|
|
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO
2011 ANNUAL CONVENTION
May 21, 2011
DoubleTree Hotel Denver – North
Westminster, CO
State Chair Final Address
Chair, David K. Williams, Jr.
The Libertarian Party of Colorado faces unprecedented opportunity to reach out to new members and spread the message of liberty. More and more Americans realize the failure of the two-party duopoly and are looking for an alternative. Unfortunately, given the nature of the two-party system and plurality voting, we face many of the same barriers to growth we have faced since the inception of the Libertarian Party.
Most Americans, including Coloradans, are hard-wired to think that the only possible electoral process includes two-major parties and plurality voting. It does not. Our voting system is neither in the Constitution nor was it handed down from God to Moses on the top of Mount Sinai. It can be changed by mere legislation. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Frank Atwood, I have been converted to the Church of Approval Voting. Likewise, the LPCO adopted support of Approval Voting at last year’s convention.
I firmly believe that no peaceful substantive political change is possible under our current electoral process. The Democrats and Republicans have traded power at the national level since the Civil War. Since that time, the federal government has done nothing but grow – while individual liberty has shrunk. Neither wing of the duopoly has any incentive to change the process.
I believe a number of Americans are starting to understand that a change in process is necessary before any change in substance can occur. It is our job to make that number grow. To that end, I have done my best to spread the message of limited government and individual liberty throughout the state – in addition to introducing the idea of alternative voting methods to those that did not realize such a thing even existed.
My philosophy is that if there is an invitation to speak, I will take it. I’ll talk before a group Republicans, Democrats, Communists, Hare Krishnas or the American Society of Optometrists. I refuse to turn down an opportunity to spread the message. During my term as State Chair, I have been a substitute radio host on multiple occasions in Greeley and in Denver. I have spoken at numerous Tea Party events – always emphasizing that real liberty means that the government stays out of all voluntary activities between consenting adults, including drugs and sex. I have been quoted in several publications. I have written hundreds of blog posts. I have been active at the state legislature and in state politics.
I always try to argue in favor of liberty, and not against the state. I always try to bring a positive message of freedom, and not an angry message of destruction. We spend too much time arguing with each other or patting ourselves on the back in a small group of the converted when we should be spending our time and energy proselytizing to those that do not yet understand that, indeed, freedom is the answer – regardless of the question.
I can only hope that I have been a decent messenger for liberty and the Libertarian Party of Colorado.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Libertarian Party of Colorado
Contact: Kate Melvin
MediaDirector@lpcolorado.org
303.882.1781
May 20, 2011
For Immediate Release:
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO ANNUAL MEETING THIS WEEKEND- KICK OFF WITH CASINO NIGHT
As is the annual tradition, Libertarians from across Colorado will gather this weekend for their yearly convention, during which they will attend to annual business, elect new board members, and enjoy presentations and guest speakers. The meeting on Saturday as well as tonight’s casino night kick off serve as good opportunities for members of the media to speak with Libertarian leaders and party members about the past year and moving forward.
Many of the current board positions are turning over this year following the completion of two year terms by directors elected at 2009’s annual meeting. This includes the State Chair, currently filled by David K. Williams, Jr.
“It has been a pleasure serving as State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Colorado the past two years,” said Williams. “The unprecedented recent growth of the liberty movement has been great to see and to participate in. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and even though I am not seeking a second term as chairman, I will never stop fighting for a constitutionally limited federal government and for liberty. You will continue to see me at the state legislature – and elsewhere- advocating for the radical notion that freedom is the answer, regardless of the question.”
Tonight’s casino night starts at 6:00 at Westminster’s DoubleTree Hotel, located at 8773 Yates Drive Westminster, Colorado. Saturday’s annual meeting begins at 8:30a.m. and is located in the DoubleTree grand ballroom. For any questions, contact outgoing Media Director Kate Melvin at mediadirector@lpcolorado.org or on her cell phone at 303-882-1781.
I recently sent this email to the Board of Directors of the LPCO:
Dear Board:
I want to thank the Libertarian Party of Colorado for allowing me to serve as the State Chair for the past two years.
With my term expiring at the next state convention, I have thought long and hard about seeking a second term. After careful deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election.
My commitment to libertarian principles and the Libertarian Party of Colorado remain steadfast.
Sincerely,
Dave
If, tonight, a Libertarian candidate gets more votes than the margin of difference in a Republican loss, I know what I’ll hear:
“YOU COST US THE ELECTION!!!!!”
Allow me to reply now, just in case, so I can refer all complaints here:
1) Republicans and Democrats make the election rules. Do not complain when we play by them. Plurality voting is stupid. Change it. Approval voting solves the problem. The two party duopoly has the power to change the system. They do not do so. Ergo, they must not want to solve it. That’s not our fault. It’s yours.
2) Assuming all Libertarian votes would have gone to the Republican is arrogant nonsense. Most Libertarians would not vote if given the choice between more of the same… and more of the same. We provide those that would otherwise sit out an election an opportunity to be heard.
3) We didn’t “steal”any election. Again, more arrogant nonsense. The metaphor “to steal” means that the votes belong to the Republicans and we wrongfully took them. Nope. Our votes belong to us, and we can use them as we see fit. Try harder to get them next time.
4) We didn’t “cost” the Republicans any election. If the Republicans had not acted irresponsibly while they had control, perhaps they would have gotten a few more votes. Look inward before casting blame on others.
Thank you for your consideration of these points.
And let freedom ring.
Amendment P –Regulation of Games of Chance. No position taken.
Amendment Q –Temp Location of State Seat of Government. Yes on this amendment.
Amendment R –Exempt Possessory Interests in Real Property. Yes on this amendment.
Ammendment 60 –Concerning Property Taxes. YES on this amendment.
Amendment 61 –Limit State and Local Government Borrowing. YES on this amendment.
Amendment 62 – Application of Term “Person.” NO on this amendment.
Amendment 63 – Health Care Choice. Yes on this amendment.
Proposition 101 -Income, Vehicle, and Telecommunication Taxes and Fees. YES on this Proposition.
Proposition 102 –Criteria for Release to Pretrial Services Programs. NO on this proposition.
Retention of Colorado Supreme Court Justices. NO on each of the 3 Supreme Court Justices on the ballot.
Retention of Larimer County District Court Judges Jolene Blair and Terence Gilmore. NO on Judges Blair and Gilmore.
As directed by the Libertarian Party of Colorado Constitution, the Board of Directors has reviewed the 2010 amendments and propositions on the ballot for voter consideration. There are seven proposed amendments to the Colorado Constitution and two propositions to change the Revised Statutes.
For the 2010 election, the Colorado “Blue Book” contains succinct summaries of each of these. There are also pro and con websites and other information being provided in numerous information media outlets.
The Libertarian Party of Colorado consists of free thinkers and responsible voters who seek as much information as possible about the pros and cons of every voting decision they will make. We believe every libertarian and other voters will make up their own minds based on their careful review of the issues.
The following are the Libertarian Party of Colorado positions concerning each of the 2010 Colorado initiatives.
Amendment P –Regulation of Games of Chance. The LPCO takes no position either way on this amendment.
Moves bingo and raffle licensing from Sec State to Dept of Revenue (or other designated by the state legislature). In addition to time, energy, and money already expended on this change to existing law, there will be a onetime $116,000 expenditure from bingo and raffle license fees.
The amendment makes no significant changes to the Colorado Constitution or the long term financial situation of the State Government-
Amendment Q –Temp Location of State Seat of Government. The LPCO recommends Yes on this amendment.
Currently there is no provision in the Colorado Constitution for convening of the State Government if a major disaster emergency were to make Denver unusable. This amendment provides direction for the Governor and the Legislature to designate a temporary location for the seat of government.
Amendment R –Exempt Possessory Interests in Real Property. The LPCO recommends Yes on this amendment.
Eliminates property taxes for individuals and businesses that use government-owned property for a private benefit worth $6,000 or less in market value.
The fiscal effects of this amendment are relatively minor, but should increase the efficiency of local governments by reducing the costs of assessing and collecting minor amounts of property taxes from numerous small assessments.
Ammendment 60 –Concerning Property Taxes. The LPCO recommends a YES vote on this amendment.
Strengthens TABOR by adding a new section (10) to Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution.
-Requires audit and enforcement of this section.
-All owners of real property would be entitled to vote on all proposed property taxes affecting their property.
-Voters may petition to lower property taxes
-Property tax issues shall have November election notices separate from debt issues
-Property Tax bills list only property taxes and late charges
-Enterprise and authorities shall pay property taxes. Lower mil-levy rates to offset income to taxing dist
-10 year expiration on property tax rate increases
-Extending expiring property taxes, is a tax increase
-Prior actions to keep excess property tax revenue are expired; future actions are tax increases expiring in 4 years. Local governments and enterprises will have to make serious adjustments to their budgets and seek direct voter approval of property taxes on at least a four-year cycle.
-by 2020, non-college school districts phase out ½ of their 2011 property tax rate for operating expenses. State aid replaces the revenue. Shifts school operating costs to State general fund from local resources.
Amendment 61 –Limit State and Local Government Borrowing. The LPCO recommends YES on this amendment.
-Repeals existing Article XI Section 3 and re-enacts the original 1876 version of this section to read, “The state shall not contract any debt in any form.”
-Repeals Article XI Sections 4, 5, 6(2), and 6(3) as obsolete and superceded.
-Repeals and re-enacts Article XI Section 6(1) to require voter approval for local governments to contract debt. Also requires ballot title to be specific.
-Adds further specific requirements concerning debt to Article X section 20(4)
–November Ballot approval
–10 year limit on new local debt
–borrowing can’t exceed 10% of assessed valuation
–Tax Rates must be reduced when borrowing is repaid
Amendment 62 Application of Term “Person.” The LPCO recommends NO on this amendment.
Would define “person” as at the beginning of biological development and entitled to full protection of Colorado law.
This is an effort to insert the State into the intensely personal decisions concerning the beginning of human life. It would only further complicate already difficult decisions.
Amendment 63 -Health Care Choice. The LPCO recommends Yes on this amendment.
Adds Article II section 32 to make health care choice a constitutional right. Prohibits the state from requiring a person to participate in health plans. Restricts the state from limiting a person’s ability to make or receive direct payments for health services. Exempts emergency treatment and Workers’ Compensation from this new right.
This is in response to the recently enacted Federal health care decrees. It is unfortunately now necessary for Colorado to take a stand to protect individual and state rights associated with US Constitution Article I and Amendments 9 and 10.
Proposition 101 -Income, Vehicle, and Telecommunication Taxes and Fees. The LPCO recommends YES on this Proposition.
-Reduces state income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.5% in 2011 and then over time to 3.5%.
-reduces and eliminates vehicle taxes and fees over next 4 years.
-eliminates all state and local taxes on telecommunications service, except 911 fees
-requires voter approval to for future vehicle and telecomm fees.
-Proposition 102 –Criteria for Release to Pretrial Services Programs. The LPCO recommends NO on this proposition.
Adds requirements to Colorado Statutes to prohibit release of a defendant on an unsecured bond to pretrial services program unless it is a first offense and is nonviolent misdemeanor.
If passed this measure will reduce the ability of Judges to release those accused of crimes while awaiting trial. Those unable to afford additional bonding expenses would remain in custody. Additional total costs to the State are estimated at $2.8 million.
Retention of Colorado Supreme Court Justices.
-The LPCO recommends NO on each of the 3 Supreme Court Justices on the ballot.
For the 2010 November election, voters are asked to consider retention/non-retention of a number of Judges. The LPCO encourages all voters to carefully consider each judge.
Several of the Citizen initiated amendments on the 2010 November Ballot are in response to Supreme Court decisions contrary to the intent of existing constitutional provisions. The activist nature of the recent Colorado Supreme Court and it’s decisions appears to be more focused on predetermined outcomes rather than the Rule of Law.
Retention of Larimer County District Court Judges Jolene Blair and Terence Gilmore.
- The LPCO recommends NO on Judges Blair and Gilmore.
Blair and Gilmore served as prosecutors during the Tim Masters’ murder trial. They have since been censured by the Colorado Supreme Court for conduct that “directly impaired the proper operation of the criminal justice system” in the Masters trial, specifically the failure to disclose evidence to the defense. Such conduct should be punished, not rewarded.
Megan Verlee, of Colorado Public Radio, has put together a piece on the 2010 elections and the Libertarian Party of Colorado. The piece will air on 90.1 FM , Wednesday, August 4, 2010.
A seven minute version will air at 7:50 a.m., then the half-hour version will air at 10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. You can listen online at their website, CPR.org.
She interviewed our candidates involved in state wide primaries for governor (Dan Sallis and Jaimes Brown), U.S. Senate (Mac Stringer and John Finger) and me, the state party chair.
Don’t miss it. Spread the word!
For U.S. Senate, I will be voting for whomever emerges the winner of the primary between Libertarian candidates John Finger and Maclyn Stringer.
Looking at the Republican primary, however, is interesting. The contest, for practical purposes, is between front-runners Jane Norton and Ken Buck. I could not support Norton. She supported Referendum C as Lt. Governor of Colorado and she has John McCain’s support. She is a certified Big Government Republican.
Buck says all the right thing concerning small government. I hope he has the fortitude to back up his words. The problem is, however, he does not have a record to critique like Norton does. He is a District Attorney, not a legislator. He has not had to make tough votes on tough issues. He can make promises, but he has no small government resume. As a DA, he has not had the opportunity. That is not his fault, but it is a fact.
I am generally wary of DA’s in political office. They come from a “law and order” background, and tend to support government intrusions into our Constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. There is a tension between the peoples’ Fourth Amendment rights and the government’s legitimate need to preserve order. I personally would like to see the tension resolved in favor of the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement types generally – and I said “generally” – do not.
Buck has lots of Tea Party support, and I understand why. He talks the talk – but he’s never had to stroll the stroll. Forgive me for being cynical about another Republican making small government promises. Talk is like Ramen Noodles: Cheap and unfulfilling.
Republicans have not been faithful to their purported love of liberty. Republicans have betrayed liberty more frequently and with more partners than Tiger Woods has betrayed Elin. I will no longer be a cuckold.
Others are willing to believe that, this time, the Republican candidate actually means it when he promises to be true. I hope Buck is up to the task of resisting the temptation.
Unfortunately, it probably will not matter. The Big Government Republican Politburo has annointed Norton the candidate – and she will be annointed. Buck outnumbers Norton in grassroots activists by a lot. Norton, however, outnumbers Buck in bucks. According to the Denver Post, Norton has four times the campaign money that Buck has. The power of the politburo’s pocketbook will prevail. This is part of the systemic problem with out political process. We do not need “campaign finance” to keep people (including the people that form unions, corporations and other organizations) from making donations. We need a new voting system. We need to strip the two-party duopoly of its power by giving people more than two choices for such important offices.
Approval voting meets both of these goals. With approval voting, small government candidates would not be forced, as a practical matter, to run under the Big Government Republican banner.
Under our current system of plurality voting, Buck is going to lose the Big Government Republican primary. Buck supporters will then be told by the politburo that they can either vote for Big Government Republican Norton or the Democrat. Any system that results in such a choice is not worthy of existence.
I invite all the Buck supporters to abandon the Big Government Republican Party once Buck is officially discarded by the politburo. Yes, that will help the Democrat win. But we have to look beyond 2010. We have to look ahead to the next generation and the next. If we really want our grandchildren to live under a free nation, we must reject the current failed system and its process. We can, and must, replace it. We can not enable the process, even if the withdrawal might be painful
If we enable the current broken process, we are part of the problem. In fact, anyone that votes for another Big Government politician just because they have an “R” by their name IS the problem. You will have given your sanction to Big Government by voting for a Big Government candidate.
Don’t waste your vote like that.
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” –John Quincy Adams
===
The same analysis applies to the Tea Party support of Dan Maes for governor. The Big Government Republican politburo has annointed Scott McInnis. McInnis will be the Big Government Republican candidate.
===========================
The Libertarian Party of Colorado just had a tremendous 2010 convention.
We nominated candidates for U.S Senate, U.S. Congress, Governor, Lt. Governor, Colorado Senate, Colorado House, CU Regent and county commissioners from Boulder to Mesa County. (Click here for more details).
For the first time, we will have a state wide primary election. It will be on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. We had candidates get at least 30% of the vote in three important elections at the convention. According to state statute, we must have a primary for those three nominations.
While primaries are a waste of taxpayer money (there is no reason each party should not pay for its own selection of candidates), we are forced to participate by law. Therefore, we will take full advantage of the process to spread the message of small government.
I have already heard the same tired nonsense about how we will sabotage the election of members of the Big Government duopoly . The arrogance behind that ridiculous assertion is astounding. Members of the two-party duopoly assume every vote belongs to them, and any attempt to change the status quo is blasphemy.
As you know, Libertarians do not vote for Big Government politicians. Every Libertarian vote is a vote AGAINST Big Government politicians of every stripe, from Barack Obama to George W. Bush to Bill Ritter to Bill Owens. The notion that every third party vote would have otherwise gone to the Big Government Duopoly is absurd. We offer voters that would otherwise stay home an alternative: Freedom.
Even if the assertion were true, it is beside the point. Members of the two-party duopoly make the rules. Plurality voting works for them to maintain a grip on power and it discriminates against third parties that actually have principles. Plurality voting is not in the Constitution. Neither is the two party system. Both can – and must – be changed.
If they think we can “spoil” an election, let them think so. For instance, if a Green Party candidate got 2% of the vote in a given race, and the Republican beat the Democrat by 1%, let the Democrats cry and whine. Then point out to them that they make the rules, and if they do not want their elections “spoiled” then they can adopt a different system, like Approval Voting. “Spoiling” an election is impossible under approval voting.
It is never a third-party’s “fault” if they play by the rules forced on them by those in power. I hope every race between the Big Government Democrats and the Big Government Republicans is decided by a margin smaller than the number of votes received by a third party. Then maybe those in power will realize it is in their best interest to change the voting system.
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”–John Quincy Adams
And Let Freedom Ring.
David K. Williams, Jr.
Libertarian Party of Colorado State Chair |
It’s convention time!
The Libertarian Party of Colorado’s convention is Saturday, March 20, at the Red Lion Inn.
LPCO Business Meeting /State Convention
Red Lion Hotel
The Jefferson Room
3200 S. Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
303-695-1700
The doors will open at 7:30 am, registration begins at 8:00 am, and the business meeting will start at 9:30 am.
Vendor tables available for advertising your business.
Please complete a quick questionnaire if you’re attending, so we can provide the best possible convention.
Book your king sized non-smoking room for $89 a day by calling the hotel directly or by going to: RedLion.com & using access code 0319libe.
If you call 1-800-Red-Lion through central reservations, simply request the Libertarian Party of Colorado rate.
Currently, we have three people seeking our nomination for Colorado Governor.
We have candidates seeking our nomination for every U.S. Congressional District and the U.S. Senate. This is good news.
We have some candidates seeking our nomination for state General Assembly seats. We need more. If you score near the top of the Nolan Chart and can effectively articulate why you answer each question on the World Smallest Political Quiz the way you do, consider running.
With growing dissatisfaction to the big-government two-party duopoly, the Libertarian Party of Colorado has an opportunity to do well in the 2010 elections. We are the only political party that actually believes in small government and free markets. The ONLY ONE. However, to capitalize, we need to provide an option to the public. The best way to provide that option is to run as many qualified Libertarian candidates as we can. We are off to a good start. Let us keep up the pressure.
====
The night before our Convention, there will be a candidate reception at the Red Lion Inn. You are encouraged to attend and meet them all. I will see you there.
LPCO Candidate Meet & Greet
Red Lion Hotel
Rooms A & B
3200 S. Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
303-695-1700
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Come meet the 2010 LPCO Candidate Pool,
and schmooze with fellow Libertarians.
$10 donation suggested.
Cash Bar.
All Donations Welcomed.
===
National Update
As I write, I’m in Austin, TX, attending the yearly Libertarian State Leadership Alliance conference. It is a good opportunity to meet members of other state parties and to learn what is working in their states.
The Libertarian National Committee is also meeting at the same time. Our current National Chairman, Bill Redpath, is not seeking another term. As of now, there are five announced candidates to replace him. All five spoke at the LSLA.
They are: George Phillies, Ernie Hancock, Wayne Allyn Root, John Jay Myers and Mark Hinkle.
Redpath’s successor will be selected at the National LP Convention this summer in St. Louis, Missouri. The convention will be the weekend of May 28.
In addition to selecting our candidates for the 2010 elections, we will elect our delegates to the National Convention.
If you have interest in attending the National Convention as a delegate, you are encouraged to attend the State Convention and seek a seat. Even if you can not attend the State Convention but wish to be a National delegate, you can have someone nominate you at the State Convention.
Other National News
Tony Ryan is our District Four representative on the LNC. Tony has done a great job representing us, but is not seeking another term. Tony’s alternate, Rob Latham of Utah, does not want the position but is willing to remain the alternate. Enter our own Jim Remmert, of Boulder. Jim is seeking the District Four spot on the LNC being vacated by Tony. Jim is the former Associate General Counsel for Exxon and has retired in Colorado.
Jim is also in Austin meeting many of the LNC and letting people know he is running.
Jim has my full support and I hope you all get a chance to meet him if you have not yet.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…
The Obama administration and the Democrat controlled congress extended the USA PATRIOT Act.
|
Help Liberty on the Rocks (Denver) Grow. Donate Today!
Get Happy Hour Reminders!
|
