SPEAKER SPECIAL ELECTION, MAY 2019

I declare my candidacy for Speaker.

The law is ambiguous about what happens when an entire election cycle goes by without any candidates declaring for the office. In the past, we have treated the election as effectively over as soon as someone declares after the election period ends. Given the current state of the region, and the pressing need for someone to continue to turn the gears of our electoral and legislative processes, and to do so quickly and efficiently, I believe that as soon as someone steps up for this position (given that two and a half election cycles have now passed without anyone declaring for this vital role), the role should default to that person.

It is with that understanding that I declare my candidacy for Speaker. As a result of this decision, it will become necessary for me to resign my position as Chief Justice. While I do not relish leaving the Court vacant, I recognize that our legal system takes great pains to provide for people to handle Court cases, and we know precisely how to handle any situation requiring Court action. We do not have a reliable alternative for this important office. This is a time for all hands on deck, and I cannot sit idly by while necessary work remains undone when I am willing and able to do that work.