MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN Fall 2017
(August-September)

by Bill Hall

Bill Hall
State Chair Bill Hall.

One of the benefits of our hard-won “primary party” status in Michigan is our ability to promote that status as a compelling reason to be invited to engage the Republicans and Democrats head-to-head in public debate. We are now the third choice, and not just another minor party.

In late June, I and other Libertarians had the privilege of speaking to Boys’ State, the annual week-long civic education program sponsored by the American Legion. We had the opportunity, on a level playing field with Republican and Democratic Party representatives, to present our ideas to almost 400 young men entering their senior year of high school. These were students intensely interested in political issues and how our political system works.

And wow, did we make a difference in that debate! Simply by showing up and pulling no punches in our commitment to freedom and responsibility, we radically changed the course of the political discussion.

After the introductory speeches and Q and A with the entire assembly where Chair Bill Gelineau represented our view, we broke into groups of more than a hundred, where I faced off against a Republican and a Democratic Party representative. I started by explaining the nonaggression principle to my audience, as a “ready guide” for how you can predict where a Libertarian will come out on an issue, simply by applying that overriding moral principle. Libertarians oppose the initiation of force or fraud against others, whether by individuals or government.

As each student lined up to pose one policy question after another, I made a point of tying each answer back to that moral principle. These kids were smart, and they caught on fast.

Near the end of the breakout session, there was a heated discussion of whether Congress should fund Planned Parenthood. One young man stood up and posed this question to the Democrat: Why do you believe it’s fair for Congress to steal money from taxpayers to fund Planned Parenthood? I laughed out loud. We had won the debate. The discussion was now centered on our nonaggression principle. Not the implicit assumption of Republican and Democratic policy that whatever the majority supports must be moral and fair.

I took (at least three) lessons from our success at Boys’ State. First, push hard and use our status as a primary party to insist we be included in debates and forums with Republicans and Democrats. Second, don’t pull any punches. Openly articulate the moral basis for our principles. That really does distinguish us from Republicans and Democrats, who have no consistent moral values. And third, do so in the most persuasive way you know how. Don’t simply start by saying “taxation is theft.” That is obvious, if you follow the philosophical reasoning for that statement. But you first need to explain that philosophical basis. Then your audience can experience the epiphany that my audience experienced – taxation really is theft.

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Volunteer Staff Wanted
Open Positions

The LEC is seeking applications from LPM members for the following positions:

  1. Chair of the Legislative Committee (which monitors, reports on, and advocates for legislation on behalf of the LP)
  2. Newsletter Editor
  3. Delegate to the National Convention Platform Committee.
Please send your application, including qualifications and plans for the position, to chair@michiganlp.org and secretary@michiganlp.org no later than September 25, 2017.

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State Convention Roundup

By Greg Stempfle

Presidential Results
Delegates gather for the 2017 regular convention in Lansing.
Lansing MI – Libertarians from across Michigan convened in Lansing on July 29 for the annual Libertarian Party of Michigan state convention. Delegates chose the new state party leadership and approved changes to the LPM platform and bylaws.

This is the first convention to be held since the party adopted new bylaws last February to accommodate our change in ballot status and the first convention where delegates were chosen by their local affiliates. Whereas conventions in off-years tend to have fewer people in attendance, this year’s convention was probably the largest in state party history with over 100 registered and voting delegates.

During the morning session, several changes to the party platform were approved. The phrase “taxation is theft” was added as a clause to Section VI on Taxes, which now reads “Whereas taxation is theft, the legislature should find more voluntary means of supporting state services, such as lotteries and user fees.” The party also approved a plank in support of making voting easier, removed a plank calling for the repeal of the 17th Amendment (direct election of senators), and cleaned up the grammar in the Preamble. The platform committee was chaired by Lisa Gioia of Oakland County.

Several changes were also made to the party bylaws. LPM membership is now limited to dues paying members of the LPM. People who are only members of the national LP are no longer allowed to be seated as delegates unless they join the state party. The bylaws now explicitly give the chair the authority to appoint a newsletter editor, require the secretary to ensure party archives are accessible, and require the party to directly notify members of upcoming state conventions. Any special convention that is called by our membership now must state the purpose of the special convention. A few other technical and grammar changes were made to the bylaws to clear up some loose ends from the special bylaws convention held in February. The chair of the bylaws committee was Jamie Lewis of West Michigan.

During the luncheon, Jeff Irwin, Political Director for the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol ballot proposal committee, gave a presentation about the group’s efforts to put this proposal before Michigan voters in 2018. However, during the afternoon session delegates did not vote to endorse the ballot proposal. It received majority support, but fell a few votes short of the two thirds requirement for an endorsement. Many party members were skeptical of the amount of regulation and taxes that would result if the proposal were adopted. Delegates also voted not to seat James Weeks II who is serving a two year membership suspension.

Also during the afternoon session, chairman Gelineau presented a special tribute to Mark Feldman, the LNC Representative from Region 3 and former LP presidential nominee candidate, who passed away in June 2016.

The last item of business was the election of party officers. This year, for the first time, all officers were elected to serve a two-year term that will expire in 2019.

For Chair, Bill Hall of West Michigan defeated Jeff Wood from Livingston by a vote of 71-32. The First Vice Chair position, who will serve as the affiliates director for the party, was filled by Tim Yow from Oakland who defeated Keith Butkovich from Wayne by a vote of 98-5. The newly created Second Vice Chair position, who will also serve as the political director for the party was filled by Greg Stempfle from Oakland who was elected with 93 votes, beating Keith Butkovich (6), James Weeks (1) and NOTA (3).

Jason Brandenburg from the Southwest Michigan affiliate was re-elected as Treasurer by acclamation and for Secretary, Emily Salvette from Washtenaw defeated Matt Kuehnel from Macomb by a vote of 79-29.

Another new change this year to the LEC is that the five at large seats on the board were expanded to include one representative from each congressional district. Following the vote for Treasurer, delegates caucused by congressional district to select someone from their area to serve on the LEC. The following members were elected to the newly expanded board.

District 1 – Donna Gundle-Krieg
District 2 – Mary Buzuma
District 3 – Jamie Lewis
District 4 – Tim Coon
District 5 – Mark Sanborn
District 6 – Wendi Parker
District 7 – Norman Peterson
District 8 – Jeff Wood
District 9 – Mike Saliba
District 10 – John Kanan
District 11 – Paul Connolly
District 12 – Larry Johnson
District 13 – Tiffany Hayden
District 14 – Ben Carr

Three members were elected to serve on the LPM Judicial committee. Kerry Morgan and Ken Proctor were elected on the 1st ballot and James Hudler was elected on the fourth ballot defeating Nikki Peel for the final position.

Following the convention, many stayed for the evening banquet which featured comedian Tim Slagle. Mr. Slagle, who is originally from Southgate, but now lives in Chicago, is a stand up comedian and political pundit.

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2016 Libbys Awarded after February 2017 Special Convention

By Scotty Boman, with vital information contributed by Bill Gelineau.

Lansing MI – The annual Liberty Festival Banquet (BKA Libby Fest) was held at the Ramada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing, Michigan at 5:30 PM. The event took place in February 4th of 2017 to coincide with the special bylaws convention, but the awards were presented for the accomplishments of activists in 2016.

Penny Godboldo (Left) Proudly holds her sister's Libby while standing with nominator Scotty Boman (Right).
Penny Godboldo (Left) Proudly holds her sister's Libby while standing with nominator Scotty Boman (Right).
The guest speaker was Nicholas Sarwark, the National Chairman of the Libertarian Party. He gave a heartfelt speech about reaching people outside the movement with the Libertarian message. He pointed out how the language Libertarians use can turn off non-libertarians before they get to hear the substance of our message. For example, referring to the Democratic Party as the “Democrat Party” will automatically make one a Republican in the eyes of a Democrat and they won’t be as open to the rest of what one has to say.

One Defender of Liberty Award (“Libby”) was given per category. Maryann Godboldo received the Spokesperson for Liberty Award for withstanding a ten hour standoff with police, an armed assault by a SWAT team and a tank, after she refused to give her daughter a potentially lethal, harmful, antipsychotic drug documented by international drug regulatory agencies to cause diabetes, stroke and death. Maryanne later suffered from an aneurysm from which she hasn’t recovered so her sister, Penny Godboldo Brooks, accepted the award on her behalf. An in-depth news release on the presentation of her award is available here, which was also published in an unofficial tribute issue. The “Spokesperson” award typically goes to a member of the community whose patriotism and conviction have inspired contributions to the cause of liberty.

Promoter of Liberty Award winner Logan Fleckenstein.
Promoter of Liberty Award winner Logan Fleckenstein.

The Promoter of Liberty Award went to Logan Fleckenstein for his relentless outreach and advocacy for liberty in the 60th district State House election. While he did not win, he did a great job of outreach. His efforts were especially inspirational because he is on the autism spectrum. He actively used Facebook and other social media sites to promote libertarian causes, such as marijuana legalization. He also spoke out against actions at the state and national levels, and participated in debates and other media events. The Promoter of Liberty Award typically goes to a libertarian whose efforts have done the most to promote the LP and Libertarian principles. His story was covered by the Kalamazoo television station WWMT, which highlighted his graduation in defiance of the low expectations some people may have had upon learning of his severe autism diagnosis when he was two years old.

The Producer of Liberty Award went to Bob Broda for his steadfast service to the Capital Area Libertarian Party and for ensuring access to its office for critical Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) activities. He has been an LPM member since 1992 and active in many ways in the Capital Area Libertarian Party and the LPM. He has also been a delegate to national Libertarian Party conventions. He was always willing to help where he could. As coordinator of the CALP office in Lansing, he made sure the facility was available to activists from around the state for meetings. Sitting through 3 hours of bylaws deliberations so the LPM special bylaws committee has a central place to meet is service above and beyond the call of duty! For his long dedication to the LP and pitch-in attitude towards all manner of Libertarian work for over 20 years, Bob earned acknowledgement and thanks. The Producer of Liberty Award typically goes to a dedicated, behind-the-scenes Libertarian whose quiet labors over the years exemplifies the backbone of the LP.

Producer of Liberty Award winner Bob Broda (Left) receives his award from State Chair Bill Gelineau.
Producer of Liberty Award winner Bob Broda (Left) receives his award from State Chair Bill Gelineau.

In addition to the Libbys, then Chair Bill Gelineau presented two additional types of awards:

Diane Bostow, Lisa Gioia, and Logan Fleckenstein were honored with The Chair’s Activist Award. This award was formulated by Bill Gelineau for people who attended an affiliate meeting, an LP event or another event on behalf of a candidate, joined the LP, spoke at a public event about the LP (or for a candidate), or wrote an article with the word “Libertarian” which was published in a non-libertarian publication.

Lastly, Chairman Gelineau presented two discretionary Key Player awards. They were for people recognized for being of particular help in making the Chair’s duties easier to execute and/or for helping ensure the effectiveness of the LEC in performing its responsibilities. Those awards went to Kim McCurry, for doing so in her role as Vice-Chairman, and to Emily Salvette, for doing so in her role as At-Large Director.

Links to articles about past Liberty Festivals, can be found on our Directory of Past Liberty Festivals, in the historical archives.

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Qualifying for the 2018 August Primary

By Greg Stempfle.

The 2018 election season will be different for Libertarian candidates. For the first time in party history, the LPM will have the same ballot access laws as the major party Democrats and Republicans. The most significant change is that our candidates for Governor, US Senator, Congress, State Legislature, County and Township offices will have to run in the August primary in order to appear on the general election ballot in November. Depending on the office, getting your name on the August primary will require gathering signatures or paying a $100 refundable filing fee.

Judicial Committeeman James Hudler (Left) and Second Vice Chair Greg Stempfle (Right) at  the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.
Judicial Committeeman James Hudler (Left) and Second Vice Chair Greg Stempfle (Right) at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.

Governor and US Senator - 15,000-30,000 signatures

US Congress - 1,000 - 2,000 signatures

State Senate – 500 - 1,000 signatures or a $100 refundable fee

State House – 200 – 400 signatures or a $100 refundable fee

County offices – signatures or a $100 refundable fee,

Township, and Village offices – signatures only


(signature number is based on population, check with your county or local clerk)
Precinct Delegate to County Convention - no signatures or fee

Our other statewide candidates (Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Justice of the Supreme Court, and the various public education boards) will still be nominated by the party at our 2018 fall state convention. All candidates, regardless of how you qualify, must still file a Statement of Organization and Affidavit of Identity.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to being qualified for the primary. Collecting signatures or paying a filing fee makes appearing on the ballot slightly more difficult. And since the process is open to the public, anybody can seek our nomination. However, there are also advantages to being in the primary. Our candidates will receive press coverage and attention in their community twice during the election season. Many civic and media organizations use being qualified for the primary as their criteria for including candidates in debates and questionnaires. As only one of three "primary" parties, we have a strong argument for why we are different from the minor parties, and should be included in all candidate forums with Republicans and Democrats.

As a minor party, we had to have all of our candidate paperwork in to the various state and county election boards within one business day of the close of our nominating convention. Now as a so called major party, our candidates can turn their paperwork at any time until April 24, 2018. This extended window allows us more time to coordinate candidate recruitment across the state.

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Libertarian Candidates Advance to 2017 General Election

By Greg Stempfle.

Three members of the Libertarian Party of Michigan competed in the August 8, 2017 primary election and will advance to the general election in November.

In the special election for State House District 1, Gregory Creswell of Detroit won the first ever Libertarian primary in the history of Michigan. Greg won the uncontested race for the party nomination by a vote of 73 to 2 write-in votes, and will face off against Democrat Tanisha Yancey and Republican Mark Corcoran in November.

Gregory Creswell, Clair Gelineau, and John Jascob at Dally in the Alley.
Gregory Creswell, Clair Gelineau, and John Jascob at Dally in the Alley.

In Hazel Park, Councilman Andy LeCureaux automatically advances on to the November general election as too few candidates filed to hold the primary. He will be among six nonpartisan candidates seeking four positions.

Scott A Boman is running for the nonpartisan Detroit Police Commission, District 4, and also automatically advances to the general election.

Also of note, former LPM Treasurer Erin Stahl placed 4th in a primary for St. Clair Shores City Council and will advance to the general election where six nonpartisan candidates will be seeking three positions.

Congratulations to all candidates and good luck in November!

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Gelineau Campaign Aims High

Contributed by Bill Gelineau's campaign

By now almost everyone knows that the LPM has qualified as a “major party” in Michigan for the first time. One of the consequences of that is that we now have considerably different obligations to run for certain offices. Right at the top of that list is the office of Governor, which acts as our “top of ticket” under the ballot rules. This top of ticket slot determines our maintaining our status for the 2020 election cycle by exceeding 5% of the vote in the Secretary of State race next year.

2014 Gubernatorial candidate Mary Buzuma petitions to get Bill Gelineau on the ballot for the same office in 2018.
2014 Gubernatorial candidate Mary Buzuma petitions to get Bill Gelineau on the ballot for the same office in 2018.

Knowing this is a considerable hurdle, former State Chairman Bill Gelineau joined the race a few days before the end of his term this past July. “We started early because we know it’s a big challenge”, Bill told the Michigan Libertarian. Candidates for Governor or U.S. Senate must obtain a minimum of 15,000 qualified signatures before the April 22, 2018 deadline.

Even before declaring, the process of organizing a campaign team and putting the tools in place for a successful run were begun. “Bill’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the State make him a great candidate. I’m happy to do what I can to assist”, said Campaign Chairman and 3-time State Representative Lorence Wenke. “We’re pleased to have a small army of volunteers already in place”, he added.

Over the first four weeks of the signature gathering phase of the process, hundreds of volunteers have fanned across the state to numerous fairs, sporting events, concerts, and other opportunities to ensure a good start. The campaign has maintained contact with Jeff Irwin with the Michigan Regulate (marijuana) group – tapping into volunteers excited to help Gelineau (whose No. 1 issue is legalization of all cannabis and cannabis-related products).

The Gelineau campaign website, ComeTogetherMichigan.org, is ramping up. While it has some issue information, the growth strategy Bill has advocated includes outreach to like-minded groups to ensure we make the mark. Volunteers can print a legal sized petition right off the website and mail to the processing center maintained by the campaign.

In addition to the 7-person executive team managing the campaign, dozens of members have already produced many hundreds of pages of signatures. “Our goal is to put this to bed quickly,” said Bill. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting until April to get started.”

“We couldn’t be happier with the support we’ve received”, commented Campaign Treasurer Jim Dondero. “It’s a real testament to the commitment of Libertarians that we’re already raised close to $20,000. Once clearing the ballot hurdle, we plan to reach out in a big way. But, we all know that the dozens and dozens of smaller donations is how we will succeed.”

Wenke underlined that very point: “Bill said from the beginning that this is about lifting the Party and doing our best to honor the opportunity the Gary Johnson campaign created.”

Members and others can reach the campaign through the website or by tagging the Bill Gelineau for Governor Facebook site.

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John Tatar for Governor Campaign Update

by John Tatar, 2018 candidate for Governor

I am John J. Tatar and I am running for Governor of Michigan.

I am a father of 2 children. My son is a Major in the U.S. Air Force, and my daughter a Phd, teaching Gross Anatomy at the University of Michigan.

John Tatar
John Tatar

My Background: I am a graduate of Wayne States University with a BS in Education and a MS in Education Administration. I have also graduated from the Command and General Staff College of the army.

I retired from the Livonia Public Schools with 31 years of service. I taught English, social studies, industrial arts, home construction, building trades, building maintenance, drafting, wood shop, American History, and government.

I retired from the United States Army Reserves with 31 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Medical Service Corp. I am a veteran of the Desert Storm action. I have served in several capacities such as a commander of a medical detachments, executive officer in a medical battalion and staff officer of a medical brigade. I have been a competitive shooter on the 4 Army Rifle Team for over 10 years, and have achieved 22 points toward distinguished.

I am an Eagle Scout with 2 palms and served as an Assistant Scout Master.

Over the past few years I have been waging a fight against the installation of “smart meters” because of the many violations of Michigan Law they have posed, both the capability to spy on the Michigan Citizens, a violation of the 4th and 5th Amendments of the United States Constitution, and the violation of the Michigan Constitution, Article IV, Section 51 regarding Public health and general welfare for the Citizens of Michigan; as well as the health risks associated with micro-wave radiation/frequencies and “dirty electricity”.

As the Governor of Michigan I am aware that we are guaranteed a Republican form of government as per the United States Constitution Article IV, Section 4, where the people are the in charge. I will be a “de jure” officer occupying the “de jure” office of Governor, and I will act accordingly; (“de jure” means constitutional, lawful as explained in the treatise as contained in the unanimous United States Supreme Court decision Norton v Shelby County, 118 U.S. 425 (1886). I understand that “sovereignty” belongs to the people, and sovereign authority is delegated to the “public functionaries” (elected politicians) by the people as spelled out in the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and also the United States Supreme Court decision of Downes v Bidwell, 182 U.S. 244 (1901). As the Chief Executive Officer I will return this State back to the “de jure” Republic it was guaranteed and meant to be. I will seek out those that have “usurped” authority never delegated to them involving their act of omission/ or commission, and then expose and removed them for their office.

For a more transparent and responsive government for the people, this is my pledge to you."

As far as my campaign, there are several members in a group that I chair that is lending a hand gathering signatures. I am confident that we will meet the required signatures in time.

My website is johnjtatar.com and oneifbyland.org. See my website for more information about my views and videos regarding my views. My email is JohnJTatar@yahoo.com. Love to hear from you.

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Leonard Schwartz for Congress

by Leonard Schwartz, 2018 United States House of Representatives candidate (Dist. 11)

U.S. House candidate Leonard Schwartz.
U.S. House candidate Leonard Schwartz.
I want to run for Congress in district 11 in 2018. I plan to match all campaign contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.

I chose district 11 because it will be easiest. The incumbent Republican, Dave Trott, was reelected in 2016 with only 53% of the vote. I expect that Kerry Bentivolio, whom Trott defeated in the 2014 primary, will challenge Trott in the 2018 primary. I expect that Trott will again defeat Bentivolio. But that will hurt Trott’s ability to win in November.

But first I must get on the ballot. Because the Libertarian Party now has major party status in Michigan, I must submit petitions signed by 1000 registered voters in that district. Because some signatures will be ruled invalid, I want to submit at least 1300, and preferably 1400, signatures. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Volunteers and I have about 800 signatures so far. I thank everyone who is helping me gather signatures.

In May I mailed petitions and a cover letter to about 70 current dues-paying LP members who live in district 11. Only a few have returned the petitions so far. Please ask friends and neighbors in district 11 to sign. You must use separate sheets for Wayne County and Oakland County. Please return the petition even if it has only your own signature. You must complete the Circulator part in the lower right corner even if only you sign.

To get involved with, contact, or contribute to Leonard visit LeonardSchwartz.us/

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Tyler Palmer kicks off campaign for State Representative

By Will Palmer, LPM Member

Tyler Palmer of Saint Johns kicked off the 2018 race for Michigan’s House of Representatives back in April on the steps of the historic State Capitol building.

Palmer is currently the manager of a family auto-body repair facility in Lansing, an active member of both the LPM and its Capital Area affiliate, as well as a past candidate for both the 93rd District State House and the Saint John’s City Commission. He is married to his wife, Cassidi Palmer, an auto-insurance agent based out of DeWitt, active member of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and current member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

Tyler is running to replace the current Speaker of the House and representative of the 93rd District, Republican Tom Leonard of DeWitt. Leonard is term-limited and will not be able to run again for the House, leaving his seat open.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the Libertarian Party of Michigan to seat one of its members in the State House,” Palmer said, “and with enough grass-roots support, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

During his “T.P. the MI House” event, Palmer said the campaign will focus on economic freedom, tax reform, overhauling antiquated marijuana laws, and no-fault auto insurance reform. During his announcement speech, the 25-year-old businessman said, “…while the old establishment parties continue to say no to jobs, no to industry, no to revenue, and no to freedom; I am here to say yes and the Libertarian Party is here to say yes!” A statement that all Libertarians can rally behind, and one that many Michiganders can vote for.

The Mid-Michigan native has assembled an impressive campaign team, recruiting former LPM Chairwoman Kimberly McCurry as his campaign manager, current Libertarian Executive Committee member Paul Connelly as his campaign treasurer, and Current Capital Area Libertarian Party Vice-Chairman and former Candidate for State Representative Rob Powell as Volunteer/Canvassing Coordinator.

Along with a stellar campaign team, Palmer’s had outstanding fundraising success this early in the cycle that he attributes to his team’s passionate dedication to an election victory in 2018.

“We started working at this really early, almost twenty months before the election. This has translated into a lot of early support from the community and around the nation. People want to help, they want to contribute, and they want to start to affect change…. And they see this as a real opportunity to make that happen. We have the platform, we have the energy. We have the team. All of the components necessary to win this race. Now we just have to get people out there volunteering for us. Knocking on doors, making phone calls, doing whatever they can. If you can’t afford to contribute financially, then give us some of your time,” explained Palmer.

As of August 30th, the campaign has racked up an impressive $3,500 in donations and pledges, a remarkable number for anyone this early in the race (especially a candidate of Michigan’s newest major party).

“We’ve done very well but we are going to need a lot more.” explained campaign manager and former LPM chairwoman Kimberly McCurry. “For three election cycles in a row, the winning candidate has spent over $100,000 in the 93rd district. Fortunately, our message and energy doesn’t need a hundred thousand to win, but realistically we need around $30,000 or $40,000 to win.”

If ever there was a seat to win, it’s this one. Tyler is the vice-chairman of a local group in Clinton County named “Citizens for Liberty” (formerly Tea Party Patriots) equating to a lot of support from the rank-and-file of the Republican Party within his district, he’s an active member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as a respected member of the Saint John’s community, and a businessman with notable private sector experience. Once people meet him they’ll be hard-pressed not to vote for him.

So, take a minute to find him on Facebook or check out his website at www.VoteTylerPalmer.com. Join the campaign to “#Free93” by volunteering, donating, or endorsing. It’s time to start winning elections and affecting change in the name of Liberty.

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Greg Creswell Candidate Update

By Gregory Creswell

My name is Gregory Creswell, I am a candidate for the State Representative seat in Michigan's First State House District. The First District includes parts of Northeast Detroit, all of Harper Woods, all of Grosse Pointe Woods and the Wayne County portion of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.

Gregory Creswell.
Libertarian State Representative primary candidate, Gregory Creswell.

Our campaign has a slogan: "The cost of our car insurance is too damn high". Whenever I have used it, I have always received a good response. To add to that slogan, I am running on four ideas:

  1. Repealing the No-Fault law.
  2. Reducing the power, control, and access to our income by all politicians within MI.
  3. Defending the 2nd Amendment (which also includes article 1 section 6 of the MI Constitution). and,
  4. That taxation is theft.

As we walk in the neighborhoods, campaigning, the old saying of, the 1st impression and the last impression has a great impact on how a person remembers you is true. The reason I am running under the Libertarian Party of Michigan banner is that we have a long history of being consistent, when it comes to defending individual rights and the free market.

Also, we are trying to bring clarity to voters and citizens as to what it means to be a Libertarian.

I hope and pray that a November general election victory will be one of the most surprising and memorable experiences in my life and in the party's history. A victory would be, we believe, a positive move towards a freer state going into 2018 and beyond.

In closing, I want to thank my party members, for their support, our donors, the voters who voted for me in the primary, and hopefully will again in the general election, and last but not least, my family, friends, and co-workers who wished me good luck. May God bless everyone no matter what happens in the coming weeks.

Gregory Creswell.

To get involved with, contact, or contribute to Gregory please visit GregCreswell.com

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Scotty Boman Candidate Update

By Scotty Boman

I will be brief because there is already plenty of content published in this issue of The Michigan Libertarian. I have a very winnable and active campaign for Police Commissioner underway in Detroit. I composed a detailed article on my campaign in the February-July unofficial tribute issue. I also post press releases and updates on my campaign website and blog.

To get involved with, contact, or contribute to my campaign please visit boman4detroit.com

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Representative Wenke To Be Special Guest At Lakeshore Libertarians Event

Quinton Smith

Former State Representative Lorence Wenke.
Former State Representative Lorence Wenke.
Join us on Tuesday September 26, 2017, for special guest speaker, Lorence Wenke.

Lorence was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2003 and fought off bills seeking to limit the rights of Michigan citizens.

“Wenke supported expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for LGBT citizens, adding that if no one else introduced the bill, he would do so.”

"Wenke was one of only two Republicans in the entire Legislature to sponsor legislation to repeal Michigan’s homosexual law."

"One of the most divisive issues in 2004 was that of gay marriage. Wenke had expressed his support for gay civil unions and Vander Roest argued for a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage."

He is now an avid Libertarian attending local meetings and providing the Libertarian float for many area parades.

Join us at the Lincoln Township Library (2099 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127) at 7 pm. Come hear his story for Liberty!

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Northwest Michigan Libertarians Schedule Monthly Meetings

Donna Gundle-Krieg

Also see http://dekrealty.com/libertarians-nw-michigan-plan-fall-agenda-state-party-claims-major-party-status

First Vice Chair Tim Yow with Libertarian Membership Card.
First Vice Chair Tim Yow with Libertarian Membership Card in support of disaster relief.
The Northwest Michigan Libertarians have begun monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month in Traverse City.

The first meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 19th at Schelde’s Bar and Grill, 714 Munson. This was the most central location for the many people who are in our 9 county area.

The meeting starts at 7, though 6:30 is social time.

At this meeting, Tim Yow, Affiliate Director of the Michigan Libertarian party discussed how we can build our group to become an official Libertarian Party Affiliate.

We plan to have speakers at each meeting and a set agenda, and we welcome any ideas for local speakers.

Our primary goal is to get Libertarian candidates elected and take our country back! This will involve building our local membership and promoting Libertarian ideas.

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Officers & Staff


General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.

Chair: Bill Hall.chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Tim Yow. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Greg Stempfle. vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Emily Salvette. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Jason Brandenburg. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Donna Gundle-Krieg. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Mary Buzuma. <dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Jamie Lewis. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Tim Coon. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Mark Sanborn. dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Wendi Parker. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Norman Peterson. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Jeff Wood. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Mike Saliba. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: John Kanan. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Paul Connolly. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Larry Johnson. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Tiffany Hayden. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Ben Cars. dist14rep@michiganlp.org

Judicial Committee Members


Kerry Morgan. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Ken Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
James Hudler. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org

Volunteers


Webmaster: In Transition. Webmaster@MichiganLP.org
Interim Newsletter Editor: Scottyboman. scottyboman@hotmail.com

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Upcoming Events


Some events are also posted by their hosts at the Meetup.com site.


September 20, 2017 - Libertarian Party of Oakland County monthly meeting, 7:30 PM meeting, 6:30 PM dinner
Rusty Bucket 30450 Telegraph Rd, Bingham Farms
Guest speaker Paul Connolly will be talking about auto insurance reform in Michigan. Paul is a former State Farm Insurance agent who has been working with the Tyler Palmer campaign to help draft a series of auto insurance policy reforms.

September 20, 2017 – Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:00 PM
Steve’s Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson

September 24, 2017 – Mid-Michigan Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Oscar’s Bar & Grill, 140 E Main St, Midland

September 24, 2017 – Genesee County Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:30 PM
Joe and Lewie’s Penalty Box, 2400 Owen Rd, Fenton

September 26, 2017 - Southwest Lakeshore Libertarians
Lincoln Township Library, 2099 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville
Special guest speaker, former State Representative Lorence Wenke

October 1, 2017 - Libertarian Executive Committee Meeting, 3:00 PM
Videoconference meeting, more info to follow

October 3, 2017 – Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan, 7:00 PM
Gallagher’s Eatery and Pub, 4210 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo

October 4, 2017 – Libertarian Party of Huron-Raisin (Washtenaw), 6:00 PM
Classic Cup Café, 4389 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor

October 5, 2017 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County monthly meeting, 6:30 PM
Tijuana's Mexican on Ford Road west of Southfield

October 5, 2017 - Libertarian Party of Livingston County monthly meeting, 7:00 PM
Cleary’s Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell

October 11, 2017 – Libertarian Party of West Michigan monthly meeting, 7:00 PM meeting, 6:30 PM social
Abacus Title Agency, 985 Parchment Dr SE, Grand Rapids

October 11, 2017 – Libertarians of Macomb County monthly meeting, 7:00 PM
Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights

October 18, 2017 - Libertarian Party of Oakland County monthly meeting, 7:30 PM meeting, 6:30 PM dinner
Rusty Bucket 30450 Telegraph Rd, Bingham Farms
Our guest will be Andy LeCureaux, elected Libertarian, from the Hazel Park City Council. Andy has served on the council since 2001 and will be among six candidates seeking four positions. The top two finishers are elected to a four-year term whereas the 3rd and 4th place finishers are elected to a two-year term.

October 18, 2017 – Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:00 PM
Steve’s Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson

October 19, 2017 - Northwest Michigan Libertarians, 6:30 PM
For more information, please contact District 1 Rep: Donna Gundle-Krieg. dist1rep@michiganlp.org

October 22, 2017 – Genesee County Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:00 PM
Joe and Lewie’s Penalty Box, 2400 Owen Rd, Fenton

November 7, 2017 - General Election, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
At a local polling place near you!


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If you are new to the Michigan Libertarian, you can link to 2016 issues here, http://michiganlp.org/category/newsletters . Older issues are preserved in our historical archives here: http://old.michiganlp.org/resources-2/newsletter.

The Michigan Libertarian is a publication of the Libertarian Party of Michigan Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW. The Libertarian Party of Michigan website is paid for with regulated funds by the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc. d/b/a the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Not authorized by any candidate.