Berlie Etzel, WVChair@lppa.org
The 2007 election year gives us a very good opportunity to get Libertarians on the ballot and to get them elected. Numerous local and county-level positions are often left “open” at the Primary Election Date (May 15th) and also on election day (Nov. 6th).
There are two ways to get on the ballot for Nov. 6, 2007:
Method One: Write-in on May 15th.
By checking with your county election officer and asking for a copy of the D and R Primary Ballot, you can then see at a glance the “open” positions. The D and R have not even bothered to get a couple signatures, or they forgot to get the minimal amount of signatures! What can you do? Just prepare about 30 small slips of paper to hand out outside the polling place. An example for Auditor might read like this:
Please write in:
Berlie Etzel
For: Township Auditor
6 Year Term
Vote for one only.
Do not leave this in the booth.
Thank you!
Begin passing these slips out to the D or R ‘s as they come to the polling place. You may pass them out to all, depending on the “open” situation! Don’t begin until 5 P.M. Why? We don’t want to awaken them to their own lack of action, and they may track down a bunch of their voters to keep you from being on the Nov. 6 ballot. This actually happened twice locally!
If enough votes are written in for you, either on the D or R, or both, you will be on the November ballot. Ballot position is everything!
Method Two: The day after the Primary is over, you can begin collecting signatures on the “Nomination Paper” to get on the ballot as a Libertarian. Be sure that this is not a “Petition” paper used by the D/R’s.
The nomination papers can be signed by any registered voter of the district. Collect more than the minimum required number for that position. It may be as few as 10, but get 20 or 30 to be sure that all are officially registered. You have until July 31st to submit the paper to the county election office.
If successful on Method 1 and Method 2, your name will be listed in the Libertarian, Republican, and/or the Democratic positions on the ballot.
Some positions of Auditor, Constable, Township Supervisor, Tax Collector, Sheriff, District Attorney, Magistrates, County Commissioners, etc. are up for election this year.
For example, the Auditors’ positions are in all precincts, rotating in 6 year terms. My wife, Rochelle, and I, have been auditors of our township. In our second-class township, we had the opportunity to control spending, stop fraudulent bidding processes and set the wages and benefits of the working supervisors. We believe that the auditors position for Libertarians is perfect for our limited-government stand.
I would like to add that the auditor does not need to be a certified accountant, or CPA. You are elected, and can immediately check-the-books, so to speak! An annual audit is done in January. There is the opportunity to go to a one-day training provided by the township and the Auditor-General of Pa. (Fully paid by the township.)
At the present time, I am an elected Constable, and Rochelle is the tax assessor. She does not prefer this position, but until the taxes are reduced or eliminated, they ought to be correct.
In whatever township, borough, town, or city you live, please check out the possibilities, and help to replace the D/R controllers with true Libertarians!
Berlie Etzel is the LPPa Western Vice Chair and currently serves as Constable of Ashland Township.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Message from the Chair (March 2007)
Michael J. “Mik” Robertson, chair@lppa.org
Looking forward for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania there are some exciting times ahead. Not only do we have our state convention coming up on May 5 (and I hope everyone can attend) this is a year for municipal elections. We have some information in this edition we hope will inspire more Libertarians to get involved in the decision-making process in their local communities.
Being an elected official in local government can be challenging and often not very financially rewarding, but can offer a lot of insight into the way government functions in our commonwealth. This insight can help to clarify some of the problems with government and lead people to develop solutions. I encourage anyone who is interested to run for office.
Also in the future we have some significant issues to address with the commonwealth legislature. Not only do current election laws limit the choices of the voter by unreasonably restricting ballot access, but votes cast by some voters are not counted and reported in the same way as others. This must change if we are to meet the free and equal election mandate of our Commonwealth Constitution.
Some states have taken the bold step of declining to enforce the provisions of the federally mandated REAL ID act. This act would require the creation of a national database based on the state driver’s license and provide for linking that information to a number of other entities, creating immense control over personal information in the hands of a few. We will support any action of the legislature to stop this intrusion into the personal lives of individuals.
In addition to these issues and the promotion of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government, there is another item on which I would like the input of all our members. There is continued talk of a constitutional convention in the Commonwealth. This means re-writing the Commonwealth Constitution is being considered. If this were to take place, how would the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania write our constitution?
I ask all of our members to read, or re-read the Pennsylvania Constitution, over the next couple of months. Think about what you would like it to say. Pick parts you like and parts you don’t like. Let us know which sections you would change or keep and why. This is an issue I would like to explore and share with our readers. Please e-mail your suggestions to chair@lppa.org, or you may leave a voice mail or send a fax to 1-800-R-RIGHTS (1-800-774-4487). Thank you and your support is greatly appreciated.
Michael J. “Mik” Robertson is the chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as Licking Township Supervisor.
Looking forward for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania there are some exciting times ahead. Not only do we have our state convention coming up on May 5 (and I hope everyone can attend) this is a year for municipal elections. We have some information in this edition we hope will inspire more Libertarians to get involved in the decision-making process in their local communities.
Being an elected official in local government can be challenging and often not very financially rewarding, but can offer a lot of insight into the way government functions in our commonwealth. This insight can help to clarify some of the problems with government and lead people to develop solutions. I encourage anyone who is interested to run for office.
Also in the future we have some significant issues to address with the commonwealth legislature. Not only do current election laws limit the choices of the voter by unreasonably restricting ballot access, but votes cast by some voters are not counted and reported in the same way as others. This must change if we are to meet the free and equal election mandate of our Commonwealth Constitution.
Some states have taken the bold step of declining to enforce the provisions of the federally mandated REAL ID act. This act would require the creation of a national database based on the state driver’s license and provide for linking that information to a number of other entities, creating immense control over personal information in the hands of a few. We will support any action of the legislature to stop this intrusion into the personal lives of individuals.
In addition to these issues and the promotion of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government, there is another item on which I would like the input of all our members. There is continued talk of a constitutional convention in the Commonwealth. This means re-writing the Commonwealth Constitution is being considered. If this were to take place, how would the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania write our constitution?
I ask all of our members to read, or re-read the Pennsylvania Constitution, over the next couple of months. Think about what you would like it to say. Pick parts you like and parts you don’t like. Let us know which sections you would change or keep and why. This is an issue I would like to explore and share with our readers. Please e-mail your suggestions to chair@lppa.org, or you may leave a voice mail or send a fax to 1-800-R-RIGHTS (1-800-774-4487). Thank you and your support is greatly appreciated.
Michael J. “Mik” Robertson is the chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as Licking Township Supervisor.
Understanding Local Government in Pennsylvania (Part 1)
Michael J. “Mik” Robertson, chair@lppa.org
In order to understand what it means to be a local elected official in Pennsylvania, first it may help to identify how local government is set up. Local government in Pennsylvania is divided into a number of overlapping government entities in which each citizen lives. The four main types of entities are: Political Subdivisions, Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, and Local Authorities.
Political Subdivisions include municipalities and school districts.
Municipalities include municipal corporations and counties.
Municipal Corporations include cities, boroughs, town(s) and townships.
Local Authorities include municipal authorities and other bodies created by one or more political subdivisions pursuant to law. Examples are economic development authorities, recreation boards, and water or sewer authorities.
In January 2003, there were 67 counties, 56 cities, 961 boroughs, 1 incorporated town, 1,548 townships, 501 school districts, and 2,015 authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All Pennsylvanians reside within one county, one school district, and one city, town, borough or township. Local authorities are not present in all parts of the commonwealth.
In addition to these, political subdivisions, except boroughs, are further divided into classes based on but not necessarily conforming to population. The General Assembly can adopt legislation specific to any single class of political subdivision. The different classes are:
Counties: 9 Classes (First Class, Second Class, Second Class A, and Third through Eighth).
Townships: 2 Classes (First and Second Class)
Cities: 4 Classes (First Class, Second Class, Second Class A, and Third Class)
School Districts: 5 Classes (First Class, First Class A, and Second through Fourth)
Each class of municipality operates under its own code of laws setting the structure and powers of local government. These are the County Code, Third Class City Code, Borough Code, First Class Township Code, Second Class Township Code, and Public School Code.
Cities of the First Class, Second Class and Second Class A each contain only one municipality, those being Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton, respectively. There are also only one first class county (Philadelphia) and one second class county (Allegheny).
There is extensive general legislation regarding municipalities that both grant powers and place restrictions on local government activities. These include things like the Municipalities Planning Code, the Sewage Facilities Act, and the Local Government Unit Debt Act. The Sunshine Law requires public agencies to discuss and act upon business only at meetings open to the public.
There are also provisions in the Commonwealth Constitution allowing municipalities to select home rule or optional forms of local government, allowing citizens to determine what structure their local government will have and what services it will perform. A home rule municipality does not have its powers and organization determined by the commonwealth legislature.
A home rule municipality can exercise any power and perform any function not prohibited by the Commonwealth Constitution, the General Assembly, or its home rule charter. There are 71 municipalities that have adopted home rule charters, including 6 counties, 19 cities, 19 boroughs and 27 townships.
One distinct benefit to Pennsylvania’s system of local government is that it allows citizens ample opportunity to participate in local government and address issues of concern to the community. In order to be more comfortable seeking an elected office in one of Pennsylvania’s municipalities, it may help to see generally what they do.
Look for part 2 in the next issue where we explore the functions of government in Pennsylvania.
In order to understand what it means to be a local elected official in Pennsylvania, first it may help to identify how local government is set up. Local government in Pennsylvania is divided into a number of overlapping government entities in which each citizen lives. The four main types of entities are: Political Subdivisions, Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, and Local Authorities.
Political Subdivisions include municipalities and school districts.
Municipalities include municipal corporations and counties.
Municipal Corporations include cities, boroughs, town(s) and townships.
Local Authorities include municipal authorities and other bodies created by one or more political subdivisions pursuant to law. Examples are economic development authorities, recreation boards, and water or sewer authorities.
In January 2003, there were 67 counties, 56 cities, 961 boroughs, 1 incorporated town, 1,548 townships, 501 school districts, and 2,015 authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All Pennsylvanians reside within one county, one school district, and one city, town, borough or township. Local authorities are not present in all parts of the commonwealth.
In addition to these, political subdivisions, except boroughs, are further divided into classes based on but not necessarily conforming to population. The General Assembly can adopt legislation specific to any single class of political subdivision. The different classes are:
Counties: 9 Classes (First Class, Second Class, Second Class A, and Third through Eighth).
Townships: 2 Classes (First and Second Class)
Cities: 4 Classes (First Class, Second Class, Second Class A, and Third Class)
School Districts: 5 Classes (First Class, First Class A, and Second through Fourth)
Each class of municipality operates under its own code of laws setting the structure and powers of local government. These are the County Code, Third Class City Code, Borough Code, First Class Township Code, Second Class Township Code, and Public School Code.
Cities of the First Class, Second Class and Second Class A each contain only one municipality, those being Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton, respectively. There are also only one first class county (Philadelphia) and one second class county (Allegheny).
There is extensive general legislation regarding municipalities that both grant powers and place restrictions on local government activities. These include things like the Municipalities Planning Code, the Sewage Facilities Act, and the Local Government Unit Debt Act. The Sunshine Law requires public agencies to discuss and act upon business only at meetings open to the public.
There are also provisions in the Commonwealth Constitution allowing municipalities to select home rule or optional forms of local government, allowing citizens to determine what structure their local government will have and what services it will perform. A home rule municipality does not have its powers and organization determined by the commonwealth legislature.
A home rule municipality can exercise any power and perform any function not prohibited by the Commonwealth Constitution, the General Assembly, or its home rule charter. There are 71 municipalities that have adopted home rule charters, including 6 counties, 19 cities, 19 boroughs and 27 townships.
One distinct benefit to Pennsylvania’s system of local government is that it allows citizens ample opportunity to participate in local government and address issues of concern to the community. In order to be more comfortable seeking an elected office in one of Pennsylvania’s municipalities, it may help to see generally what they do.
Look for part 2 in the next issue where we explore the functions of government in Pennsylvania.
Governor Rendell Wages War on Wallets
Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania Research Committee today released its review of Governor Rendell’s proposed 2007 budget.
The review is highly critical of Rendell’s plans to increase spending, raise a number of taxes and extend Harrisburg’s meddling even further into the marketplace and into individual lives.
Ron Satz, Ph.D., the research chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, remarked that, “The governor’s budget proposal accelerates us in the wrong direction. While history shows that small government, low taxes and free enterprise are necessary for prosperity, this budget only gives us higher taxes and more spending on new and expanded Harrisburg government programs.”
Rendell’s budget would increase total state general-fund spending by 3.6% to $27.3 billion. Rendell’s increased spending will be funded by:
• A higher PA sales tax
• A new electricity consumption tax
• A new tax on oil producers and suppliers
• Higher cigarette taxes and new taxes on other forms of tobacco
• A new payroll tax on employers who do not provide employee health care benefits
• Increased municipal solid-waste disposal fees
• Higher taxpayer debt obligations via more state bonds
Rendell plans to use this money to expand the state government’s involvement in pre-K and primary education as well as health care. Parents, students and health care consumers will pay more yet lose control of these most personal aspects of their private lives.
“This is a bad budget for Pennsylvanians” concluded Satz. “Governor Rendell continues to adopt the failed big government approach of trying to ‘run’ Pennsylvania from the top down. The key to reviving Pennsylvania is for Harrisburg to stand aside to let individuals keep more of their money, and let Pennsylvanians’ personal situations and choices target real needs.”
The report, which consists of a summary of 18 critical concerns regarding the proposed budget, along with the LPPa’s comments and alternatives, is available on the Lib Penn blog (www.libpenn.blogspot.com).
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in both Pennsylvania and the United States. Nationwide there are over 200,000 registered Libertarians with organizations in all 50 states. Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices throughout the nation.
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
RESEARCH CHAIR REPORT
March 3, 2007 Board Meeting
Ronald W. Satz, Ph.D., RP
Critique of Governor Rendell’s New Budget Proposals
I will summarize each of the Governor’s proposals together with what I consider to be the appropriate LPPa response.
1. Governor: Increase total state general-fund spending by 3.6% to $27.3 billion.
LPPa: Reduce total state general funding spending to provide for the police, courts, part-time legislature, and one executive department to protect life, liberty, and property. Nothing else.
2. Governor: Increase the state sales tax from 6% to 7% to help provide property tax cuts, along with gambling revenues, of $900 million next year.
LPPa: Eliminate all income taxes and begin reducing the sales tax. Property taxes should be based on the actual cost of protecting buildings and land, not for raising money for schools. Schools should be paid for by their users.
3. Governor: Impose a new electricity consumption tax to pay off $850 million in borrowing for alternative power development and energy conservation.
LPPa: Eliminate or reduce regulations on power companies so that they will make private investments to improve energy efficiency.
4. Governor: Increase municipal solid-waste disposal fees by $2.75 per ton for hazardous-waste cleanup.
LPPa: Privatize solid-waste disposal operations.
5. Governor: Impose a new tax on oil companies’ gross profits and exempt those companies from the state’s corporate net income tax.
LPPa: Eliminate all income taxes. Don’t single out an industry.
6. Governor: Increase the cigarette tax from $1.35 to $1.45 per pack, levy a new tax on other forms of tobacco and impose a new 3% payroll tax on employers who do not provide employee health care benefits.
LPPa: Stop levying special taxes on products the government doesn’t like. Let the free market handle health care benefits.
7. Governor: Boost overall education spending by 6%.
LPPa: Privatize education.
8. Governor: Expand accountability block grants for pre-K and kindergarten by $100 million.
LPPa: Let parents decide on pre-K and kindergarten programs for their children.
9. Governor: Expand programs for special education students, improve elementary science education, make academic programs in 30 high schools more rigorous and provide laptops.
LPPa: Ask Corporate America to get involved in the education of young people, at no charge to taxpayers.
10. Governor: Ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and bars.
LPPa: Let workplaces, restaurants, and bars decide for themselves whether to have smoke-free areas or not.
11. Governor: Expand by more than 18% an early intervention program for 76000 children age 5 and younger.
LPPa: No evidence exists for the benefits of such a program. Stop wasting taxpayer money!
12. Governor: Increase Corrections Department spending by 13% to handle growth in the state prison population by adding beds and to reduce recidivism by treating substance abuse and better monitoring inmates after they are released.
LPPa: Release non-violent drug offenders, which should eliminate the need for additional spending here.
13. Governor: Make possession of a stolen gun a felony, require police notification whenever a gun is lost or stolen, let local communities restrict the distribution and use of handguns, and limit gun purchases to one per month.
LPPa: Quit encroaching on our Second Amendment rights.
14. Governor: Establish the “Energy Independence Fund” to pay for such items as conservation initiatives, solar energy, research, research, support for emerging clean-energy products and companies, and purchase of low-power appliances.
LPPa: Get out of the way of a free market in energy.
15. Governor: Seek legislative and voter approval for $850 million in bonds to encourage alternative energy development and energy conservation.
LPPa: Repeat--get out of the way of a free market in energy.
16. Governor: Create a $500 million Jonas Salk Legacy Fund to foster biomedical research funded by tobacco settlement revenue.
LPPa: Tobacco settlement money should only go to those affected by tobacco company fraud, if any. Otherwise the money should be returned to the tobacco companies.
17. Governor: Lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private company to raise $965 million for roads and bridges.
LPPa: Sell the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the highest bidder; let them handle the maintenance.
18. Governor: Tax oil companies’ gross profits to raise $750 million for mass transit.
LPPa: Privatize mass transit. Stop stealing from oil companies.
The review is highly critical of Rendell’s plans to increase spending, raise a number of taxes and extend Harrisburg’s meddling even further into the marketplace and into individual lives.
Ron Satz, Ph.D., the research chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, remarked that, “The governor’s budget proposal accelerates us in the wrong direction. While history shows that small government, low taxes and free enterprise are necessary for prosperity, this budget only gives us higher taxes and more spending on new and expanded Harrisburg government programs.”
Rendell’s budget would increase total state general-fund spending by 3.6% to $27.3 billion. Rendell’s increased spending will be funded by:
• A higher PA sales tax
• A new electricity consumption tax
• A new tax on oil producers and suppliers
• Higher cigarette taxes and new taxes on other forms of tobacco
• A new payroll tax on employers who do not provide employee health care benefits
• Increased municipal solid-waste disposal fees
• Higher taxpayer debt obligations via more state bonds
Rendell plans to use this money to expand the state government’s involvement in pre-K and primary education as well as health care. Parents, students and health care consumers will pay more yet lose control of these most personal aspects of their private lives.
“This is a bad budget for Pennsylvanians” concluded Satz. “Governor Rendell continues to adopt the failed big government approach of trying to ‘run’ Pennsylvania from the top down. The key to reviving Pennsylvania is for Harrisburg to stand aside to let individuals keep more of their money, and let Pennsylvanians’ personal situations and choices target real needs.”
The report, which consists of a summary of 18 critical concerns regarding the proposed budget, along with the LPPa’s comments and alternatives, is available on the Lib Penn blog (www.libpenn.blogspot.com).
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in both Pennsylvania and the United States. Nationwide there are over 200,000 registered Libertarians with organizations in all 50 states. Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices throughout the nation.
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
RESEARCH CHAIR REPORT
March 3, 2007 Board Meeting
Ronald W. Satz, Ph.D., RP
Critique of Governor Rendell’s New Budget Proposals
I will summarize each of the Governor’s proposals together with what I consider to be the appropriate LPPa response.
1. Governor: Increase total state general-fund spending by 3.6% to $27.3 billion.
LPPa: Reduce total state general funding spending to provide for the police, courts, part-time legislature, and one executive department to protect life, liberty, and property. Nothing else.
2. Governor: Increase the state sales tax from 6% to 7% to help provide property tax cuts, along with gambling revenues, of $900 million next year.
LPPa: Eliminate all income taxes and begin reducing the sales tax. Property taxes should be based on the actual cost of protecting buildings and land, not for raising money for schools. Schools should be paid for by their users.
3. Governor: Impose a new electricity consumption tax to pay off $850 million in borrowing for alternative power development and energy conservation.
LPPa: Eliminate or reduce regulations on power companies so that they will make private investments to improve energy efficiency.
4. Governor: Increase municipal solid-waste disposal fees by $2.75 per ton for hazardous-waste cleanup.
LPPa: Privatize solid-waste disposal operations.
5. Governor: Impose a new tax on oil companies’ gross profits and exempt those companies from the state’s corporate net income tax.
LPPa: Eliminate all income taxes. Don’t single out an industry.
6. Governor: Increase the cigarette tax from $1.35 to $1.45 per pack, levy a new tax on other forms of tobacco and impose a new 3% payroll tax on employers who do not provide employee health care benefits.
LPPa: Stop levying special taxes on products the government doesn’t like. Let the free market handle health care benefits.
7. Governor: Boost overall education spending by 6%.
LPPa: Privatize education.
8. Governor: Expand accountability block grants for pre-K and kindergarten by $100 million.
LPPa: Let parents decide on pre-K and kindergarten programs for their children.
9. Governor: Expand programs for special education students, improve elementary science education, make academic programs in 30 high schools more rigorous and provide laptops.
LPPa: Ask Corporate America to get involved in the education of young people, at no charge to taxpayers.
10. Governor: Ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and bars.
LPPa: Let workplaces, restaurants, and bars decide for themselves whether to have smoke-free areas or not.
11. Governor: Expand by more than 18% an early intervention program for 76000 children age 5 and younger.
LPPa: No evidence exists for the benefits of such a program. Stop wasting taxpayer money!
12. Governor: Increase Corrections Department spending by 13% to handle growth in the state prison population by adding beds and to reduce recidivism by treating substance abuse and better monitoring inmates after they are released.
LPPa: Release non-violent drug offenders, which should eliminate the need for additional spending here.
13. Governor: Make possession of a stolen gun a felony, require police notification whenever a gun is lost or stolen, let local communities restrict the distribution and use of handguns, and limit gun purchases to one per month.
LPPa: Quit encroaching on our Second Amendment rights.
14. Governor: Establish the “Energy Independence Fund” to pay for such items as conservation initiatives, solar energy, research, research, support for emerging clean-energy products and companies, and purchase of low-power appliances.
LPPa: Get out of the way of a free market in energy.
15. Governor: Seek legislative and voter approval for $850 million in bonds to encourage alternative energy development and energy conservation.
LPPa: Repeat--get out of the way of a free market in energy.
16. Governor: Create a $500 million Jonas Salk Legacy Fund to foster biomedical research funded by tobacco settlement revenue.
LPPa: Tobacco settlement money should only go to those affected by tobacco company fraud, if any. Otherwise the money should be returned to the tobacco companies.
17. Governor: Lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private company to raise $965 million for roads and bridges.
LPPa: Sell the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the highest bidder; let them handle the maintenance.
18. Governor: Tax oil companies’ gross profits to raise $750 million for mass transit.
LPPa: Privatize mass transit. Stop stealing from oil companies.
2007 LPPa Camping, Hiking and Conversation Outing
What could be better than camping, cooking and having great conversation with fellow Pennsylvanian Libertarians? Well, camping, cooking and having conversation near Ricketts Glenn State Park.
The LPPa will be having the monthly Board of Directors meeting at Red Rock Mountain Campground. Campsites are available by calling (570) 925-5039. Call soon, they fill up. Ask to be near the Dively and LPPa campsites.
If you have never been to Ricketts Glenn, you have never seen 21 of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the northeast….one is 94’ tall. The hike to see all 21 falls is about 4 miles, moderate terrain.
It truly is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania, comprising 13,050 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties. A varied selection of recreational opportunities includes: camping, cabin rental, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, viewing numerous waterfalls and winter sports.
Red Rock Mountain Campground is located 30 miles north of Bloomsburg at 22 State Route 487 Benton, PA. My family is planning on camping Thursday, August 9th – Sunday, August 12th. The board meeting will be Saturday, August 11th, 12pm – 4pm. We hope you and your family can join us. Call me at (717) 343-8474 or email at weneedjohngalt@yahoo.com if you have any questions. For directions and more information on Ricketts Glenn, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/rickettsglen.aspx.
Barry Dively – August 2007 Board Meeting and Camping Chairman, LPPa
LPPa Resolves to Support Art Farnsworth
On February 3rd, 2007 the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania issued this resolution in support of long-time Libertarian activist, frequent candidate and former LPPa Treasurer, Arthur Farnsworth.
In December 2006, Farnsworth was wrongly convicted of federal tax evasion. He is currently awaiting sentencing. The resolution was offered as a small token of support for a Pennsylvania patriot who dares to ask questions.
Whereas, government prosecutors have proclaimed in numerous cases that the federal income tax laws are too complex for citizens to comprehend, and
Whereas, government prosecutors have proclaimed in numerous cases that citizens must rely upon lawyers and CPA’s to interpret federal income tax laws for them, and
Whereas the current interpretation of the income laws are questioned by attorneys, C.P.A.’s, former I.R.S. agents, members of the tax honesty movement and other prominent citizens, and
Whereas representatives of the federal government have repeatedly refused to meet with representatives of the tax honesty movement to discuss the questions surrounding federal income tax laws, and
Whereas the government has refused to respond to the citizens redress of grievances regarding federal income tax laws, and
Whereas citizens are prosecuted and convicted without ever being informed of the specific sections of the federal income tax laws that apply to them, and
Whereas, federal judges mislead juries through sworn oaths into believing they must apply the law as professed by the judge, thereby denying juries their full rights based upon centuries of legal precedent to judge the law as well as the facts, and
Whereas, income taxes are intrusive and necessitate governments at all levels to violate the privacy of citizens, and
Whereas, government spending has resulted in oppressive taxation, and the further abuse of our citizens, and
Whereas, the income tax system is repugnant to the concepts of freedom and liberty upon which this nation was founded, and
Whereas Arthur Farnsworth has been convicted of tax evasion despite numerous notifications and correspondences requesting clarification of the income tax laws, and
Whereas, Arthur Farnsworth is a devout, civic minded and model citizen whose only apparent crime was to question the income tax laws, and
Whereas others have likewise been convicted of tax evasion for simply questioning the current interpretation and enforcement of income tax laws,
We, the members of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, hereby resolve that the government should respond to all petitions for redress of grievances, meet with representatives of the income tax honesty movement, pardon Arthur Farnsworth and all of those who have been convicted of failing to comply with the federal income tax laws and forever abolish this abusive and oppressive system of taxation on incomes.
Those wishing to help offset Art’s substantial legal bills can send contributions to: Farnsworth Legal Fund, 706 Sunnyside Ave., Norristown, Pa. 19403. Contribute online at: www.helpart.org.
Art can be contacted through his website: www.artfarnsworth.org.
LPPa Seeks Executive Director
The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania is seeking an Executive Director. This person will supervise the day-to-day operations of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, advise on and implement policies established by the Executive Board and coordinate activities of committees and county chapters to accomplish party objectives. In addition to working with existing state and county party organizations, the successful candidate will be expected to strongly support the development and execution of fund raising plans. Compensation will be directly related to the ability to assist the party in raising funds for its programs.
The Executive Director will start as a part time position, and with success in fund raising will become a full time position. The successful candidate must be a self-motivated individual able to work with diverse elements of our party, be able to effectively communicate with the media and the public, and have good analytical, organizational and presentation skills. The successful candidate must be able to represent our political party to its members and the public with confidence and competence, and should have prior experience that suggests proficiency in this area.
If you are interested in this challenge, send us a complete resume including a salary/wage history and three references to: Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, Attn: Executive Director Committee, 3915 Union Deposit Road #223. Harrisburg, PA 17109
Or fax to: 1-800-R-RIGHTS. Responses received by April 10, 2007 will receive first consideration.
The Executive Director will start as a part time position, and with success in fund raising will become a full time position. The successful candidate must be a self-motivated individual able to work with diverse elements of our party, be able to effectively communicate with the media and the public, and have good analytical, organizational and presentation skills. The successful candidate must be able to represent our political party to its members and the public with confidence and competence, and should have prior experience that suggests proficiency in this area.
If you are interested in this challenge, send us a complete resume including a salary/wage history and three references to: Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, Attn: Executive Director Committee, 3915 Union Deposit Road #223. Harrisburg, PA 17109
Or fax to: 1-800-R-RIGHTS. Responses received by April 10, 2007 will receive first consideration.
2007 LPPa Convention Details Announced
Saturday, May 5th: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
The 2007 convention of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the Radisson-Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, PA.
The convention is being held in a central location this year in order to give everyone the opportunity to attend. There is a special room rate of $104.00 available for Friday and Saturday night for those who need to travel. There are only a few rooms that have thus far been set aside at this rate. If we have a strong showing of interest in attending the convention, there is a possibility of getting additional rooms at this rate. So, if you think you want a room, the earlier you send your convention form back, the more likely you will be able to get the room at the special room rate. An added bonus for sending your form back early is you get a discount on the convention rate.
There will be both morning and afternoon business sessions. We hope all convention attendees will participate and vote on the issues at hand.
One of the most important business issues is the election for next year’s Executive Board members. If you, or a worthy Libertarian that you know is interested in serving on the Board, it is in your best interest to be at the convention to nominate your candidate or have someone nominate you. Other business items will include proposed bylaws or platform changes, and the vote on the retention of platform planks.
A continental breakfast, a box lunch, a pre-dinner reception and a sit-down dinner are included in the price of the convention. We anticipate presentations from several contenders for the Libertarian Party ‘s Presidential nomination. Registration opens at 7:30 am on May 5, 2007 and dinner concludes at 9:00 pm.
It will be difficult to follow the screening of Aaron Russo’s film America: Freedom to Fascism last year as our Friday night offering. We are still looking into various presentations that would be of general Libertarian interest for Friday evening so that those who arrive the night before will have a planned activity. Of course, the Montgomery County Libertarians will be hosting their annual hospitality suite on both Friday and Saturday nights. Good conversation, interesting topics and your choice of adult beverages is assured (which is never a bad way to spend an evening).
There will be a short break between the afternoon business session and the pre-dinner 1788 Society VIP reception, providing an opportunity to meet with Libertarians from across the Commonwealth. It will be a chance to meet new friends, touch base with old ones, and recharge the batteries for the work we have ahead of us.
Now is a good time to be a Libertarian; we have some dynamic personalities who are vying for our Presidential nomination and we have the opportunity to hear some of them at the convention. You won’t want to miss your chance to meet the Presidential candidates in a relaxed atmosphere before the campaigns kick into high gear.
Register for the 2007 LPPa Convention Online Today
www.lppa.org/convention
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Wynnewood Institute Presents:
Globalization, Employment and Outsourcing
Tim Kane, Ph.D., Director, Center for International Trade and Economics (CITE) at the Heritage Foundation
Dr. Kane is one of the country’s leading scholars on economic policy issues. He has investigated intensively both the benefits and the negative consequences of globalization, including the rapid growth of outsourcing and its effects on employment. In this lecture he will argue that while globalization undoubtedly brings distress to some, its overall benefits to society vastly outweigh these costs.
Time: Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Wyndham House, Bryn Mawr College, 101 North Merion Avenue,
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
Admission: $20, Students (with ID) $5, Members Free.
RSVP to (610) 642-0618 or wynnewood@wynnewood.org
Spring Courses:
Freedom and Society: Classical Liberalism in the Twentieth Century
Prof. Thomas Patrick Burke
Towards the close of the twentieth century the free society with free markets came to be accepted increasingly in the political life of nations around the globe as the ideal. This has largely been due to the work of outstanding thinkers who have explained what the free society means and why it is right and good, as well as to its demonstrated success in improving the conditions of human existence. In this course we will study the most influential of these thinkers. We will also discuss objections to classical liberalism and threats to the liberal order.
Time: 8 weeks; Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Commencing March 28.
(Note: this course will be interrupted from April 19 to May 10 so that members can take advantage of Prof. Scruton’s course mentioned below. It will resume on May 16 and conclude on June 6.)
Location: Walton Hall, Eastern University, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087
Cost: $275
Beauty and Its Modes
Prof. Roger Scruton
What do we mean when we praise a landscape, a painting, a piece of music or a person as ‘beautiful’? Does this word have a single meaning, and does it denote a single value? Why do we describe the object of sexual attraction using the same term that we use to describe a successful work of art? What is, and what ought to be, the place of beauty in the hierarchy of values, and how is it related to moral, political and personal ideals?
Those are just some of the questions that will be covered in this stimulating course, covering some of the groundwork of philosophical aesthetics, as well as problems and arguments in the philosophy of mind. We shall look at what has been said about beauty by the great philosophers, and also at what is possible to say about it now.
Time: 4 weeks; Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
April 19 to May 10.
Location: Walton Hall, Eastern University, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087
Cost: $475
Note: Both courses may be taken for a combined fee of $650.
For more details go to www.wynnewood.org (Events). Registration is required: (610) 642-0618 or wynnewood@wynnewood.org.
www.wynnewood.org
“Introduction To The Constitution” with Michael Badnarik
“Introduction To The Constitution” with Michael Badnarik
Saturday, April 21, 2007
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Philadelphia Inquirer Building
Schuylkill River Rd. and 3rd St.
King of Prussia, PA
Would it surprise you to discover that the United States is NOT a democracy?
Would you like to know - once and for all - what the “electoral college” is, and why we have it?
If you don’t need a government permit to exercise your First Amendment rights, why do other people need a government permit to exercise their Second Amendment rights?
Would you sign the Declaration of Independence today if it meant that Homeland Security would arrest you for being an “enemy combatant”?
Michael Badnarik is an author, Constitutional scholar, and was the 2004 Libertarian nominee for President of the United States. He is currently traveling across the country presenting his highly acclaimed class on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Even if you think you know the Constitution well, you’ll be shocked at how much you were never taught. Come experience the passion and drama that shaped the birth of our country.
At the end of the day you will understand why it is important to continue “Lighting the fires of Liberty, one heart at a time!”
Full day class: $125
(Includes an autographed copy of Michael’s book: Good to be King)
Save $25 by registering before April 7th.
For more information email jamesbabb@mac.com or call 610-539-8825. Space is limited.
Register now at www.ConstitutionPreservation.org
“Michael Badnarik has created a constitutional primer that will edify and entertain schoolchildren and seasoned libertarians alike.”
- Congressman Ron Paul
Saturday, April 21, 2007
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Philadelphia Inquirer Building
Schuylkill River Rd. and 3rd St.
King of Prussia, PA
Would it surprise you to discover that the United States is NOT a democracy?
Would you like to know - once and for all - what the “electoral college” is, and why we have it?
If you don’t need a government permit to exercise your First Amendment rights, why do other people need a government permit to exercise their Second Amendment rights?
Would you sign the Declaration of Independence today if it meant that Homeland Security would arrest you for being an “enemy combatant”?
Michael Badnarik is an author, Constitutional scholar, and was the 2004 Libertarian nominee for President of the United States. He is currently traveling across the country presenting his highly acclaimed class on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Even if you think you know the Constitution well, you’ll be shocked at how much you were never taught. Come experience the passion and drama that shaped the birth of our country.
At the end of the day you will understand why it is important to continue “Lighting the fires of Liberty, one heart at a time!”
Full day class: $125
(Includes an autographed copy of Michael’s book: Good to be King)
Save $25 by registering before April 7th.
For more information email jamesbabb@mac.com or call 610-539-8825. Space is limited.
Register now at www.ConstitutionPreservation.org
“Michael Badnarik has created a constitutional primer that will edify and entertain schoolchildren and seasoned libertarians alike.”
- Congressman Ron Paul
Local Libertarian Meeting Information
For additional local meeting information, visit: www.lppa.org/counties
Disclaimer: Although this information is accurate at the time of printing, meeting schedules are subject to change. It never hurts to verify a meeting with the local contact.
LPPa Board Meeting: April 14, May 12, June 9
When: 2nd Saturday, 12:00 PM
Where: Usually at the Ted’s Bar & Grill 6197 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112. www.tedsbarandgrill.com
Contact: secretary@lppa.org, 800-R-Rights
Allegheny: April 18, May 16, June 20
When: 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Where: Ritter’s Diner, 5221 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Contact: Harold Kyriazi, allegheny@lppa.org, www.lppgh.org
Berks: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:00 PM
Where: Dempsey’s American Kitchen, Route 222 & 724, Shillington, PA 19607
Contact: Dave Tartaglia, berks@lppa.org
Bucks: April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11
When: 2nd Wednesday, 8:00 PM
Where: Applebees, 1745 S. Easton Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901
Contact: Maurice Reeves, bucks@lppa.org
Centre: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9
When: 2nd Monday, 6:00 PM
Where: Golden Wok, 332 W. College Ave., State College, PA 16801
Contact: Tom Martin, centre@lppa.org
Chester: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:30 PM
Where: Inquirer Building, PA 320 and PA 23, King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Contact: James Babb, jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
Clarion: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16
When: 3rd Saturday, 1:00 PM
Where: BJ’s Eatery Restaurant, High Point & Canoe Ripple Roads, one-quarter mile north of Exit 53 on Interstate 80.
Contact: Michael J. Robertson, kalzone@alltel.net, 814-358-2882
Cumberland: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9
When: 2nd Monday, 7:00 PM
Where: Market Cross Pub, 113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013
Contact: Ron Goodman, cumberland@lppa.org, 717-243-5708
Dauphin: May 17, Aug. 16, Oct. 16, Nov. 15
When: 3rd Thursday, 7:00 PM
Where: Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Contact: Barry Dively, dauphin@lppa.org
Delaware: April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16
When: 3rd Monday, 7:30 PM
Where: Casey’s Restaurant, 812 Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026
Contact: David Jahn, delaware@lppa.org
Erie: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8
When: 2nd Sunday, 2:00 PM
Where: Libertarian Notary, 12746 Rt. 19 South, Waterford, PA 16441
Contact: Tom Giles, erie@lppa.org, www.lppa.org/erie, 814-835-1048
Lebanon: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8
When: 2nd Sunday, 2:00 PM
Where: Paolo’s Restaurant, 133 W. Lincoln Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067
Contact: Ray Ondrusek, lebanon@lppa.org, 717-866-4967
Montgomery: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:30 PM
Where: Inquirer Building, PA 320 and PA 23, King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Contact: James Babb, montgomery@lppa.org, www.montcolp.org, 610-539-8825
Philadelphia: March 20, April 17, May 15
When: 3rd Tuesday, 8:00 PM
Where: Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., Philadelphia PA 19103
Contact: Phil Hodgson, chair@lpphilly.org, www.lpphilly.org
York: March 26, April 23, May 26, June 25
When: 4th Monday, 7:00 PM
Where: First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N. Pershing Ave., York, PA 17401
Contact: Karl Spangler, york@lppa.org, www.yorklp.org, 717-292-6618
Disclaimer: Although this information is accurate at the time of printing, meeting schedules are subject to change. It never hurts to verify a meeting with the local contact.
LPPa Board Meeting: April 14, May 12, June 9
When: 2nd Saturday, 12:00 PM
Where: Usually at the Ted’s Bar & Grill 6197 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112. www.tedsbarandgrill.com
Contact: secretary@lppa.org, 800-R-Rights
Allegheny: April 18, May 16, June 20
When: 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Where: Ritter’s Diner, 5221 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Contact: Harold Kyriazi, allegheny@lppa.org, www.lppgh.org
Berks: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:00 PM
Where: Dempsey’s American Kitchen, Route 222 & 724, Shillington, PA 19607
Contact: Dave Tartaglia, berks@lppa.org
Bucks: April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11
When: 2nd Wednesday, 8:00 PM
Where: Applebees, 1745 S. Easton Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901
Contact: Maurice Reeves, bucks@lppa.org
Centre: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9
When: 2nd Monday, 6:00 PM
Where: Golden Wok, 332 W. College Ave., State College, PA 16801
Contact: Tom Martin, centre@lppa.org
Chester: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:30 PM
Where: Inquirer Building, PA 320 and PA 23, King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Contact: James Babb, jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
Clarion: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16
When: 3rd Saturday, 1:00 PM
Where: BJ’s Eatery Restaurant, High Point & Canoe Ripple Roads, one-quarter mile north of Exit 53 on Interstate 80.
Contact: Michael J. Robertson, kalzone@alltel.net, 814-358-2882
Cumberland: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9
When: 2nd Monday, 7:00 PM
Where: Market Cross Pub, 113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013
Contact: Ron Goodman, cumberland@lppa.org, 717-243-5708
Dauphin: May 17, Aug. 16, Oct. 16, Nov. 15
When: 3rd Thursday, 7:00 PM
Where: Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Contact: Barry Dively, dauphin@lppa.org
Delaware: April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16
When: 3rd Monday, 7:30 PM
Where: Casey’s Restaurant, 812 Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026
Contact: David Jahn, delaware@lppa.org
Erie: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8
When: 2nd Sunday, 2:00 PM
Where: Libertarian Notary, 12746 Rt. 19 South, Waterford, PA 16441
Contact: Tom Giles, erie@lppa.org, www.lppa.org/erie, 814-835-1048
Lebanon: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8
When: 2nd Sunday, 2:00 PM
Where: Paolo’s Restaurant, 133 W. Lincoln Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067
Contact: Ray Ondrusek, lebanon@lppa.org, 717-866-4967
Montgomery: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
When: 1st Thursday, 7:30 PM
Where: Inquirer Building, PA 320 and PA 23, King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Contact: James Babb, montgomery@lppa.org, www.montcolp.org, 610-539-8825
Philadelphia: March 20, April 17, May 15
When: 3rd Tuesday, 8:00 PM
Where: Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., Philadelphia PA 19103
Contact: Phil Hodgson, chair@lpphilly.org, www.lpphilly.org
York: March 26, April 23, May 26, June 25
When: 4th Monday, 7:00 PM
Where: First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N. Pershing Ave., York, PA 17401
Contact: Karl Spangler, york@lppa.org, www.yorklp.org, 717-292-6618
Don’t miss the 11th Annual Montgomery County Hospitality Suite at the LPPa Convention!
Don’t miss the 11th Annual Montgomery County Hospitality Suite at the LPPa Convention!
Join us Friday and Saturday night after the regular convention events for libations and conversation with your fellow Libertarians. All attendees of the 2007 Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania’s Annual Convention are invited to attend.
Purchase your tickets at the convention registration table.
One night: $17.76, Both nights: $30.00
(Includes open bar and light snacks)
Past events raised enough money to print the thousands of petitions required for 2004 ballot access. All money raised will support Libertarian activities in Pennsylvania.
2007 Election Schedule
The following time line is recommended for individuals and/or County Committees to get Libertarians on the ballot and to WIN elected positions. It is not as difficult as you may think. Although we continuously lobby, debate, and educate the local D/R leaders, the best thing to do is to REPLACE them!
January 1 through April 13
• Register as Libertarian.
May 8
• Get samples of the D and R ballots for the Primary.
• Check them for 0PEN positions, or “only one” positions.
• Write-in possibilities are often available.
May 15
• Primary Day
• Distribute write-in slips at a proper distance from the election building.
May 16
• Begin collecting signatures on the nomination papers for Libertarian candidates.
• Signatures of ANY registered voter count!
• The required number of signatures is 2 % of the votes previously cast for that district. It could be only ten.
• Collect an additional 30% signatures more than the required number.
• Turn in the notarized nomination papers, along with a financial statement.
July 31
• The last day to file the nomination papers. (Don’t wait until the last day.)
November 6
• Election Day. Vote Libertarian!
For further information please contact:
• Mik Robertson, LPPa Chair, chair@lppa.org, 814-358-2882
• Dave Jahn, LPPa Eastern Vice Chair, evchair@lppa.org, 610-461-7755
• Berlie Etzel, LPPa Western Vice Chair, wvchair@lppa.org, 814-797-2855
January 1 through April 13
• Register as Libertarian.
May 8
• Get samples of the D and R ballots for the Primary.
• Check them for 0PEN positions, or “only one” positions.
• Write-in possibilities are often available.
May 15
• Primary Day
• Distribute write-in slips at a proper distance from the election building.
May 16
• Begin collecting signatures on the nomination papers for Libertarian candidates.
• Signatures of ANY registered voter count!
• The required number of signatures is 2 % of the votes previously cast for that district. It could be only ten.
• Collect an additional 30% signatures more than the required number.
• Turn in the notarized nomination papers, along with a financial statement.
July 31
• The last day to file the nomination papers. (Don’t wait until the last day.)
November 6
• Election Day. Vote Libertarian!
For further information please contact:
• Mik Robertson, LPPa Chair, chair@lppa.org, 814-358-2882
• Dave Jahn, LPPa Eastern Vice Chair, evchair@lppa.org, 610-461-7755
• Berlie Etzel, LPPa Western Vice Chair, wvchair@lppa.org, 814-797-2855
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