MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
February 2019
In This Issue:
- April 13: LP of Michigan Convention & LibbyFest in Bay City
- Running for Office as a Libertarian in 2019 and 2020
- Detroit Excessive Force Update
- Officers & Staff
- Upcoming Events
Thank you for all of the articles. Keep them coming with careful attention to our guidelines. We are now on a monthly publication schedule. Articles for the next issue of the Michigan Libertarian must be submitted to chair@michiganlp.org, newsletter@michiganlp.org and vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org no later than the 20th of each month. This allows for publication on the first of each month.
The Libertarian Party of Michigan depends on contributions to carry out it's mission Please Visit us at MichiganLP.org and scroll down to the bottom of our homepage to gain access to our contribution form.
April 13: LP of Michigan Convention & LibbyFest in Bay City
By Bill Hall, Chair
Libertarians from across Michigan will assemble for their 2019 convention on Saturday, April 13th. We will be gathering at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 2 East Main Street, Bay City, Michigan. Many details have yet to be worked out, but please plan to attend this important event.
Convention Business Session - Free to LPM Members
The convention business session for elected delegates and alternates will feature proposed amendments to our Bylaws, reports from current state party officers, the election of state party officers for a two-year term, and caucuses to select congressional district representatives to the state executive committee for two-year terms . You must be selected as a state convention delegate or alternate by a local affiliate or unaffiliated regional caucus in order to vote at the convention . Each affiliate sets the date of its caucus to select delegates, so check with your local affiliate . You must also have joined the Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) as a dues-paying member at least 30 days prior to the convention in order to serve as a state convention delegate or alternate.
Annual LibertyFest Banquet
The LPM's annual LibertyFest banquet will follow the convention business session . At the banquet, we will present Defender of Liberty awards to our:
- Spokesperson for Liberty - A member of the community whose patriotism and conviction have inspired contributions to the cause of Liberty.
- Promoter of Liberty - A Libertarian whose efforts have done the most to promote the LP and Libertarian principles.
- Producer of Liberty - A dedicated, behind-the-scenes Libertarian whose quiet labors over the years exemplifies the backbone of the LP.
If you have any nominations for the Libby Awards please email them to chair@michiganlp.org with the subject line "Libby Award Nomination 2018", and they will be forwarded to the Libby Awards Committee, once that committee is appointed.
Editors note: Defender of Liberty Awards ("Libbies") have been presented at our annual LibertyFest Banquet to a maximum of six select individuals, Libertarian or otherwise, who have made notable personal efforts in the defense of liberty. Awards are normally presented to Michigan residents. For a directory of past Liberty Festival Banquets and Defender of Liberty Award recipients, visit our Historical Archives
Reservations
Convention package pricing and other details have yet to be set . When those details are set, you will be able to reserve your package at www.michiganlp.org.
We have reserved a block of rooms at $119/night (plus taxes, etc.) for single or double occupancy at the convention hotel . To reserve a room, go to this special webpage. Book by March 22nd for special rates.
Following the results of the 2018 gubernatorial election, the Libertarian Party of Michigan has returned to being a "minor" party for the 2019-2020 campaign cycle. Whereas in 2018, many Libertarians were nominated for public office by running in the primary election, in 2020, all of our partisan candidates will be nominated at a state convention or county/district caucuses. The next LPM Executive Committee will decide the dates for these nominating conventions/caucuses, at which our candidates will be selected by dues paying members who have been seated as delegates. The party is required to nominate its candidates and submit the paperwork to elections officials before August 2020.
In 2020, in addition to the Presidential election, voters in Michigan will be selecting a US Senator, all 14 Congressional seats, all 110 State House seats, and most county and township offices . There will also be two positions for the State Board of Education and each of three public university boards.
Run locally in 2019
In 2019, most cities and school boards in Michigan will be holding elections. All but three Michigan cities hold nonpartisan elections so those candidates do not need to seek the nomination of the party. In order to run for city office, please check with your local clerk to see what offices are on the ballot and how to qualify. Qualifying for the ballot will likely require you to gather a certain number of signatures . Some cities have primaries; others do not, so the filing deadline will be different for certain places.
If there are any special elections called by the Governor in 2019 to replace a vacant seat for State or Federal office, then the Libertarian Party will nominate its candidate at a caucus instead of a primary.
Detroit, MI - Libertarian activist Scotty Boman continues to keep public attention focused on the beating of an unarmed woman by Corporal Dewayne Jones. The January issue of Michigan Libertarian reported on a press conference Boman organized and some details of the excessive force case. Since then he has met with family members and spoke with them on the radio.
At the time Jones was being charged with a felony misconduct charge and assault for repeatedly punching an unarmed naked hospital patient as at least two other officers restrained her. A bystander with a cell phone recorded the incident at Detroit Receiving Hospital in July.
On December 6th the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) voted against recommendations of Detroit Police Chief James Craig who advised the BOPC to suspend Jones without pay.
Victim's Family Speaks out
On Sunday January 6th. Commissioner Willlie Burton and DRACO founder Scotty Boman filled in for talk show host Robert Ficano on 910 AM Superstation. Between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM Boman, Burton and multimedia journalist Greg Dunmore spoke with two of the victims cousins, Shantell and Kwajalyn Bradley. For the first time the victim was spoken about publicly by her name, Lakeisha Williams instead of being labeled the "unarmed naked woman." "She is an individual whose life shouldn't be defined by a single incident," commented Boman. Shantell & Kwajalyn expressed their feelings about the accountability of Corporal Jones. Kwajalyn commented,
It's really bothersome. With mental health you don't wear a label, so you can't tell by looking at a person that she has mental issues. For him to assault her as he did (and he's supposed to be the person who's protecting and serving), it's really crazy and hard for us to deal with that fact. They picked her up knowing she had a mental problem and took her to Receiving to get help, and they were still able to do the things they did to her in the manner that they did.
And it wasn't just him, there were other officers standing around verbally saying stop, but they weren't physically doing anything to stop him from hitting her the way that he was with closed fists punching her, and she wasn't dressed.
To think the fact that if it weren't for someone else (a civilian), that had their phone out recording; he could have easily got away with it.
The entire program is here (This interview starts 1 hour thirty minutes into the program):
http://torunornottorun.org/record20190106153500.mp3
One Charge Dismissed
On January 15th there was another hearing for Jones and 36th District Court Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller dismissed the Felony misconduct charge, but not the misdemeanor assault charge. Also, the Detroit News reported that Jones' partner, Stacey Taylor, changed her earlier opinion that Jones was being "reasonable" to saying he "...went overboard with it." She cited the perspective provided by the cell phone as a reason for her change of opinion.
Not Letting it go
Boman appeared at the subsequent police commissioner meeting urging commissioners to take stronger action against Jones. He insisting that it wasn't safe for him to remain on duty. A week later, on January 24th Boman made a similar complaint to the commission at which point Commission Chair Bell informed Boman that Jones was no longer on duty; he was suspended with pay.
At this time the Michigan Libertarian has not seen future court dates scheduled, but will stay on top of the story. At the January 25th Detroit BOPC meeting Boman said, "I will keep coming back, I'm not letting this go."
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: Luke Sciberras. 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: Adam Zientarski. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Ben Carr. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Kerry Morgan. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgKen Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
James Hudler. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Volunteers
Webmaster: In Transition. Webmaster@MichiganLP.orgNewsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Deputy Editors: Norman Peterson & Mary Buzuma. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Director: Catherine Filus.Catherine Filus catherine@catherinefilus.com
Affiliate Contacts
Capital Area: Luke Sciberras, Chair. 248-302-1064, capitalarealp@gmail.comhttps://capitalarealp.wordpress.com
Genesee County: Chair Alex Cooper, alexcooperliberty@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
Huron-Raisin: James Hudler, (734) 475-9792, james.hudler@gmail.com
https://lpwc.wordpress.com
Jackson-Hillsdale: Norman Peterson, (269) 330-2980 norman.peterson@comcast.net
https://www.jhlp.org
Livingston County: James Weeks II, (810) 422-8769, j.weeks@riseup.net
http://livingstonlibertarians.org
Macomb County: Mike Saliba, chair@macomblp.org
https://macomblp.org
Mid-Michigan: Tim Yow. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1356267337769739
Northeast-Lower: Zach Boyle, 989-255-4521, livovivo@gmail.com
Northern Lower: Dana Carver, danacarver103@yahoo.com
Northwest Michigan: Donna Gundle-Krieg. nwmichiganlibertarians@gmail.com
www.nwmichiganlibertarians.org
Oakland County: Greg Stempfle, (313) 929-1789, gregstempfle@gmail.com
http://lpocmi.org
Southwest Michigan: Jason Brandenburg. swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net
https://swmlp.com
Straits Area: Chair Andy Evans, (231) 625-8403, . amevans_1968@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP/
Wayne County: Scotty Boman, (313) 247-2052, scottyboman@hotmail.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wordpress.com
West Michigan: Jake Andrews. (269) 967-4071. jwandrew@mtu.edu
http://lpwm.org Back to Contents
Upcoming Events
Some events are also posted by their hosts at the Meetup.com site. It is recommended that you contact an officer for an affiliate or check the Website (or Facebook page) associated with the meeting host (if they have one) before arriving at a meeting. Some meetings can get canceled, or locations can change with short notice. Contact information connected to most events can be found by expanding the item on the "Agenda view" of the Events page of our website.
February 5, 2019 - Southwest Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The venue the Southwest Michigan affiliate was meeting at has abruptly closed. The next meeting of the LP of Southwest Michigan will be on Tuesday February 5, 6-8pm at The Crew Restaurant. 3810 East Cork Street Kalamazoo, MI. (269) 337-9800. Take the Sprinkle Rd/Cork exit off I-94. For more information, please contact Jason Brandenburg at swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net.
February 6, 2019 - Huron-Raisin Social Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
For more information, contact James Hudler at 734-475-9792 or email james.hudler@gmail.com
February 7, 2018 - Livingston County Michigan Libertarians social meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The meetings have two parts:
- Meet and greet: Catch up with each other at 7 while we order food and introduce any visitors.
- Guest Speaker / Miscellaneous: If we have something going on that requires discussion before the business meeting, we talk about it. Occasionally, we will have a guest speaker.
The other meeting we have every month is the business meeting. At this meeting, usually held at our Secretary's home in Howell, the officers and volunteers discuss affiliate business. The membership is welcome to attend these meetings, which are announced at the prior week's social meeting.Cleary's Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave. Howell, MI 48843
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email j.weeks@riseup.net
February 7, 2019 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County monthly meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
After several years of meetings at Tijuana's Mexican restaurant, the Libertarian Party of Wayne County decided to have a change of scenery. The affiliate is grateful for the years of excellent service provided by Tijuana's. The new location (At least for January) is Westpoint Bar-B-Que at 25301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan 48124.
There may be additional changes in the future, so please call ahead for future meetings.
Business and speakers, for the Wayne County affiliate, are normally scheduled from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, but people arrive around 6:30 PM to order dinner. For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
February 10, 2019 - Straits Area Affiliate Meeting, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Thirsty Sturgeon. 11900 Scott Rd, Wolverine, MI. For more information, please contact Andy Evans at amevans_1968@yahoo.com.
February 12 - Northwest Michigan affiliate monthly business meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
The Northwest Michigan Libertarians recently became an official affiliate of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, as members selected officers and set a regular meeting schedule. In addition, the group created official bylaws, which were approved by the Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.
The officers will conduct a business meeting every 2nd Tuesday of each month. Please see the Events Page for more information.
Business meetings will focus on the group's goals of electing political candidates and conducting outreach and educational activities. Anyone is welcome!
The monthly meeting will be also be held electronically as well. To join the February 12th meeting online contact Donna Krieg to get the current Zoom Meeting link. For more information, please contact Donna Gundle-Krieg at dokrieg@gmail.com.
February 13, 2019 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM
The February meeting of The Libertarian Party of West Michigan will be at Whitlow's Restaurant, 4610 Airline Road, Muskegon, MI 49444.
Meeting details and agenda will be posted on the Libertarian Party of West Michigan Facebook Page: https:/www.facebook.com/WestMichiganLibertarian
February 13, 2019 - Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ike's Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com
February 17, 2019 - Capital Area Affiliate monthly meeting, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Harper's Restaurant and Brew Pub. 131 Albert Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823.
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email CapitalAreaLP@gmail.com to confirm location.
Times and locations may very from month to month.
February 20, 2019 - The Libertarian Party of Oakland County monthly meeting, Dinner at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7:30 PM.
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern. 30450 Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. For more information contact Greg Stempfle, (313) 929-1789, gregstempfle@gmail.com
February 20, 2019 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
We encourage Teachers, Politicians and Public Officials to attend this meeting. IT'S YOUR TAX MONEY!
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm Social Networking.
6:30 pm to 7:00 pm JHLP Business Meeting.
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Speaker and Q & A.
February Guest Speaker Dan Osterman of the Michigan GOP Unity Committee.
Topics - Michigan Public Banking, Automatic Payment Transaction Tax, Missing $21 Trillion and the International Automobile Industry.
Website - www.publicbankinstitute.org
Podcast - itsourmoney.podbean.com
Facebook - facebook.com/pages/Innovative-Solutions-for-Prosperity/393449450791902
Biography - Engineer /Program Manager
BS Engineering. Technical Certification, Wayne State University
Former member of the GOP 11th Congressional District Committee
Current member of the GOP 12th Congressional District Committee and Michigan GOP State Committee
Assistant Wayne County Coordinator for the grassroots organization Campaign for Liberty.
State coordinator for the Public Banking Institute
Steve's Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201
For more information contact Norman Peterson (269) 330-2980. JHLP Website: https://www.jhlp.org/
February 24, 2019 - Greater Flint (previously Genesee County), 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dinner at 5:30 PM. Call to order at 6:00 PM
Joe+Louis Penalty Box 2400 Owen Rd. Fenton, MI
Meetings are every 4th Sunday.
For more information, contact Alex Cooper at alexcooperliberty@gmail.com or Jeff Wood at jeffwood531@gmail.com
March 7, 2019 - Tentative Libertarian Party of Wayne County Convention, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Westpoint Bar-B-Que at 25301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan 48124.
Call to order 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, but people arrive around 6:30 PM to order dinner.
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
March 13, 2019 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan Annual Convention, 7:00 PM
The Libertarian Party of West Michigan will hold it's annual convention to choose delegates for the Libertarian Party of Michigan state convention. Time and place to be determined.
Convention details and agenda will be posted on the Libertarian Party of West Michigan Facebook Page: https:/www.facebook.com/WestMichiganLibertarian
March 20, 2019 - The Libertarian Party of Oakland County Convention, Dinner at 6:30 PM, convention at 7:30 PM.
Members of the Oakland County will elect state convention delegates here. State convention delegates must have joined the LPM at least 30 days before that convention. The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern. 30450 Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. For more information contact Greg Stempfle, (313) 929-1789, gregstempfle@gmail.com
March 20, 2019 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian County Convention, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Members of the Jackson-Hillsdale County affiliate will elect state convention delegates here. State convention delegates must have joined the LPM at least 30 days before that convention.
Steve's Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201
For more information contact Norman Peterson (269) 330-2980. JHLP Website: https://www.jhlp.org/
March 24, 2019 - Tentative Livingston County Michigan Libertarians County Convention, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The meetings have two parts:
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email j.weeks@riseup.net
March 24, 2019 - TentativeGreater Flint (previously Genesee County), Time TBA
Location TBA
For more information, contact Alex Cooper at alexcooperliberty@gmail.com
March 24, 2019 - Greater Flint/Genesee County Convention, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dinner at 5:30 PM. Call to order at 6:00 PM
Joe+Louis Penalty Box 2400 Owen Rd. Fenton, MI
For more information, contact Alex Cooper at alexcooperliberty@gmail.com or Jeff Wood at jeffwood531@gmail.com
March 30, 2019 - The Capital Area Libertarian Party will be hosting its second annual Liberty Bowl event, 4:00 PM
The public is invited. Food, shoes and lanes provided!
City Limits bowling alley 2120 E. Saginaw. East Lansing, MI 48823.
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email CapitalAreaLP@gmail.com or Tyler Palmer at press@votetylerpalmer.com to RSVP.
Back to Contents
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.
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