1999 Liberty Festival Banquette

Held at Heinzman’s Heidelberg Restaurant, at 43785 Gratiot Avenue (M-3) in Clinton Township

Winners

Mark Heil
David Littmann
Al Titran & Rosemary Racchi
Emily Salvette

Liberty Fest Honors Six

Five Defender of Liberty Awards were made to six honorees at the fourth annual Liberty Fest Banquet at Heintzman’s Heidelberg Restaurant in Clinton Township November 6, before 78 attendees.

The first award for Producer of Liberty for behind- the-scenes hard work went to LPM and Macomb County Membership Chair Mark Heil for his work in those jobs, website creation and other technological advances over the years. Also receiving a Statue of Liberty for that category were Al Titran and Rosemary Racchi for their dedicated work on many projects that others may shun. Stacy Van Oast was the presenter.

A promoter of Liberty award for advancing the Libertarian Party and its principles went to Emily Salvette for her many years of leadership in the Oakland and Washtenaw counties, her work as Affiliates Director and her two terms as State Chair.

Earning the Spokesperson for Liberty award for a member of the community whose patriotism and conviction have been inspiring was Comerica Vice President and Chief Economist David Littmann. His many articles and interviews have spread the ideas of liberty to the general public.

Author James Bovard (“Freedom in Chains” and “Lost Rights”) was the keynote speaker. He said the battle is not between liberalism and conservatism, but against statism. He focused on the Waco tragedy and its recent rebirth as an issue, casting doubt on the objectivity of the current investigation — .– Liberty Fest Honors Six (Continued from page 1)

Bovard was presented with a special Libby by Keith Edwards for his many articles in the major media (Wall Street Journal Investor’s Business Daily, Playboy, etc.) and books defending economic and personal liberty. He was instrumental in keeping the Ruby Ridge and Waco issues alive when less forthright journalists shied away.

The event was sponsored by Libertarians of Macomb County and organized by Diane Barnes. Ken Bisson, our Region 3 Representative on the National Committee, was the Master of Ceremonies. LMC Treasurer Marnie Edwards and Sharlene Strici handled registration, George Weiss designed a beautiful program and Stacy Van Oast, AI Titran, Rosemary Racchi, and Mark Heil contributed time and ideas. The fundraising appeal was handled by Michael Corliss, who also announced his candidacy for the US Senate nomination.

Special thanks go to Diane Barnes who contacted the speaker, planned the event and kept it organized, all while running for office. What a gal!

From the 1999 November-December Michigan Libertarian. edited by Keith Edwards