Editor's note: The views expressed here by Senator Zachariah do not necessarily reflect the views of the Haven Herald
nor any of its staff.
Of all the Senators I had interviewed so far, Senator Edwin Zachariah appointed to the Senate by His Majesty to replace a casual vacancy caused by the departure of Senator Mischa was certainly the most enigmatic. I met the independent Senator for Coventry in his bare-bones office in Senate House. I wasn't too sure how to take him.
H. Godwin: Senator, congratulations on your appointment to the Senate.
E. Zachariah: Thank you, its a real pleasure to be here.
H.G.: How are you settling in here in the capital since your move from Coventry?
E.Z.: Coming to the capital from a frontier town is a bit of a shock for anyone, including an anthropomorphic kitchen appliance, but overall Im doing quite nicely, thank you.
H.G.: I visited Coventry a few months ago. It was my first time there, but I was struck with such a sense that it really felt like a frontier. Do you think that life in Coventry is different to life everywhere else in Pulias?
E.Z.: Indeed! We in Coventry are on the edge of the civilized land in Pulias and some might say in Europa and our economys built around the hilly terrain, which means we cant go in for more traditional farming like other places. Also, we havent got a cool name for the city; I heard that the name they wanted to use was too long for the sign!
H.G.: I heard that, too. More broadly, though, do you think Coventry has been let down by the major parties?
E.Z.: Im not sure if its been let down completely, but theres definitely a sense of dissatisfaction. Partly its that we on the frontier tend to be a bit more nervous about possible attacks, and to a degree we feel that the people in the interior of the nation where the two main parties have their cores of support might be overlooking our own needs.
H.G.: What do you think Coventry needs, as we move into the future?
E.Z.: We need to get more infrastructure built up, thats certain. Coventry has a lot to offer, and theres a genuine sense that we could become more fully integrated into the greater Pulias nation. Again, were also a bit concerned that a lack of transportation routes at least roads, but more ideally rail networks might jeopardize us should we get attacked.
H.G.: The Grand High Exalted Majah appointed you as Senator for Coventry to replace Senator Bouncy Mischa after his resignation. Do you have any comment in reaction to his resignation?
E.Z.: Well, if he hadnt resigned, I wouldnt be here! No, seriously, its always a bit disappointing when a good leader leaves the political field.
H.G.: From my understanding you have no previous political background or experience. Does the fact you were appointed by His Majesty when you have no political experience and you were not elected by the voters of Coventry bother you at all?
E.Z.: Not especially. First, we all have to get our start somewhere; we cant all have grown up in politics though this is really one of the first generations to be able to, after the Revolution and all that. Also, the Majahs probably mental and at least he appointed me instead of a lump of granite or something similar, which is good because I at least have an idea of what the people of Coventry need.
H.G.: So you say. In that case, do you have any policy outcomes you would like to see in this term of the Senate?
E.Z.: Get more development in and around Coventry tops my list.
H.G.: As an independent, separate from the parties, what power do you expect to have to shape the policy agenda in this Senate?
E.Z.: Being a neutral means I can focus less on partisanship and more on actually getting legislation passed. It also means that my voice is more important, because it can play a role in deciding whether or not a law passes.
H.G.: It's interesting that you should say that. According to the records of the Clerk of the Senate you abstained from the vote on the
Ministerial Reform Act 1822. Were you making a political statement there?
E.Z.: No, actually, I fell asleep.
H.G.: According to the records of the Clerk of the Senate you abstained from
all votes in the chamber in this term of the Senate. That's quite a few bills. Were you making political statements with those abstentions?
E.Z.: No, actually, I fell asleep again. I wonder if I havent got narcolepsy at times
H.G.: I see. Has the Government approached you seeking your support on any of its measures?
E.Z.: No, its almost like they havent remembered I exist
H.G.: Can you tell me what you think of the current Government?
E.Z.: Overall it seems quite functional, but Im concerned that we may be seeing a pronounced partisan split beginning to take shape. Itll be interesting to see what happens in the future.
H.G.: Well, something that isn't reflected in that partisan split is the yet-to-be-commenced national railway project which currently enjoys tripartisan support. What are your thoughts on the matter?
E.Z.: Im all for it! Like I said, we need transportation to Coventry.
H.G.: There have been accusations the Government is using the Senate as a rubber stamp to push through reforms instead of allowing the Senate to review and debate legislation. What do you say to this? Is that your view from inside the chamber?
E.Z.: There may be a degree of that, but in my opinion its not an especially grave issue. To me, the Government just seems quite adept at crafting legislation thats popular with the parties.
H.G.: Will you be running for reelection at the next election?
E.Z.: Unless I feel that a more qualified candidate steps up, most assuredly.
H.G.: I look forward to covering your reelection campaign, then. Thank you very much for your time today.
E.Z.: No problem! Do you want some steamed leeks?
H.G.: Uh, sure . . .
So there you have it, the possibly-narcoleptic independent Senator for Coventry.