[1682 Election] Parliamentary Campaign Thread

[Alfonso Velez]

Canvass in Fontainebleau, Napoléon:

On Defense:

Ensuring that our Republic is able to defend itself from any threats is a vital duty for any Government. I’m proud to say that L&D has led the way in ensuring that we invest unprecedented amounts of money into our armed forces. L&D is committed to maintaining peace and trade. Only when peace, trade, or our national interests are threatened do we ever consider military force to defend our Republic. Nevertheless, we have built up a great military force so that we are prepared for anything and can ensure that peace and free trade continue and that the safeties and liberties of our Republic are protected for generations to come. L&D will continue to champion the Armed Forces of Alduria through funding and continuing to build up its strength.

On Education:

I’m alarmed that the DSP and ANA parties are advocating for a national takeover of our education system. We’re a diverse Republic with many different backgrounds, viewpoints, religions, cultures, etc. We draw great strength from this diversity--but we also recognize that what works in one part of the Republic might not work well in the other. The L&D party is committed to providing greater resources to local and regional Governments to support and fund education, and to provide guidance when it is sought. We should never have a situation, however, where the bureaucracy in Punta Santiago is dictating what’s taught in your children’s schools here in Fontainebleau. That is a decision that parents should be making in concert with your local and regional officials. Only L&D is committed to protecting your right to have control over your child’s education.

Asked by a reporter about the conduct of staff:

I offer my sincerest apologies on behalf of myself and the entire campaign. The behavior of certain members of staff was clearly unacceptable. I’ve directed our campaign manager to investigate the matter and to terminate the staff members who damaged the hotel’s property. I’ve also sent a memo to all staff reminding them of the importance of treating the places we say with the same respect as we would want our own place to be treated. Respecting other people’s lives, liberties, and property is the key aspect of the L&D platform--and if any person on our staff can’t do that, then they won’t be on our staff. I’ve reached out to the owners of the hotel and paid full restitution for the damage and assured them that I will not tolerate this conduct--now or in the future.

Asked by a reporter about the ANA leader's remarks:

I suppose we'll get another "do as I say not as I do" statement from Mr. Beaumont. As I said the last time, what he does is between him and the people he's close to. As long as it doesn't hurt someone else's right to life, liberty, or property--he's free to decide how he runs his life. I'm not here to judge him for it. I'm hardly the candidate who stands in the pulpit and preaches morality--but I will say this--I can hold my right hand up and say I've never gone behind a partner's back cheated on him before. I don't care what your gender is--it's just not right to be going behind your partner's back--but that's just my belief.

Asked by a reporter about the DSP scandal: 

I am genuinely shocked by these revelations. I look forward to hearing a full account from Mr. Zimmer about what happened. I also call on the DSP to take quick and decisive action to terminate members of their staff who engaged in this...clearly inappropriate activity...and also call on the party to expel any member or politician who may have been involved in this matter. I think we can all agree that exploiting a labor dispute for political gain is something we can't tolerate in our Republic--if not only for the ethical reasons, then for the potential economic damage it could have unleashed as well.