I, Arintheos Voutoumatis, would like to announce that I am running for the position of Megas Logothetes.

This past term has been difficult, through no fault of the previous Megas. Many brave Romans have given their lives in the fight against the Venetians, who have fought like devils. Megas Aleksios has diverted as many resources as possible to the front, but circumstances have conspired against his efforts. The Turks' renewed offense in the east has taken the attention and resources of our generals in the east. Many of our most experienced men have gone into semi-retirement, including Senator Appionas who remains ensconced in his settlement with a large army living off of Imperial coffers. Others were lost in the war, such as Senator Savvas. Most recently and ominously, we have seen one Senator murdered on Imperial land, with accusations flying in multiple directions, and another kidnap the Caesar's daughter.

If I am elected I propose to have a careful census of the Empire's settlements and forces. Some settlements have garrisons larger than needed, or composed of non-militia troops who do not support themselves. I will speak with their owners to see about adjusting their garrisons. I will also see which parts of our Empire have been neglected in infrastructure, especially in those areas where the potential for profit is high. I know for example that the Levant has seen too little money for economic development, and even more so Egypt, who lost one settlement due to riots from lack of infrastructure.

I will also look to successfully ending the Venetian and Turkish wars. Against Venice I would first draw a line at Ragusa and Belgrade. Several generals are already making their way to each, or there already. I would see that armies would be assembled at those sites which, when ready, would march together on Zagreb and Venice itself. The Latins have had their few successes as a result of being able to isolate individual armies of ours. They would not be able to sustain a coordinated attack, especially as they have brought the ire of several of their other neighbors upon them, as well as ours.

The Turkish front is in some ways more difficult, and I would work closely with the Order, providing them the resources needed to push the Turks away from their land or, if they wish all the way to Baghdad. I would also like to see Jerusalem, now under the control of a rebel Arab tribe, be brought unto the Empire, although this would be a lesser priority until more immediate threats were taken care of.

Perhaps our most pressing issue is the fate of the Caesar's young daughter and the death of Senator Armatos. In the case of the former I would push to have talks to end the conflict. Given the option I would prefer not to see any more battles between Helarionas and other Senators, although much would depend on the willingness of each side to negotiate.

I would have a full inquiry made into the death of Senator Armatos, preferably headed by a neutral Senator. If it was this Organization we thought defeated, we will have to cope with their resurgence, and ensure it is a short one. If this is the work of pretenders to that group's infamy, they too must be dealt with.

In short, I will do my every utmost to address the problems of the Empire and regain that unit we once had.