Category Archives: Uncategorized

2013 Platform

(As revised in convention, June 15, 2013)

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.]

2013 Resolutions Approved

Resolution: Grand Juries

We support grand juries investigating and indicting, ‘willful misconduct in office by public officers.’

Resolution: United States Federal Government, Status of Authority

Since the attacks of 9/11 and the illegal wars of aggression by the United States federal government (USG) in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere; the Patriot Act; the practice of torture and rendition, mass imprisonments without trial or notice; summary executions by the US president, intentional killings of civilians thru US military drone strikes, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provisions for indefinite detentions without trial; prosecutions and incarcerations of whistle blowers who expose government torture and atrocities, the coordinated national police-state crackdown on protest (esp. the Occupy Movement), and escalation of violence against the people via the Travel Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); the recent buildup by National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct 24/7 surveillance and universal record keeping on all civilians, federal black operations (black ops) upon the people via (probable and provable) staged massacres of Americans in further pursuance of an absolute police-military juggernaut, and resultant federal plans to confiscate guns; and routine Cartel machinations such as exempting Monsanto and other biotech firms from the rule of law, conduct of geoengineering and weather modification programs for profit and warmaking, the neverending atrocity known as the War on Drugs, and thru secret programs exposing billions of people worldwide to unconscionable environmental and biological toxins—not to mention Obamacare, the UN’s Agenda 21, and Common Core educational edicts; the bailouts and giveaways to insider financial powers, expansion of the traditional welfare state, and debauchery of the currency via the central banks; and, finally, creation of an artificial burden of unfathomable debt, expropriation and suppression of individual wealth and production, and a host of other grossly unconstitutional acts—it has become clear the current USG has become nothing less than a psychotically vicious and illegal criminal enterprise.

Accordingly, we the undersigned, no longer recognize this incarnation of the USG as valid or legitimate, we withdraw moral sanction and (to the extent each individual considers prudent) material support—until such time, as a minimum, all of the above unconstitutional acts of aggression are ended and remedied. Nor shall we the undersigned be sitting still waiting for compliance; we shall pursue all effective strategies that restore libertarian self-government to individuals within their states and communities, and nullify all federal breaches of authority—as stated clearly in the Tenth Amendment, “if it ain’t in here, the USG don’t got it.” To those in the current USG: You’d better get cracking… otherwise your time is up.

Resolution in Respect of David Irons David Irons

A steadfast member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, David C. Irons passed away at his home on May 25, 2013 of a heart attack. He spent most of his life in the Lansing area and was a welcome presence at the meetings of the Capital Area Libertarian Party. His intellectual curiosity and probing mind brought many hours of thoughtful conversation to the discussions.

An independent streak flowed throughout his life and led him to become a building inspector, vending machine operator, carpenter and overall Jack-of-all trades. Despite the demands of his family life and career, David was able to juggle his responsibilities well enough to enable him to run as a candidate for public office in several elections. His friendly, well-spoken demeanor allowed him to present the libertarian viewpoint in a way that opened the eyes of others to his message.

The energy, insightfulness and sense of humor David contributed to the Libertarian Party will be missed. Our sincere condolences and thoughts of cherished memories go out to his wife Nancy, his son Anthony and their extended family.

Sincerely,

Capital Area Libertarian Party
Box 27065
Lansing MI 48909-7065
www.calparty.org


Prior LPM Platforms

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2007 Bylaws

Libertarian Party Of Michigan Bylaws

(as amended in convention May 5, 2007)

I. NAME

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

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 if the chair is unable to perform those duties. 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, 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. Members of the Executive Committee who miss three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee or fails to perform their 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.

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. EFFECT

These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

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2011 Bylaws

Libertarian Party Of Michigan Bylaws

(as amended in convention April 30, 2011)

I. NAME

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

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 if the chair is unable to perform those duties. 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, 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. Members of the Executive Committee who miss three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee or fails to perform their 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. EFFECT

These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

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2014 Convention Registration

Registration

 Item

Before or on May 10

After
May 10

 Full Convention (includes lunch, banquet, concert)

$75

$85

 Convention + lunch

$40

$50

 Convention only

$30

$40

 Banquet and concert

$55

$65

Concert Only

$25


Ticket Options
Indicate vegetarian meal pref




Mailin Registration Form

http://www.michiganlp.org/Webpages_Aux/2014/2014_Convention_Registration.pdf

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News Release: Law Change Lets Libertarians Work At Polls

Title:
Law Change Lets Libertarians Work At Polls
Author:
Emily Salvette
Date:
5/28/1996
Year:
1996
Article:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/28/1996
CONTACT: Emily Salvette
(313) 747-8129

(Ann Arbor, MI) – Libertarian Party members will be able to serve as election inspectors with last week’s signing of Michigan House Bill 4443. The bill cleaned up several provisions of Public Act 261 passed in January including one which required election workers to declare their affiliation with only the Republican or Democratic party. Election workers can now declare a minor party affiliation. The new law takes immediate effect, just in time for Libertarians to work in June school elections. The Libertarian Party of Michigan filed a lawsuit in March challenging the constitutionality of the original law.

Emily Hopp Salvette, Libertarian Party of Michigan State Chair, credits the party’s actions with drawing lawmakers’ attention to the needed change. “Everyone supported our lawsuit, from local election officials to the general public,” said Salvette. “Michiganders want fair, open elections run for their benefit, not the benefit of the two major political parties.” But she noted, “While I’m glad the Legislature helped Libertarian Party members, we’re still a long way from open, non-partisan elections. ” She explained, “People who want to work at the polls still must declare their political party affiliation and are subject to challenge by the Republican and Democratic county party chairs. Also, a person can only declare affiliation with minor parties that have state-wide ballot status–independents or members of parties currently petitioning are out of luck.” Because such restrictions remain, the Libertarian Party of Michigan will continue its legal challenge on purity of elections and civil rights grounds. The suit currently awaits hearing in federal court.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States. Over 1000 Libertarian candidates will be running for office in the November 5 general election, including 78 in Michigan.

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News Release: Pat Clawson candidate announcement in Flint Talk

Title:
Pat Clawson candidate announcement in Flint Talk
Author:
Webmaster_LPM
Date:
6/10/2010
Year:
2010
Article:
http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=56572

PAT CLAWSON FOR SENATE
PO BOX 470, FLINT, MI 48501-0470
Phone: (810) 730-5110 Fax: (810) 963-0160
E-mail: patrickclawson@comcast.net

FORMER NETWORK TV REPORTER RUNS FOR MICHIGAN STATE SENATE

For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Pat Clawson (810) 730-5110

FLINT, MI (June 1, 2010) – Former CNN investigative reporter Pat Clawson is now running as a Libertarian Party candidate for Genesee County’s 27th District Michigan State Senate seat in the November 2010 election.

Clawson, 55, is challenging incumbent Sen. John Gleason (D-Flushing) for the position. He filed formal candidacy papers with the Genesee County Clerk and Michigan Secretary of State last week and will appear on the November ballot. The 27th District serves residents in the cities of Flint, Fenton, Flushing, Linden, Montrose, Swartz Creek and the townships of Argentine, Clayton, Fenton, Gaines, Genesee, and Mundy.

Clawson is a member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan’s executive board. He is also a member of the Genesee Tea Party. His campaign will be managed by Genesee Tea Party leader and co-founder Loren Bearup, a 16-year UAW Local 9699 member.

Clawson states as follows:

“The voters of the 27th District now have a clear choice. John Gleason is taxpayer-fed. I’m a fed-up taxpayer. I am working to make Michigan’s government fair, open and honest. Both Democrats and Republicans have proven they are utterly incapable of leading. It’s long past time for new blood and new ideas in Lansing. We have to push the political hacks out of the way and get Michigan back on the right track.”

“We must drain the swamp in Lansing. Michigan government comes at the people, not from the people. It is out of control. It is too big, too expensive, too ineffective and too out of touch with the citizens. We must dramatically shrink its size and roll back red tape. Michigan citizens are taxed enough already. We must change our tax laws so businesses will take root here and citizens can build personal wealth.”

“When elected, I will work to stop the constant government money grab on the citizens of Michigan, starting with a repeal of the oppressive “driver responsibility fees” that victimize the middle class and working poor. I will work to streamline and cut the tax burden on our citizens and companies to promote job creation and economic development. I support most of the reforms outlined by the Michigan Turnaround Plan of the Business Leaders of Michigan and the Citizens Agenda published by the Center for Michigan.”

“Unlike most that run for public office, I want to repeal laws – not pass more. We have too many laws and regulations that unnecessarily dictate how we live our lives and conduct our business. One of the best ways to get Michigan thriving and our people working again is to restore freedom and the power of the individual. I want government out of our lives to the greatest extent possible.”

“But there is one area where I will work diligently to promote new laws. We need to toughen laws like the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act. We need to make it easier for citizens to demand special audits of government finances and to get investigations of government corruption. I want to see every government agency in Michigan post their checkbooks, contracts, meeting agendas and official meeting minutes on the Internet so all citizens can participate in their government. I promise to work constantly to boost government accountability and transparency for our citizens.”

“Michigan is in trouble because the political culture of buck-passing, mediocrity and failure that exists in Lansing is strangling us. Accountability, achievement, competence and transparency must become core principles of Michigan government. That will not happen while career politicians like John Gleason focus their energies on legislative gridlock, partisan gamesmanship and publicity stunts that mask inaction.”

“This will be a true David-versus-Goliath battle. I am the underdog in this race. My opponent represents the Michigan political establishment. He is a very partisan Big Government Democrat with a tax ‘em-into-the-ground mentality. He has one of the worst attendance records in the state legislature – but he never fails to pick up his paycheck. He supported the oppressive Michigan Business Tax surcharge and the obnoxious services sales tax. Last year he introduced SB-798 to jack up the state personal income tax by over 10% – and was one of only two lawmakers who voted in favor of it. His legislative record is lackluster, with his crowning achievement being passage of a bill regulating tattoo parlors while businesses are collapsing and unemployment is skyrocketing in Depression-ravaged Genesee County. He has a huge campaign war chest and is bankrolled by a Who’s Who of Lansing lobbyists and Big Labor. Special interest groups know he’s a good investment and reliable vote. Our citizens deserve a Senator who works for them, not the fat cats.”

PAT CLAWSON BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Pat Clawson is an award-winning investigative reporter, legal investigator and process server based in both Flint, MI and Washington, D.C. who specializes in probes of financial fraud, organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption. He began his career in 1969 as a reporter with the Flint (Mich.) Journal and his national media credentials includes duty as a Washington, D.C.-based on-air investigative reporter for the original CNN Special Assignments Unit and NBC News; White House correspondent for the Independent TV News Association (Metromedia TV); Capitol Hill correspondent for Independent Network News (Tribune Broadcasting); Washington Bureau Chief of Radio & Records, the newspaper division of the Westwood One Companies; radio talk show host at the Radio America Network, WABC/New York and WRC/Washington; Congressional Editor of Washington Crime News Services; Director of Sales, Marketing & Strategy for the Radio America Network; and President/CEO of Virginia-based TeleGrafix Communications, one of America’s first Internet media companies. He is a former elected member of the board of directors of the U.S. Congress Periodical Press Gallery and has served as a judge for several national media award competitions, including those of the National Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists.

In addition, Pat has worked as a private investigator since 1974 on cases involving international financial frauds, Mafia bombings, public corruption, domestic terrorism, and corporate crime. He is currently registered as a Private Investigator, Armed Security Officer and Private Investigation Instructor in the Commonwealth of Virginia; a Criminal Justice Act Investigator by the District of Columbia Superior Court; and as a Certified Process Server in Michigan. His investigation of Missouri police bribery by private detectives led to the first criminal convictions under the federal Privacy Act. As Executive Director of the Saginaw Valley (Mich.) Crime Commission, he testified in 1980 before a U.S. Senate committee about his investigations of Mafia racketeers and Mexican drug trafficking in Michigan. From 2002 through 2008, he was a spokesman and defense investigator for attorneys representing Dr. Steven J. Hatfill, the former government scientist who was wrongfully labeled by Attorney General John Ashcroft as a “person of interest” in the 2001 anthrax terrorism investigation. Pat has won numerous national journalism awards for his investigations of domestic terrorism, financial crime, the Mafia and public corruption, including a National Emmy Citation for Community Service Broadcasting, the Janus Award for Financial Journalism, the Amos Tuck Financial Journalism Prize, and investigative reporting prizes from the Associated Press and Radio-Television News Directors Association. He was part of a team that won a George Polk Memorial Award for computer-assisted investigations of the administration of justice in a Michigan court. In 2006, he received The Professionalism Award from the Michigan Council of Private Investigators.

Clawson moved from Washington to his native Genesee County in July 2004 to marry his wife Laurie, a Flint public school teacher. For two years, he did investigative reporting and special projects for a now-defunct local alternative newspaper, “The Uncommon Sense.” He briefly relocated back to Washington for a network radio assignment during the 2006 elections and then returned to Genesee County. He lives in Swartz Creek with his wife and has four sons and two step-daughters.

The Libertarian Party is fielding 83 candidates for office on Michigan’s November 2, 2010 ballot. This is a 46% increase over the number of candidates it placed on the 2006 ballot. 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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Campus Groups Archive

From previous LP of Michigan site (retained as archive):

This list was brought over from the previous LPM Website. The information is most likely no longer valid, but is being retained for historical purposes. We intend to form a robust contingent of campus groups and will update our list and speaker’s bureau at the earliest opportunity. Please contact us here if you are interested in taking part in campus and speakers’ bureau organizing.

  • Ferris State University, Big Rapids – Andrew Hall, BSATroop282@aol.com
  • Northern Michigan University, Marquette – Mike Brown, 209 North 5th Street, Marquette MI 49855, DocBrown_77@Yahoo.com, (906) 225-1049
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Eric Plourde at eplourde@umich.edu
  • Western Michigan University – Brian Harris, bharris5781@vipmail.kvcc.edu
  • University of Michigan, Flint – Paul Ashbaugh most-recently known leader, opportunity for restart
  • Delta College – Jim Fitzpatrick, most-recently known leader, opportunity for restart
  • Hillsdale College, Hillsdale – Heidi Morris,  most-recently known leader, opportunity for restart
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing – MSU Libertarian Club: current opportunity for restart

If you are interested in starting your own student group at the college or high school level, contact Bill Gelineau at freedomlover59@hotmail.com or 616-897-0488.

Libertarian Party of Michigan Speakers Bureau  — If you need a speaker on a libertarian issue for your college or high school class or organization, contact our Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Jim Allison at jim.e.allison@gmail.com, Telephone 586-817-0395

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Candidate Boman issues formal complaint vs. Detroit Clerk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scotty Boman
scottyboman@hotmail.com
http://scottyboman.org
313-247-2052

August 4, 2013

City Clerk Candidate, Boman, Makes Formal Complaint Against the Detroit City Clerk

Detroit, MI – City Clerk candidate Scotty Boman filed a formal complaint against the incumbent with the Michigan Department of State on Friday August 2nd.  Boman is hopeful that at least some components of the complaint will result in needed changes.  Here are the practices Boman has enumerated:

1.  The placement of “Janice Winfrey City Clerk” campaign signage on and near the Detroit City Clerk satellite offices which are being used as de facto polling stations.  This being done while similar signage by opponents is prohibited.

2. Electioneering inside the polling stations, by Detroit Department of Elections staff in the form of “instructions” that promote one candidate (Janice Winfrey) for the office of City Clerk.  These “instructions” are distributed with the ballots to each voter along with the ballot.  Her name and office for which she is running are displayed in large heading size font.  Opposing candidates were not permitted to distribute any literature in the vicinity of the “Satellite office.”

3. Continuing to have early voting at a location that is restricting access to some voters.  At least one officer  at the WCCCD Northwest campus, has implied that the campus is only open to students and staff, by telling one person (me) that I was regarded as a trespasser prior to me informing her that I was a Professor there.

4. Janice Winfrey has permitted the continuance of early voting at a location (WCCCD Northwest campus) where at least one of her opponents (me) was singled out and blocked from distributing campaign literature where the literature of candidates for other offices was permitted.

5. She has continued to have a WCCCD Police Officer staff the WCCCD Northwest campus Satellite office, after said officer assaulted an opposing candidate (me) in order to stop him from handing out campaign literature where the literature for other candidates was permitted without similar restraints.

The phrase “early voting” was used above to describe onsite absentee voting at the Satellite Offices.  Boman concedes that this common phrase is informal and not legally precise.

Boman commented, “I hope this complaint yields results.  I find it especially disturbing that Winfrey would continue to have a person staff a location who has carried out a well-publicized politically motivated violent attack against one of her opponents (under color of law).  The inside of the office is under Winfrey’s control, so this amounts to an approval of such conduct.  How can my supporters or I feel safe campaigning in such an atmosphere?  How can an election’s results be considered valid in such a climate of duress?”


Paid for by the Committee to Elect Scotty Boman.  4877 Balfour Road.  Detroit, MI 48224.

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Note from Chair on Latest News of Candidates

From the Chair, August 2013 Newsletter

Ah the “dog days” of summer. That sultry part of the season when Sirius, the Dog Star, rises at the same time as the sun. It’s also described as a period marked by lethargy, inactivity or laziness. But not for the LPM. We’ve been busy!

I’d like to welcome our new media director, Heather Richards-Wodrich. A former journalist (news anchor/reporter/news director/producer in tv, radio, newspaper, web) she spent the better part of 25 years in news in the South Bend, Indiana Metro area. Heather and her husband relocated to Michigan in 2010 and currently reside in Kentwood. I’d also like to welcome back Leonard Schwartz as our new Political Director. A long-time member of the LPM, Leonard has run for political office several times as well as provided candidate training materials and candidate training sessions. More important he is very familiar with election law.

A big thanks goes out to Jim Fulner for contacting Leonard and convincing him that his Party needs him one more time. The following campaigns are hot:

  • At a special convention last Saturday (Jul 27), the LPM nominated Pat Clawson as the Libertarian candidate for the 49th District of the Michigan State House special election on Nov 5, 2013.
  • Scotty Boman, Detroit City Clerk (Primary Aug 6)
  • Michael Brennan, Livingston County County Commissioner District 5 (Special Election Aug 6)
  • William Wenzel, Kentwood City Commission Ward 1(Primary Aug 6) and Erwin Haas, Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 (General Election Nov 5).

Last I’d like to thank the Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County for sponsoring another successful outreach booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The heat was brutal, the liberals and socialists annoying, but it was gratifying to meet those who stopped by to just chat, take the quiz, sign our register, or just throw a few bucks in the donation jar to thank us for fighting the good fight.

In liberty, Mary

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