MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
February 2021

Volume 50:02

In This Issue:

Contributions welcome

We welcome new contributions with careful attention to our guidelines. Articles for the next issue of the Michigan Libertarian must be submitted to chair@michiganlp.org, and newsletter@michiganlp.org no later than the 20th of each month. This allows for publication on the first of each month. We routinely post articles to the website homepage ahead of our publication date.

Special thanks are in order to circulation editor Catherine Filus for her continued work, behind the scenes, to get these issues to our readers. Also to Jeff Pittel and James Weeks who have been exceptionally helpful with the transition from MailChimp to CiviCRM, which we will be using for distributions moving forward.

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.

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2021 Committees: Convention & Platform Selected, LEC Seeks Bylaws Applicants

By Greg Stempfle, Chair

Hopefully 2021 Committees will have a bigger group shot than this.
Hopefully 2021 Committees will have a bigger group shot than this.

The Libertarian Executive Committee (LEC) selected the members of the 2021 Convention and Platform Committees at its January 10th business meeting. However, they decided to hold off on naming a Bylaws Committee until its February 21st meeting and are still seeking applications.

Convention and Platform Committees

The 2021 Convention Committee will be chaired by Andrew Chadderdon of Wayne County. Chadderdon was involved with both of our 2020 state conventions by managing our polling application and helped run convention business. The other members of the committee include; Jamie Lewis, Connor Nepomuceno, Ryan Roberts, Dan Ziemba, Ben Boren, and Dana Carver.

The convention will likely be held in May with a date and location currently being negotiated. Questions, comments, and suggestions about the 2021 LPM State Convention can be directed to Andrew Chadderdon at andrew.chadderdon@gmail.com.

The 2021 Platform Committee will be chaired by James Weeks of Livingston County. Weeks, who is currently Webmaster and Chair of Livingston, previously chaired the Platform Committee in 2019. The other members of the committee include; Aaron Miranov, Brandon Warzybok, Jeff Wood, Jessica Sentman, Robert Roddis, Dave Canny, Scotty Boman, and Mike Saliba. Also, the Platform Committee report will be presented to delegates at the upcoming state convention. Suggested changes to the LPM platform can be sent to James Weeks at jamestweeks@outlook.com.

Bylaws Committee Not Filled

The 2021 Bylaws Committee will also present its report at the upcoming state convention but has not been named. So if you are interested in serving on bylaws, please send a brief statement, as to why the LEC should select you to be on the committee, to both LPM Chair Greg Stempfle, chair@michiganlp.org, and LPM Secretary Mary Buzuma, secretary@michiganlp.org by February 19th.

The LEC will meet via zoom videoconference on February 21st at noon to select Bylaws Committee members, among other items of business. All party members, especially those interested in serving on of the committees, are welcome to join! There is a link to the zoom meeting in the calendar of events in this newsletter and on our website, and Facebook page.

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Libertarians: Start Now to Choose a Winning Race!

Donna Gundle-Krieg, Mancelona Township Trustee

Race to win local office in 2021 and beyond. source: lp.org.
Race to win local office in 2021 and beyond. source: lp.org.

This is the second in a series of articles about "How to Get Elected as a Libertarian." As a recently elected Libertarian for a Township Trustee in a small rural northern Michigan town, I believe that the Libertarian Party of Michigan should recruit as many qualified, freedom loving candidates as possible to run for similar local roles across the state. This article focuses on how to get started with the process of choosing a winnable race.

Learn How Your Local Government Works

How and when do you decide which position to run for? My advice is to start NOW! It may seem like the next election is far away, but there is a lot of work to be done! Start with a baby step: simply attend your local government meetings and ask questions! It's important to get a feel for your local government: the structure, the people, and the issues.

Starting with the most local position gives you the best chance to win. The number of people you need to reach is more manageable than state level positions, which require fundraising just to have a small chance to be elected. In Michigan, depending where you live, the local races are at the township, village, or city level. County positions are also great choices, as each county is divided into districts. Often a County Commissioner and a Township Trustee have similar numbers of constituents.

Commonly Overlooked Partisan and Nonpartisan Races

There are numerous other boards and committees in each township, village, city, or county. For example, there are commissions and boards for zoning, planning, water, sewer, parks, fire and ambulance, housing, roads, and of course schools.

Some of these boards have members who are appointed, and some are elected. Some of those who are elected run in partisan races, which means that candidates have to choose which party to put after their name. Other positions and races are non-partisan, and the candidates do not disclose their party. Obviously, it is more challenging running as a Libertarian in a partisan race, but it also does more to advance the party. Many of these boards and commissions have volunteer positions, while others may pay per meeting. A few of the elected positions are considered full time, such as the Township or County Clerks, Supervisors, or Treasurers of the larger townships.

The bottom line is that each area is very different, and every position is different. Your first job is to get out there and figure out how your local government works!

Who Are The People Involved in Your Local Government

In addition to understanding the structure of your local government, another important part of your decision is to understand who the people are on each of these boards and commissions.

To start with, are the current board members competent? Do they vote based on ethics? Do they support freedom? Do they listen to the people? Do they vote for or against your principles?

As you attend meetings, you will realize that some people need to be replaced. Others may already vote for freedom and libertarian values.

Also, some people in these positions have been there forever, and have towns and streets named after them. They might be so popular that unseating them would be difficult. On the other hand, maybe some of these people would retire if they knew there were suitable replacements.

Getting to know the people is a very important part of your decision about which position might fit you best.

What are the Issues in your race?

In addition to learning about the structure and personnel of your local government, you should know which issues are handled by the various boards and commissions. Some of these might interest you and suit your background. For example, an engineer might prefer to be on a water and sewer board.

Regardless of which board you choose, the issues can be complicated. It is a big advantage for you to be aware of the issues before you run for office. When you run your campaign, you will be able to intelligently discuss the issues. It will also make your job easier once you are in office.

In summary, if you think you want to run as a Libertarian in the next election, start NOW! Research your local government, attend meetings, and start talking to the people. This will help you to make a more intelligent decision about which race to run in, and it will be a huge benefit to your campaign.

The topic next month will be creating your campaign plan. I welcome ideas and questions at any time at dokrieg@gmail.com.

Series: How and Why to Get Local Libertarians Elected:

Libertarians: Start Now to Choose a Winning Race (this article)

Upcoming Articles:

  • Creating Your Campaign Plan
  • Networking: Attend Community Events / Government Meetings
  • Media campaigns including social media
  • Political Signs
  • Organizing Door to Door Campaigns
  • Mailings
  • What Happens After You Get Elected? (could possibly be a series of its own!)

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America's Future Appoints Scotty Boman as Michigan Chair

America's Future Detroit Michigan Chair Scotty Boman.
America's Future Detroit Michigan Chair Scotty Boman.

Detroit, MI - On January 26th 2021, President of the Detroit Chapter of America's Future, Brandon Brice, announced that Scotty Boman was the new Chairman. America's Future was founded in 1995 it is a nationwide network of liberty-minded young leaders. The purpose is to nurture new leaders in the liberty movement by providing unique opportunities to learn about pro-liberty ideas and develop the skills they need to articulate them.

In 2021 the Detroit chapter is transitioning to expanding its reach to be a statewide chapter. This increased reach will occur with a continued focus on urban issues.

One of America's Future's outreach practices is to host dinners where guest speakers, or panelists, discuss different sides of controversial issues that have libertarian implications. The January 26th event was a webinar because venues that typically host events for America's Future are closed due to COVID-19 related precautions and restrictions. That event entitled, Should Detroiters Get The COVID-19 Vaccine? Featured speakers who addressed the medical benefits of the vaccine and how many Detroiters are mistrustful of large-scale vaccination efforts.

America's Future Events

Previous virtual events included Prison Reform and Recidivism; Gentrification: a Threat or Opportunity for Detroit; and Should Cannabis be legal? The next event will be on February 23rd and will be concerning Human Trafficking. At the March event Scotty Boman will be on the panel where the topic will be Capitalism vs. Socialism.

Updates on upcoming events will be posted on the Detroit Chapter's page of the America's Future website.

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Homeschooling in Michigan, Independent of Public Schools

Donna Gundle-Krieg, Mancelona Township Trustee

This is an introduction to a series by Donna Gundle-Kreig on how and why to get elected.
This is an introduction to a series by Donna Gundle-Kreig on how and why to get elected.

Homeschooling is a great option for many families and children, and really fits a libertarian lifestyle and philosophy.

However, those forced to keep their children home to follow a public school curriculum and schedule have the worst of all worlds. Sitting in front of a computer screen listening to a teacher, for a set amount of time each day, does not at all resemble the homeschooling done by people independent of the government.

Homeschooling Brings Flexibility

Independent homeschooling offers parents and families total control over their schedules and curriculum. In addition it gives flexible time for outings, trips, family, friends and community. On the other hand, the "schooling from home" being done through the pubic schools is not flexible, and can be isolating, rigid, and depressing.

We homeschooled our children many years ago. Both of them ended up graduating early, with fully paid four-year college scholarships. More importantly, both of them are happy and thriving adults.

In 2016, 2.3 million children were home-schooled in the United States. Before the pandemic, this number is growing at about 5 percent per year. About 50,000 children are home-schooled in Michigan.

According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), the choice is often a beneficial one: "The home-educated are typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development."

Scoring Better

Academically, NHERI finds that home-school students consistently score 15 to 30 points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests, regardless of their parents' formal education or income. While some might argue that the homeschooling community "skims from the top," that is absolutely not true. In fact, those with children who have trouble learning in the public schools are the most attracted to homeschooling.

Well-meaning family and friends of home-schoolers often worry about "how the kids will be socialized." Yet research shows that "home-schoolers do very well with peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem." The flexible nature of home-schooling allows children more time to develop both hobbies and relationships. Downstate, we belonged to a home-school group at our church, in addition to several groups for sports, music, and much more.

Legal and Moral Support

There are also many home-school church and social based groups throughout Michigan. Support and friendships with other families are important to home schooling parents and children. There is also a legal firm called the Home School Legal Defense Association, which is a great resource for anyone who is considering taking the leap.

In summary, home-schooling was a great experience for our family, and more and more families are trying it all the time. It is not for everyone, but is a great option for many.

If you or your children are not happy with your local public or private school, why not try home schooling?

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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 Lewis vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Mary Buzuma. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Norman Peterson. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Dana Carver. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Andrew Hall. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Jay Gillotte. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Will White. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: James Harris dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Shane Allen. 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: Jim Fulner. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Dan Ziemba. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Lawrence W. Johnson. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Andrew Chadderdon. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Tim Yow. dist14rep@michiganlp.org

Judicial Committee Members

Kerry Morgan. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Ken Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Katie Nepton. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org

Volunteers

Webmaster: James Weeks III. Webmaster@MichiganLP.org
Newsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Director: Catherine Filus. catherine@catherinefilus.com
Social Media Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Historical Committee Chair: Emily Salvette esalvette@gmail.com

Affiliate Contacts

Capital Area: Luke Sciberras, Chair. 248-302-1064, capitalarealp@gmail.com
https://capitalarealp.wordpress.com
Genesee County: Chair James Harris, jharris@umbinc.us or call (810) 542-1423.
https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
Huron-Raisin: James Hudler, (734) 475-9792, james.hudler@gmail.com or contact Larry Johnson at: michlibertarian@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
Northwest Michigan: Peter Biskupski. nwmichiganlibertarians@gmail.com
www.nwmichiganlibertarians.org
Oakland County: Connor Nepomuceno, Cjnepo1@gmail.com or Vice Chair Ben Carr at 248-919-8152
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
straitslp.com or facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP
Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party: Chair Ryan Roberts, (906) 420-2995, . ryan_r03@hotmail.com
Wayne County: Scotty Boman, (313) 247-2052, scottyboman@hotmail.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wixsite.com/index
West Michigan: Bob VanNoller . (616) 406-7784, Email Bob VanNoller at bob@rollaway.biz
http://lpwm.org

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Upcoming Events

For reasons that require no repetition, the regular meeting venues of some affiliates will be closed. Please contact local affiliate officers to learn how to get involved in their meetings.

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.

February 10, 2021 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County Affiliate Meeting, Dinner 6:30 PM Business 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Leon's Family Dining. 23830 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan, 48124.
Please visit the Libertarian Party of Wayne County's new Website for virtual participation option information.
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com

February 10, 2021 - Libertarians of Macomb County Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ike's Restaurant. 38550 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com

February 17, 2021 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM.
Steves' Ranch Family Resturant. 311 Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201.
Call ahead to verify that they are open and expecting a JHLP meeting (517) 787 - 4367.
For more information, contact Norman Peterson. norman.peterson@comcast.net https://www.jhlp.org

February 21, 2021 - Capital Area Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CALP monthly business meeting, to be held in person at Renos North - 460 S. US Highway 27. Lansing, MI
If Renos is unable to open CALP will meet over Discord teleconfelerence app.
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email capitalarealp@gmail.com for event details and instructions to join.

February 21, 2021 - Libertarian Executive Committee (LEC) Business Meeting, 12:00 PM
Join Zoom Teleconference. Meeting ID: 822 1595 3429.
Call in at (312) 626-6799 [Then enter meeting ID and "#"] or join directly at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82215953429.

February 21, 2021 - Libertarian Executive Committee (LEC) Business Meeting, 12:00 PM
Join Zoom Teleconference. Meeting ID: 822 1595 3429.
Call in at (312) 626-6799 [Then enter meeting ID and "#"] or join directly at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82215953429.

March 2, 2021 - Southwest Michigan Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Traveler's Cafe and Pub. 5225 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002
For more information, contact Jason Brandenburg email at swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net

March 3, 2021 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM
Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill. 39 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
For more information, contact Larry Johnson at 734-475-9792 or email michlibertarian@gmail.com or call (734) 320-7237

March 4, 2021 - Livingston County Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cleary Pub. 117 E Grand River, Howell, MI, 48843
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email jamestweeks@outlook.com.


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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.


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Copyright 2019 Libertarian Party of Michigan, All rights reserved.


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.