The SoS Succession Reform Act

[Miestră Schivă, UrN]

Well, as for me, all my objections as stated last week - which had nothing to do with the unfounded accusations of political bias which were stirred up by the Opposition against Dr Nordselva - still stand.

I'm increasingly wary of this bill because it's more "red-and-green tape". To make myself clear: I think it would be a great thing for the SoS to recruit a Deputy to the Chancery. But I'm not sure about the point of forcing him to under penalty of law - in a situation where there might not be a qualified candidate.

I've also noticed that the appointment of the Deputy by the same means as the Principal Office - rather than the Principal Office appointing their own Deputy - may well set up a scenario where the SoS and their Deputy don't get on. It's like in those US states where the Lieutenant Governor is elected separately from the Governor, rather than on a joint ticket. They might be political opponents or even from opposite parties, thus making the situation less efficient. The more I look at this, the less I like it.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

Well, as for me, all my objections as stated last week - which had nothing to do with the unfounded accusations of political bias which were stirred up by the Opposition against Dr Nordselva - still stand.

I'm increasingly wary of this bill because it's more "red-and-green tape". To make myself clear: I think it would be a great thing for the SoS to recruit a Deputy to the Chancery. But I'm not sure about the point of forcing him to under penalty of law - in a situation where there might not be a qualified candidate.

I've also noticed that the appointment of the Deputy by the same means as the Principal Office - rather than the Principal Office appointing their own Deputy - may well set up a scenario where the SoS and their Deputy don't get on. It's like in those US states where the Lieutenant Governor is elected separately from the Governor, rather than on a joint ticket. They might be political opponents or even from opposite parties, thus making the situation less efficient. The more I look at this, the less I like it.

This is an understandable concern and one expressed by the current SOS. Based on this and at the recommendation of @Dr. Txec dal Nordselvă, GST, I did add language that includes consultation and advice from the current SOS. This would seem to reduce the likelihood of having a principal and a deputy that are at odds.

I am not clear on the "being forced under penalty of law" part, could you please expand on this? There is no criminal or civil offense should a deputy SOS not be appointed in the same manner as the SOS.

What we are establishing here is an appointed deputy SOS with consultation from the current SOS. That deputy will be trained to take over upon the incumbent SOS's departure thus eliminating the need for a hurried and long search.

I welcome additional feedback and hope my response has addressed at least some of your concerns.

Even though the SoS brought up this concern in the initial posting, I responded with modifications, and then he added his name as a co-sponsor? I accommodated concerns by the SoS in the very bill which has one purpose to reduce the administrative burden of the Chancery. Again, this bill is supported by the very SoS who one claims is under attack from bills like this.

[Miestră Schivă, UrN]

I will state for the record that I agreed to co-sponsor before I knew you wanted the job, which frankly puts me in a tough spot.

But anyway, my objection is this is not necessary. The SoS can hire and fire a Deputy already on the same principle as any other member of the Royal Civil Service.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

Again, it might be considered odd that the SoS is supporting such "unnecessary changes."

Here is what he stated when putting his support behind the bill:

Thank you Senator. I don't see any fundamental issues or flaws with the bill as revised and would be happy to co-sponsor. Please make my limousine simply (Secretary of State).

[Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB]

Again, it might be considered odd that the SoS is supporting such "unnecessary changes."

Here is what he stated when putting his support behind the bill:

Thank you Senator. I don't see any fundamental issues or flaws with the bill as revised and would be happy to co-sponsor. Please make my limousine simply (Secretary of State).

When I agreed to co-sponsor, I felt that you were making an effort at compromise. Any future plans I have with regards to party leadership, choice of deputies, is all immaterial. I didn't know at the time this bill might be intended as a "give Brenier a job," bill. I also don't like my support for a bill being used to attempt to bully a political party into voting for it.

When I Clark this bill, I will do so without my limousine attached. Unfortunately you overplayed your hand and alienated a supporter.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

Again, it might be considered odd that the SoS is supporting such "unnecessary changes."

Here is what he stated when putting his support behind the bill:

Thank you Senator. I don't see any fundamental issues or flaws with the bill as revised and would be happy to co-sponsor. Please make my limousine simply (Secretary of State).

When I agreed to co-sponsor, I felt that you were making an effort at compromise. Any future plans I have with regards to party leadership, choice of deputies, is all immaterial. I didn't know at the time this bill might be intended as a "give Brenier a job," bill. I also don't like my support for a bill being used to attempt to bully a political party into voting for it.

When I Clark this bill, I will do so without my limousine attached. Unfortunately you overplayed your hand and alienated a supporter.

I think the issue here is not the bill.
It is that you are uncomfortable at the possibility of working with me as your deputy despite my qualifications for the job, Mr. Secretary. The effort was sincere to build a bridge by actually working together directly and I took your initial surprise at my initiative as true consideration but am now not so sure.
As your "being in a tough spot" only came about when the prospect of working with me, despite my experience and desire to serve became known.
I will say for the record that the dSoS does not need to be me but I thought the gesture and opportunity for cooperation would have been nice.

So much for building bridges, Mr. Secretary.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

Whereas, the Chancery is one of the most important offices in the Kingdom, and

Whereas, it has been frequently stated that filling the position of Secretary of State has been a troublesome task in the recent past, and

Whereas, this statutory revision is offered in the spirit of reform as a process or act of fundamental problem-solving or iterative improvement.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the following changes are made to Title C of El Lex:

The existing 1.2.1 is replaced with: One member of the Chancery shall be the Deputy Secretary of State. The Deputy Secretary of State shall be appointed under the same procedure as the Secretary of State in addition to advice and consultation from the current Secretary of State. The Deputy Secretary of State shall immediately succeed the Secretary of State upon their death, resignation, or removal. The Deputy Secretary of State shall fulfill responsibilities to assist the effective operation of the Chancery as assigned or delegated by the Secretary of State.

The existing 1.2.1 is renumbered to 1.2.2 and revised and following subsections are renumbered: Another member of the Chancery shall be the Royal Data Clerk, heading the Office of Dynamic Data Management. The function of the Office of Dynamic Data Management is to manage all computer records owned by the Kingdom of Talossa for its official functions and delegated to its care in order to help other Royal Households, Ministries or any other organization of the Kingdom which needs data management. The Royal Data Clerk may be the same person as the Secretary of State. The Royal Data Clerk shall be considered an Officer of the Royal Household.

1.2.3. is revised to read as follows: The Royal Data Clerk is appointed by the Secretary of State. The Deputy Secretary of State and/or the Royal Data Clerk may perform official business as delegated to them by the Secretary. Both the Deputy Secretary of State and the Royal Data Clerk shall have all the access required to carry out the Chancery's functions under this section.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Sen-FL, TNC)

I still think this is a good idea.