Here's the press release by the Libertarian Party of Marion County on its solution to the Marion County Capital Improvement Board's $47 million annual shortfall:
"The Libertarian Party's CIB Solution
LPMC Contact: Sean Shepard, 317.513.2406 or by email at sshepard94@gmail.com
LPMC Website: http://www.indylp.org
Indianapolis, IN - Hoosiers have become increasingly concerned about the current crisis the CIB is facing, and for good reason. Budget shortfalls were predicted but ignored, and now the city has to find ways to fulfill its contractual obligations. While Libertarians would never have created this situation, offered below is the Libertarian Party's solution to this current mess.
"There is no excuse to force those who don't use the stadiums to pay for short-sightedness of the CIB," state Timothy Maguire, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Marion County. "That's why I'm proud to present our plan to save the good name of our City without unnecessarily taxing its citizens."
Read the full plan here: http://www.indylp.org/CIBplan, or below.
###
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Sean Shepard at 317.513.2406 or by email at sshepard94@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________
The Libertarian Plan to Save the Capital Improvement Board
Without Overtaxing the Citizens of Indianapolis
Presented by the Libertarian Party of Marion County
Historically, city and state leaders have decided that corporate welfare is the highest priority for Indianapolis. Professional football received special treatment from the city in 2005, in the form of huge monetary commitments being made to the Indianapolis Colts for a new stadium. This came on the heels of a similar project undertaken for the Indiana Pacers sports franchise.
Elected Libertarians never would have agreed to this taxpayer funded corporate welfare for wealthy sports franchises and their owners. Libertarians would also have opposed financing a new stadium before the old one was even paid off and would have demanded honoring the previous promise of eliminating the 1% food and beverage tax when the stadium was paid off. We recognize that Lucas Oil Stadium has already been built, debts have been taken on, and the Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board (CIB) is now contractually obligated to bear a majority of the operating costs for the stadium that houses the Indianapolis Colts a handful of days each year.
Since high-jacking the taxing power of municipalities has become de rigueur in professional sports, it might be unfair to criticize the Colts organization, or their owner Jim Irsay, for expecting the City of Indianapolis to make good on the inappropriate promises it has made. At the same time, however, it is an unreasonable and inappropriate use of government power to expect citizens who either cannot afford to attend events at the stadiums or who have other financial priorities to subsidize the activities of the wealthy. Since it has already been determined that stadiums are the highest priority of Indianapolis, even in light of sewer, road, government pension and other needs, and since it is clear that Indianapolis has been burdened enough by high taxes, the Libertarian Party offers the following plan to address the shortfall the CIB is currently facing.
1. Raise ticket fees on all events at all CIB-owned stadiums. Recently, Colts owner Jim Irsay stated that if the City were to raise the ticket fees from 6% to 10%, the total revenues over the remaining term of their lease agreement would total $1.3 billion. This equates to about $44 million a year, which is plenty to handle the rest of the shortfall and ensures that those who cannot afford to visit the stadium are not burdened with paying for the shortfall. However, to ensure to the taxpayers a chance to re-evaluate the financial needs of the CIB, this fee increase should be set to sunset after five (5) years.
2. Allow a new casino to be built in Indianapolis. Assuming that the increased ticket fees may reduce attendance at events, we are open to the idea of welcoming a new casino or other gambling activities to Indianapolis. This extra money should be used for: shoring up CIB finances, paying down all existing debts in an effort to lighten the tax burden of Indianapolis residents, Making actual capital improvements to existing assets, such as roads and sewers, in areas that have been neglected by the City (e.g. cultural districts such as Fountain Square).
3. No bailout for the Pacers. We take the Pacers at their word, and accept their recent statement that they never asked for $15 million in operating costs for Conseco Fieldhouse. Therefore the previously expected Pacers portion of this $47 million shortfall is eliminated.
It is important again to stress that Libertarians oppose taxation to transfer subsidy or benefits to corporations or other private interests. Libertarians opposed these projects and would not have put the City in this situation. Now, the damage is done and the options now before us may seem undesirable. Businesses should be expected to operate on their own, free from government intrusion or subsidy. Sports franchises are no different than any other private interest that employs people, maintains offices or other facilities and draws commerce to a city. There is no reason the City should be subsidizing the business interests of millionaires.
It is also important the City-County Council ensures that this will never happen again. The Council must immediately pass ordinances prohibiting the public financing of any structure if it is to be used primarily for private business uses. This includes restricting the use of property tax abatements. Additionally, it may be worth considering a restriction requiring any lease agreements or contracts that the city enters into be limited to terms of 4 years, so the city may renegotiate such agreements after every major election cycle.
About Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, and is the only non-major party with ballot access in the state of Indiana. Libertarians believe in being SERVED by a small non-intrusive government that is financially responsible, administratively competent and socially tolerant.
For more information on the Libertarian Party of Indiana visit: www.lpin.org
For more information on the Libertarian Party of Marion County visit: www.indylp.org
Libertarian Party of Marion County
Tim Maguire, Chairman
317-372-6436"
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Allen County Libertarian Party Convention on April 30th
Here is the latest release on the Libertarian Party of Allen County annual convention on April 30th:
"To All,
Just a reminder that next Thursday is our April business meeting AND our annual convention.
IF YOU ONLY MAKE ONE MEETING A YEAR MAKE IT THIS ONE!!!
Who: Libertarians & Friends
What: Annual convention
Where: Downtown Library Meeting Room
When: Thursday, April 30th, 6P – 9P (Meeting Starts at 7P)
Why: Monthly business and annual convention
At this meeting several important things will occur:
#1) New officers will be elected;
#2) Representatives will be elected to vote at the state convention;
#3) Bylaws may be changed and/or added to in order to deal w/ problems.
As I have mentioned earlier I will NOT be seeking any sort of official position. I have enjoyed and appreciated working with everyone in the LPAC but it is time for a rest. I plan on helping with small things like fundraising and want to stay active with the platform committee. I hope to continue to appear at the monthly meetings, but it will be nice to miss several of them and not be required to attend.
This year the tea parties have made quite a stir. While the LPAC did not do a “tea party” per se, we did have a nice turn out for our annual tax protest. I will continue to work on the Federal debt bill for as long as the LPAC wants me to.
Anyone who wishes to represent the LPAC at State in May let me know. You MUST attend our April meeting to be elected. I will be driving down for one day only on Saturday, May 16th. I will leave early that morning and return about 7P – 9P on Saturday evening. I do not need to be there for Friday socializing or Sundays wrap up. All of the State voting will occur on Saturday along with several interesting presentations. The State does a fine job with this. This will also be a combined convention with Kentucky to help it grow.
If you are NOT a member of National or State I will encourage you to join. You MUST be a member to vote in our meetings or especially at convention. We will have membership forms available for our County membership only. These will allow for voting only here in Allen County if you need to sign up at the Convention.
There is a growing distaste with the old parties! People from both sides of the aisle are being backstabbed by the Republicans and Democrats who care less about ideology and more about holding on to power. It will still take time for us to move into a strong position, but now we are building a strong foundation that will move our party forward.
I will appreciate seeing all of you at our meeting.
Sincerely,
Doug Horner
Chairman, LPAC"
"To All,
Just a reminder that next Thursday is our April business meeting AND our annual convention.
IF YOU ONLY MAKE ONE MEETING A YEAR MAKE IT THIS ONE!!!
Who: Libertarians & Friends
What: Annual convention
Where: Downtown Library Meeting Room
When: Thursday, April 30th, 6P – 9P (Meeting Starts at 7P)
Why: Monthly business and annual convention
At this meeting several important things will occur:
#1) New officers will be elected;
#2) Representatives will be elected to vote at the state convention;
#3) Bylaws may be changed and/or added to in order to deal w/ problems.
As I have mentioned earlier I will NOT be seeking any sort of official position. I have enjoyed and appreciated working with everyone in the LPAC but it is time for a rest. I plan on helping with small things like fundraising and want to stay active with the platform committee. I hope to continue to appear at the monthly meetings, but it will be nice to miss several of them and not be required to attend.
This year the tea parties have made quite a stir. While the LPAC did not do a “tea party” per se, we did have a nice turn out for our annual tax protest. I will continue to work on the Federal debt bill for as long as the LPAC wants me to.
Anyone who wishes to represent the LPAC at State in May let me know. You MUST attend our April meeting to be elected. I will be driving down for one day only on Saturday, May 16th. I will leave early that morning and return about 7P – 9P on Saturday evening. I do not need to be there for Friday socializing or Sundays wrap up. All of the State voting will occur on Saturday along with several interesting presentations. The State does a fine job with this. This will also be a combined convention with Kentucky to help it grow.
If you are NOT a member of National or State I will encourage you to join. You MUST be a member to vote in our meetings or especially at convention. We will have membership forms available for our County membership only. These will allow for voting only here in Allen County if you need to sign up at the Convention.
There is a growing distaste with the old parties! People from both sides of the aisle are being backstabbed by the Republicans and Democrats who care less about ideology and more about holding on to power. It will still take time for us to move into a strong position, but now we are building a strong foundation that will move our party forward.
I will appreciate seeing all of you at our meeting.
Sincerely,
Doug Horner
Chairman, LPAC"
Marion County Libertarian Party Volunteers to Participate in Great Indy Cleanup
Marion County Libertarian Party Chair Timothy Maguire announces that volunteers from the Libertarian Party of Marion County will be participating this Saturday, April 25th in the 33rd Annual Great Indy Cleanup. It is still not certain, but it is likely the focus of the LPMC volunteers will be the Southeast side/Fountain Square area.
Free Speech is a Criminal Offense in Indiana - Do Not Endorse the Prosecutor's Political Party Opponents
Read more about a disturbing criminal indictment in Delaware County in the Muncie Star-Press article titled "Hiatt indictment raises fairness questions".
Read the commentary on this indictment by Leo Morris of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel in his blog post titled "Another menace nabbed".
Politicians have finally figured out how to use the criminal penalties in Indiana's campaign finance laws to stifle the opposition. I predict there will be a lot more of this in the future.
The lesson to those who choose to challenge the elites? Do so and risk going to jail.
Read the commentary on this indictment by Leo Morris of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel in his blog post titled "Another menace nabbed".
Politicians have finally figured out how to use the criminal penalties in Indiana's campaign finance laws to stifle the opposition. I predict there will be a lot more of this in the future.
The lesson to those who choose to challenge the elites? Do so and risk going to jail.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Mothers Institute
Last Saturday, I was at the annual convention of the Libertarian Party of Missouri. Their luncheon speaker was Jan Stover, former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Illinois and the founder of The Mothers Institute.
The Mothers Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes "methods of mothering which foster a child's sense of individual freedom and personal responsibility". It also "encourages the teaching and implementation of time honored traditions including reason, logic, creativity, civility, discourse, debate and dissent."
For more information on The Mothers Institute, go to www.themothersinstitute.org.
The Mothers Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes "methods of mothering which foster a child's sense of individual freedom and personal responsibility". It also "encourages the teaching and implementation of time honored traditions including reason, logic, creativity, civility, discourse, debate and dissent."
For more information on The Mothers Institute, go to www.themothersinstitute.org.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Libertarian City-Council Member Ed Coleman First to Suggest in Public that CIB Head Resign
Libertarian Indianapolis City-County Councilman Ed Coleman is the first councilor to publicly suggest that the head of the Capital Improvements Board resign over alleged conflicts. He also did so directly in a question he asked to Bob Grand, the CIB Board president, at a committee meeting of the City-County Council. You can learn more in the WIBC 93.1 FM news story CIB Head Under Fire, Councilor Suggests Resignation.
Right to Work: Is Indiana an Economic 'Loser'?
This is the latest media release from the Indiana Policy Review:
Right to Work: Is Indiana an Economic 'Loser'?
by Craig Ladwig
After a century of being one of the most innovative creators of jobs and wealth in the nation, has Indiana developed a losing mentality?
It is not an idle question. Economists see a growing separation between those states whose policies defy investment and those states whose policies don’t.
Statehouse boosters are adamant that Indiana is in what might be called the “winner” camp. When the issue of job loss comes up, they cite the fact that we outperform our neighbors Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Lately, though, it is cited in a more wooden and perfunctory way.*
That is because the politicians know (and know that we know that they know) that Indiana isn’t competing with any of those states. It is competing with Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and most recently Oklahoma.
These and 11 others have adopted right-to-work laws. That means workers there are free both to join unions and to refrain from joining unions. It was successfully argued in each state that forced unionization is a violation of the Constitutional right to freedom of association as well as the common-law principle of private ownership of property.
Right or wrong, the market likes the idea. Ohio lost 10,400 jobs this past decade while Texas, a right-to-work state, was creating 1,615,000 new ones. Some believe that such disparities will even increase in the next few years.
The presence of labor flexibility is becoming a certain indicator of growth. That is clear when right-to-work status is compared with selected economic rankings.
For example, only one of this year’s Forbes magazine 10 “Most Taxed” states (Wyoming) enjoyed right-to-work status. None of its 10 most “Downsized Cities” was in the right-to-work column and fully nine of the top 10 “Relocation Destinations” were in right-to-work states (the exception being Denver).
If Indiana would equal those rankings and avoid a “loser” image, it must acknowledge that its business model, proud history notwithstanding, has become uncompetitive.
There is another big problem. In the 1970s, Indiana approved a collective-bargaining law that treats public employees as if they were competing in a free market. At the extreme, members of teacher unions elect their own boards of education so that the law in effect manages the state’s education system, driving all other budget considerations.
Today, it is impossible for even the most stout-hearted legislature or governor to control state spending levels. But a political leadership that for all these years has found it acceptable to force citizens into unions and operate schools for the convenience of teachers is no doubt making all sorts of decisions that allow government to deter investment and squash innovation.
Not surprising, Indiana has lost its reputation as a low-tax state. The Tax Foundation now ranks us 28th in overall tax burden. That compares with a 41st place ranking as recently as 1983. Indiana homeowners now are 23rd in the amount they pay for property taxes as a percentage of home value. And Marion county’s sales tax is close to the nation’s highest.
Andrea Neal, writing for the Indianapolis Star, draws the obvious conclusion: “We’ve been on a slippery slope of tax hikes that have allowed us to invest in education and services but could ultimately damage our business and employment climate.”
Slippery slopes, rights and wrongs, Constitutional law, teacher unions, out-of-control budgets — all of this will color Indiana electoral campaigns these next few cycles. And that will be especially true to the degree voters come to understand what is differentiating “winning” states from “losing” ones.
Craig Ladwig is editor of The Indiana Policy Review.
*The author acknowledges a debt to the oratory of Dan Hannon, member of the European Parliament from Great Britain.
Right to Work: Is Indiana an Economic 'Loser'?
by Craig Ladwig
After a century of being one of the most innovative creators of jobs and wealth in the nation, has Indiana developed a losing mentality?
It is not an idle question. Economists see a growing separation between those states whose policies defy investment and those states whose policies don’t.
Statehouse boosters are adamant that Indiana is in what might be called the “winner” camp. When the issue of job loss comes up, they cite the fact that we outperform our neighbors Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Lately, though, it is cited in a more wooden and perfunctory way.*
That is because the politicians know (and know that we know that they know) that Indiana isn’t competing with any of those states. It is competing with Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and most recently Oklahoma.
These and 11 others have adopted right-to-work laws. That means workers there are free both to join unions and to refrain from joining unions. It was successfully argued in each state that forced unionization is a violation of the Constitutional right to freedom of association as well as the common-law principle of private ownership of property.
Right or wrong, the market likes the idea. Ohio lost 10,400 jobs this past decade while Texas, a right-to-work state, was creating 1,615,000 new ones. Some believe that such disparities will even increase in the next few years.
The presence of labor flexibility is becoming a certain indicator of growth. That is clear when right-to-work status is compared with selected economic rankings.
For example, only one of this year’s Forbes magazine 10 “Most Taxed” states (Wyoming) enjoyed right-to-work status. None of its 10 most “Downsized Cities” was in the right-to-work column and fully nine of the top 10 “Relocation Destinations” were in right-to-work states (the exception being Denver).
If Indiana would equal those rankings and avoid a “loser” image, it must acknowledge that its business model, proud history notwithstanding, has become uncompetitive.
There is another big problem. In the 1970s, Indiana approved a collective-bargaining law that treats public employees as if they were competing in a free market. At the extreme, members of teacher unions elect their own boards of education so that the law in effect manages the state’s education system, driving all other budget considerations.
Today, it is impossible for even the most stout-hearted legislature or governor to control state spending levels. But a political leadership that for all these years has found it acceptable to force citizens into unions and operate schools for the convenience of teachers is no doubt making all sorts of decisions that allow government to deter investment and squash innovation.
Not surprising, Indiana has lost its reputation as a low-tax state. The Tax Foundation now ranks us 28th in overall tax burden. That compares with a 41st place ranking as recently as 1983. Indiana homeowners now are 23rd in the amount they pay for property taxes as a percentage of home value. And Marion county’s sales tax is close to the nation’s highest.
Andrea Neal, writing for the Indianapolis Star, draws the obvious conclusion: “We’ve been on a slippery slope of tax hikes that have allowed us to invest in education and services but could ultimately damage our business and employment climate.”
Slippery slopes, rights and wrongs, Constitutional law, teacher unions, out-of-control budgets — all of this will color Indiana electoral campaigns these next few cycles. And that will be especially true to the degree voters come to understand what is differentiating “winning” states from “losing” ones.
Craig Ladwig is editor of The Indiana Policy Review.
*The author acknowledges a debt to the oratory of Dan Hannon, member of the European Parliament from Great Britain.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Liedtky Featured on WTCA Radio Editorial
Ryan Liedtky, 2nd District Representative on the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, is featured in the WTCA 1050 AM radio editorial titled "Liedtky Glad, Still Uneasy". WTCA is based in Plymouth, Indiana.
Wayne Root Very Public Tomorrow - Fox Business and More
2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential candidate Wayne Root has a busy day tomorrow (tax day). He appears on FOX Business at 8 AM (EST) for a long segment on taxes. He is calling it the ""Wayne segment" with Wayne Root and Wayne Rogers (of M*A*S*H)...."
He then has multiple radio interviews
He then will speak at the Tea Party rally in Las Vegas ...then report live from the rally for The Jerry Doyle Show (3 + million listeners).
There is also the possibility of another FOX appearance in the late afternoon.
He then has multiple radio interviews
He then will speak at the Tea Party rally in Las Vegas ...then report live from the rally for The Jerry Doyle Show (3 + million listeners).
There is also the possibility of another FOX appearance in the late afternoon.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Al Cox Unanimously Reappointed to Brown County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals
Brown County Libertarian Party chair Al Cox was recently unanimously reappointed to the Brown County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals by the county council and commissioners.
Brown County Libertarian Party Meetings
The Libertarian Party of Brown County meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Brown County Public Library, lower level room A. Al Cox is the County Chair.
Mike Kole Elected Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County
Mike Kole was elected last Saturday as Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County. This is his second stint as County Chairman, having served previously before he stepped down to run as the Libertarian candidate for Indiana Secretary of State in 2006.
Libertarian Party of Allen County Tax Rally This Wednesday
The Libertarian Party of Allen County will be out in front of the main branch of the post office in downtown Fort Wayne on Clinton Street between 4 and until traffic slows on Wednesday, April 15th. Members will be handing out information about the LPAC and the national debt to people as they drop their taxes off at the post office.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Past Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Barry Campbell Starts Blog on Land Value Taxation
Lower Taxes to the Ground is the new blog of Immediate Past Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Barry Campbell.
Here's his description of his blog:
"Posts in support of land value taxation. Some discussion of the merits of LVT, some discussion of how any other commonly used form of taxation interferes with free and voluntary exchange, but mainly a clearinghouse of information on the progress of land value taxation."
His blog has some good links to land value taxation web sites.
I have always found land value taxation to be interesting, and definitely a taxation system that can work, especially in urban areas.
Here's his description of his blog:
"Posts in support of land value taxation. Some discussion of the merits of LVT, some discussion of how any other commonly used form of taxation interferes with free and voluntary exchange, but mainly a clearinghouse of information on the progress of land value taxation."
His blog has some good links to land value taxation web sites.
I have always found land value taxation to be interesting, and definitely a taxation system that can work, especially in urban areas.
Busy, Busy, Busy for the Libertarian Party of Indiana, Part 2
The Libertarian Party of Marion County has produced a flyer and will be handing them out on Wednesday at the Indianapolis Tea Party at the State House.
Libertarian Party of Indiana 2nd District Central Committee Representative Ryan Liedtky was a guest on a radio show on Friday, April 3 on the Libertarian option to keeping the Soldiers and Sailors Childrens Home open.
LPIN Executive Director Chris Spangle has been talking with the national LP office about the "Free Hoosiers" web site and how to help other state LP parties build a similar site.
The following programs are on the tentative schedule (and subject to change) for the Libertarian Party of Indiana convention:
Mark Rutherford on Atlas!Liberty PAC.
Kentucky State LP Chairman Ken Moellman on campaign training.
LPIN State Secretary Melanie Hughes on home schooling and private schooling.
Eric Schansberg on Libertarianism and Christianity.
Libertarian Party of Indiana 2nd District Central Committee Representative Ryan Liedtky was a guest on a radio show on Friday, April 3 on the Libertarian option to keeping the Soldiers and Sailors Childrens Home open.
LPIN Executive Director Chris Spangle has been talking with the national LP office about the "Free Hoosiers" web site and how to help other state LP parties build a similar site.
The following programs are on the tentative schedule (and subject to change) for the Libertarian Party of Indiana convention:
Mark Rutherford on Atlas!Liberty PAC.
Kentucky State LP Chairman Ken Moellman on campaign training.
LPIN State Secretary Melanie Hughes on home schooling and private schooling.
Eric Schansberg on Libertarianism and Christianity.
Busy, Busy, Busy for the Libertarian Party of Indiana, Part 1
Libertarians across Indiana are very, very busy. Here's an update on what has been happening over the last couple of weeks.
On Tuesday, March 24th, Indianapolis Libertarian City-County Councilor Ed Coleman held a town hall meeting at the Indianapolis Central Library. The town hall meeting was held to discuss the attempts to amend the Indy smoking ban to include bars. A little under 100 bar workers attended. Libertarians present gave out a Libertarian Party of Indiana Small Business brochure to each one of them. This made the news, with Ed and former Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein both getting media coverage. Brad is the current Executive Director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association.
On Wednesday, March 25th there was a big rally at the Statehouse called Revolt at the State House. About 250 - 300 citizens of Indiana showed for the rally. Representatives of the Libertarian Party passed out LP literature to about half of the people there. Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Chris Spangle set up an information table. Libertarian Party of Marion County Communications Director Sean Shepard MC'd the event.
Executive Director Chris Spangle has been named to Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita's HAVA (Help America Vote Act) commission. He attended his first meeting on Friday, March 27th. This version of the commission will be looking at ADA issues, HAVA (Help America Vote Act) budget issues and voting centers, among other things.
On Saturday night, March 28th, Executive Director was the speaker at the Libertarian Party of Wayne County Convention in Richmond. Rex Bell was re-elected chair.
LPIN Vice Chairman Dan Drexler and 2nd District Central Committee member Ryan Liedtky, Libertarians in the 2nd Congressional District, have undertaken the effort to form and organize the LPIN's first congressional district committee. They are starting by forming Libertarian Party Second Congressional District Committee in order to help strengthen that district, and then they plan to organize all counties not currently organized. You can learn more about this on the new website for this effort at www.In2Liberty.com
On Tuesday, March 24th, Indianapolis Libertarian City-County Councilor Ed Coleman held a town hall meeting at the Indianapolis Central Library. The town hall meeting was held to discuss the attempts to amend the Indy smoking ban to include bars. A little under 100 bar workers attended. Libertarians present gave out a Libertarian Party of Indiana Small Business brochure to each one of them. This made the news, with Ed and former Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein both getting media coverage. Brad is the current Executive Director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association.
On Wednesday, March 25th there was a big rally at the Statehouse called Revolt at the State House. About 250 - 300 citizens of Indiana showed for the rally. Representatives of the Libertarian Party passed out LP literature to about half of the people there. Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Chris Spangle set up an information table. Libertarian Party of Marion County Communications Director Sean Shepard MC'd the event.
Executive Director Chris Spangle has been named to Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita's HAVA (Help America Vote Act) commission. He attended his first meeting on Friday, March 27th. This version of the commission will be looking at ADA issues, HAVA (Help America Vote Act) budget issues and voting centers, among other things.
On Saturday night, March 28th, Executive Director was the speaker at the Libertarian Party of Wayne County Convention in Richmond. Rex Bell was re-elected chair.
LPIN Vice Chairman Dan Drexler and 2nd District Central Committee member Ryan Liedtky, Libertarians in the 2nd Congressional District, have undertaken the effort to form and organize the LPIN's first congressional district committee. They are starting by forming Libertarian Party Second Congressional District Committee in order to help strengthen that district, and then they plan to organize all counties not currently organized. You can learn more about this on the new website for this effort at www.In2Liberty.com
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Indiana Department of Environmental Management is the Representative of King George in 2009 - Will There Be a New Declaration of Independence in 2012?
Amber Finkelstein, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and probably also King George of Great Britain (based on the nature of her announcement), announces that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management believes that throwing tea into the Wabash River in Lafayette, Indiana will be an unpermitted discharge that violates the Clean Water Act, is illegal, and can subject the throwers to penalties.
This sounds to me like the talk of the British Government in 1773.
This sounds to me like the talk of the British Government in 1773.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The Message is Clear in Maryland - Participate in the Political Process and Go to Jail - Elites Only Need Apply for Office
For more information, read the Baltimore Sun article titled "77 political candidates face criminal charges - Prosecutors file complaints on campaign finance reports"
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
King Obama Refuses to Accept Repayment of TARP money
Here's a Wall Street Journal op/ed on why King Obama, socialist ruler of the United States, refuses to accept repayment of TARP money. It is titled "Obama Wants to Control the Banks".
All hail King Obama. Do not cross him. Do not pass Go. Go directly to jail.
Sigh.
All hail King Obama. Do not cross him. Do not pass Go. Go directly to jail.
Sigh.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
It has been a very busy period for Indiana Libertarians and for my law practice. Thus a dearth of posts. As things tend to be cyclical in law practices, I expect my posts will become more frequent in the future.
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