Posted by Sidney Parker in Observation and questions for all candidates

Posted by Scarlet Olivia in Observation and questions for all candidates
I know that there are going to be plenty of people who leap up and do their darnedest to go ‘Scarlet you are wrong, boooooo’ but I’ve noticed something.

So far all I have seen is one candidate going and saying what they would like to change, what they see is broken and every other candidate doing their darndest to say ‘nothing is broken, nothing to see here, move along’. Then I see the current Prez and VP leap in and have their hackles raised, politely of course, but do their best to prove that the one candidate who would like to change things is either, making accusations or is ‘wrong’ or something along those lines. Everyone is trying so darned hard to make it sound like things are running smoothly, that there needs to be no changes or anything of the sort that it has me highly suspicious. I’m the kind of person who starts questioning when people seem to be leaping in to all sing the same song save for the one person those singing the same tune are singing as loud as they can to drown out.

Worse, when the current elected individuals get in and seem to do the same stuff. Makes me wonder what has people so afraid that they want to stamp down this one individual voice. I don’t really get the agenda, I know there is one and I know denial is going to be quick. Before anyone leaps at me and says I am making accusations, I’m not, I am just voicing something that seems to be a way and weather someone thinks I am right or wrong is their opinion, just as this is mine. It seemed to me, as the election only had one candidate till almost the deadline, that people threw in just to make things go slowly. As if last minute, people drew straws and then signed up. The only times I have ever seen a concentrated will to move an election is when TJ ran. He was a uniting force that got everyone involved in a rally and his absence? Creates a ponderous cycle where old faces plod in just to fill a slot and younger people or people new to the politics just try to give it a shot.

I was no fan of TJ, but that man was great at getting elections active and getting everyone involved. I actually miss that, the elections he was involved in were always memorable… So, my question is, what will the candidates do to bring back energy to this club? I have heard stories that in the Club’s heyday there were 300+ people, but we’ve dropped down to what, 90 people? Most of those people have circled the drain as the same faces in different positions over and over again. Every election, I see like, maybe twenty people every year. What are you guys planning to give new faces a chance to step in so those who have done the running of the government, over and over and over again can take a rest should they wish it?

Scarlet,

Energy comes from people. Our plan has been and continues to be continuing initiatives already started in membership recruitment and expanding on that with some initiatives we have already spotlighted. The ST universe itself has not exploded for many years. Which of course effects clubs like ours. This causes membership to drop. We also have not had a stable MAC position for some time. I’m not talking about the people occupying the position but rather allowing things to run their course to see if they work. Sure some people tried harder than others but that is always the case. So with the interest in Discovery high and possibly two new movies on the horizon now is the time to have continuity in efforts and concentrate on recruitment pipelines. Not after but before and if our efforts work then we will be in a great position to be ready for the next ST explosion and get new members who will then also bring that new energy that helps build and sustain clubs. However just as important are the people who also have been here a long time. We would not be having a 27th Annual Social if all we concentrated on were new members.

As for new faces you always have to balance that. For one thing if Myself and Tony were to win we would be new faces in the Prez and VP chairs. So that would be a great start right there. A new face does not necessarily mean someone new to the club. So yes we would welcome new faces in positions of government but frankly I would like to see those new faces, as some have been, in assistant positions first. The Club can be complex and throwing someone into say the Fcomm role just to say you did it is not wise or probably very kind to that person. So we will balance all positions with experience, energy, innovation and willingness to move the club forward. That can be a new person or one who has done it before. I’m not putting a litmus here that you have to be new or been there before. Were looking for the best.

Also, how as Prez will you have your VP active? From where I sit, the VP is largely known, but mostly unseen. I am sure there is a lot of stuff behind the scenes, but they largely do nothing unless the Prez cannot. So how will things be different with you and how are you planning to make them your partner so that you share the load and weather the stupidity we all know comes with a government position? I’m curious to know more about what the heck a VP does and how things will be different with yours, unless as usual there is nothing and no reason to change anything at all?

Well your right to say that a lot happens behind closed doors. I can only speak for myself and Tony during this campaign. Nothing happens without me talking to Tony. We have already discussed how we would function as an equal team. However when people elect a President they expect that person to be the face. So yes that persons may from an outward perspective look like they are the sole voice of Admin but its just not true. Not with us and most likely not in past administrations. Already Tony wants to lead an initiative in creative writing which goes toward the experience members, new and old, have here. I believe in a chain of command so a lot of things will go through Tony before me. However rules allow members to have access to the President and as such problems usually hit that desk. It changes nothing though as I will consult with Tony first and foremost and the decision you see may have my name on it but will have his fingerprints along with mine on it as well.

—Scarlet

Sid and Tony

I just wanted to touch base on the question pertaining to the VP. To be fair, I think every presidency runs things differently and that its a team effort. I think we all know the VP does do work, especially when speaking withthe Prez on matters that arise, and ideas that want to be pursued.

Personally, I’m very interested in the things pertaining to MAC. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a sense of community that lasts in a person. As I’ve mentioned before, being an STF member is about being a part of the community and interacting as such. I’ve seen lots of fun games pop up in discord on special occasssions. And I’ve even witnessed fun side games in character on ships as well! This whole thing that we do. Where we write as part of the community. It changes people. When you make connections with others, they change us.

I know that most generally don’t see me comment on too much when it has come to the command board or even all that much during elections. But truth be told, I’m always listening (or reading in STF cases :P). I’ve been watching how the club has grown and its pretty evident what is going on right now. Developing a sense of community and digging deeper into what we love TOGETHER is what sets STF apart. And I’m very interested in that! I love writing! The MAC summer report already included a snippet about creating writing information for other RPers in STF to take a look at, so as to encourage growth as a writer!

As VP, you can certainly count on me to be involved in a way that brings people together. We’re all different. We have what makes each of us unique, and it sets each person apart from others. But we can still bring it all together under a common banner: A place where people can write, love star trek, and have fun with others who share this common bond. And trust me, I love each of those things! :)

I hope this helps convey my thoughts well to you! If you have any other questions, I’m happy to answer them. Thanks!

-Tony
Armadillo/Tiger Ticket