MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
June 2022
In This Issue:
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Back to ContentsNominate a Defender of Liberty in 2022!
By Greg Stempfle, Award Committee
During the banquet at the July 9th state convention in Holland, the Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) will host its annual Defender of Liberty Awards. Michigan Libertarians also call the event "LibertyFest" and the awards "Libbies". Moreover, the Defender of Liberty Awards are given to those people, Libertarian or otherwise, who have made notable personal efforts in the defense of liberty. There are three main categories of awards.
Spokesperson for Liberty - A member of the community whose activism 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 would like to nominate someone for one of these awards, please send a statement in support of your nomination to this year's convention committee. The submission deadline will be June 24th, 2022. Nominees must live and or work in the state of Michigan. Please send nominations to Convention Chair Jessica Fox at jessicafox805@gmail.com and Historical Committee Chair Greg Stempfle at gregstempfle@gmail.com. The Historical Committee maintains a list of past Liberty Festivals here: http://old.michiganlp.org/news-and-events/liberty-festivals/
Nominate up to three Defenders of Liberty
How to Nominate a Defender of Liberty
Why People Believe In Selective Business Subsidies
Editors note: This article originates from the Mackinac Center which states, "Permission to reprint this blog post in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author (or authors) and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy are properly cited."
One cliche' from the political class is that candidates will go anywhere and do anything for jobs. Anything, it seems, except finding out whether their methods are actually creating jobs. Politicians seem genuinely to believe that they are practical people and that giving private companies special deals for subsidies, tax breaks, loans and other favors is necessary to help the state. Except that giving taxpayer money to favored companies is not practical, and the numbers clearly bear out that negative assessment. You need heavy ideological blinders to believe that corporate handouts are a good thing. The basic problem is that the deals hurt rather than help the state's economy. Though they are often billed as economic development programs, they do not operate at the scope necessary to affect the state's economic trends. Consider the state's most recent subsidy deal with General Motors. Michigan taxpayers will give $600 million to GM. In exchange, the auto giant promises to create 3,200 jobs and maintain those jobs for at least six months. The award was announced earlier this year with a gubernatorial press conference (and inflated job-creation claims that later turned out not to be supported by the substance of the deal). Businesses in Michigan create and lose more than 800,000 jobs every year. In order to replace the jobs lost each year, taxpayers would have to give out a $600 million corporate welfare package every other day. The size of the economy simply swamps government administrators' ability to make much of a difference.
Economists have developed clever techniques to measure the effects of state economic development programs. The verdict isn't good. As one review of the literature summarized it, Companies do what they can to encourage lawmakers to give in. They tell lawmakers that they really want to put their projects in Michigan, but they need something extra to decide. Other states offer more, they claim, and state lawmakers here need to compete. Lawmakers rely on faulty assumptions in order to believe company protestations. They have to believe that company officials have not already made their decisions, that they're not trying to play states against each other to get further advantages, and that a company needs special treatment to launch its project in the state. Government officials are notably incurious about the evidence that informs their beliefs. Lawmakers could ask company officials to share the firm's cost analysis for the project and demand the beneficiaries demonstrate that state favors are what tipped the scales in favor of locating in Michigan. This never happens, because politicians want the story to be true, and skepticism would demonstrate otherwise. Special favors are the icing on the cake for company decisions that already get made based on other factors. Corporations can get free cash, lower taxes for themselves, or obtain loans the market can't give them - all in exchange for doing something they were going to do anyway. All they have to do is present the case to lawmakers that it's practical to do so. This is why consultants offer services to turn states into cash cows. Elected officials are prone to want to hand out favors to companies. Voters want their states to be a more prosperous place, and jobs are popular. A company official looking for a deal is an opportunity for politicians to get headlines about jobs and show voters that they are doing something about it, regardless of the cost to taxpayers. Some lawmakers sound like they would prefer handing out favors even without the excuse that they need to compete with other states. "Why would we want to encourage them to look elsewhere?" goes the thinking. It is purely ideological to believe it's a good policy to pay companies for doing what they were going to do - with or without state support. Still, some lawmakers believe that it is a practical position to hand out money when companies ask for it. "Are we supposed to say no and turn away jobs?" they ask. Obviously, be polite. Company officials are interested in investing in the state and ought to be treated with respect, even when there are other businesses driving the state's growth without special favors. They ought to be asked to share their decision-making information and to make it public if they were going to ask for public support. If a specific project is going to get support from taxpayers, people ought to be told why it's needed. If company officials don't want to make this public, or otherwise argue that this is sensitive information, they likely wanted special treatment as a little extra bonus. Subsidy supporters may worry that this will scare away an interested company. If basic transparency is enough to end a company's interest in the state, then the company's interest was not about competing with other states. It was about getting favors. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going, and why private interests get special deals. Sadly, this information is too often absent. Lawmakers today seem more interested in hiding details through nondisclosure agreements than in justifying public transfers to companies. This interest in secrecy is ideological. Despite the implication that subsidizing companies is part of the brass tacks, hard-boiled work of job creation, selective business subsidies rely upon a set of ideological assumptions that fall apart with a modicum of skepticism. Whereas the practical stance, that handing out money to a handful of companies is an ineffective way to improve the state economy, only gets stronger the more closely you look at it.
It takes a lot to ignore the problems of corporate handouts
[M]any public officials appear to believe that they can influence the course of their state and local economies through incentives and subsidies to a degree far beyond anything supported by even the most optimistic evidence.
Supporters maintain that it is practical to award selective business subsidies and other favors. As a result, when a company threatens to relocate unless the state ponies up, lawmakers conclude that appeasement is the best option. Only an ideologue would say no.
It takes a lot of ideology to buy into the ruse
Company officials approach state lawmakers for favors because they know elected officials are likely to say yes. They wouldn't risk asking otherwise. They risk having their reputations tarnished and their other public policy priorities harmed if the request is rejected.
Here's how to respond
Officers & Staff
General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.Chair: Tim Yow. chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Ben Boren. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Andrew Chadderdon vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Daniel Ziemba. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Norman Peterson. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Ryan Roberts. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Steven Fox. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Jordan Martin. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Rich Theelon. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Dave Canny dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Brandon Warzbyok. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Brian Ellison. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Joe Hartman. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Mike Saliba. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: Joe. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Bruce Jacquays. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Daniel Muehl-Miller. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Jami VanAlstine. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Paul Vainer. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Connor Nepomuceno. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgRobert Roddis. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Joshua Smith. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Volunteers
Webmaster: Vacant. Webmaster@MichiganLP.orgCommunications Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Directors: Jeff Pittel & 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.comhttp://CapitalAreaLP.com
Genesee County: Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
Huron-Raisin: Larry Johnson, 734-320-7237, 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://livingstonlp.org
Macomb County: Mike Saliba, chair@macomblp.org
https://macomblp.org
Northern Michigan: Philip Lindsay. philiplindsay25@gmail.com
Oakland County: Connor Nepomuceno, cjnepo1@gmail.com at (508) 579-7878
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, UPLP.org. ryan_r03@hotmail.com
Wayne County: Jami Van Alstine, jamiracquel2004@yahoo.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wixsite.com/index
West Michigan: Steve Fox . (616) 406-7784, Email Steve Fox at sfoxphoto@gmail.com or call (616) 633-8390.
http://lpwm.org Back to Contents
Upcoming Events
Please contact local affiliate officers (see above listing) to learn how to get involved in their meetings.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.
June 7, 2022 - 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
June 8, 2022 - Libertarians of Macomb County Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BD's Mongolian Grill. 13150 Hall Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48313.
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com
June 8, 2022 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County Monthly Meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Habib's Cuisine, 14316 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA.
Call to convention. Elect affiliate officers and delegates to LPM Summer Convention happening July 8-10 in Holland.
Please visit the Libertarian Party of Wayne County's new Website for updates.
For more information, contact Jami Van Alstine, jamiracquel2004@yahoo.com
June 9, 2022 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill 2122 Whittaker Rd.
For more information, contact Larry Johnson at 734-475-9792 or email michlibertarian@gmail.com or call (734) 320-7237
June 15, 2022 - Jackson-Hillsdale Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Steve's Ranch Restaurant. 311 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson, MI
Contact Norman Peterson, (269) 330-2980 norman.peterson@comcast.net
https://www.jhlp.org
June 15, 2022 - Libertarian Party of Oakland County Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern. 30450 Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.
Business starts at 7:00 PM. To confirm the meeting email Connor Nepomuceno at: cjnepo1@gmail.com or call at (508) 579-7878
https://lpocmi.org/
June 19, 2022 - Capital Area Affiliate Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reno's North (16460 Old U.S. 27) Lansing, MI
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email capitalarealp@gmail.com for event details and instructions to join.
June 19, 2022 - Straits Area Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 2:00 PM
Bluffs Restaurant on Black Lake. 10905 High Bluffs Dr, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Anyone interested in running for office as a Libertarian in 2022 should attend this one to seek nomination. We will keep nominations for office open through July 10th - and our filing for office day will be July 11th, 2022. You would bypass the primary election and appear on the November ballot - let's fill that one with Libertarians regardless of the results !! We can nominate for any local office in Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, or Presque Isle counties. Those interested in running for State Senate or State House should attend our State Convention in Holland (weekend of July 9th and 10th) For more information, contact Andy Evans at (231) 625-8403 or email amevans_1968@yahoo.com.
June 21, 2022 - Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 8:00 PM.
The UPLP will be holding this meeting by Zoom Teleconference. Please link to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89324982981
The Meeting ID is 893 2498 2981 and one can call (312) 626-6799, and enter the Meeting ID, to join.
Everyone interested in learning about the UPLP and the Libertarian Party is welcome to join.
If you would like to get involved please contact Ryan Roberts [ryan_r03@hotmail.com, (906) 420-2995] or Joshua Jongema.cannyds@gmail.com.
UPLP.org
June 25, 2022 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan Convention, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Picnic pavilion in Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave, NW, Grand Rapids. Library, 140 East Bridge Street, NE, Rockford.
For more information, Secretary Bill Hall at at LibertarianPartyofWestMichigan@gmail.com.
June 26, 2022 - Libertarian Party of Genesee County Affiliate Meeting, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
White Horse Tavern. 621 W Court St, Flint, MI, 48503.
Business is from Noon to 2:00 PM. To confirm the meeting email Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
July 7, 2022 - Livingston County Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Brewery Becker. 500 W Main St, Brighton, MI, 48116.
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email jamestweeks@outlook.com.
July 9, 2022 - LPM Candidate Nominating Convention & Libbies.
Details TBA. Holland, MI
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.
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