Monday, June 13, 2005 - Tonight, on the one year anniversary of the opening of the Nassau West Capitol, the Nassau West National Security Council held an emergency session as a result of several matters that have recently come to the forefront that could no longer be ignored.

Among the issues discussed were Nassau West President Kelly K. Bartram's scheduled vacation next month in Seattle, the current financial crisis, and the labor agreement with a trucking company in Tucson that is in desperate need of a major overhaul.

The first issue up for discussion was the President's planned vacation, which eventually was struck down by the National Security Council due to budget related concerns. This is the third consecutive time the Council and financial woes have cancelled Presidential trips to Seattle. Bartram was to fly to Seattle on Friday, July 1, and return on Sunday, July 10.

The Council along with the President voted down the excursion because of several factors, most notably the fact that airfare has nearly doubled since the last time Bartram flew to Seattle. A roundtrip plane ticket would cost nearly $400 (as of two weeks ago).

In addition to the airfare, President Bartram would need a rental car, lodging, food, gas, and an entertainment budget. This vacation would cost in excess of $1,000, and currently the Department of the Treasury is worth less than $80. The numbers speak loudly against the trip.

The President also cited a seeming lack of interest in his visit. "I don't know many people in Seattle anymore. Most that I did know do not live there anymore. The remaining ones that are still in the area are preoccupied with other matters, which would leave me alone doing nothing most of the time," the President reluctantly admitted.

The second item up for debate was the current financial situation the nation faces. This past weekend, the President was treated to an overnight trip to Tombstone to celebrate Vice President Michael O'Brien's birthday, which was almost entirely paid for by the Vice President and his fiance, Cathy McWhorter.

The President was mortified by the lack of funds to finance this celebration. "I had no idea we were running so embarrassingly low on funds. It was quite a shock to discover on Friday evening that I really had no business going on this trip, but plans and reservations were made, and it would have cost money to cancel those plans," Bartram remarked.

The Council agreed unanimously that something must be done to correct the failing economy of Nassau West. A short-term solution was to offer Nassau West Savings Bonds, which has worked in the past. The Council, after listening to arguments against this plan presented by the Department of the Treasury, quickly ruled out this option citing the current load of debt already committed to.

In a departure from normal discussion, the President was asked to reduce his personal spending because his "lifestyle exceeds his means and the means of the Republic." Bartram was obviously furious at the request, but maintained his composure and the Council went on to the next matter.

The third item discussed was the current long-term labor agreement with a Phoenix-based trucking company at their Tucson facility, where Nassau West Sheriff Kelly Bartram is the terminal manager. The Sheriff was appointed to this position in October of 2003, and replaced Harvey Sterkenburg in January of 2004. The Department of Labor approved of the promotion, but did not lock in a salary prior to relocating the Sheriff to Tucson.

As a result of their incompetence, the Sheriff remained on hourly wages until last July, when he was put on salary. This salary was to increase, but as of the time of this article, has not. It is the belief of most Security Council members, Department of Labor officials, and Nassau West Transportation Workers' Union (NWTWU) members that this labor agreement has the Sheriff vastly underpaid.

The Council has instructed the Department of Labor to try to rectify the situation with the management of the company. If that is unsuccessful, the labor agreement may be terminated without further notification. In the meantime, the Labor Department will once again begin the process of locating more lucrative employment elsewhere for NWTWU members.

The Department of Labor will first seek alternate employment before approaching the management of the trucking company because, according to the Sheriff, "this time we're serious. Enough is enough. I personally believe that this effort will be futile and a complete waste of time. They are aware of our financial burden and have done nothing to alleviate the situation. They've never cared, and never will."