One of the great things about the six regions is the great diversity of each. Each region is blessed with its own cultural heritage, natural resources, and Pokémon biodiversity. Of course, that each region is differentially endowed with resources mean that there will naturally be disparities between regions. What is important is not that we reduce economic and technological disparity for the sake of reducing diversity, but to ensure an adequate standard quality of life.
While Unova and Kalos are known to be industrial giants, the other regions are not worse off because of it. Kanto manufacturing has never been as intensive as Unova's or Kalos', but it has a flourishing service industry as evidenced by its many skyscrapers in Saffron and Celadon. Kanto, along with Johto, are the smallest and least populated of the six regions, so it's natural that it would not achieve the same heights as the bigger regions. However, Kanto and Johto have taken steps to integrate their economies, beginning with the construction of the magnet train. Their cultural and entertainment industries are also integrating with radio becoming the dominant medium in both regions. Hoenn, although bigger than each Kanto and Johto, is the least economically developed region but its environment is pristine and remains largely untouched. In addition to facilitating ecological tourism, this has allowed the region to become a key center for climate research. Sinnoh similarly isn't as developed as Unova and Kalos but is endowed with rich mineral resources, and has become a centre for renewable energy research and development in response to their mountainous and forbidding terrain.
Now, I live in Johto. Born and raised in Cherrygrove City. Let me tell you that Johto is not a bad place to live. We're not as fancy as Kalos or as busy as Unova, but we do very well for ourselves and are surrounded by a rich cultural heritage. Let me tell you that although we are not as wealthy, we are just as modern and live as fulfilling lives as those from the next region.
By now you've probably realized that I don't think that this is the best question to ask. Economic development is not the most important aspect to the growth of a nation, and there isn't one gold standard by which to measure it. The six regions don't all look like Unova or Kalos, and they shouldn't have to. It would be unfair to impose one standard of development on all the regions. Every region has its unique identity and ways of life, and this diversity should be celebrated. Every region has the right to determine whether industrial development is the best strategy for growth, but, as we have seen, every region can rightfully choose its own unique strategy for economic growth which is fitting for their individual situations and identities.
The bottom line is that the peoples of the six regions are not poor. As long as this is true, that some regions are wealthier than others is not a bad thing. Every region has the same high standard of Pokémon healthcare, as well as a high variety of consumer goods. Even if the cities do not have all the bells and whistles, they are well-maintained and safe places to live. The light of Lumiose City does not dim the splendor of Saffron, nor the glory of Goldenrod, nor the majesty of Mauville, nor the joviality of Jubilife, nor the character of Castelia.
The Johto Liberty Party believes that government should have no more than a necessary hand in the economy and respects each region's right to economic self-determination. If elected, the Johto Liberty Party will continue the program of increased regional integration to foster prosperity for all. We have a five-point plan for economic development that maximizes efficient use of public funds as well as maintaining the ability for the regions to choose the vision that's right for them.
- Expand funding for national infrastructure. Integrating Johto and Kanto was the first step, but if the regions are to fully harness their economic might, further integration must be facilitated. Key projects include expanding harbours and shipping lines for the four core regions, and as well as expanding the Unovan airport at Mistralton City, which is approaching capacity.
- Begin the Regional Transfer Payments. These payments ensure that the government of each region is capable of providing the level of public services that all other regions are capable of providing. This program does not require increased taxes because it is a redistribution of existing government revenue.
- Begin the National Investment and Stimulus program. The NIS will supplement transfer payments for equalizing economic growth. The funds will be allocated to each region based on need, and the region decides how the money will be spent on merit-based criteria. This allows each region to decide which projects to support and ultimately the vision it believes is best for itself.
- Begin the Natural Resources Fund. While our free enterprise economic system allows for natural resources to be developed by firms, we believe that the wealth of natural resources should benefit all of us. While the burden of this fund will be carried by natural resources firms, proceeds will fund education, infrastructure, environmental protection, and smart investments for all for decades to come. It's a small price to pay for resource extraction companies but the right thing to do.
- Respect and protect regional biodiversity. We believe that it is ecologically damaging to introduce foreign species of Pokémon to new habitats without appropriate investigation. Invasive species have the potential to displace native Pokémon, causing imbalance in the ecosystem. Zubat and Tentacool are particularly hardy species that cause misfortune both to trainers and the environments they invade. And we all remember the Unovan Poké Transfer Lab Crisis – let's work together to prevent further ecological disasters.
We at the Johto Liberty Party don't believe in simply assigning people to tasks – we want a society where people make their own choices and are not compelled to do things for the government. With our plan, we will drive the regions' economies forwards while keeping the people free, taxes low, and investments smart. Remember our slogan – "a free people prosper"!