GUTTER GAZZETTE

As our city gears up for the upcoming mayoral elections, the air is charged with anticipation and a sense of civic responsibility. The contenders vying for the position bring with them diverse visions and promises for the future. In this pivotal moment, we pose ten crucial questions to the mayoral candidates, seeking insights into their strategies, priorities, and commitments. Join us as we delve into the heart of the mayoral race, exploring the perspectives that will shape the trajectory of our city in the years to come.

Ingrid: Hello and welcome! Can you introduce yourselves to the voters?
Rhapsody: It’s always difficult to answer such a question briefly, but I’ll try! I am English, 29 years old. I have been involved with Gutter Trash Alley at various times over the years, from when it was a smaller town with a dangerous reputation. Currently I own a business a store called Stang & Poppet, at Gotti 3B. I’ve run several cities and towns in the past. I’m a strong believer in democracy, which is basically why I decided to run for Mayor on this occasion. Besides which, I think I can do a good job in the role, of course!
Rene: I am Rene Westminster. First of all a representer of the small and poor because thats what I have been in the past. Through “honest” and hard work I have become a successful Businessmen. I mostly stay quiet in the shadows but some of you might remember me from my loan office Westminster Trust

Ingrid: What specific plans do you have to address the current economic challenges facing our city?
Rhapsody: The first point I have to make is that the economic challenges can’t be separated out from other issues. We need to have a joined up approach. The second point is that, like most citizens, I don’t know details of budget and so on, and I guess I won’t know until and unless I take office as Mayor. That really demonstrates that we need better transparency in the way GTA is governed, so that every citizen can understand what is going on and can properly participate in the growth of our city.
So, as for specific plans. I will certainly argue very strongly for two key policies. Firstly, we need a local currency (ie an RP currency) that will mean we can start to build an economy that isn’t totally dependent on the L$, and thus doesn’t exclude the less wealthy members of our community from the city economy. Second, it’s been a proven way to regenerate local economies in the UK to rent out stores for minimal rent, on short contracts. That means people and businesses who might otherwise find it difficult to get started actually have a chance to begin trading, which of course attracts more business and more people, thus more money, into the city’s economy. A local currency also opens up the possibility that we might even be able to test out the idea of a Basic Citizen Income, so that everyone in GTA is guaranteed at least the minimum income while living here; it means more money comes in to oil the local economy, and it’s an idea that seems to have worked very successfully in places that have tried it.
Rene: Thats simple, the only plan that ever works with challenges is structure and organization. Grabbing the problem by its root and finding the cause will be priority first before deciding on further actions

Ingrid: Public safety is a top concern for residents. How do you plan to enhance and support the city’s law enforcement and emergency services?
Rhapsody: Members of hospital staff and the Police Department have already spoken with me about the urgent need for more modern equipment and more staff. Those two areas must be a priority, we need to invest in our services and to recruit for them. I also think we should be looking at investment in our own local Fire Department, it concerns me that there is a high risk of fire in the city that could endanger life and property but we have no way of properly responding if that should happen.
Rene: More staff is needed. Figuring out how to provide benefits and honoring the law enforcement and emergency services has priority here to make working in this line more attractive

Ingrid: With the recent surge in population, infrastructure demands have increased. What strategies do you propose to address and manage the city’s growing needs?
Rhapsody: Clearly we need to look seriously at how we can make more affordable housing available. And of course I must repeat the need to modernise and recruit for our public services. Lag is a serious issue in GTA and it’s a priority to investigate and solve whatever is causing that.
Rene: Because of the size of this city, housing will always have it limits. It will be important to provide housing in a good balance judging on the population size and demand of certain communities. Flexibility might be the only way to achieve that

Ingrid: Social cohesion is vital for a thriving community. How do you plan to foster inclusivity and unity among the diverse demographics in our city?
Rhapsody: As I hope I’ve made clear in the past, I am strongly in favour of inclusivity. I feel that GTA should have a definite policy of being supportive for the LGBTQIA+ community, along with being firmly anti-racist. I want to support the migration of more Black citizens into GTA, for sure. And we can build greater unity, I believe, through events that bring the community together in celebrations, the marking of important dates in the city calendar, and so on.
Rene: Providing a vast variety of entertainment will be the key here. Creating unity will be a hard task because social statuses will always create borders and some of these borders will be needed as well to ensure privacy

Ingrid: Technology is rapidly advancing. How will you leverage innovation to improve city services, promote connectivity, and ensure residents are well-equipped for the digital age?
Rhapsody: I’ve already mentioned modernisation of the city’s public services. I’ve lived in places that had their own telephone services before now, with a phone provided in every home, and I think we can look into the practicalities of introducing something like that in GTA. I am *not* in favour of surveillance cameras or other intrusions on privacy, however. Citizens have an absolute right to their private affairs staying private.
Rene: Since I am more on the older side I myself am not a friend of this fast advancing of technology. I like to take one step at a time and keep things simple. Slow and progressive growth is stronger than jumping on every fast train that passes by

Ingrid: Homelessness remains a concern. What strategies do you propose to address the problem and provide support for those in need?
Rhapsody: To be honest, I think I may have largely answered this already. The need for more affordable housing, the potential for a Basic Citizen Income, and so on. People in GTA are pretty resourceful, and what they need are the opportunities and they will flourish. In the immediate term, the stress on housing is growing fast, and I will argue at City Council that there is a need for some kind of short stay hostel where the homeless can stay till they find their feet in the city. I’m reminded that in the past, in GTA, Dee ran a scheme called the Shelter for people who would otherwise be homeless. Nothing fancy, just a basic shack. But that has to be better than living in the sewers!
Rene: A city only lives when there is life in every street. People are important for this city and the homeless people deserve to have a place as well

Ingrid: Transparency and communication are crucial for effective governance. How do you plan to engage with the community, gather feedback, and keep residents informed about city developments?
Rhapsody: The Mayor has a Press Office and that should be communicating regularly with citizens, keeping everyone up to date with developments in GTA. As I said, we do need greater transparency to encourage greater participation. I am sure your newspaper will be an important part of the Mayor’s communications with the population of GTA, so I hope everyone will make a point of reading it!
Rene: Every question and request will be answered. Your voice matters and will be heard … Everyone will receive what they deserve

Ingrid: Given the ongoing challenges and incidents involving the local farm, could you share your perspective on these matters? Additionally, do you have a concrete action plan in place to address and resolve these issues?
Rhapsody: My understanding is that the farm has been closed down in the last couple of days, so if that’s the case then the issues are already resolved. It’s an unfortunate story though and as Mayor I hope that my willingness to offer mediation might head off any similar problems in the future.
Rene: I myself am not familiar with these challenges and incidents but I am sure I will be able to find a proper solution for it

Ingrid: In light of recent departures from the city, with accusations of police bias and injustice being cited as contributing factors, how do you perceive these cases? What is your stance, and do you propose any solutions to address these concerns and potentially prevent further departures?
Rhapsody: Obviously such allegations are a concern and must be taken very seriously. My intention is to set up a formal investigation into police conduct, led by an independent and unbiased person, which will report back to me and to the City Council in due course. Then we can take any action, make any reforms, that might be necessary.
Rene: I will make sure to enforce the law hard, strictly and make sure everything gets a proper investigation. The citizens of GTA don’t need to have any concerns about these kind of matters.