Senators hold great responsibility, so not just anyone can become one in most countries. "According to Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, a senator must be 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States for 9 years, and must reside in the state he or she represents at the time of election." (this from http://www.senate.gov) Even in the ancient Roman Republic, there were restrictions on who could be in the senate: only members of the wealthy, elite patrician class, people who had previously been involved in the Roman government could join the senate.

Of course, I don't think Whyville's Senator Candidates need to have that many restrictions. Perhaps there should be something similar to the rules of becoming a Y-Helper? Such as, being a citizen for 3 months. This would help make sure citizens were accustomed with Whyville, and would allow them to judge what Whyville and its people need, so they could better prepare their platform!

A platform is "A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public." (also from http://www.dictionary.com) In other words, a platform is the basic ideas and values that a candidate declares, in order to gain public support and popularity. It also contains the different reforms the candidate says (s)he will make during their term.

Generally, a person can *say* they will do all sorts of magical things, but does anyone really know if the person will uphold those promises? No. Perhaps that's why members in the Roman Senate had to participate in other Government positions before they could join the senate. But since there is such a limited number of Y-Helpers, Whyville Safety Patrol members, etc. I think that limitation would be unfair here. Instead there should be (like the Editor mentioned) disclosure of past punishments, etc. On the other hand, that would create a negative stigma. So I think that positive contributions should also be mentioned!

Oh, and I think the whole term idea should be subjective, based on the Citizens' approval of the Senator. If they enjoy him/her then (s)he should be able to stay! If not, then (s)he should be replaced!

Anyway, that's all I have to say, and I wish all participants the best of luck in their candidacy!

-QUISP

Editor's Note: As with all political correspondence, no candidate is specially favored by Whyville or the Times. This and all other articles published by the Times are opinion pieces, published based on the article's merits, and without regard to the writer's political aspirations. If you feel candidate-written articles should not be published, please send your best arguments in article form to the Times. Thank you.