Saturday, July 17, 2004 - During last night's emergency National Security Council meeting, several options were discussed for debt relief on the nation's struggling economy. A bold and unexpected suggestion was the sale of Nassau West One, the President's personal transportation.

While this idea has been considered previously, it has never been opted for because the value of the vehicle does not meet or exceed the payoff amount. However, now with it being the second-largest expense (and a close second at that), no options are off the table.

Currently, according to the Nassau West Department of Transportation, Nassau West One has a value of about -$1700, which is the estimated difference between the value of the vehicle and the payoff amount. It would appear at this time that trading it in would not work because that $1700 would be added to the purchase price of anything new.

At this time, the NW DOT is considering selling the vehicle for payoff, which is estimated at about $8500. It is not expected that there would be many takers on that price. There were other options discussed at the meeting.

The most popular idea for shaving off some of the deficit is to pull funding for Nassau West Kelly K. Bartram's smoking and drinking expenses. While the drinking doesn't add up to much anymore, the smoking costs about $7.50 per day, which about half the cost of gasoline to get back and forth to Tucson daily.

All non-essential government travel has been cancelled indefinitely. Effective after last night's meeting, all construction projects on the new Capitol facility have been cancelled, as well. Included in the cancellation is the completion of the Howlin' Cow Saloon, which has already cost in excess of $600.

The Saloon, also deemed non-essential, may be transformed back into a living area, and the room may be rented out, if necessary to a third tenant.

Presently, the Department of State is working with the First Unified Council of Kingdoms to house the President of the Xochi Republic, Christopher Walsh. This may happen by the end of the month. The Xochi Republic would be charged $250 rent per month.

Benson Weather