The SoS Succession Reform Act

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

The goal of the proposal is to move the pressure in the appointment process down to a deputy Secretary of State which you might be able to call an SOS-designee. If that works, then we have potentially months and years to find a future Secretary of State rather than having just weeks ahead of an incumbent Secretary of State notifying the Seneschal of their departure. The goal of the automatic succession process is to remove the pressure from the principal and put it on the deputy. So statutorily, yes, two appointments now, but for practical purposes, just one with the automated succession.

This proposal increases the time available for securing a new SOS and ensures that the next SOS, in cooperation with Dr. dal Nordselva, is trained and ready on Day 1. And there is at least one potential dySOS candidate right now.

You might as well state openly that you are interested in becoming Deputy SoS, since you've been hinting at it. 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. All the attention of numerous bills written by you and aimed at the Chancery, and maybe even me personally, builds a lot of pressure. I rarely support legislation in an attempt to remain apolitical, and despite the authority I have to Clark bills of my own, I've only ever done so one time before as SoS, and it was to fix an error in the law. I agreed to sponsor this bill because it *might* work, not to create a job opening.

As someone pointed out, I can appoint a deputy any time I want to. Until now, no one has expressed a desire. I was a Deputy SoS for a long time, and it was good training in some aspects of the job (it is much more challenging than I imagined, so hats off to my predecessors), even though I never expected to become SoS myself.

Yes, I reached out to you directly with information on my experience with SQL (within the last two weeks). Before that, I reached out to the Deputy Minister of Technology with the same information (I think about a month ago). But no one has seemed interested in taking me up on the offer for helping. I don't think qualifications is the issue since I have database management experience. Further, I have been the only one harping on the apolitical nature of the SOS.

But that is not the intent of the bill. I hinted at my willingness to be the SOS-designee to show that the issue with finding someone (with actual qualifications in database management, no less) is not insurmountable.

I am leaning towards withdrawing the bill as it seems my intent is being miscontrued.

[King Txec]

I am leaning towards withdrawing the bill as it seems my intent is being miscontrued.

That your intent is being misconstrued is certainly possible, and I will be the first to admit, as I said in a PM to you, that I was surprised at your willingness. Sometimes it is difficult to separate what can easily feel as "attacks" from genuine interest in service.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

I am leaning towards withdrawing the bill as it seems my intent is being miscontrued.

That your intent is being misconstrued is certainly possible, and I will be the first to admit, as I said in a PM to you, that I was surprised at your willingness. Sometimes it is difficult to separate what can easily feel as "attacks" from genuine interest in service.

Mr. Secretary, my inquiry as to serving as your deputy was an effort to demonstrate that my desire to ensure the nonpartisanship of the SOS office is not based on personal animosity but principle. I figured, if we have a principal and a deputy both as party leaders then it is a wash for any potential conflicts.

[Tric’hard Lenxheir]

I am leaning towards withdrawing the bill as it seems my intent is being miscontrued.

That your intent is being misconstrued is certainly possible, and I will be the first to admit, as I said in a PM to you, that I was surprised at your willingness. Sometimes it is difficult to separate what can easily feel as "attacks" from genuine interest in service.

I find misunderstanding a persons intent online is almost the "norm" in most cases. It is difficult to read a persons comments online and not put one's own spin on what is said, this often happens when someone is joking around and the other person takes it as a serious comment. I personally think the idea of this bill is a very good idea, I don't care who gets the job, having someone trained to step in should the sitting SoS be incapacitated or need to resign or be removed from office is an excellent idea based upon the current lack of citizens with the prerequisite qualifications. I and I am sure many others enjoy being part of Talossa but have no truly useful skills to offer when it comes to running the day to day business...if the King ever needs someone to drive a truck I'm your man but anything that requires intelligence...not so much LOL

[King Txec]

Fair enough. I won't further derail this hopper post (apply Wittiquette to myself haha).

[Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC]

Wait, I'm confused. Is the purpose of the bill to "ensure smooth succession in case something happens to the SoS"? Or is it "I think the SoS is politically biased, so I want to force the nomination of a Deputy from a different party to keep an eye on him"?

It is interesting that the Free Democrats convention starts in a week. If Txec dal Nordselva is no longer part of the FreeDems leadership team after that, does the whole purpose for this legislative initiative - and the other one that was voted down on this Clark - simply vanish?

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

Wait, I'm confused. Is the purpose of the bill to "ensure smooth succession in case something happens to the SoS"? Or is it "I think the SoS is politically biased, so I want to force the nomination of a Deputy from a different party to keep an eye on him"?

It is interesting that the Free Democrats convention starts in a week. If Txec dal Nordselva is no longer part of the FreeDems leadership team after that, does the whole purpose for this legislative initiative - and the other one that was voted down on this Clark - simply vanish?

The former is one purpose, Miestra. I referenced the latter as one reason why I suggested myself for the position SHOULD the bill pass as an effort at balancing and my own experience with databases. I proposed the measure as an effort to address multiple concerns, most important of which, is the stated difficulty (by you, the Seneschal, and the SOS) in finding a successor.

Should Nordselva no longer be FreeDems party leader then yeah that is a big concern that is gone and I will honestly, and finally, be relieved. But it still leaves the succession problem.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

It is interesting that the Free Democrats convention starts in a week. If Txec dal Nordselva is no longer part of the FreeDems leadership team after that, does the whole purpose for this legislative initiative - and the other one that was voted down on this Clark - simply vanish?

Wait, is Dr. dal Nordselva considering stepping down as Party President?

[Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC]

I can only say that you should watch the outcome of the upcoming FreeDems convention. I will only say at this point that, if this bill was conceived on the assumption that the current SoS was intending to co-hold that position indefinitely with the Presidency of the Free Dems, it was misconceived.

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

I can only say that you should watch the outcome of the upcoming FreeDems convention. I will only say at this point that, if this bill was conceived on the assumption that the current SoS was intending to co-hold that position indefinitely with the Presidency of the Free Dems, it was misconceived.

Thankfully the bill was not misconceived then. I am hoping the FreeDems will support the bill now. Is that possible?

[Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC]

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-GC]

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).

[King Txec]

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.

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Breneir Tzaracomprada (Sen-FL, TNC)

I still think this is a good idea.