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Libfest 2016

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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2017 Bylaws (Special Convention)

(as amended in convention February 4, 2017)

I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the “Libertarian Party of Michigan,” hereinafter referred to as the “Party” or “LPM”.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization is to further the principles of individual liberty as expressed in the Statement of Principles of the National Libertarian Party by nominating and working to elect candidates for political office and by entering into political information activities and affiliating with the National Libertarian Party .

III. OFFICERS

  1. The officers of the Party shall be a chair, a first vice chair, a second vice chair, a secretary, a treasurer, and the Congressional district representatives described below, hereinafter referred to as the “Executive Committee.” These are the same individuals who shall serve as the directors of the “Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc.” None of these offices shall be combined. All of these officers shall be elected to a two-year term at a regular convention of the Party by the attending delegates (as to the Congressional district representatives, those delegates from the respective districts) and shall take office immediately upon the close of such convention and shall serve until the final adjournment of the next regular convention.

  2. At each regular convention, following the selection of those officers of the Executive Committee elected at large, the delegates from each Congressional district shall caucus to select one person residing in that district to serve as the Congressional district representative for that district.

  3. The Executive Committee shall comprise the state central committee of the Party within the meaning of state law, notwithstanding any contrary provision of state law calling for a larger state central committee, different officers, or a different procedure for selection of officers or members of the Executive Committee.

  4. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and at all conventions. The chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Party. In the absence of directives from the Executive Committee, the chair shall have the authority to speak for, and to generally manage the affairs of, the Party. For purposes of Party representation at all National Libertarian Party conventions, the chair shall be a Michigan delegate and shall serve as head of the Michigan delegation.

  5. The first vice chair shall act as assistant to the chair and shall perform the duties of the chair in his or her absence. The first vice chair shall also act as “affiliates director” helping affiliates organize, forming new affiliates, helping student groups organize and forming new student groups. The first vice chair shall also be responsible for organizing seminars to make certain that affiliate officers have the information necessary to work effectively with the LPM.

  6. The second vice chair shall act as assistant to the chair, and in the absence of the chair and first vice chair, shall perform the duties of the chair. The second vice chair shall also act as “political director”, recruiting candidates for public office and helping them organize their campaigns. The second vice chair shall also be responsible for organizing seminars to make certain that candidates have the information necessary to qualify and run effectively for public office.

  7. The secretary shall be the recording officer of the Party. Excepting the Party newsletter or press releases, the secretary shall be responsible for all regular communications within the Party and between the Party and outside individuals, groups, and organizations.

  8. The treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for the funds of the Party under the supervision and direction of the Executive Committee.

  9. The members of the Executive Committee shall meet in such times and places as they shall determine and shall govern all the affairs of the Party.

  10. A member of the Executive Committee who misses three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee or fails to perform his or her fiduciary duties may be removed from the Executive Committee and replaced by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of the Executive Committee or a majority vote at convention following a motion for a vote of no confidence. All Executive Committee members must be notified of the intent to remove at least 14 days prior to the meeting. If the chair is so removed, the first vice chair shall assume the chair and a new first vice chair elected. If a Congressional district representative resigns or is so removed, then the Executive Committee must replace him or her with a person residing in the same Congressional district, who shall serve until the next state convention, at which time the caucus for that Congressional district shall select a replacement for the balance of his or her term.

  11. All officers of the Party must be current members of the Party. An officer whose membership lapses must renew at the next meeting after written notice or be removed at that meeting.

  12. There shall be a standing legislative committee to monitor, report on, and advocate for legislation on behalf of the Libertarian Party.

  13. All officers of the Party shall be elected and serve without regard to biological sex, gender, race, ethnicity, creed, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical appearance, or economic status.

IV. LOCAL PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

  1. Party members may form organizations entitled to be known as the “Libertarian Party” of their respective areas, subject to this Article.

  2. The Executive Committee shall charter affiliate parties, each of which shall cover one or more counties of the state, hereinafter referred to as an “affiliate region”, from those organizations requesting such status. A copy of the petitioning organization’s proposed operating rules shall be submitted with the petition. No organization shall be so chartered which does not ratify the Statement of Principles of the Party or whose operating rules do not comply with these bylaws. The Executive Committee can arbitrate disputes between affiliates.

  3. Each affiliate party shall oversee the county and district conventions for those counties and districts within its affiliate region in accordance with state law (MCL 168.592, 168.594, 168.595, 168.599, 168.600, 168.601, and 168.602); except that:

    1. If an affiliate region covers more than one county or district:

      1. the affiliate may hold a combined convention for all counties and districts within the affiliate region at the same place(s) and/or via a synchronous electronic meeting;

      2. State convention delegates and alternates selected by the affiliate need not be apportioned to the individual counties or districts or their political subdivisions, but may be selected at large from all the counties and districts comprising the affiliate region, or at the affiliate’s option, from LPM members residing anywhere in Michigan; and

      3. the affiliate may hold a combined convention for the election of a single affiliate executive committee, in lieu of separate executive committees for each county or district.

    2. An affiliate may elect in its discretion to adopt affiliate bylaws that organize the affiliate and the county(ies) and district(s) comprising its affiliate region in a manner different from the provisions of MCL 168.599 and 168.600. If the affiliate does so, then the officers and committees of the affiliate and the county(ies) and district(s) comprising its affiliate region shall be organized and selected in accordance with the affiliate’s bylaws.

    3. For so long as the Party qualifies to elect precinct delegates at primary elections to county party conventions under state law, the affiliate shall be required to accept precinct delegates so selected as delegates to its county and district conventions, but if the Party ever no longer qualifies to elect precinct delegates at primary elections, then the affiliate may set its own rules for qualifying delegates to its county and district conventions.

    4. For purposes of this Article IV, Section 3, and Article VI, Section 4, below, any counties and districts in the State not organized as part of an affiliate region will together be deemed designated as one or more affiliate regions and overseen by the Executive Committee.

  1. The autonomy of the affiliate Parties shall not be abridged by the Executive Committee, or any other committee of the Party, except as provided herein.

  2. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to suspend affiliate party status from any organization by a two-thirds vote. Such suspension is subject to written appeal within thirty days of notification. Failure to appeal shall be construed as an act of secession by the affiliate party. The Executive Committee shall not suspend any affiliate party within a period of three months prior to a state Party convention.

  3. The appeal of the affiliate party is to be directed to the Judicial Committee of the Party. Written arguments shall be sent to the Judicial Committee by representatives of the Executive Committee urging revocation and by representatives of the affiliate party opposing revocation. The Judicial Committee shall rule to either revoke the charter of the affiliate party or to reinstate the charter within thirty days of receiving the arguments and no later than thirty days prior to a State Party convention. Should the Judicial Committee fail to rule timely, the affiliate party shall be automatically reinstated with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto. The affiliate party may appeal the ruling of the Judiciary Committee to the Judicial Committee of the National Libertarian Party following the above procedure.

V. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE

  1. The judicial power of the Party shall be vested in a Judicial Committee composed of three Party members. All of these committee members shall be elected to a two-year term at a regular convention of the Party by the attending delegates and shall take office immediately upon the close of such convention and shall serve until the final adjournment of the next regular convention. No member of the Executive Committee may be a member of the Judicial Committee.

  2. The Judicial Committee shall decide cases involving alleged violations of these bylaws or resolutions.

VI. CONVENTIONS

  1. During years in which a Libertarian Party primary occurs, the Party shall hold a fall state convention after the date of the primary and not less than 60 days before the general November election in accordance with state law (MCL 168.591). During even-numbered years in which a Libertarian Party primary election is not required by state law, the Party shall hold a candidate nominating convention after the filing deadline for candidates to appear on Michigan’s primary ballot and before the date of the primary. During odd-numbered years, the Party shall hold a regular state convention between April 1 and July 31, performing such business as required herein.

  2. The Party shall also hold a state convention no later than six weeks prior to the scheduled first day of the Libertarian Party National Convention, hereinafter referred to as a “national delegate selection convention”. The national delegate selection convention shall be for the purpose of selecting national convention delegates. The national delegate selection convention may also endorse any candidates for Secretary of State, Attorney General and Supreme Court to be formally nominated at the fall state convention in the same year. Votes for endorsement of candidates shall be made in the same manner as for nomination of candidates set forth in Article VII of these bylaws.

  3. The Party shall hold a convention within 45 days upon the call of the Executive Committee or when petitions are submitted by 10% of the current membership.

  4. The Executive Committee shall allocate delegates to all state conventions to be selected by each affiliate region in proportion and according to the number of votes cast within the affiliate region for the Party’s most recent candidate for secretary of state (MCL 168.593 and 168.598). Delegates to the national delegate selection convention shall be allocated using the same method. An affiliate region may also select a number of alternates no greater than the number of delegates allocated to it.

    1. The number of delegates to be seated at state conventions shall be calculated as 25% of the state members whose dues have been paid to the Libertarian Party of Michigan as of December 1st of the year prior to the state convention. There shall be a minimum of 120 seats available, though actual numbers may slightly vary due to numbers rounding up at the .5 interval.

    2. The Executive Committee shall issue a call to each state convention to all affiliates no later than 60 days prior to the scheduled date of the state convention, which call shall specify the date and location of the state convention and the number of delegates each affiliate is entitled to select and send to the state convention. Notwithstanding any provision of state law requiring the Executive Committee to set a single date for counties and districts to hold conventions for the selection of delegates, each affiliate may select the date for its respective convention(s), so long as that date is at least 7 days prior to the state convention.

    3. Each affiliate must submit the names, addresses and email addresses of its selected delegates and alternates to the LPM Credentials Committee no later than 7 days prior to a convention. Failure to submit such a listing by the deadline will cause no delegation to be registered from that affiliate.  By seven-eighths vote, the convention may approve additional delegates and alternates whose names and addresses are submitted to the Credentials Committee during the convention.

  5. A majority shall rule at the convention except for the platform and resolutions of the Party which shall require a two-thirds vote of those present, or as otherwise required by these bylaws.

  6. The Executive Committee shall have supervision and management of all conventions.

  7. The officers of each convention shall be the officers of the Party.

  8. A person who has never been a member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan must become a member at least 30 days prior to a State convention before being allowed to vote at that convention.

  9. Members in good standing shall not be denied delegate status at the business sessions of a convention. Additional charges may be charged to cover other materials available at the convention.

VII. NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES

  1. Nomination of candidates for public office shall be made in accordance with state law, via primary, district caucus or state convention as necessary. No candidate may be nominated for an office for which he/she is legally ineligible to serve.

  2. Delegates to the National Convention shall be elected at a national delegate selection convention by nominations from the floor. Delegates may be appointed by the Executive Committee if the allotted quota is not met. Rules governing delegate procedures shall be determined by action of the Convention or, in the absence of directives from the Convention, by the Executive Committee. Those provisions of state law governing the selection of national convention delegates shall not apply to the Party’s selection of national convention delegates, and no national convention delegate shall be bound by law to vote for a particular candidate.

  3. The Party’s nominee for each office shall be chosen by a majority vote of the delegates in attendance at the time of voting. If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the least number of votes shall be struck from the next vote until one candidate receives a majority.

  4. All votes for candidates for public or Party office shall always include “None of the Above.”

  5. Votes cast for “None of the Above” in voting on the Party’s nominees for public office or the Party officers shall be considered valid. Should a majority of the votes be cast for “None of the Above” in voting for a public office, no candidate shall be nominated for that office. Should “None of the Above” be selected for any Party office, that position shall be declared vacant and none of the losing candidates for that position may be selected to fill the vacancy for the term of office.

VIII. MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be granted to any person who affirms the Statement of Principles and whose dues are current.

IX.  ELECTRONIC MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES 

Asynchronous voting procedure, such as via email ballot, are strictly prohibited for official business of any recognized body of the Party, including the executive committee. This does not prohibit other synchronous forms of communication and voting, such as conference call or videoconferencing, to be used for official business. Unless there is an agreement to do asynchronous voting, in a unanimous motion at a synchronous meeting.

X. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Party shall end December 31.

XI. LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

  1. The Libertarian Party of Michigan, in the exercise of its constitutional rights of free association and speech, as affirmed by the US Supreme Court ruling in Eu, et al., vs. San Francisco Democratic Committee, State Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of California, et al., reserves the right to accept or decline the application of Michigan statutory provisions, which appear to govern its affairs. The incorporation of statutory provisions in these bylaws is voluntary and is subject to the foregoing reservation. Any violations of statutory provisions by these bylaws are deliberate and will take precedence over such statutory provisions.

  2. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the bylaws or convention rules of the Party.

XII. AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a two thirds vote of the delegates present at a convention occurring in an odd-numbered year only.

XIII. USE OF PARTY RESOURCES

The Party does not support, condone, or give candidates of other political parties access to mailing lists, contact information, or administrative access to online social media accounts of the Libertarian Party of Michigan for use with their campaign.

XIV. EFFECT

These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

XV. PROVISOS RELATING TO TRANSITION

The Executive Committee shall allocate delegates to the 2017 Regular State Convention to be selected by each affiliate region in proportion and according to the number of votes cast within the affiliate region for the Party’s most recent candidate for secretary of state. An affiliate region may also select a number of alternates no greater than the number of delegates allocated to it.

2015 Bylaws
2013 Bylaws
2011 Bylaws
2007 Bylaws

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Libertarians Issue Statement In Opposition To Proposal 1

Libertarians Issue Statement In Opposition To Proposal 1

Contacts:
James Fulner, Secretary
Libertarian Party of Michigan
(248) 971-0259
fulner@gmail.com

Scotty Boman, Vice Chair
Libertarian Party of Michigan
313.247.2052
scottyboman@hotmail.com

April 22, 2015

Lansing MI – The Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Michigan has issued the following statement in opposition to the state’s ballot question, the Michigan “Sales Tax Increase for Transportation” Amendment, aka Proposal 1 (May 2015):

Whereas, the Michigan Libertarian Platform states “The legislature should find more voluntary means of supporting state services” and the sales tax is not a voluntary means, but a regressive tax on the poor, and;

Whereas, the National Libertarian Platform states “All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor”, and the change in sales tax will not result in Michiganders keeping any more than they did before, and;

Whereas, the Michigan Libertarian Platform states “We advocate a sunset law requiring an automatic end to…taxes, and expenditures within ten years if not re-authorized” and neither the actual amendment nor any laws linked to proposal one include such a sunset clause, and;

Whereas, the state legislature in the last hours of the 2014 session passed numerous bills that make it nearly impossible for the average citizen to really know for certain what specifically will change, asking voters to “vote for it to find out what is in it”, then,

Be it resolved, that the executive committee of the Libertarian Party of Michigan encourages all members of the Libertarian Party as well as all other Michiganders, to vote No on Proposal 1 during the special election on May 5.

The Libertarian Party founded in 1971, is the third-largest political party in America. It is the only political party consistently calling for smaller government, lower taxes, and individual rights.

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Libertarians Issue Statement In Support Of Reverend Neil Carrick On Religious Freedom

Libertarians Issue Statement In Support Of Reverend Neil Carrick On Religious Freedom

Contacts:

Scotty Boman, Vice Chair
Libertarian Party of Michigan
313.247.2052
scottyboman@hotmail.com

Reverend Neil Patrick Carrick
734-469-0122
neilpatrickcarrick@gmail.com

April 8, 2015

Lansing, MI – The Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Michigan has issued the following statement:

“As libertarian we believe that marriage should be a matter of personal liberty, not requiring permission from the state. As Libertarians we believe that marriage is a right, and that by allowing the state to exercise control over marriage, it is implied that we merely have privilege, not the right, to marry. As an example, those born in the US receive a birth certificate, not a birth license.

As such we support Pastor Neil Patrick Carrick’s efforts to decriminalize performance of marriage ceremonies both in his present lawsuit against the state and his efforts to work with local, county and state governments to change the current policies that infringe upon the rights of individuals, clergy and families.”

In the coming days Reverend Carrick and his supporters may be serving Governor Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette with a complaint regarding their lawsuit against the State of Michigan over Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality.

The Lawsuit was originally filed on January 12th in Federal Court in Detroit Michigan.

They are asking the Attorney General to await the DeBoers v. Snyder before the United States Supreme Court decision which they believe will, in part, create a default win for them in Federal Court.

The case has drawn national attention in social media because of other Religious Freedom laws and proposed bills currently being debated in Indiana, Michigan, and Arkansas.

The Libertarian Party founded in 1971, is the third-largest political party in America. It is the only political party consistently calling for smaller government, lower taxes, and individual rights.

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Scotty Boman Assault Case Enters New Phase

Scotty Boman Assault Case Enters New Phase

Scotty…assault(s) by the government on Scotty that is. The initial incident occurred July 30, 2013, on the afternoon of a candidates’ forum on the Northwest campus of Wayne County Community College District. Scotty, a professor at WCCCD and at that time a candidate for Detroit city clerk, was taking photos of his incumbent opponent’s (Janice Winfrey’s) questionably placed signage and handing out campaign literature. Campus popos did not like the effrontery and proceeded to body slam and confine him w/o water for three hours in handcuffs in a closet… permanently injuring his right hand. Per US Third World protocols, Scotty was charged with trespassing (at his own school). Judge Roberta Archer ruled against him on March 11. An appeal has been filed, fundraising planned. Sentencing held June 11 if appeal fails.
Scotty notes of trial to Webmaster: http://michiganlp.org/?p=4025
Scotty’s statement to WCCCD Board: http://michiganlp.org/?p=4029
More info: scottyboman@hotmail.com

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Rev. Neil Carrick To Speak to Wayne County Libertarians on Marriage and Religious Freedom

Rev. Neil Carrick To Speak to Wayne County Libertarians on Marriage and Religious Freedom

Contacts:
Ray Warner, Chair
Libertarian Party of Wayne County
313.598.3666
raymondrand@yahoo.com

Scotty Boman, Vice Chair
Libertarian Party of Michigan
313.247.2052
scottyboman@hotmail.com
Libertarian party of Michigan Wayne County

February 5th, 2015

Detroit MI – This Thursday Reverend Neil Carrick will be speaking on Same-Sex Marriage and the right to marry the partner (or partners) of one’s choice at the Libertarian Party of Michigan Wayne County monthly meeting. Rev. Carrick is a prominent promoter of the Freedom of Marriage movement in Michigan. He is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the Governor and the Attorney General of Michigan over the issues of Same-Sex Marriage and Freedom of the Clergy in performing ceremonies. He specifically objects to a Michigan law, that makes it is a crime punishable by up to a $500 fine for someone who “knowingly” performs a marriage ceremony for same-sex couples.

Same-Sex marriage in particular has taken center stage in Michigan with Governor Snyder’s recent decision not to appeal a federal injunction on gay marriage. This recognizes the marriage licenses of same-sex couples married on March 22nd.

Jonathan Osment, a member of the Libertarian party of Michigan, asks for people to show support. “Given the recent decision by Governor Snyder, it’s clear that positive change is coming, and people like Rev. Carrick are the reason why”.

Rev. Carrick has been previously profiled by the Detroit news (http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2015/01/13/minister-sues-mich-right-marry-sex-couples/21718645/ ), Washington post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/14/crime-to-conduct-same-sex-or-polygamous-marriage-ceremony/ ), and numerous talk shows.

Carrick will be speaking on what the current movement is, possible amendments, and how the community can get involved.

The Libertarian Party of Wayne County Monthly meeting is held at Tijuana’s Mexican Kitchen 18950 Ford Road. Detroit, MI at 7:00pm 02/05/2015. Their website is located here: https://michiganlpwayne.wordpress.com .

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2013 Bylaws

Libertarian Party Of Michigan Bylaws
(as amended in convention June 15, 2013)

I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the “Libertarian Party of Michigan,” hereinafter referred to as the “Party” or “LPM”.

II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization is to further the principles of individual liberty as expressed in the Statement of Principles of the National Libertarian Party by nominating and working to elect candidates for political office and by entering into political information activities and affiliating with the National Libertarian Party .

III. OFFICERS

  1. The officers of the Party shall be a chair, a vice chair, a secretary, a treasurer, and five at-large directors, hereinafter referred to as the “Executive Committee.” These are the same individuals who shall serve as the directors of the “Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc.” None of these offices shall be combined. All of these officers shall be elected at a regular convention of the Party by the attending delegates and shall take office immediately upon the close of such convention and shall serve until the final adjournment of the next regular convention.
  2. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and at all conventions. The chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Party. In the absence of directives from the Executive Committee, the chair shall have the authority to speak for, and to generally manage the affairs of, the Party. For purposes of Party representation at all National Libertarian Party conventions, the chair shall be a Michigan delegate and shall serve as head of the Michigan delegation.
  3. The vice chair shall act as assistant to the chair and shall perform the duties of the chair in his or her absence. The vice chair shall also act as “affiliates director” helping affiliates organize, forming new affiliates, helping student groups organize and forming new student groups. The vice chair shall also be responsible for organizing seminars to make certain that affiliate officers have the information necessary to work effectively with the LPM.
  4. The secretary shall be the recording officer of the Party. Excepting the Party newsletter or press releases, the secretary shall be responsible for all regular communications within the Party and between the Party and outside individuals, groups, and organizations.
  5. The treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for the funds of the Party under the supervision and direction of the Executive Committee.
  6. The members of the Executive Committee shall meet in such times and places as they shall determine and shall govern all the affairs of the Party.
  7. A member of the Executive Committee who misses three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee or fails to perform his or her fiduciary duties may be removed from the Executive Committee and replaced by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of the Executive Committee or a majority vote at convention following a motion for a vote of no confidence. All Executive Committee members must be notified of the intent to removal at least 14 days prior to the meeting. If the chair is so removed, the vice chair shall assume the chair and a new vice chair elected.
  8. All officers of the Party must be current members of the Party. An officer whose membership lapses must renew at the next meeting after written notice or be removed at that meeting.
  9. There shall be a standing legislative committee to monitor, report on, and advocate for legislation on behalf of the Libertarian Party.

IV. LOCAL PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

  1. Party members may form organizations entitled to be known as the “Libertarian Party” of their respective areas.
  2. The Executive Committee shall charter affiliate parties from those organizations requesting such status. A copy of the petitioning organization’s proposed operating rules shall be submitted with the petition. No organization shall be so chartered which does not ratify the Statement of Principles of the Party. The Executive Committee can arbitrate disputes between affiliates.
  3. The autonomy of the affiliate Parties shall not be abridged by the Executive Committee, or any other committee of the Party, except as provided herein.
  4. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to suspend affiliate party status from any organization by a two thirds vote. Such suspension is subject to written appeal within thirty days of notification. Failure to appeal shall be construed as an act of secession by the affiliate party. The Executive Committee shall not suspend any affiliate party within a period of three months prior to a state Party convention.
  5. The appeal of the affiliate party is to be directed to the Judicial Committee of the Party. Written arguments shall be sent to the Judicial Committee by representatives of the Executive Committee urging revocation and by representatives of the affiliate party opposing revocation. The Judicial Committee shall rule to either revoke the charter of the affiliate party or to reinstate the charter within thirty days of receiving the arguments and no later than thirty days prior to a State Party convention. Should the Judicial Committee fail to rule timely, the affiliate party shall be automatically reinstated with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto. The affiliate party may appeal the ruling of the Judiciary Committee to the Judicial Committee of the National Libertarian Party following the above procedure.

V. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE

  1. The judicial power of the Party shall be vested in a Judicial Committee composed of three Party members. No member of the Executive Committee may be a member of the Judicial Committee.
  2. The Judicial Committee shall decide cases involving alleged violations of these bylaws or resolutions.

VI. CONVENTIONS

  1. The Party shall hold an annual convention each odd-numbered year between April 1 and July 31, performing such business as required herein. During even-numbered years, the Party shall hold an annual convention after the filing deadline for candidates to appear on Michigan’s primary ballot.
  2. The Party shall hold a convention within 45 days upon the call of the Executive Committee or when petitions are submitted by 10% of the current membership.
  3. All members of the Party who attend and register at a convention shall be delegates, unless the Party shall receive major party status. In the latter event, new bylaws shall be enacted by a special convention to convene within 90 days of such time as an LPM statewide candidate receives sufficient votes to gain major party status.
  4. A majority shall rule at the convention except for the platform and resolutions of the Party which shall require a two thirds vote of those present, or as otherwise required by these bylaws.
  5. The Executive Committee shall have supervision and management of all conventions.
  6. The officers of each convention shall be the officers of the Party.
  7. A person who has never been a member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan must become a member at least 30 days prior to a State convention before being allowed to vote at that convention.

VII. NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES

  1. Nomination of candidates for public office shall be made only at a convention during the election year. No candidate may be nominated for an office for which he/she is legally ineligible to serve.
  2. Delegates to the National Convention shall be elected at the State Convention by nominations from the floor if the state convention is held prior to the national convention. If held later, election of delegates may be by affiliate caucus. In either case, delegates may be appointed by the Executive Committee if the allotted quota is not met. Rules governing delegate procedures shall be determined by action of the Convention or, in the absence of directives from the Convention, by the Executive Committee.
  3. The Party’s nominee for each office shall be chosen by a majority vote of the delegates in attendance at the time of voting. If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the least number of votes shall be struck from the next vote until one candidate receives a majority.
  4. All votes for candidates for public or Party office shall always include “None of the Above.”
  5. Votes cast for “None of the Above” in voting on the Party’s nominees for public office or the Party officers shall be considered valid. Should a majority of the votes be cast for “None of the Above” in voting for a public office, no candidate shall be nominated for that office. Should “None of the Above” be selected for any Party office, that position shall be declared vacant and none of the losing candidates for that position may be selected to fill the vacancy for the term of office.

VIII. MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be granted to any person who affirms the Statement of Principles and whose dues are current.

IX. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Party shall end December 31.

X. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the bylaws or convention rules of the Party.

XI. AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a two thirds vote of the delegates present at a convention occurring in an odd-numbered year only.

XII. USE OF PARTY RESOURCES

The Party does not support, condone, or give candidates of other political parties access to mailing lists, contact information, or administrative access to online social media accounts of the Libertarian Party of Michigan for use with their campaign.

XIII. EFFECT

These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

2011 Bylaws
2007 Bylaws

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2014 Platform

(As revised in convention, June 15, 2013. Sustained in convention, May 17, 2014)

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE:

The Libertarian Party does not believe in or advocate the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals.

PREAMBLE:

Libertarians seek a society based on personal liberty and responsibility—a society in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives. This most desirable method of organizing society is the natural order that arises when the inalienable rights of individuals to life, liberty and property ownership are respected and protected.

People have the right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and pursue happiness in whatever manner they choose so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others. Libertarians welcome the peace, prosperity, and diversity that freedom brings.

The essential precondition for a free society is that people follow their own dreams in their own ways without government interference. This precondition allows that the only legitimate function of government is the protection of the inalienable rights of its citizens. To that end, government at all levels should be strictly limited to the essential services necessary to uphold individual rights, maintain public order, and adjudicate disputes. Government at the state and federal level should be involved only in issues not best handled by local or regional government.

I. STATE GOVERNMENT

1. Federalism. To restore a necessary check on federal power, we advocate the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

2. Federalism. We endorse the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves to our state and its people all powers not expressly delegated to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, or prohibited from the states or the people by the U.S. Constitution.

3. In the absence of a declaration of war by the United States Congress, we oppose any use of Michigan troops by the federal government for any purpose other than natural disaster relief.

4. Individuals have the right to defend themselves and others. Article I, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution states: “Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.” We oppose any law that dilutes the right of a law-abiding person to own a firearm or other means of self-defense.

4. We oppose any form discrimination by government based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other group identification. Each person has the same inalienable rights that the State has a duty to protect.

5. State government should be removed entirely from the licensing process, including occupational licensing. It has produced no better results than private licensing and amounts to another tax. For example, marriage licenses are contracts between individuals and should be left to the individuals, their attorneys and religious officials, without the need to pay the state for a stamp of approval.

6. We support returning to a part-time legislature, which is sufficient to carry out the legislative duties as prescribed by our State Constitution.

7. We advocate a sunset law requiring an automatic end to most government offices, agencies, departments, laws, regulations, taxes, and expenditures within ten years if not reauthorized.

8. We oppose immunities for any public officials or employees for illegal acts or omissions. Like any citizen, they should be subject to criminal prosecution and held liable for any injuries caused by their actions.

9. There should be maximum separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

II. ELECTIONS

1. The only electoral duty of the State government should be providing for fair and efficient conduct of elections. Political parties, like any private voluntary group, should be free from government control and allowed to establish their own rules for nomination procedures and conventions. All taxpayer-funded subsidies to candidates for public office and political parties, including primaries and conventions, should be eliminated.

2. We support the addition of the alternative “None of the above is acceptable” to all ballots. We further propose that in the event that “None of the above is acceptable” receives a plurality of votes in any election, a new election shall be held for which none of the losing candidates shall be eligible. Other forms of voting should also be considered, such as instant runoff voting or proportional representation.

3. Campaign finance laws are unwarranted restrictions of free speech or association and should be repealed.

4. The time during which voters may circulate any statewide petition should be extended to two years.

5. Voters should have the power of referendum on all existing or new legislation.

III. COURTS

1. The current practice of forced jury duty should be replaced by volunteer juries.

2. The common law authority of a trial by jury preceded our constitution and is the foundation of our legal system. If a jury of peers deems a law unjust, oppressive or inappropriately applied, it has the right and duty to acquit the defendant. We support the right of defendants to a fully informed jury, which would require judges to instruct jurors of their authority to judge not only the facts, but also the justice of the law according to their own good consciences.

3. We support restitution for victims of crimes or civil infractions at the expense of the perpetrator. The victim should have the right to pardon the perpetrator, provided the victim is not threatened or coerced.

4. Private adjudication of disputes by mutually acceptable judges or mediators should be encouraged.

5. No-fault laws should be repealed because they deprive the victim of the right to recover damages from those responsible for causing harm.

6. The right of trial by jury should be allowed in all civil or criminal cases.

7. The use of civil asset forfeiture to enforce laws circumvents constitutional protections and should be ended.

8. Random police roadblocks and other searches without probable cause bypass constitutional protections and should be prohibited.

9. We support equal treatment and oppose sexual discrimination in any judicial proceeding adjudicating a parental right, privilege or obligation concerning his or her child.

IV. PUBLIC SAFETY

1. Law enforcement cannot guarantee individual safety. Self protection is a personal responsibility. All individuals have the right to defend themselves and to possess the means to do so, as guaranteed by the State Constitution Article I, Section 6.

2. State prison facilities should be used only for the incarceration of individuals who have proven themselves a threat to others.

3. Curfew laws should be repealed as the behavior of children is the responsibility of the parent, not the state.

4. Laws requiring the use of seat belts and helmets are misguided, paternal, and should be repealed. Individuals must assume responsibility for their own safety.

V. VICE LAWS

1. Government should confine itself to protecting individuals from aggression, coercion and deceit. We oppose all laws and regulations that attempt to protect individuals from the consequences of their own behavior. While not necessarily condoning such activities, we advocate the repeal of all laws criminalizing gambling, possession and sale of drugs and alcohol, and sexual relations between consenting adults. All those presently incarcerated or ever convicted solely for the commission of these victimless crimes should be pardoned and their records expunged.

2. Voluntary communities may enforce rules that prohibit certain activities to which all members subscribe, such as substance-free dorms.

VI. TAXES

1. The legislature should find more voluntary means of supporting state services, such as lotteries and user fees.

2. The personal income tax should be repealed.

3. Taxation of privately owned real property should be eliminated. In effect, it makes the state the owner of all lands by forcing individuals to pay rent to the state or forfeit their title.

4. The personal property tax on Michigan businesses should be repealed.

5. Tax favoritism should be illegal. Abatements, subsidies, credits, or other incentives to businesses based on geographical area, job creation, or any other criteria deny equal protection under the law.

6. Sales tax on used merchandise that is resold results in double taxation and should be eliminated.

7. Adding sales tax to products already subject to specific state taxes, such as gasoline and cigarettes, should be ended. This practice results in double taxation, as consumers are paying a tax on a tax.

8. We oppose any sales or use tax on the Internet.

VII. ECONOMY

1. We believe in the free market, thus the complete separation of the economy and the state.

2. No commercial enterprises should be granted legal monopoly status, including the so-called natural monopolies of electricity, natural gas, water supplies, telephones, and cable television. The Michigan Public Service Commission should be abolished and all rate regulation in these industries ended. The right to offer such services in the marketplace should not be curtailed. We also call on the legislature to end the state monopoly on lotteries.

3. State regulation of industries such as insurance and communications, and professions such as medicine and law, should be ended. They should be regulated by trade or consumer groups.

4. The condemnation of private property for public use should only be allowed when necessary for the protection of the rights of the citizens.

VIII. WELFARE and CHARITY

Providing for the needy by forcibly taxing others is contrary to the legitimate function of government, which is to protect the rights of everyone. Disbursing charity from a welfare system costs society more than it gains. It is inefficient, open to fraud and abuse, and creates resentment. Traditional, voluntary sources of emergency support from families, churches, and private charities have always been more humane, more effective, and willingly borne by the givers. Therefore, until the income tax is repealed, we advocate dollar-for-dollar tax credits for all charitable contributions to encourage a transition from public welfare to private support.

IX. EDUCATION

1. Education is a parental responsibility and best handled at the most local level. While we advocate the separation of school and state, regional cooperation in funding and administration should be encouraged for economies of scale.

2. Because parents are best situated to decide what is in their own children’s best interests, we support all measures that enhance the educational choices available, such as charter schools, tax credits for private school tuition, and home schooling.

3. Compulsory attendance and truancy laws should be repealed. Students cannot be forced to learn, and teachers should not be forced to act as juvenile delinquency officers.

4. All individuals, regardless of age, are entitled to the protections of the constitutions of the United States and Michigan. Random drug tests, locker searches without probable cause, censorship of student publications, corporal punishment, or any similar actions violate those rights.

5. All votes relevant to school operations, including millage proposals, bond issues and school board elections, should be placed only on the regular, biannual ballot.

X. ENVIROMENT

1. Aside from public safety, there is no greater concern for the people of Michigan than having a safe, healthy environment. We look forward to the day when all property not required for police and court functions is returned to private ownership and control.

2. We call for the restoration of every individual’s ancient, common law standing to sue for trespass any individual, business, government or other group that pollutes his or her property.

3. We oppose creation of new government parks or wilderness and recreation areas. Such parks and areas that already exist should be transferred to non-government ownership. Pending such transfer, their operating costs should be borne by their users rather than by taxpayers.

4. We support efforts to hold all individuals, businesses and governments accountable for the pollution they cause. With respect to so-called orphan sites, where those responsible for contamination of ground or water either cannot be found or cannot be made accountable for the damage they caused, we support the use of the Natural Resources Trust Fund currently earmarked for expansion of State parks to be redirected to clean up.

XI. HEALTH CARE

1. The most fundamental property right is an individual’s right to own and control his or her own body. All individuals have the right to determine their own health care needs and treatment. Exercise of this right does not remove the moral obligations not to violate the rights of others. We recognize the state, when it exists, has a duty to protect the rights of others, particularly those in society who are the most vulnerable, including: the very old, the very young, and the mentally handicapped. The state, where it exists, does have a duty to protect the life of all individuals, and should prosecute those who utilize force or fraud to end life.”

2. The right of people to extend or end their lives with dignity should not be infringed. We support the freedom to use living wills and durable medical powers of attorney.

XII. SECESSION

We recognize the right to political secession. Exercise of this right, like the exercise of all other rights, does not remove legal and moral obligations not to violate the rights of others.

XIII. INCLUSION

The Libertarian Party of Michigan ratifies and hereby includes in this document the platform of the national Libertarian Party.

XIV. OMISSIONS

Our silence about any other particular government law, regulation, ordinance, directive, edict, control, restriction, regulatory agency, or activity should not be construed to imply approval.


RESOLUTIONS

[Resolutions are statements of opinion on timely issues, and are adopted as described in our bylaws. They are not permanent planks of the LPM platform.]

2014 Resolution Approved

Resolution: Grand Juries

One resolution, proposed by Brian Wright passes without noted opposition:

The LPM supports the reinvigoration and reassertion of the people’s ultimate authority—at local, state, and federal levels—to investigate and bring indictments of government corruption and crimes through statutory empanelment of grand juries.


Prior LPM Platforms

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Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan Passes Resolution Opposing Proposal 1

 

Group Opposes Hefty Tax That Would Affect Michigan Families

Kalamazoo, April 7, 2015 – The Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan unanimously passed a
resolution urging the citizens of Michigan to oppose the upcoming May 5th ballot proposal. The
resolution highlights the increase in state taxes and the effect it will have on Michigan
taxpayers.

“This proposal includes massive tax increases that will have an impact on every taxpayer’s
wallet in the state. We are being sold that this is a silver bullet to fix years, if not decades of
legislative failure to adequately fund our roads,” said Jason Brandenburg, Chairman of the
Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan. “Cost cutting solutions to allocate more money to our
roads without a tax increase have been given to the legislature by many think tanks over the
past few years, yet those continued to be ignored. The proponents of this proposal are using
the scare tactic that if you do not vote for this, schools will receive less money and people will
die due to the condition of our roads,” he added.

The group discussed in their monthly meeting after passing the proposal that they are not
opposed to the improvement of the state’s infrastructure, but would like to see it done without
asking the taxpayers of the state for another tax increase. “We all drive on these roads and
know improvements need to be made, but the solution is more complex than just more money.
We need to look at how the money is being spent and the quality of the repairs to ensure we
are getting most out of the money we do allocate.”

The Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm at
Gallaghers Eatery and Pub. For more information visit their website www.kazoolp.org

Here is the actual proposal:

A resolution urging the citizens of Michigan to oppose Proposal 1
on the May 5th , 2015 statewide ballot.
Whereas, The passage of Proposal 1 would be a $2 billion overall
tax increase this year and each year thereafter; and
Whereas, The Michigan state budget has increased from $39.1
billion in fiscal year 2004-05 to $52.30 billion in fiscal year 2014-15;
and
Whereas, This would raise the state’s sales tax by 17% from 6% to
7%; and
Whereas, This would give Michigan the second highest gas tax in
the nation; and
Whereas, There would be an increase of $10.9 million per year in
vehicle registration fees; and
Whereas, This would add 10 new state laws and amend the
Michigan Constitution; and
Whereas, The average family would pay between $680-$800 more
per year in taxes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Southwest Michigan Libertarian Party, That we
request the Michigan Legislature make the necessary cuts to the state’s
budget to fund road projects without a tax increase; and
Resolved by the Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan, That we
request the citizens of Southwest Michigan to oppose Proposal 1 on the
May 5th , 2015 statewide ballot.

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