saturday, august 25, 9 am 5 pm romulus, mi 48174€¦ · nd. vice chair’s report – campaigns...

Saturday, August 25,

9 am—5 pm

Wyndham Garden—Detroit Metro Airport

Romulus, MI 48174

Libertarian Party of Michigan 2018 Fall Convention

Saturday, August 25 Doors open at 9 a.m. Business begins at 11 a.m.

Wyndham Garden – Detroit Metro Airport 9191 Wickham Rd, Romulus MI 48174

Business and Events Agenda (Convention packet materials are available at https://michiganlp.org/2018-fall-convention-packet/)

9:00 – 10:30 Press room open – (Wayne section of ballroom) 10:00 Registration and Credentialing open (hall outside Macomb section of ballroom) 10:00 Vendor Displays (hall outside ballrooms—see below) 11:00 Call to order – Bill Hall, State Chair (ballroom) 11:10 Platform Committee Report – James Weeks, Platform Committee Chair 12:30 Lunch Break 12:45 – 1:45 2018 Campaign Kick-off program (ballroom—see below) 2:00 Business Session resumes with Candidate Nominations for:

Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State Attorney General State Board of Education (2)

MSU Board of Trustees (2) U of M Board of Regents (2) WSU Board of Governors (2) Justice of the Supreme Court (2)

Endorsement of other candidates 3:50 Break and Congressional District 4 Caucus to select LEC representative 4:00 Officer/Committee Chair Reports:

State Chair’s Report – Bill Hall 1st Vice Chair’s Report – Affiliates – Tim Yow 2nd Vice Chair’s Report – Campaigns – Greg Stempfle Treasurer’s Report – Jason Brandenburg Membership Report – Lisa Gioia

4:45 Resolutions 5:00 Adjournment

Libertarian Party of Michigan 2018 Campaign Kick-Off Program-Introduction by Paul Connolly, District 11 Rep to the Libertarian Exec. Comm. - Generating Lift -Remarks from John Tatar, 2018 Libertarian Gubernatorial Primary Candidate -Unveiling of the Libertarian Promise to Michigan by the following candidates: Jason Rees, State House 65 Patty Malowney, State House 77 Gregory Creswell, State House 1 Jamie Lewis, State House 72 Norman Peterson, State House 64 Jeff Pittel, State Senate 12 Mary Buzuma, State Senate 30 Matt Kuehnel, State House 22 Benjamin Carr, State House 27 Tyler Palmer, State House 93 -Keynote by 2018 Libertarian Party Candidate for Governor, Bill Gelineau

Thank you to our vendors: Tyler Palmer for State House, Dist. 93; Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol; Brian Ellison for Congress, Dist. 8 and the LP Audacious Caucus; Mises Caucus; Huron-Raisin Libertarian Party; Voters Not Politicians. And thank you to our donors who made voluntary contributions to help pay for this event!

https://michiganlp.org/2018-fall-convention-packet/

LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN FALL CONVENTION BUSINESS AGENDA

Wyndham Garden Hotel Romulus, Michigan

August 25, 2018

1. Call to Order Bill Hall 11:00 a.m.

2. Credentials Report Larry Johnson

3. Approval of the Agenda Bill Hall

4. Approval of Convention Rules Bill Hall

5. Platform Consideration James Weeks 11:10 a.m.

6. Recess for Lunch 12:30 p.m.

7. Reconvene Bill Hall 2:00 p.m.

8. Credentials Report Larry Johnson

9. Nomination of Candidates and other Candidate Endorsements 2:05 p.m.

10. Recess for District 4 Caucus to select LEC Representative 3:50 p.m.

11. Officer & Committee Reports 4:00 p.m.

12. Resolutions 4:45 p.m.

13. Adjournment 5:00 p.m.

STANDING RULES

2018 LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN FALL CONVENTION

August 25, 2018

Wyndham Garden Hotel - Romulus

Rule 1. The Credentials Committee, directly after the opening of the first business meeting, shall

report the number of delegates registered as present with proper credentials, and will make a

supplementary report at the beginning of each session that business continues.

Rule 2. The success or failure of any motion will be based on the number of delegates present

and voting on that question.

Rule 3. To facilitate identification in the assembly hall, delegates are required to wear the badge

issued by the Credentials Committee upon registration

Rule 4. No member may speak in debate more than once on the same question on the same

day, or longer than two minutes, without permission of the convention granted by a two-thirds

vote without debate.

Rule 5. Division of the house in exception to the decision of the Chair on any voice vote shall

require 10 members to stand for such count to occur.

Rule 6. The Platform Committee Chair will act as Chairman for consideration of proposed

amendments to the platform.

Rule 7. The printed report of the Platform Committee is submitted to the Secretary for the

permanent record. The Committee Chair shall present the individual committee proposals to

the Convention for consideration, which shall be considered automatically moved and seconded.

Rule 8. The Convention will adjourn at 5:00 pm unless 2/3rds of the membership chooses to

extend.

Rule 9. All motions, resolutions, reports and other material for the permanent record or printed

proceedings must be typed or hand-printed, and immediately on presentation, be given to the

Recording Secretary.

Rule 10. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised will

govern the convention in all cases to which they are applicable unless such rule conflicts with the

bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Michigan or these standing rules.

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Libertarian Party of Michigan Platform (As revised in convention, July 29, 2017) STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE: The Libertarian Party does not believe in or advocate the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals. PREAMBLE: Libertarians seek a society based on personal liberty and responsibility—a society in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives. The most desirable method of realizing such a society is to follow the natural order that arises when the inalienable rights of individuals to life, liberty and property ownership are respected and protected. People have the right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and pursue happiness in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with those same rights of others. The peace, prosperity, and diversity that such freedom brings is a goal toward which Libertarians aim. The essential precondition for a free society is that people have the freedom to follow their own dreams in their own ways without government interference. This precondition allows that the only legitimate function of government is the protection of the inalienable rights of its citizens. To that end, government at all levels should be strictly limited to the essential services necessary to uphold individual rights, maintain public order, and adjudicate disputes. Government at the state and federal level should be involved only in issues not best handled by local or regional government. I. STATE GOVERNMENT

1. We endorse the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves to our state and its people all powers not expressly delegated to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, or prohibited from the states or the people by the U.S. Constitution.

2. In the absence of a declaration of war by the United States Congress, we oppose any use of Michigan troops by the federal government for any purpose other than natural disaster relief.

3. Individuals have the right to defend themselves and others. Article I, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution states: “Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.” We oppose any law that dilutes the right of a law-abiding person to own a firearm or other means of self-defense.

4. We oppose any form of discrimination by government based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other group or individual identification. Each person has the same inalienable rights that the State has a duty to protect.

5. State government should be removed entirely from the licensing process, including, but not limited to, occupational licensing. It has produced no better results than private licensing and amounts to another tax. For example, marriage licenses are contracts between individuals and should be left to the individuals, their attorneys and religious officials, without the need to pay the state for a stamp of approval.

6. We support returning to a part-time legislature, which is sufficient to carry out the legislative duties as prescribed by our state constitution.

7. We advocate a sunset law requiring an automatic end to most government offices, agencies, departments, laws, regulations, taxes, and expenditures within ten years if not reauthorized.

8. We oppose immunities for any public officials or employees for illegal acts or omissions. Like any citizen, they should be subject to criminal prosecution and held liable for any injuries caused by their actions.

9. There should be maximum separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

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II. ELECTIONS

1. The only electoral duty of the state government should be providing for fair and efficient conduct of elections. Political parties, like any private voluntary group, should be free from government control and allowed to establish their own rules for nomination procedures and conventions. All taxpayer-funded subsidies to candidates for public office and political parties, including primaries and conventions, should be eliminated.

2. We support the addition of the alternative “None of the above is acceptable” to all ballots. We further propose that in the event that “None of the above is acceptable” receives a plurality of votes in any election, a new election shall be held for which none of the losing candidates shall be eligible. Other forms of voting should also be considered, such as instant runoff voting or proportional representation.

3. Campaign finance laws are unwarranted restrictions of free speech or association and should be repealed.

4. The time during which voters may circulate any statewide petition should be extended to two years.

5. Voters should have the power of referendum on all existing or new legislation. 6. We support efforts to make voting less difficult for all voters.

III. COURTS

1. The current practice of forced jury duty should be replaced by volunteer juries. 2. The common law authority of a trial by jury preceded our constitution and is the foundation of

our legal system. If a jury of peers deems a law unjust, oppressive or inappropriately applied, it has the right and duty to acquit the defendant.

3. We support the right of defendants to a fully informed jury, which would require judges to instruct jurors of their authority to judge not only the facts, but also the justice of the law according to their own good consciences. We support restitution for victims of crimes at the expense of the perpetrator. The victim should have the right to pardon the perpetrator, provided the victim is not threatened or coerced.

4. Private adjudication of disputes by mutually acceptable judges or mediators should be encouraged.

5. No-fault laws should be repealed because they deprive the victim of the right to recover damages from those responsible for causing harm.

6. The right of trial by jury should be allowed in all civil or criminal cases. 7. The use of civil asset forfeiture to enforce laws circumvents constitutional protections and should

be ended. 8. Random police roadblocks and other searches without probable cause bypass constitutional

protections and should be prohibited. 9. We support equal treatment and oppose sexual discrimination in any judicial proceeding

adjudicating a parental right, privilege or obligation concerning his or her child. 10. Any individual who violates the rights of another should be held liable.

IV. PUBLIC SAFETY

1. Law enforcement cannot guarantee individual safety. Self-protection is a personal responsibility. All individuals have the right to defend themselves and to possess the means to do so, as guaranteed by the state constitution Article I, Section 6.

2. State prison facilities should be used only for the incarceration of individuals who have proven themselves a threat to others.

3. Curfew laws should be repealed as an individual’s behavior is not the responsibility of the state or municipality.

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4. Laws requiring the use of seat belts and helmets are misguided, paternal, and should be repealed. Individuals must assume responsibility for their own safety.

V. VICE LAWS

1. Government should confine itself to protecting individuals from aggression, coercion and deceit. We oppose all laws and regulations that attempt to protect individuals from the consequences of their own behavior. While not necessarily condoning such activities, we advocate the repeal of all laws criminalizing gambling, possession and sale of drugs and alcohol, and sexual relations between consenting adults. All those presently incarcerated or ever convicted solely for the commission of these victimless crimes should be pardoned and their records expunged.

2. Voluntary communities may enforce rules that prohibit certain activities to which all members subscribe, such as substance-free dorms.

VI. TAXES

1. Whereas taxation is theft, the legislature should find more voluntary means of supporting state services, such as lotteries and user fees.

2. The income tax should be repealed. 3. Taxation of privately owned real property should be eliminated. In effect, it makes the state the

owner of all lands by forcing individuals to pay rent to the state or forfeit their title. 4. The remaining personal property tax on Michigan businesses should be repealed. 5. Tax favoritism should be illegal. Abatements, subsidies, credits, or other incentives to businesses

based on geographical area, job creation, or any other criteria deny equal protection under the law.

6. Sales tax on used merchandise that is resold results in double taxation and should be eliminated. 7. Adding sales tax to products already subject to specific state taxes, such as gasoline and

cigarettes, should be ended. This practice results in double taxation, as consumers are paying a tax on a tax.

8. We oppose any sales or use tax on the Internet. VII. ECONOMY

1. We believe in the free market, thus the complete separation of the economy and the state. 2. No commercial enterprises should be granted legal monopoly status, including the so-called

natural monopolies of electricity, natural gas, water supplies, telephones, and cable television. The Michigan Public Service Commission should be abolished and all rate regulation in these industries ended. The right to offer such services in the marketplace should not be curtailed. We also call on the legislature to end the state monopoly on lotteries.

3. State regulation of industries such as insurance and communications, and professions such as medicine and law, should be ended. They should be regulated by trade or consumer groups.

4. The condemnation of private property for public use should only be allowed when necessary for the protection of the rights of the citizens.

VIII. POVERTY

1. Providing for the needy by forcibly taxing others is contrary to the legitimate function of government, which is to protect the rights of everyone. Disbursing charity from a welfare system costs society more than it gains. It is inefficient, open to fraud and abuse, and creates resentment. Traditional, voluntary sources of emergency support from families, churches, private charities, and mutual aid societies have always been more humane, more effective, and willingly borne by the givers. Therefore, we call for the complete disbandment of the welfare state.

2. We oppose all attempts to criminalize the victims of coercion, such as the homeless. We therefore call for the immediate repeal of all laws against sleeping, camping, eating, feeding, or solicitation.

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IX. EDUCATION 1. Education is an individual or parental responsibility and best handled at the most local level. We

advocate the separation of school and state. 2. Because parents are best situated to decide what is in their own children’s best interests, we

support all measures that enhance the educational choices available, such as charter schools, tax credits for private school tuition, and home schooling.

3. Compulsory attendance and truancy laws should be repealed. Students cannot be forced to learn, and teachers should not be forced to act as juvenile delinquency officers.

4. All individuals, regardless of age, are entitled to the protections of the constitutions of the United States and Michigan. Random drug tests, locker searches without probable cause, censorship of student publications, corporal punishment, or any similar actions violate those rights.

5. All votes relevant to school operations, including millage proposals, bond issues and school board elections, should be placed only on the regular, biannual ballot.

X. ENVIRONMENT

1. Aside from public safety, there is no greater concern for the people of Michigan than having a safe, healthy environment. We look forward to the day when all property not required for police and court functions is returned to private ownership and control.

2. We call for the restoration of every individual’s ancient, common law standing to sue for trespass any individual, business, government or other group that pollutes his or her property.

3. We oppose creation of new government parks or wilderness and recreation areas. Such parks and areas that already exist should be transferred to non-government ownership. Pending such transfer, their operating costs should be borne by their users rather than by taxpayers.

4. We support efforts to hold all individuals, businesses and governments accountable for the pollution they cause. With respect to so-called orphan sites, where those responsible for contamination of ground or water either cannot be found or cannot be made accountable for the damage they caused, we support the use of the Natural Resources Trust Fund currently earmarked for expansion of state parks to be redirected to clean up.

XI. HEALTH CARE

1. The most fundamental property right is an individual’s right to own and control his or her own body. All individuals have the right to determine their own health care needs and treatment. Exercise of this right does not remove the moral obligations not to violate the rights of others. We recognize the state, when it exists, has a duty to protect the rights of others, particularly those in society who are the most vulnerable, including: the very old, the very young, and the mentally handicapped. The state, where it exists, does have a duty to protect the life of all individuals, and should prosecute those who utilize force or fraud to end life.

2. The right of people to extend or end their lives with dignity should not be infringed. We support the freedom to use living wills and durable medical powers of attorney.

XII. SECESSION We recognize the right to political secession. Exercise of this right, like the exercise of all other rights, does not remove legal and moral obligations not to violate the rights of others. XIII. INCLUSION The Libertarian Party of Michigan ratifies and hereby includes in this document the platform of the national Libertarian Party. XIV. OMISSIONS Our silence about any other particular government law, regulation, ordinance, directive, edict, control, restriction, regulatory agency, or activity should not be construed to imply approval.

Libertarian Party of Michigan

2018 Platform Committee

Report

Committee members:

James Weeks, Chair

Jeff Wood, Secretary

Matt Kuehnel

Connor Nepomuceno

Norman Peterson

Tim Yow

Proposal A

Approved 4-0

Current Language

III. Courts

9. We support equal treatment

and oppose sexual

discrimination in any judicial

proceeding adjudicating a

parental right, privilege or

obligation concerning his or her

child.

Potential Changes

III. Courts


and oppose sexual

discrimination on the basis of

sex and sexual orientation in

any judicial proceeding

adjudicating a parental right,

privilege, or obligation

concerning his or her their

child.

Proposed New Language

III. Courts


and oppose discrimination on

the basis of sex and sexual

orientation in any judicial

proceeding adjudicating a

parental right, privilege, or

obligation concerning their

child.

Rationale: This is an attempt to broaden our parental rights plank to include sexual orientation as well

as gender.

Proposal B

Approved 5-0

Current Language

Preamble last paragraph

The essential precondition for a

free society is that people have

the freedom to follow their own

dreams in their own ways

without government

interference. This precondition

allows that the only legitimate

function of government is the

protection of the inalienable

rights of its citizens. To that end,

government at all levels should

be strictly limited to the essential

services necessary to uphold

individual rights, maintain

public order, and adjudicate

disputes. Government at the

state and federal level should be

involved only in issues not best

handled by local or regional

government.

Potential Changes


The essential precondition for

a free society is that people

have the freedom to follow

their own dreams in their own

ways without government



function of government, where

it exists, is the protection of the

inalienable rights of its

citizens. To that end,

government at all levels should

be strictly limited to the

essential services necessary to

uphold individual rights,

maintain public order, and

adjudicate disputes.

Government at the state and

federal level should be

involved only in issues not best

handled by local or regional

government.



The essential precondition for a

free society is that people have

the freedom to follow their own

dreams in their own ways

without government



function of government, where it

exists, is the protection of the

inalienable rights of its citizens.

To that end, government at all

levels should be strictly limited

to the essential services

necessary to uphold individual

rights, maintain public order,

and adjudicate disputes.

Government at the state and

federal level should be involved

only in issues not best handled

by local or regional government.

Rationale: This amendment is an attempt to bring our platform in line with the historic Dallas Accord

and hopefully begin to heal the factional divide that has held the LP back for too long.

Proposal C

Approved 5-0

Potential Changes

IV. Public Safety

New plank 2, renumber

accordingly

2. State prison facilities should

be used only for the

incarceration of individuals

who have proven themselves a

threat to others. Once free from

incarceration, all rights should

be restored immediately, and

the classification of 'felon'

should not impede one's

constitutional rights.


IV. Public Safety

2. State prison facilities should

be used only for the

incarceration of individuals who

have proven themselves a threat

to others. Once free from

incarceration, all rights should

be restored immediately, and the

classification of 'felon' should

not impede one's constitutional

rights.

Rationale: This plank would establish that the LPM supports the full restoration of the rights of the

incarcerated upon their release.

Proposal D

Approved 5-0

Potential Changes

VII. Economy

5. We recognize all mutually

agreed upon forms of trade,

including, but not limited to

non-fiat currencies such as

precious metals,

cryptocurrencies and bartering.


VII. Economy

5. We recognize all mutually

agreed upon forms of trade,

including, but not limited to

Non-fiat currencies such as

precious metals,

cryptocurrencies and bartering.

Rationale: This new plank would establish that the LPM does not support the enforcement of a single

means of exchange.

Proposal E

Approved 4-0

Potential Changes

III. Courts

12. No person should be

denied due process on the basis

of age or citizenship.


III. Courts

12. No person should be denied

due process on the basis of age

or citizenship.

Rationale: In the light of recent changes in federal immigration policy, this topical amendment seeks to

clarify the LPM’s stance on the rights of young people and immigrants.

Proposal F

Approved 5-0

Potential Changes

IV. Public Safety


accordingly

1. We believe the largest threat

to public safety is the

government itself, and thus the

right to bear arms exists

primarily to ensure the people

the ability to effectively resist

tyranny.


IV. Public Safety

1. We believe the largest threat

to public safety is the

government itself, and thus the

right to bear arms exists

primarily to ensure the people

the ability to effectively resist

tyranny.

Rationale: This new plank would clarify the LPM’s stance on the right of the people to defend

ourselves against a tyrannical government and its agents.

Proposal G

Approved 5-0

Current Language

VI. Taxes

6. Sales tax on used merchandise

that is resold results in double

taxation and should be

eliminated.

7. Adding sales tax to products

already subject to specific state

taxes, such as gasoline and

cigarettes, should be ended. This

practice results in double

taxation, as consumers are

paying a tax on a tax.

8. We oppose any sales or use

tax on the Internet.

Potential Changes

VI. Taxes

6. Sales tax on used

merchandise that is resold

results in double taxation and

should be eliminated.

7. Adding sales tax to products

already subject to specific state

taxes, such as gasoline and

cigarettes, should be ended.

This practice results in double

taxation, as consumers are

paying a tax on a tax.


tax, including on the Internet.


VI. Taxes


tax, including on the Internet.

Rationale: This is an attempt to simplify the platform language by rolling all of our specific criticisms

of sales tax into a single, general plank condemning sales taxes across the board.

Proposal H

Approved 2-0

Potential Changes

III. Courts

11. We affirm the right of

victims of aggression to seek

justice, and deny the

legitimacy of criminal

prosecutions of persons who

have victimized

no one. To prevent false

prosecutions and the

fabrication of victims, we

affirm the right of any alleged

victim to end a prosecution by

freely asserting his or her

objection to it.


III. Courts

11. We affirm the right of

victims of aggression to seek

justice, and deny the legitimacy

of criminal prosecutions of

persons who have victimized

no one. To prevent false

prosecutions and the fabrication

of victims, we affirm the right of

any alleged victim to end a

prosecution by freely asserting

his or her objection to it.

Rationale: The goal of this plank is to clarify our opposition to the prosecution of victimless crimes.

Proposal I

Approved 5-0

Potential Changes

I. State Government


accordingly

2. We advocate for the

elimination of the Michigan

State Senate.


I. State Government

2. We advocate for the

elimination of the Michigan

State Senate.

Rationale: This new plank would demonstrate that the LPM advocates for the elimination of the

Michigan State Senate.

Proposal J

Approved 3-1

Current Language

V. Vice Laws

1. Government should confine

itself to protecting individuals

from aggression, coercion and

deceit. We oppose all laws and

regulations that attempt to

protect individuals from the

consequences of their own

behavior. While not necessarily

condoning such activities, we

advocate the repeal of all laws

criminalizing gambling,

possession and sale of drugs and

alcohol, and sexual relations

between consenting adults. All

those presently incarcerated or

ever convicted solely for the

commission of these victimless

crimes should be pardoned and

their records expunged.

Potential Changes

V. Vice Laws












possession and sale of drugs

and alcohol, and sexual

relations between consenting

adults. All those presently

incarcerated or ever convicted

solely for the commission of

these victimless crimes should

be pardoned and their records

expunged.

3. We call for the repeal of all

laws criminalizing

relationships between

consenting persons.

Libertarians recognize that sex

is a valid form of work and as

such support the repeal of all

laws criminalizing the offer of

sexual services for

compensation by consenting

persons, as well as the repeal

of all laws criminalizing

voluntarily seeking out sexual

services for hire.


V. Vice Laws












possession and sale of drugs and

alcohol. All those presently

incarcerated or ever convicted

solely for the commission of

these victimless crimes should

be pardoned and their records

expunged.

3. We call for the repeal of all

laws criminalizing relationships

between consenting persons.

Libertarians recognize that sex is

a valid form of work and as such

support the repeal of all laws

criminalizing the offer of sexual

services for compensation by

consenting persons, as well as

the repeal of all laws

criminalizing voluntarily

seeking out sexual services for

hire.

Rationale: To make clear the LPM’s support for sex workers at the state level as the National LP did

by amending its platform to include a sex work plank in New Orleans last month.

Proposal K

Approved 4-0

Current Language

IV. Public Safety

4. Laws requiring the use of seat

belts and helmets are misguided,

paternal, and should be repealed.

Individuals must assume

responsibility for their own

safety.

Potential Changes

IV. Public Safety

4. Laws requiring the use of

seat belts and helmets or other

personal protection devices are

misguided, paternal, and

should be repealed. Individuals

must assume responsibility for

their own safety.


IV. Public Safety

4. Laws requiring the use of seat

belts or other personal protection

devices are misguided, paternal,

and should be repealed.

Individuals must assume

responsibility for their own

safety.

Rationale: Updates the platform to acknowledge that the motorcycle helmet law has been successfully

repealed, and generalizes the idea of individual responsibility for the personal use of safety equipment.

Libertarian Party of Michigan Fall Convention

Saturday, August 25, 2018,Wyndham Garden Hotel, Romulus, Michigan

State Chair’s Report – Bill Hall

• We came out of the March Libertarian Summit in great financial shape

• We followed through recruiting candidates and precinct delegates for the primaryballot

• We enjoyed outstanding early success gaining attention for our candidates and partyo Major media attention to the candidates for our governor nominationo Strong media attention for our historic first primary statuso Strong interest group attention to our primary candidateso Resulting voter attention to our candidates

• We laid the groundwork for supporting our candidates in the general electiono The 10-point Libertarian Promise to Michigano Slate cards and brochureso Planned financial support for “Vote Libertarian” advertising and active

candidates with concrete plans likely to make a real impact in their raceso Hopes for fundraising to do even more

• We worked more closely with county and municipal clerks

• We planned this, our first fall, conventiono A limited program focused on promoting our candidates, at a limited cost to

attendeeso Thanks to the many volunteers who made it possible

• Our really hard work comes now – maintaining primary party status

• We need your help going forward, as a volunteer and contributor, to share your talents,communicate our message of freedom and responsibility, and support our candidates

Affiliate and Party Business Report

Strait Area Affiliate Expanded

It was decided between leadership of the Strait Area affiliate and the Northeast Michigan affiliate that Presque Isle county would be better served by Strait area. This change was approved in the last LEC meeting.

Strait Area affiliate now covers Emmet, Cheboygan, Ostego and Presque Isle counties.

Efforts continue for the following groups to become a recognized affiliate

Northwest – Prospective Chair, Donna Gundle-Krieg

Effort effects these counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford

Mid-Michigan – Prospective Chair, Robin Melcher

Effort effects these counties: Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw

Coverage map

If you live in a county that appears in white or dark green on this map and would like to work towards creating an affiliate for your county and adjacent counties, see me today after convention is adjourned.

Political Director Report - Greg Stempfle

LPM Fall Nominating State Convention

August 25, 2018

Since the last State Convention in March…

Candidates Running in August 7 Primary Election

Almost 7,000 Michigan residents voted in the first ever Libertarian Primary. The LPM ran 43 candidates in the primary; two for Michigan Governor, two for US Congress, 15 for State Senate, 15 for State House, 5 for County Commissioner, and 4 for Township office.

In addition to candidates for public office, at least 57 Libertarians ran for Precinct Delegate and at least a dozen Election Inspectors identified themselves as representing the Libertarian Party. Most of these individuals were contacted and encouraged to join the LPM.

The Libertarian Promise to Michigan

Working with a group of eight candidates for the Michigan Legislature, we created a campaign strategy / outreach tool called “The Libertarian Promise to Michigan”. In it, we outline some of the legislative proprieties Libertarians would address if elected in the fall and created a tri-fold brochure and slate card to promote it [see attached]. All of the issues and explanations are consistent with the LPM platform. During the State Convention luncheon, a group of ten Libertarian candidates for the State Legislature will introduce The Libertarian Promise to Michigan and each speak on one of the planks. Once all of our candidates are nominated at the convention, a .pdf of the tri-fold and slate card will be made available.

Members of the committee included; Chad McNamara, State Senate District 17, Mary Buzuma, State Senate District 30, Matt Kuehnel, State House District 22, Benjamin Carr, State House District 27, Norman Peterson, State House District 64, Jason Rees, State House District 65, Jamie Lewis, State House District 72, and Tyler Palmer, State House District 93. Additionally, the following candidates will participate in the convention luncheon; Gregory Creswell, State House 1, Patty Malowney, State House 77, Jeff Pittel, State Senate 12.

The Libertarian Promise was partially created to help candidates address issues and create campaign material for the party and candidates to use. Candidates of course are not obligated to take these positions and can speak on any issue they choose.

Candidate Support

At the last LEC meeting in July, the board voted on a spending plan to promote the party and its candidates. All candidates were emailed the criteria to be considered for financial support. To allow for candidates nominated at convention to request funding, the deadline for requests will be 8/26 and the statewide party officers will make their decision the following weekend.

Treasurer’s Report Jason Brandenburg - LPM Treasurer The current budget cycle is Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018 This report covers the LPM budget from July 12, 2018 to August 19, 2018 Expenditures Wyndham Gardens: $1,260.87 for deposit on Fall convention venue AT&T Long Distance: $17.69 for 1-888-FREE NOW phone number service PayPal and Comerica Bank: $152.68 for bank fees related to LPM accounts

o PayPal: $145.73o Comerica: $6.95Total Expenses = $1,431.24 Income

Deposited to General Acct: $0.00 Deposited to Federal Acct: $0.00 Deposited to State Acct: $3,492.19Total Income = $3,492.19 Comerica Bank account balances as of 8/19/2018 Checking Accts: $10,203.68 Federal Campaign Acct: $11,256.65 State Campaign Acct: $10,112.77Key take aways $2,521.74 has been paid to Wyndham Garden for this convention (already expensed) A final check of approximately $983 will be written to Wyndham to cover the additional lunches thathave been added since the original contract was signed Printing and supplies for this convention have not yet been expensed At the July 15 meeting, the LEC voted to add $8,500 in total funding to campaign expense

o Campaign expense was set at $2,000 prior to the July 15 meeting and is now $10,500o $5,000 of this will be drawn from the Federal Campaign accounto $5,500 of this will be drawn from the State Campaign accounto These funds will be used for promoting the State Party and LPM candidates

Other upcoming expenses for the rest of 2018 includeo Balance due for Fall convention (printing, supplies, extra lunches)o Liability insuranceo Incorporation feeo AT&T Long distance for 1-888-FREE NOW phone numbero ZOOM online conferencing toolContact your LPM treasurer with any questions or comments: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Calendar Year 2018 LPM BudgetBudget YTD ActualINCOME TOTAL 15,500.00$ 21,014.79$ STANDARD EXPENSES TOTAL 3,650.00$ 1,302.59$ SPECIAL EXPENSES TOTAL 20,800.00$ 6,518.70$ INCOME - EXPENSES (8,950.00)$ 13,193.50$ Item Budget Forecast for year YTD ActualOne Year Membership 3,500.00$ 3,540.00$ Life Time Membership 750.00$ 3,500.00$ Monthly Pledge 300.00$ 35.00$ Unsolicited Donations -$ 2,985.00$ Solicited Donations -$ 1,615.79$ Fall Convention Fundraiser/Donations 2,500.00$ -$ Spring Convention Fundraiser/Donations 500.00$ 773.00$ Fall Convention Reservations 3,700.00$ 3,175.00$ Spring Convention Reservations 3,950.00$ 5,391.00$ Miscellaneous 300.00$ 5.00$ Straw Poll Registration -$ -$ Over Budget Tracking (Income) -$ 9,104.79$ INCOME TOTAL 15,500.00$ 21,014.79$ Office Operations (rent, equipment, office ex 430.00$ -$ Telephone 350.00$ 243.74$ Website/Webmaster 1,000.00$ 179.40$ Reply letters/ stamps 100.00$ -$ PO Box Rental 220.00$ 214.00$ Insurance 730.00$ -$ Incorporation 20.00$ -$ Legal Fees -$ -$ Bank/Credit Card Fees 800.00$ 665.45$ Newsletter (non-online) -$ -$ Over Budget Tracking (Stnd Exp) -$ -$ STANDARD EXPENSES TOTAL 3,650.00$ 1,302.59$ Chair Discretionary Fund 150.00$ -$ Vice Chair / Affiliate Support 100.00$ -$ Fall Convention Expense 4,600.00$ 2,521.74$ Fundraising Expense 1,000.00$ -$ Membership Outreach Expense 500.00$ 47.40$ Campaign Expense 10,500.00$ -$ Spring Convention Expense 3,950.00$ 3,949.56$ Over Budget Tracking (Spcl Exp) -$ -$ SPECIAL EXPENSES TOTAL 20,800.00$ 6,518.70$ Standard ExpenseIncomeSummarySpecial Expense$8,500 added by LEC on 7-15-2018 current as of: 8/19/2018

2018 REPORT OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN

FALL NOMINATING CONVENTION AUGUST 25, 2018 ROMULUS, MICHIGAN

Lisa Lane Gioia, Norm Peterson, Jason Brandenburg, Ben Carr, Wendi Parker, Nikki Peel (and LEC members Bill Hall, Greg Stempfle, Tim Yow)

As of August 13, 2018, there were 241 members of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

CURRENT PROJECTS

(1) Database Implementation Michigan was lucky enough to be selected by the national Libertarian Party (LP) to

be one of the first states to implement the LP’s new database. Heretofore, membership records had been kept by LPM (Libertarian Party of Michigan) Treasurer Jason Brandenburg in an Excel file, making updating of records and dissemination of information difficult. The new system, being handled by Norm Peterson and Jason, is making our information processing procedures much more efficient. Norm and Jason are working together with Andy Burns from National, who is in charge of the entire project, to address problems as they arise in order to get the system running more smoothly. (2) Welcoming of Members

Inquiries coming-in via the state website (michiganlp.org) are being answered, these individuals are being informed of their affiliate/regional contacts (ARCs), and the ARCs are being notified of the email address of the individual so that they may reach out to them. New signups and renewals are being thanked, these individuals are being informed of their affiliate/regional contacts, and the ARCs are being notified of the email address of the individual so that they may reach out to them. Building ties with local Libertarians is a good first step in getting people to be more active in the party. (3) Automated Reminders

We are working with National in order to automate the function of sending advance reminders of membership expiration dates for national and Michigan memberships.

PLANNED FUTURE PROJECTS (1) Improving and refining database functions. (2) Working to make the state website (michiganlp.org) easier to navigate. (3) College/university outreach.

IF YOU’RE AN LPM MEMBER – YOU’RE AN LPM RECRUITER! Make sure you’re doing whatever you can to get the message of liberty out there to our fellow Michiganders!

If you’d like to join us on the Membership Committee, please contact Lisa at [email protected].

Libertarian Party of Michigan Legislative Committee Report

State Convention, August 25, 2018

Wyndham Garden Detroit Metro, Romulus, Michigan

Michigan’s 99th legislature met only one day in August, the 15th, to introduce 14 new bills,

most of which are unlikely to pass. Even if the balance of power shifts in the November election,

passing bills through both chambers is problematic. Since our last summer convention (7-31-17),

legislators have introduced 1,953 new bills (1,430 in the House and 523 in the Senate). Of those,

only 336 (17%) passed both houses and were signed by the governor to became public acts - an

increase of about 26% over the 267 in the previous 12 months.

In 2018 there were 83 House resolutions and 58 in the Senate. Many were pointless, like

SR172 - a resolution to recognize June 9, 2018, as Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Rider Recognition

Day, or HR0158 of 2017 - A resolution to declare September 27, 2017, as Alpha Kappa Alpha

Day in the state of Michigan. Certainly our legislators have more pressing problems to address.

The House will be in session only 23 more days this year - 5 days or less in the months of

September, October and November, with 9 days in December. The Senate will meet 28 days

along similar schedules, with five more session days in September than the House.

Some bills passed (or introduced) this year were good for the rights of the individual. Of

note are Public Acts 1 & 2 of 2018, bills which the Governor vetoed, but the legislature overrode

to provide tax relief on the trade-in value of autos and RV's. Beginning January 1, 2019, the

agreed upon trade-in value of RV's are exempt from sales tax, and autos are exempt from sales

tax up to a limit of $5,000 in trade-in value. This amount will increase by $1,000 per year until

2029 when there will be no limit on tax exempt trade-in value. Prior law would not reach that

goal until 2039.

All bills enacted in 2018 are listed in an addendum at michiganlp.org/2018-fall-convention-packet/.

More detailed updates can be found on the Michigan legislature web site at legislature.mi.gov.

Respectfully submitted,

Will Tyler WhiteLPM Legislative committee chair

Libertarian Party of Michigan POB 27065 Lansing MI 48909-7065 mi.lp.org

saturday, august 25, 9 am 5 pm romulus, mi 48174€¦ · nd. vice chair’s report – campaigns...

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