Governor of Atlantica

The **Governor of the State of Atlantica** is the state's head of government and the first in line for the role of Proxy Presidencyt. As defined by the Atlantica National Governance Act, the governor is the highest-ranking official in the state and has wide appointing rights in both the executive and judicial branches. The governor oversees state laws, policies, budget, and resources, represents Atlantica's interests at national conferences, and advocates for its needs and priorities. Atlantica's governor is regarded as one of the most powerful governors in the Federal Republic of Terranova due to their significant role in representing the state's interests on a national and international level. The governor of Atlantica holds significant influence in shaping policies and decisions that affect the state's economy, security, and well-being. Their wide appointment rights solidify their power and ability to enact change.

With the governor being second in line for Proxy Presidency, the role of the governor of Atlantica carries even greater weight and importance in case the President is unable to fulfill their duties. This position not only grants them the ability to lead in times of crisis but also positions them as a potential future leader of the entire country. The governor's close proximity to the highest office in Terranova further enhances their influence and ensures that their decisions have far-reaching implications. This system of succession helps maintain stability and continuity in Terranova's government.

The current governor is Samuel Blackwood, the grandson of President Michael Blackwood, Terranova's second President, who has been in office since 2028. Samuel Blackwood's familial connection to the Blackwood family not only solidifies his position as the current governor but also adds a sense of legacy and tradition to his leadership.

## Selection and qualifications

Unlike other Terranova state executives, the governor is chosen for a four-year term by the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board and the Gubernatorial Election Committee. The Atlantica National Governance Act states that the governor may run an unlimited number of times but must be re-elected every four years. The procedure guarantees that the governor is chosen based on their expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to serving the people of Terranova. A candidate for governor must be at least 30 years old, have no criminal record, have lived in Atlantica and have been a registered voter for the five years preceding the election. Candidates meeting this minimum requirement must file their candidacy with the Gubernatorial Election Committee, which reviews the applications and verifies the eligibility of each candidate. The governor, like all statewide officials in Atlantica, is elected in the general election held every four years.

## Functions and responsibilities

The governor leads the executive arm of government, which comprises all state executive departments and agencies, as well as advisory boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, as the top executive of the State of Atlantica. The governor of Atlantica, unlike the governor of any other state, is first in line for succession to the Proxy Presidency in the event of the President's absence or inability to fulfill their duties. This unique position gives the governor of Atlantica a significant role in both state and national politics, ensuring that the state's concerns are heard and addressed at the highest level of government.

The governor has some input into these laws as well, because the governor has the authority to reject any measure submitted to his or her desk by the Atlantica General Assembly, although the assembly has the authority to overrule that veto. The governor is also given a number of more specific powers as they relate to appropriations of state funds, the appointment of state officials, and a variety of less prominent and less commonly utilized powers.

### Appointment powers

Almost all military and civil officers of the state government are appointed by the governor with the advice and permission of the Atlantica State Senate. The governor also selects individuals to fill vacancies in the elected offices of attorney general and comptroller in each of the 27 counties. If a vacancy occurs in either of the General Assembly's two chambers, the governor replaces it; however, the governor must select from among the recommendations of the local party organization to which the person leaving the position belongs. Except for members of the General Assembly, every officer appointed by the governor is removable by him or her if there is a genuine reason for removal. The governor's appointments include the 27 secretaries and heads of agencies that now comprise the governor's Cabinet, commonly known as the executive council.

### Executive council

The governor of Atlantica is the head of the governor's executive council (or Cabinet), which oversees all state government duties. This is made up of the following individuals, all of whom, with the exception of the lieutenant governor, are appointed as heads of executive departments by the governor with the advice and permission of the Atlantic State Senate:

* Lieutenant governor – Russell Davis
* Secretary of State – Jennifer C. Garcia
* Secretary of Aging – Christine Roques
* Secretary of Agriculture – Brian Atticks, Jr.
* Secretary of Budget and Management – Elena Grace
* Secretary of Commerce – Stephen Graham
* Secretary of Disabilities – Patricia Kelly
* State Superintendent of Schools (appointed by the State Board of Education to direct the Atlantica State Department of Education) – Dr. Karen Salmon
* Secretary of Environment – Michelle McIlwain
* Secretary of General Services – Abdul Aziz
* Secretary of Health and Mental Wellness – Cynthia Carmen Moreno
* Secretary of Housing and Community Development – Andrew R. Ricochet
* Secretary of Human Resources – Miguel López
* Secretary of Information Technology – Kate Williams
* Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation – Jonathan Thompson
* Secretary of Natural Resources – Sarah Parker
* Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services – James Sullivan
* Secretary of Transportation – Maria Rodriguez
* Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Michael Johnson  Savage
* Secretary of Juvenile Services – Francis Schiraldi
* Secretary of State Police (commanding officer of the Atlantica State Police) – Raymond Harris

Other members of the governor's staff may be invited to Cabinet meetings as "attendees". The governor also oversees several sub-cabinets that coordinate the activities of a certain function of state government that involves several state departments or agencies. Currently, these are the Sub-Cabinet on Education, the Sub-Cabinet on Economic Development, and the Sub-Cabinet on Health and Human Services. Each sub-cabinet is led by a designated secretary or commissioner who reports directly to the governor. These sub-cabinets play a crucial role in streamlining policies and initiatives across various departments to ensure efficient governance and effective service delivery to the citizens of Atlantica.

### Other powers and responsibilities

The governor is the first in line for the role of Proxy Presidency in the event of the president's absence or inability to fulfill their duties. This includes serving as the acting head of state and making executive decisions on behalf of the president. The Proxy President has the authority to declare a state of emergency or make important appointments to key government positions during their temporary tenure, except when the former of these actions requires the approval of the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board. The Proxy President is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the continuity of government operations and upholding national security in the absence of the president. They are also authorized to represent the country in diplomatic matters and engage in international negotiations on behalf of the president, bolstering the nation's presence on the global stage.

The governor is also the chairman of the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board, which plays a crucial role in other government operations and decision-making processes. The board consists of highly experienced individuals from various sectors, providing valuable insights and expertise to assist the governor in making informed decisions.

In both of these areas and a variety of others, the governor sits on numerous committees and task forces, collaborating with other influential leaders to address pressing issues and develop effective strategies. This allows the governor to actively contribute to shaping policies and initiatives that benefit the state and its citizens. The governor frequently engages in diplomatic efforts, fosters relationships with international partners, and promotes economic growth through trade agreements and cultural exchanges. The governor is also obligated to report on the conditions of the state at any time during the year, though this traditionally happens in the "Governor's State of the Union" speech each August at the beginning of the annual legislative session.

### The governor's staff

Aside from the different departments and agencies under gubernatorial jurisdiction, the governor has an executive administrative staff that aids in the coordination of executive functions. This staff contains five offices: Intergovernmental Relations, Legal Counsel, Legislative and Policy, Press, and the Governor's Office at Clayton Heights, Atantica. The chief of staff is assisted in operating these divisions by a number of deputies. The governor's staff is appointed and so not subject to state civil service regulations. This exception gives the governor more leeway in picking personnel who are aligned with their policy goals and priorities. The governor's staff can also readily be removed or reformed as necessary to respond to changing circumstances or political dynamics.