Fwurg

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Fellow Senators!

In this and previous electoral periods, I have assisted the Chancellor as the Minister of Defence. Unfortunately in these periods, the Chancellor has continued to reduce the Defence budget in favour of other projects. While I respect her viewpoint, I feel this is a critical mistake, forcing me to try once more to run for Chancellor myself.

In the past I stood with the Senators of Wrarrbo and Niom, but today I stand here with the Senators from Deominius and Bisidn. I still support the idea of having nations build their own armies, but these nations have convinced me that we should invest in the development of new technologies that may better protect our planets such as planetary shielding. They have made concrete proposals and with the new laws regarding technology subsidies, we have the legislation we need to do this without reducing the defence budget.

With our improving infrastructure, this will allow nations to hold out as a strong Union Fleet comes to their defence, should the need arise. The groundwork for our military renaissance has been laid - I am counting on your support to make this a reality.

With the conflict between the Slave Rebellion and the Hutt Families growing, we believe it ever more relevant to get our defences in order. I promise to strengthen Union growth, stimulate the building of military forces with subsidies and promote the development of military technology.

You need protection, so I ask you once again: Can your world resist invasion?

Thank you"

- The message was delivered with the Senators of Deominius and Bisidn standing behind the Excarian candidate, both immediately voicing their seconds for the candidacy.

((OOC: If you wish to discuss the military strategy of the Confederacy of Excaria or ask clarifications and positions on various issues, this is where to do it ))

[Nehket Aeka]

"Candidate Bolv'ar,

The Veolian Commonwealth would like to know your opinion on the following subjects:

• The position of Minor Worlds within the Union. Although they do not have the requisite economy to have a measurable influence, there might be benefits to allowing such members.
• The impact of colonisation. While it might not be the most cost-effective measure, it is certainly one with great possibilities.
• The status of faction military and Union military as a whole.
• The development offensive technologies with Union funds or support.
• Terraformation and it's entailed economic impact and ethical issues.
• Cost reductions on maintenance and government spending. This might entail reducing the Union taxation rates over all brackets.

Thank you for your explanation."

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"We are open to the option of Minor Worlds, provided they lie within the established territories of the Union. We do not feel it a good investment of military resources to place ourselves in a position where we would have to send our fleets out to defend places that are of no strategic importance to the Union otherwise. All Union members have a right to defence by the Union fleets, and we do feel the Union should expand, but we should not make pledges we cannot keep to worlds too small to make a major contribution.

We do support colonization, though we advise against settling outside of the union territories - within our region there are many places left unsettled and we believe colonization should take place there.

We believe terraformation is something that is up to member worlds and not something the Union should actively involve itself with, either with laws or with subsidies. This allows member worlds to make ethical decisions in this for themselves, a freedom we believe to be important.

Regarding taxation, we believe that any tax breaks need to be accessible to all and should focus on the military sector. We do not believe other budget cuts are a good idea - the military needs more money, not less.

Do you have a specific question regarding my military policy?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"What are your ideas with regard to supporting the Jedi as part of the military -- or at least as part of the defensive strategy of the Union?"

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"The Jedi have done a lot of good for the Union and were instrumental in its foundation. As such, they deserve our deepest respect and admiration.

However, the Jedi have their own belief system and points of view, which may conflict with the will of the Senate. In such a case, it would be most immoral to expect the Jedi to betray what they believe in for our benefit.

We support cooperation with the Jedi, but not reliance on the Jedi. It is important that the Senate can act without needing to confer with the Jedi Council. The Jedi have their role in the Unions defences, but they should never be our only strategy."