Kalistani Major History

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Stephen Wilkes Named New Chancellor
Political Science Professor specializes in Public Policy
Vrassa City, Duchy of Vrassa
March 8, 5509


Dr. Stephen Wilkes will join Peerage and become Chancellor of the Empire in May

Dr. Stephen Wilks, who currently serves as a Tenured Professor at Vrassa District University has been tapped by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette to become the next Chancellor. Dr. Wilkes has no public service experience, having never served in the National Assembly. However, he does bring a wealth of public policy experience, having written several peer reviewed articles and three books that examine various aspects of the Dual Economy in Kalistan, and is well known within his field for championing Zero Percent Growth strategies of the Imperial Government.

"In naming Dr. Wilkes to be our Chancellor, we feel that he, among all candidates that our Working Group advanced, will both keep our ship of Government headed in the correct direction, and will be free to innovate where we feel changes and improvements need to be made," said Her Imperial Majesty from the Floor of the National Assembly. "Dr. Wilkes has demonstrated a commitment for free thinking and honesty, and most importantly to us, candor with regard to our policies, and we think that between his expertise and his willingness to be outspoken, he shall make us an excellent First Advisor, and will serve us well."

Dr. Wilkes, when approached for comment, said, "Her Imperial Majesty called me into her office, and asked me some questions about certain policies she was considering. Without knowing that I was being interviewed for a job, I told her, this will work, that won't work. Here's why, and here's what you need to improve this. I gave her my opinion as an expert in my particular field, that's all. And three days later, they called me up and asked me if I would take a permanent sabbatical to come and serve the Empress. At first I said a flat 'no', because I don't want to uproot my family, or lose my position at the University that I have devoted my life to. But... Her Imperial Majesty can be quite persuasive..." When asked what he meant, Dr. Wilkes responded, "Well, when I returned to the Office on Monday, the Dean came in and told me I was fired, and that the Empress' office called him to inform him I was needed in Kaliburg. So, I suppose I'm working for the Empress now." The new Chancellor elect added, "I won't be joining her fan club anytime soon."

Dr. Wilkes will be named Count of Vrassa County as he prepares for his Job as the Chancellor, and will join the Peerage. His wife, Stephanie Wilkes, said she looks forward to moving to the Capital, noting that she hasn't ever been off the Mainland. Their two children will be enrolled in Kaliburg Public Schools, and shall start a new life. Their home will be maintained in Vrassa City, and the family will also receive a townhouse in Downtown Kaliburg, right off the National Mall.

Dr. Wilkes is expected to maintain a steady course for Kalistan, and to signal their approval, investors sent stock prices in the Kalsie 4 percent higher following the news. Stocks in the Construction, Energy and Electronic Sectors did particularly well. The Wilkes' will relocate to Kaliburg in May, following the end of their respective semesters in Vrassa City.