MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
June 2019
In This Issue:
- LPOC Summer Outreach and Other Affiliate News Briefs
- Oakland Libertarians Kickoff Summer of Outreach
- Libertarian Party Loses Great Activist
- West Michigan Affiliate Hosts Saturday Event
- Our Church Votes to Support LGBTQ People
- Retired U of M Security Director to Speak at JHLP Meeting
- Libertarian Party of Wayne County now has a General meeting and Business Meeting
- Libertarian's Good Deeds Don't Go Unpunished
- Libertarian Executive Committee Makes Important Committee Assignments
- 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.
LPOC Summer Outreach and Other Affiliate News Briefs
Oakland Libertarians Kickoff Summer of Outreach
By Greg Stempfle
The Libertarian Party of Oakland County has started the summer with a series of outreach efforts across the county. Members of the LPOC participated in the Sylvan Lake Memorial Day Parade on May 26. The LPOC is in possession of a giant aluminum Statue of Liberty which was mounted atop Paul Vainer's truck, complete with Libertarian Party banner's on both sides of the vehicle. LPOC Chair Connor Nepomuceno, Jeff Pittel, and Greg Stempfle walked along the parade route passing out information about the party and our position on foreign policy. The next plan for the statue is to take Lady Liberty out for a drive during Woodward Dream Cruise in August, one of the most well attended events in the state.
The LPOC next held an outreach booth at Ferndale Pride on June 1. Festival goers were encouraged to take the World's Smallest Political Quiz and discuss political philosophy with members of the party. Despite a rain shortened event, many people came up to the table and expressed an interest in Libertarianism. Special thanks to Ben Carr, Drew Frydrych, Nepomuceno, and Stempfle for helping to set up and participate. The next planned event will be another outreach table, this time at the Waterford Peace Fest June 8-9. Please visit the LPOC Facebook page or email Nepomuceno, cjnepo1@gmail.com, if interested in volunteering for this event.
Libertarian Party Loses Great Activist
By Jamie Lewis, LPWM News
March 29, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI - West Michigan celebrates the life of former candidate and party activist William "Bill" Wenzel Jr. Bill was the 2014 Libertarian candidate for Michigan Senate District 26, receiving over 2,900 votes. He also actively involved in leading outreach activities such as the party's participation in the West Michigan Gun and Knife show. "Bill was a great spokesperson for liberty. He was outgoing and engaging. We will miss him" said Libertarian Party of West Michigan Chair, Jamie Lewis.
His Obituary and Guest Book are here.
West Michigan Affiliate Hosts Saturday Event
By Mary Buzuma
Holland, MI - The Libertarian Party of West Michigan presents "Cheers for Liberty" on Saturday, June 15th at 2pm at the New Holland Brewing Pub, 66 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423. Come on out and join us for a drink or two, discuss the issues of the day, or just say "Hi!" All are welcome. This is our only meeting in July.
Our Church Votes to Support LGBTQ People
By Rep. Lorence Wenke
Richland, MI - Gull Lake United Methodist Church in Richland, Michigan, voted 82% yes and 13% no to the following statement. "We welcome all to serve in any aspect of our church's life. We welcome all, including same sex couples to be united in marriage in our sanctuary in a service officiated by our pastors."
At our state-wide Methodist Church Conference next week, we will vote on a similar statement. At our world-wide conference in 2020, an official church policy on LGBTQ issues will be voted on.
Amazing progress has been made in recent years against discrimination and in support of LGBTQ family members.
Retired U of M Security Director to Speak at JHLP Meeting
By Ron Acton, Jackson Hillsdale Libertarian Party
Jackson, MI - At 6:30 PM on Wednesday, June 19th Retired University of Michigan Security Director Perry Spencer will speak to the Jackson Hillsdale Libertarian Party at Steve's Ranch Family Restaurant, 311 West Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson MI 49201. The topic will be Experience running as a Third Party Candidate with the Ross Perot Reform Party.
Perry Spencer enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975 and after serving 20 years in the Security Police retired in 1995 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He retired to Brooklyn, Michigan where he and his wife Phyllis began working her family's 180 acre farm. In 1997 Perry started a second career working security for Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan. He retired from there in 2018 after spending the last three years as the Director of Security.
He was politically active shortly after retiring from the Air Force. Perry ran for Michigan's Secretary of State on the Reform Party ticket in 1998 and served as the Reform Party's State Chairman in 1999-2000. He was also the Reform Party's candidate for the United States Congress from Michigan's Seventh District in 2000.
Agenda
- 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.
We encourage Teachers, Politicians and Public Officials to attend this meeting. IT'S YOUR TAX MONEY! Guests should be respectful to others. Do Not interrupt speaker. Please keep comments concise without personal attacks or profanity. Disruptions will not be tolerated.
Interested people may call Ron Acton at (517) 789-9792
Website: http://www.jhlp.org
Facebook users can visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1860111864242831/
Libertarian Party of Wayne County now has a General meeting and Business Meeting
By Scotty Boman, Libertarian Party of Wayne County Chair
To find our reserved meeting space, park in the back; enter through rear entrance. - Walk straight ahead through the vestibule, lobby area, and then turn down the hallway to the right. Walk down about 50 feet or so, and turn left into the short hallway; pass the couple of restrooms - and there we are!
Tentatively the new venue for the Thursday business meetings will be Leon's Family Dining. 23830 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124. Phone: (313) 563-3713
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email mailto:ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
Lansing, MI - Most Michigan Libertarians are aware of Martin Mashon's involvement with the Capital Area Libertarian Party, but it is his humanitarian efforts that captured the ire of the Lansing city government. Those deeds didn't go unpunished.
It all started on January 26th in the midst of the arctic blast. The wind chill had fallen to -4.4 oC (-40 oF) This wasn't the first time Martin Mashon and fellow "Punks with Lunch" founder Julia Anne Miller made an effort to help out the homeless, but this time a security guard and police officer tried to stop them. The location was the heated bus terminal of the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). A few homeless people were in the building to avoid the lethal temperatures outside. Mashon and Miller had purchased bus tokens for them so they would not technically be loitering.
When Mashon heard a police officer, Dylan Zehr, say that everyone would have to leave on the next bus to their destination, he initiated a conversation with the officer. He pointed out that it was a public place saying, "Actually this is a warm place that I help pay for." After a few more words were exchanged Mashon was arrested. During the arrest the arrest Zehr's body cam went blank. The CATA stations cameras as well as the preceding body cam recordings show Mashon complaining about being touched, but he took no physical action to resist the arrest. Shortly after this Miller asked police to leave Mashon alone. Shortly after which police arrested her as she was leaving the building.
Charges
Both Mashon and Miller were charged with trespassing. Only Mashon was charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest. During the jury trial Mashon commented,Heading to day 2 of our trial. Yes, day 2. That's quite a bit of taxpayer money the city is spending on pushing their aggression. City is very serious about wanting to convict us.Remember... This city offered ME no plea deal that they kept on the table. The attorney offered first to have it go away completely if we agreed not to sue the city. When we accepted they decided they didn't want that deal, and wanted a conviction. Second time was yesterday when the judge pushed to have this settled with a simple fine and off the record in 6 months, but the city refused to accept the deal, again making it clear they want a conviction.
Additionally, this prosecutor has lied twice in front of the jury that I saw. She claimed that we weren't buying bus tokens, that we didn't buy nor hand out bus tokens. The city received the same CATA footage as us, and if they chose not to review nor present all the evidence then they've mishandled this or are outright lying. They also stated I was lying when I said courts had ruled that "protect and serve" doesn't apply to cops anymore. It's fact. I'm not as upset at this one... The cop who had just stated they still have a duty to protect and serve followed it up with again saying he didn't care about the safety of homeless people. That's on official record, twice now. A cop who Mayor Schor has said acted appropriately and gave props to.
Twisted even more... A week ago the mayor announced that the city of Lansing had resolved it's homeless vet problem and there are no more homeless vets. I've got a few homeless vets I'm familiar with that were very happy to hear that their shacks are now considered homes by the city. Perhaps that means the city won't be tearing them down and stealing all their belongings. Even crazier, the chief commented last night at the love Lansing event that their police officers are doing a great job in the community with the homeless and mentally ill. Guess he didn't realize he just had one of his cops admit on the stand that he doesn't care about protecting the homeless, and making it clear that they have a standing order to harass, intimidate and aggress against the homeless.
Jury Verdict
On Wednesday May 16th the Jury found both activists "not guilty" of trespassing, but found Mashon guilty of resisting arrest. According to an article in the Lansing State Journal, Mashon & Miller's attorney, Patrick O'Keefe, argued that they had broken none of the 10 listed rules at the CATA station. Mashon queried, "If you're being illegally arrested by police, you are supposed to take it and not resist it?" In the case of Bad Elk v. United States, 177 U.S. 529 (1900) the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that it was legal to resist an unlawful arrest.
The night before the verdict, Julia Anne Miller was honored as a community builder during a Love Lansing event.In a conversation with the Michigan Libertarian Miller expressed displeasure with the limited scope of charitable behavior that is respected by the establishment:
There is definitely a war against poor people. Against homeless people, not homelessness. Organizations get a profit from "helping" the homeless and only profit if they stay homeless.I wish we could do more, slowly but surely we are doing more. If all we do is give some love to people to keep them going long enough to survive and make the choices that leads them to a better housing/job/mental situation we've succeeded. If we can continue to build strength and solidarity in the community, and inspire people to take direct action, we've succeeded.
Not Unpunished
The presiding judge, Judge Hugh B. Clarke Jr. gave Martin Mashon what would seem like a light sentence. He reduced the fine to $125 and gave him 40 hours of community service at a homeless shelter. On the surface this would seem like a gift. Mashon was sentenced to doing what he liked doing anyway: helping the homeless. Early on he posted, "Only in America can you get arrested for feeding the Homeless and get sentenced to community service." However, the sentence hasn't been working out so well. The first problem was that he had to serve the sentence during incompatible times, "Yeah, a whole extra work week (40hrs) I have to find a way to pack in the next 7 weeks. Not easy. Even worse most of the spots are during the week, which means I'll likely be taking my yearly vacation to do this punishment. Don't help people kids... Government will fuck your life up." Mashon noted. Mashon more recently posted,Total hours volunteered since court (2.5 weeks ago): 16 hours.
Total hours of community service completed since court: 0 hours.At this rate I'll have done over 50 hours of volunteer work with the homeless and at risk community within the 8 weeks provided to complete the community service, and zero actual community service hours. My debt to society might be harder to repay than I thought, as what I do isn't considered good for society apparently.
There is currently a petition being circulated to change CATA's policy to allow suspend the loitering rule during emergencies when the temperature drops below 10 oF.
LEC Resolution
On Sunday June 2nd the Libertarian Executive Committee approved the following resolution pertaining to Martin Mashon and Julia Miller:
Whereas injustice is most destructive when committed by those institutions charged with the safety and security of that society;Whereas those victims of injustice have no proper recourse and their only hope is that people will choose to stand with them in protest;
Whereas protest and political activism are a inalienable right, yet that right is increasingly being oppressed;
Whereas Martin Mashon and Julia Miller have been prosecuted for saving the lives of our homeless comrades;
Whereas Brian Ellison has been prosecuted for demanding an end to reckless killings by police;
Resolved, that the LPM demands that these heroes be pardoned of their supposed crimes and reimbursed for their sacrifices.
Links to Related Articles
- https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2019/05/15/homeless-advocates-cata-bus-station-trespassing-resisting-arrest/3683600002/
- https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-lansing-petition-to-allow-cata-to-be-a-permanent-warming-station-when-the-temperature-is-under-10?
- https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2019/05/15/homeless-advocates-cata-bus-station-trespassing-resisting-arrest/3683600002/
- https://thefreethoughtproject.com/couple-helping-homeless-arrested/
- https://www.wlns.com/news/confrontational-arrest-caught-on-lpd-body-camera/1898672206
- https://www.wlns.com/news/local-news/watch-video-of-homeless-advocates-arrested-in-bitter-cold/1895341153
On Sunday, the Libertarian Executive Committee (LEC) selected members of the party to fill several committee assignments and other key positions. These roles will be essential to our success and organization as we move forward into the 2020 campaign season. After a several week search where we reached out to our entire membership, the following selections were made.
Legislative Committee
Brian Ellison was chosen as chair of the Legislative Committee. The purpose of the Legislative Committee, as defined by our bylaws, is to monitor, report on, and advocate for legislation on behalf of the Libertarian Party. Ellison, a resident of Royal Oak, is well known for his strong advocacy for criminal justice reform and police accountability. Members of the Legislative Committee are expected stay abreast of current proposed legislation in specific areas of interest and to determine the libertarian position to support or oppose. Brian can be reached at bellison78@gmail.com. Other members of the committee selected were Jason Rees, Robin Melcher, Mike Saliba, and Jeff Wood.
Social Media Committee
Connor Nepomuceno was chose to chair the Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) Social Media Committee. The purpose of the Social Media Committee is to ensure that Party news and information, such as newsletter and press release content, is regularly published on social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Nepomuceno, of Clarkston, is chair of Oakland County and runs social media for Oakland, Macomb, and the Michigan Chapter of the Mises Caucus. Connor can be reached at cjnepo1@gmail.com. Other members of the committee selected were Patty Malowney, Tyler Palmer, Ben Dryke, and Jeff Wood.
Historical Committee
Emily Salvette was chosen to chair the Historical Committee. The purpose of the Historical committee is to collect and maintain historical archives of the LPM and its candidates. Salvette, of Ann Arbor, is our most recent Secretary and former Chair who has been collecting and digitizing party material for years. Emily can be reached at esalvette@gmail.com. Other members of the committee selected were Wendi Parker, Scotty Boman, Greg Stempfle, Larry Johnson, Mike Saliba, and Martin Mashon.
Webmaster
Tim Yow was reappointed as LPM Webmaster. The role of the Webmaster is to make sure our website is maintained and updated to support the LPM and its candidates and provide information to the public. Yow, of Southfield, is the current 14th District Representative on the LEC and past Affiliates Director. Tim can be reached at dist14rep@michiganlp.org. While there is no committee tasked with running our website, several new members of the LEC have agreed to be trained to serve as an assistant webmaster.
No decision was made on the appointment of a press / media coordinator so we will continue to recruit candidates for this position. At their previous meeting on April 28, the LEC appointed Lisa Gioia, lisa.lane.liberty@gmail.com, as Membership Committee Chair and Scotty Boman, newsletter@michiganlp.org as Newsletter Editor.
The next LEC meeting is planned for July 14, somewhere in the greater Traverse City area. All meetings of the LEC are available for streaming via zoom video conference.
Officers & Staff
General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.Chair: Greg Stempfle. chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Ben Boren. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Jamie Lewisvcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Wendi Parker. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Norman Peterson. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Dana Carver. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Patty Malowney. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Nathan Hewer. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Brian Ludwig. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Benjamin Dryke. dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Antonio Smith. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Jason Rees. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Jeff Wood. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Mike Saliba. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: Catherine Filus. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Jerry Bloom. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Lawrence W. Johnson. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Jeremy Morgan. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Tim Yow. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Kerry Morgan. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgKen Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Katie Nepton. 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. The Michigan Libertarian recommends contacting an affiliate officer 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.
June 11, 2019 - Northwest Michigan affiliate monthly business meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Home of Ben Schulz 120 E Wexford Ave. Buckley, MI 49620
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. For more information, please contact Donna Gundle-Krieg at dokrieg@gmail.com.
June 12, 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
June 15, 2019 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan - Cheers for Liberty, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Libertarian Party of West Michigan will hold this event in the New Holland Brewing Pub, 66 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
Come on out and join us for a drink or two, discuss the issues of the day, or just say "Hi!" All are welcome. This is our only meeting in July. More details are posted on the Libertarian Party of West Michigan Facebook Page: https:/www.facebook.com/WestMichiganLibertarian
June 16, 2019 - Capital Area monthly business 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.
June 19, 2019 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian County Convention, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Steve's Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201
Speaker - Mr. Perry Spencer, retired Security Director University of Michigan.
Topic - Experience running as a Third Party Candidate with the Ross Perot Reform Party.
We encourage Teachers, Politicians and Public Officials to attend this meeting. IT'S YOUR TAX MONEY! For more information contact Norman Peterson (269) 330-2980. JHLP Website: https://www.jhlp.org/
June 19, 2019 - The Libertarian Party of Oakland County monthly meeting, Dinner at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7:30 PM.
National Coney Island. 1812 N Main St. Royal Oak, MI. For more information contact Greg Stempfle, (313) 929-1789, gregstempfle@gmail.com
June 26, 2019 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County general meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Regular business meetings have been moved to the second Wednesday of the month. However we will now have a general meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Livonia Elks at 31117 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150. Directions: south side of Plymouth, just a short distance east of Merriman. Park in the back; enter through rear entrance. - Walk straight ahead through the vestibule, lobby area, and then turn down the hallway to the right. Walk down about 50' or so, and turn left into the short hallway; pass the couple of restrooms - and there we are!
There may be additional changes in the future, so please call ahead for future meetings. This upcoming meeting will feature guest speaker Rev. Neil Patrick Carrick. He will be speaking on the Separation of Family and State.
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
July 2, 2019 - Southwest Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The next meeting of the LP of Southwest Michigan will be 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 also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/LPofSWMI/.
June 3, 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
Back to Contents
If you are new to the Michigan Libertarian, you can link to 2016 issues here, http://michiganlp.org/category/newsletters . Other issues are preserved in our historical archives here: http://old.michiganlp.org/resources-2/newsletter.
Connect with us on social media