fergaland, I too am a citizen of this town, and it would be my great honor to serve everyone who calls this town home. Therefore I humbly accept my nomination as vice mayor, and once again I thank the Mayor for her trust in me."

[Van Hool Islands]

Vivian stood up as she was introduced, "Hello and thank you for electing me to this important and needed position. I, Vivian Marie Cherry, personally will make it my mission to help this town though anything and everything it may go though and need." She smiles, "Now on to what you've all been waiting for, my picks for the council, I nominate, Mr. Thompson Wyatt as my Director of Public Works, who better to run our water, gas, garbage, sewage, and power then than that of Mr. Wyatt, who for so many years diligently has ran our sewage sytem. And As my Director of Recreation, who will be in charge of our parks, tourist areas, landmarks, and historical sites, I nominate Ms. Victoria Garrett, under which her community has become a social hot spot for our young and old people alike. Also nominating Mr. Grover Denton as Director of Urban Development, in which he will be in charge of residential areas, how they change, what areas will become residential areas. This is because under him the community of Canary park has prospered, crime has lowered and education is up. As Director of Education, I nominate Mr. Ethan Himeler, because under his leadership schools in his community have reached top levels and top graduation rates. As Director of Health and Emergency Services, I nominate Mr. Ernest Everett, though he may have ran against me I still believe that he has the peoples best interest at heart and the fact his community has some of the healthiest people in it, I really do believe that he will do amazingly. And finally I nominate Mr. Desmond Fergal IV as my vise mayor. Thank you for your consideration and time." She sits back down to listen to the debates.

I graciously accept the nomination for Director of Recreation, and I look forward to interacting with my fellow councillors.