Why do you think you'll be good?

I have been involved in the SCA for 13 years now, almost entirely in Carolingia. I feel I have a good idea of the history and social customs of the barony. When I started in the SCA, I was a college student and I have seen the Society from that perspective as well as from that of a working adult.

I do not consider the SCA the most important thing in my life, but it is my only hobby, so I feel I have the time and energy to commit to being Baroness.

For two years, when Aleksandr was a royal champion and then when I succeeded him, I was closely involved with the Royalty. This gave me an opportunity to observe and learn about being a head of state, both on the throne and "backstage". Similarly, Aleksandr has attended on Aquel and Johanna for several years, including running the Runnymeade dinner at Pennsic (the annual gathering of all territorial baron/esses) for them. We feel we have a good sense of what is expected from the populace and how those we admire have conducted themselves as leaders.

I am not a candidate alone and I feel that Aleksandr and myself are good candidates because we compliment each other well. We have interests that are widely different (I embroider, he fights) as well as interests in common, of course. Our differing interests allow us to speak and sympathize with a large portion of Carolingia's population. Also, I think our personal strengths and weakness are balanced out by the other person.

We have been active participants in the barony for many years and delight in many of the barony's activities. We have a desire to see Carolingia continue as an active and vibrant entity.

As parents we deal with "people issues" such as scheduling and negotiation on a regular basis, as well as soothing ruffled feathers, encouragement, listening and finding channels for skills. I think all of these are things the baronial heads may need to be able to do at some point. Of course, this is NOT something I think only parents can do; we just get a lot of practice at it.

And I repeat, we both have a strong theatrical background. You will hear us if we desire to be heard.

One feature of our slate that's unique among the ones standing for election: we are not a couple. We're married, but not to each other. Carolingia has not had a baron and baroness in this situation before, but it's been done several times at the royal level. The advantages are that family emergencies are much less likely to disrupt the Coronet's activity, since we come from two separate families. Further, we will have that extra bit of stamina and stability because we are not each other's only source of emotional support - we believe that makes us a little less likely to burn out than a Coronet pair who were relying only on each other for support.

And a third point: we have both got a strong history in theater, so we believe we will have a feel for how to effectively "stage" court, how to keep people's attention, or to sense if we're losing it. Of great importance, we both know how to project, so people can *hear* what's going on in court.

Now, is that enough to make us "good"? Up to you, and the barony, to decide.

I have a great deal of patience and am willing to deal with everyone including those members of the Barony who occasionally rub others the wrong way.

I can organize fairly well and can motivate people to participate in projects. I will take the initiative to help make the barony look good. I am still learning about delegating, but I am getting better.

I treat people well and do my best to encourage them

I am willing to listen and to act upon good suggestions. I can recognize people who know more about a topic than I do and know when to defer to their knowledge.

I can store, transport and assemble the thrones myself... :)

My ego is large enough to withstand constructive criticism, while still being small enough that I feel no need to dominate a discussion or activity.

I have a fairly strong group of people who will provide support and assistance so that I can do the job of Baron well, without burning out.

And frankly, we think we'd have fun doing it, and hope others would have fun as well. We have a lot of experience in theater which will come in handy (including the ability to project to the back of the hall), and a general sense of style. No one should take it all too seriously, but neither should the position be taken too lightly. Enjoy the day, enjoy the court, enjoy the people, and don't get in the way of people having fun - add to it!