Gem for Senate 10 - "Somehow, Gem Returned"

If you're familiar with me, hiya! Long time no see! I'm glad to say I feel I've reached a point in my life where I would be able to re-engage in this community without other aspects of my life suffering.

If you aren't familiar with me, also hiya! My name is Gem, and I've had a pretty long career in Europeia, both in and out of the Senate. If elected, this would be my 10^th term in the Senate, and over my previous terms I've served on different occasions as Deputy Speaker, Legislative Counsel, and Speaker. I've also authored a lot of legislation. Of note, the Attorney General Act (2025), the Judicature Omnibus Act (2025), and over a dozen other smaller amendments to statute law.

But why run now? Full disclosure: I've gotten tired of popping into #grand-hall on the discord to check what's happening and seeing arguments spanning dozens of back-and-forth messages. At the same time, from what I gather, the rest of the Senate hasn't presented an inspiring amount of activity and engagement. Now, this may come as a surprise to some folks who remember some of my previous, more activist Senate terms, but I'd like to slip into a different role. As I mentioned on Discord at some point in the past (I can't be bothered to check when, tbh), I think the Senate needs a "Lloen," a Senator who engages with Senate business constructively, adding expertise to discussions and expressing their opinions without being obstructive or heavy-handed when the Senate at large disagrees with them.

To put it frankly, I think I can be that Senator.

But, of course, I have some opinions on ongoing senate business that I'll share for those curious.

⚡ What I imagine folks are most curious about: The Constitutional Convention

I'm not going to lie to you all, I haven't been paying attention to the Constitutional Convention at all. As some of you may know, I was consistently opposed to a Constitutional Convention when it was initially being discussed, and that stance hasn't really changed. That said, there's no use trying to obstruct something that's already underway, and I'll commit to engaging with the Convention in good faith once elected, and participating where I feel my voice would be valuable.

Of course, if there's anything in specific the Convention is considering you'd like my opinion on, feel free to reply in my forum platform thread with questions! I'd be glad to look it over and give my two cents.

⚡ Senate Resolution 22: Legal Status of the 106th Senate

Forgive me if something was changed here since I've been gone, but aren't Resolutions non-binding? I can't say I really understand the purpose of this. If it's just meant to make sure everyone's on the same page w/r/t things that have already been established, why couldn't it have been an (albeit long) announcement in the #senate discord channel?

⚡ Attorney General Responsibility Amendment

Seems reasonable, and should probably be brought to a vote.

⚡ Omnibus Judicial Reform Act

I have mixed feelings here, and would probably push for a more comprehensive reform package if elected. But as it stands, I could be pushed either way if the current text went to vote.

⚡ Onerous Procedure Repeal Amendment Act

This discussion is ongoing, and my ultimate vote would depend on the ultimate shape legislation takes before it comes to a vote. As it stands, I feel there is value in expressing the responsibilities of the Senate Speaker in law, but am in support, broadly, of measures to prevent paralysis of legislation if minor errors are made in procedure. Were the current text to go to vote, I could go either way.

Well, I'll leave it at that, both out of respect for your time, and because when I wrote this platform, I needed to catch the train to work in about 40 seconds. If you want clarification on anything, feel free to ask questions via telegrams or publicly on my forum platform thread! I hope I'll have your support in today's by-election.