Official Minutes of the LPCO’s Annual Conventions
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 03/20/2010
↑ Back To TopMeeting called to order at 9:40 a.m. by Chairman David Williams.
A count was taken. In attendance: 43.
Mike Spalding took minutes. Marc Goddard served as parliamentarian.
Directors
Campaigns – Norm Olsen
Outreach – Jeff Orrok
Membership – Clint Jones
Publicatios – Jamie Brown
Media – Richard Randall
Vice Chair – Steven Gallant
Legislative – Justin Longo
Treasurer – Leah Kelly
Chair – Dave Williams
Standing Rules Report
Motion to adopt meeting rules (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Meeting Agenda
Motion to adopt meeting agenda (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Minutes
2009 minutes approved by unanimous consent.
Board Director Reports (For additional information, see included reports.)
State Chair – Dave Williams reported on current status and upcoming successes.
Vice Chair – Steve Gallant mentioned that he has been supporting existing and new affiliates. He has produced the Affiliate Handbook. We have active affiliates in several counties. Colorado Springs has recently started its own affiliate,
[45 voting members]
Campaigns– Norm Olsen celebrated that we have 22 candidates running this year. Norm introduced Jim Phelps the longest registered Libertarian. We met the goal of having a minimum of 4 Libertarians on each ballot.
Outreach Director – Jeff Orrok announced he will continue to help at the various outreach events. He proposed that we focus on high schools and colleges. We now have 8,146 active members. This has declined 4% since last year. The majority of our current Libertarians registered in 2008.
Western Slope Outreach Director – Debbie Schum survived a harrowing drive over the mountains to tell us that she has been working to advocate the three tax cuts on the ballot. She has also worked to develop affiliates. She mentioned that the Libertarian party has seen lots of growth and they will have Libertarian candidates.
Membership – Clint Jones explained how he has been fundraising, campaigning and soliciting new members. We are among the top 10 donors to the national party. He also set up a script to call 1000 registered Libertarians.
Publications – Jamie Brown said his reports come out monthly in the newsletter.
Media – Rick Randall presented Kate Melvin’s report. She reported that there have been numerous exposures of the local media to the Libertarian message.
Treasurer – Leah Kelly reported that our net income was -$190. 24% has gone to communications but now that Jeff has set up Internet based teleconferencing, they will save $300 per month. She also acknowledged the several folks who’ve donated over $1000/year.
Dave Williams moved that we continue the agenda without a break.
Constitution & Bylaws Committee Report
Paul Langford explained Constitution & Bylaws Committee Report.
Clint Jones moved that we divide the question and consider each change separately. The motion was seconded and passed by a voice vote.
ITEM 1 – Change Western Slope Outreach Director to Western Slope Regional Director
Debbie spoke to the need for this change. This bylaw change passed with a voice vote.
ITEM 2 – Correction of Nomination Criteria Wording
Travis Nicks moved for adoption by unanimous acclaim. It passed.
ITEM 3 – Clarify Bylaw Proof of Membership
Mykl Kryka moved to adopt this by unanimous consent. Steve Gallant seconded and the change was passed.
Item 4 – 2nd Clarify Constitution Proof of Membership
Mykl Kryka moved to adopt this by unanimous consent. Steve Gallant seconded and the change was passed.
Item 5 – C&B and Platform Committee Composition
Seth Anthony – questioned why only an existing board member could fill this position. Seth Anthony moved and Wes Long seconded a motion to strike the requirement that replacements be a board member. This passed unanimously.
Rick Randall moved to replace “shall” with “may” for the selection of a member to fill the vacancy and Travis Nicks seconded. The motion passed with a voice vote.
Rick Randall moved and Clint Jones seconded the removal of the requirement for attendance to serve on the platform committee. Jeff Orrok spoke against this and Seth Anthony spoke for it. Rick Randall changed his motion to reword the paragraph to address votes rather than meetings. The new motion passed via voice vote.
Item 5 in whole passed by unanimous consent.
Item 6 – Combine Media and Publications into Communications
Discussion included the minority report prepared by Kate Melvin as read by Rick Randall. Wes Long also opposed the change. Rob McNealy supported the amendment.
A call for the orders of the day caused a break from 10:45 to 11:00.
[44 Voting members]
After announcements discussion on Item 6 continued at 11:07.
Travis Nicks, Eva Kozinski, Jaime Brown Debbie Schum, Joe Johnson, Paul Tiger and Jeremy Scheever spoke against the amendment. Barry Richey spoke in favor. Discussion was ended.
Jeff Orrok called for a division of the assembly. The motion failed with only 6 supporting.
Item 7 – Add Affiliate Representatives to the Board
Wes Long, Travis Nicks, Rick Randall, Marc Goddard, Joe Johnson, Eva Kosinski, and Clint Jones spoke against this while Dan Sallis and Bo Shaffer supported it. Jeff Orrok explained the quorum intention in response to Marc Goddard’s request for information.
Mykl Kryka moved to referred the motion back to the C&B Committee. This was seconded by Travis Nicks and Ken Wyble and the motion passed by a voice vote.
Paul Langford individually thanked the many folks that helped organize the convention.
Item 8 – Remove the Office of Legislative Director (Minority Report)
Died for lack of a second.
Item 9 – Create the Board Position of Lead Affiliate Representative
Jaime Brown seconded this. Discussion ensued. Paul Langford and Rob McNealy spoke for the amendment and Mike Spalding, Martin Buchanan, Elizabeth Johnson, Travis Nicks, Eva Kosinski, Rick Randall and Jeff Orrok spoke against the amendment.
Clint Jones moved and Buck Bailey seconded that this be referred to committee by Clint Jones.
Travis Nicks spoke in favor of and Dan Sallis, Martin Buchanan and Joe Johnson spoke against the referral. The referral failed in a voice vote.
Mike Spalding called for a quorum count.
[50 voting members]
Buck Bailey asked for clarification of the motion status of the amendment.
The amendment failed to get the 2/3′s vote required to pass.
Item 10 – Organizing the Convention
Moved by Jeff Orrok and seconded by Mykl Kryka.
Jeff Orrok moved and Mykl Kryka seconded to amend the amendment to replace the word majority with two-thirds vote. This passed with unanimous consent.
Ralph Shnelvar and Paul Tiger spoke against this amendment.
After a close voice vote, a motion was made to divide the assembly. The motion failed to achieve the needed 2/3 vote with 25 for and 10 against.
Seth Anthony moved to move on to the platform committee. Clint Jones seconded this motion.
Item 11 – Platform Committee – Tenth Amendment Support
Rick Randall introduced and supported this addition to our platform. He moved to adopt this by unanimous consent. Travis Nicks seconded.
Seth Anthony objected to the unanimous consent and discussion ensued.
Ralph Shnelvar, Eva Kosinski, Paul Tiger and John Finger spoke against the addition, while Bo Shaffer, Martin Buchanan, Elizabeth Johnson, Christine Smith, Wes Long, Rob McNealy, Rick Randall and Joe Johnson spoke for it.
Travis Nicks called the question. Debate was closed with a voice vote.
Jeff Orrok called for division of the assembly and the platform changed with a near unanimous vote.
A call for the orders of the day put the convention on lunch break starting at 12:30.
*****************************************************************
LUNCH
Returned to business at 2:00.
Nominations of Candidates for Office
Ken Wyble motioned and Leah Kelly seconded that 5 minutes be allowed for contested race candidates. The motioned failed with a voice vote.
Rick Randall motioned that all candidates be allowed to speak 3 minutes. This was seconded by Ralph Shnelvar and passed by a voice vote.
[53 voting members (16 for 30%)]
Nominations were opened for US Senate:
John Finger – How to Revive America – 26 votes
Maclyn Stringer – Already Organized – 28 votes
NOTA – 2 votes
[54 voting members 36, 41, 17]
[57 voting members 37, 42, 17]
Rick Randall moved that we allow 3 minutes for questioning candidates. This was seconded by Ralph Shnelvar. The motion failed in a voice vote.
[58 voting members 39, 44, 18]
Nominations for US Congressman in District One – no Republican
Clint Jones – Send a message – 26 votes
Jeffery Schitter – Eliminate DeGette – 31 votes
NOTA – 0 votes
Nomations for US Congressman in District Two
Curtis Harris – Keep the Freedom we Had – 53 votes
NOTA – 3 votes
Mykl Kryka moved and Mike Spalding seconded that on uncontested races we vote via voice vote. The subsequent voice vote seemed to pass but a call for divided assembly yielded a vote of 42 for and was insufficient to meet the 2/3 requirement. (see below)
Nominations for US Congressman in District Three
Greg Gilman – Relentless in the Face of Zero – 56 votes
NOTA – 1 vote
Nominations for US Congressman in District Four
Jay Shaffer – voice vote less than 3/4 required
NOTA – many
Mike Spalding pointed out that the vote for voice votes for uncontested races needed to be 39 votes not 44 votes. The board corrected this and the motion passed.
The repeated US Congressman in District Four voice vote was too close and a divided assembly failed to support the nomination.
Nominations for US Congressman District Five – no Democrat
Darrell Klaver – Republicans are not Freedom – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for US Congressman District Six
Rob McNealy – Communicating to Win – won via voice vote
NOTA – 3
[59 voting members 40, 45, 18]
Nominations for US Congressman District Seven
Claire Gersch nominated Buck Bailey – won via voice vote
NOTA – 1
Nominations for Governor of Colorado
Mike Spalding nominated Jim Phelps – (requires 3/4 to win) – 2 votes
Jaime Brown – Passion for Freedom – 18 votes
Doug Randall – Common Sense back to our Government – 12 votes
Dan Sallis – Criminal Justice – 22 votes
NOTA – 2
Nominations for Lieutenant Governor
Ken Wyble – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
CU Regent At Large
Jesse Wallace – won with voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State Senate District Seven
Norm Olsen nominated Gilbert Fuller – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State House District Four
Jeff Orrok nominated Marc Goddard – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State House District Twelve
Paul Tiger nominated Bo Shaffer – won via voice vote
NOTA – 1
Nominations for State House District Twenty-Seven
Buck Bailey nominated Bud Martin – won via voice vote
NOTA – two
Nominations for State House District Thirty-Eight
Travis Nicks nominated Frank Atwood – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State House District Fifty-Seven
Debbie Schum nominated Mike Kien – won via voice vote
NOTA – many
Nominations for State House District Sixty
Christine Smith – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for Boulder County Commissioner District Three
Eva Kosinski – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for Delta County Commissioner District One
Debbie Schum nominated Gary Johnson – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for Mesa County District Two
Paul Langford nominated Steven Saint – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State House District 40
Jim Phelps – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State Senate District Eleven
Rick Randall nominated Doug Randall – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Rick Randall moved to reconsider Congressional District Four. This passed with a voice vote.
Nominations for State House District Four
Rick Randall nominated Seth Anthony – won via voice vote
NOTA – none
Nominations for State Senate District Thirty-Four
Chris Leinster – won via voice vote pending resolution of registration status
NOTA – none
Dave Williams moved we changed the orders of the day to recess early. At 3:55 this was seconded and passed via unanimous voice vote.
At 4:15, after the recess, candidates for Chair of the Libertarian National Committee Addressed the Assembly.
Wayne Allyn Root – Energy – claims 1000 media interviews – capitalist evangelist
John Jay Myers – More infrastructure, less whacko.
Nominations for National Delegates
Eva Kosinski
Frank Atwood
Rob McNealy
Greg Woods
Richard Randall
Joe Thompson
Jodie Barr
Maria Sallis
Bud Martin
Norm Olsen
Dan Sallis Junior
Michele Poague
Curtis Harris
Travis Nicks
Jesse Wallace
Dave Williams
Marc Goddard
Jim Frye
Dan Sallis
Debbie Schum
Seth Anthony
Steve Gallant
Daniel Ong
Jeff Orrok
Jeffrey Schitter
Clint Jones
Ryan Gaunt
Nick Sarwark
Mike Spalding
Tom Sullivan
Mykl Kryka
Claire Gersch
All were approved via voice vote.
Travis Nicks moved that we take a non-binding resolution instructing the delegates on the choice of national chair. This motion was seconded and passed via a voice vote.
[53 Voting 36, 40, 16]
John Myers 9
Wayne Root 15
Ernest Hancock 1
Mark Hinkle 0
George Phillies 3
Jeff Schitter 1
Travis Nicks 1
Dan Sallis 2
Board Elections
Vice Chair – Steve Gallant – unanimous
Outreach Director – Ryan Gaunt – unanimous
Records Director – Mary MacFarlane – unanimous
Legislative Director – Buck Bailey – unanimous
Treasurer – Mike Spalding – unanimous (after 5 nominations)
Fundraising Director – none
Marc Goddard moved that we have a 10-minute recess. This was seconded and approved.
[41 voting members 28, 31, 13]
Resolutions – (resolutions committee: Mike Spalding, Steve Gallant, Ralph Shnelvar)
Be it resolved that the board hold a full-day strategy session in each calendar quarter immediately prior to and immediately following the quarter in which the state convention is held. Failed via voice vote.
Be it resolved that the convention arrangements committee be instructed to find at least three competitive bids from open-carry-friendly venues. Failed via voice vote.
Be it resolved that Steve Bosley, republican regent candidate, be permitted to speak to the assembly. And to allow Jesse Wallace to have equal time to speak should he wish to. Passed by acclamation
Be it resolved to rescind Paul Tiger’s 2006 censure and permit him to run for office as a Libertarian. Rick Randall asked for a roll call vote and it passed with more than the required 2/3 majority.
Be it resolved that we support “Approval Voting” for use in statewide partisan public elections. Passed via voice vote.
Whereas…
Some past Libertarian Party of Colorado candidates have conducted unprofessional or uncivil campaigns causing many in the general public to become unwilling to seriously consider any of our candidates.
Be it resolved that…
The Libertarian Party of Colorado declares that it is vital to the success of the Party that all Libertarian candidates for public office conduct their campaigns in a professional and civil manner.
If the Libertarian Party of Colorado Board of Directors determines that a general election candidate is not conducting their campaign in a professional or civil manner, by a 2/3′s vote in the affirmative, then the Libertarian Party of Colorado Board of Directors will have the power to withdraw the support of the Party, along with Party resources, from that candidate. Passed via voice vote.
FIJA resolution – calls for the original interpretation of the constitution – Passed by acclamation.
Leah Kelly thank you resolution – Passed via voice vote.
Steve Bosley and Jesse Wallace campaigned for the position of CU Boulder Regent.
At 6:15 orders of the day required a vote to extend the convention to 6:30. This passed.
Marc Goddard moved to adjourn.
Seconded and passed via voice vote.
Meeting adjourned 6:17 PM
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 05/16/2009
↑ Back To TopMeeting called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Travis Nicks.
A count was taken. In attendance: 37.
Mike Spalding took minutes. Marc Goddard served as parliamentarian.
Directors
Campaigns – Norm Olsen
Outreach – Jeff Orrok
Membership – Clint Jones
Publicatios – Jamie Brown
Media – Richard Randall
Records – Steven Gallant
Legislative – Dave Williams
Treasurer – Leah Kelley
Chair – Nick Travis
Meeting Rules
Paul Tiger moved to change from 2 minutes per speaker to 3 and this was accepted by voice vote. Motion to adopt meeting rules (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Meeting Agenda
Motion to adopt meeting agenda (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Minutes
2008 minutes approved by unanimous consent.
(Quorum: 37.)
Board Director Reports (For additional information, see included reports.)
Campaigns– Norm Olsen covered previous races and mentioned that 7 candidates are already running for 2010 – see report.
Outreach – Jeff Orrok announced registered Libertarians grew from 6991 to 11335 or 62%!! – see report.
Jeff Orrok motioned to change the duties of officers in the bylaws as follows:
Officers, as follows:
STRIKE “developing membership education programs and publications,” AND
STRIKE “, and providing assistance in filling positions other than those of Officers” FROM Bylaws Article II Section 3;
STRIKE “, setting up and operating a speakers bureau,” FROM Bylaws Article II Section 5;
ADD “developing membership education programs and publications, recruiting and training activists from the membership, and overseeing leadership training and succession planning at all levels within the Party” TO Bylaws Article II Section 10;
ADD “having speakers, conducting recruiting events, and organizing and supporting student clubs and organizations at high schools, colleges, and universities, and setting up and operating a speakers bureau” TO Bylaws Article II Section 3.
This passed with a voice vote.
Membership – Clint Jones mentioned that we have acquired several huge signs and updated us on the calling campaign – see report.
Publications – Jamie Brown has updated the web and the blog and moved us to an emailed newsletter. He has also added Facebook and Twitter to our communications – see report.
Media – Rick Randall focused on increasing national attention on the national Libertarian convention – see report
Records – Steve Gallant pointed out that we now have good party records going back 4 years and a central database – see report.
Legislative – David Williams said that this year there was a strong Libertarian presence at the capitol – see report
Treasurer – Leah Kelly reported that funds are low but we now are able to fund campaigns according FEC rules – see report.
Chair – Nick Travis thanked his dedicated compatriots, looked at our many successes and said he wouldn’t be running for re-election – see report.
(Break at 11:45 Reconvened 11:04 a.m. Quorum: 38, 25 for 2/3 and 19 for 1/2)
Platform Committee Report
Randall explained Platform Committee Report. Buchanan moved to divide the platform and Nicks Seriatim to break it up into planks.
ITEM 1 – Taxes
Randall moved to amend the first item with the following text:
In a free society, government is established of, by, and for the people. The purpose
of government is to protect our human and civil rights, establish a judicial system,
and provide for the common defense against foreign military forces, and serve as
steward of our public resources. I
n order to respect the economic freedom of people,
As no human or civil right may ever be taxed, government may only be funded
through excise (consumption-based) taxes on goods and services. The public servants
within government, entrusted to serve as responsible stewards of our public
resources, must be fully accountable to the people.
Buchanan pointed out that sales taxes are equivalent to income tax. He advocated voting down the amendment and the item. Seth Anthony moved to commit the main motion to the committee. It was recommitted by a voice vote.
ITEM 2 -
Randall moved to adopt Item 2. Seconded. There was no discussion. The item passed by a voice vote.
ITEM 3
Randall moved for the adoption of Item 3. Seconded. Discussion ensued concerning the math of state revenues. Chuck Wright moved to recommit the item. This was seconded but failed with only 15 in favor. Discussion continued.
(Quorum is 39 with 26 needed for 2/3)
Seth Anthony offered an amendment to strike the last 3 paragraphs of the issue section. This was seconded and discussion ensued as folks argued whether the platform’s purpose is to make a case or to state principles.
Eva Kozinski moved to amendment to the amendment to only strike the last 2 paragraphs. This was seconded and discussion ensued until the question was called by David Williams. This passed by a voice vote. The amendment was struck down by a voice vote.
Quorum is 37 with 25 needed for 2/3)
Discussion continued on the original amendment to strike the last 3 paragraphs of the issue section of item 3. Buck Bailey moved to also delete the first sentence of the issue and this amendment to the amendment was seconded. After discussion Bo Shaffer moved to call the question this passed by a voice vote. And a voice vote declined it.
Someone called the question which passed. Then the amendment to remove the last 3 paragraphs failed to pass by a vote of 13.
Martin Buchanan moved to strike a “the renumeration (salary / wages) that a
person receives in exchange for their time and service (labor)” from the principle section of the item. This was seconded and discussion ensued. Elizabeth Johnson called the question. This passed and the amendment was voted down by a voice vote.
Elizabeth Johnson moved to insert “in example,” in front of the word Colorado but this failed
Rick Randall called the question on the item. This passed via a voice vote. And after a count the item passed with 26 votes
Item 4 – Jury Plank
Rick Randall introduced a new platform item concerning jury service. Seth Anthony moved to commit this to the Platform Committee. This was seconded and it failed with only 16 votes. The question was called and the item failed with 20 votes.
A call for the orders of the day caused a recess at noon for lunch.
*****************************************************************
LUNCH
Colorado Families for Equality
Frank Atwood – Approval Voting
Travis Nicks – Donate
Returned to business at 1:28
(Quorum 36, 24 for 2/3)
(Quorum 37, 25 for 2/3)
Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report
Steve Gallant introduced the report. Steve Gallant moved that items 1 to 8 typographical corrections to the Constitution be adopted and this was seconded. There was no opposition to the adoption.
Steve Gallant moved that items 1 to 5 typographical corrections to the By Laws be adopted and this was seconded. There was no opposition to the adoption.
Small Updates
Steve Gallant moved that Constitutional Article XII be amended (see report). After a second and discussion, Joe Thompson made a motion to amend the amendment to require ratification by the delegation. Discussion followed the seconding. It was noted that this nullified the original amendment.
Joe Johnson moved to add the words “to remain in effect until ratified by the” in place of “to be”. After this was seconded and explained discussion ensued. Jamie Brown called the question and a voice vote passed. The amendment to Joe Thompson’s amendment passed.
Discussion continued on Joe Thompson’s amendment. Joe’s amendment passed. Discussion then centered around the constitutional amendment itself. Elizabeth Johnson called the question and the delegates voice voted yes. The subsequent amendment vote struck down the amendment.
Clarify Meaning
An immediate amendment to add the words “adjournment of the” was quickly adopted. Then the original amendment was approved by voice vote.
Officer Elections
Steve introduced Jeff Orrok’s amendment to change how newly created positions are handled. After discussion it passed with only one nay.
(Quorum 41, 27 = 2/3)
Motion To Create The Office Of Vice Chair
See included text for relevant changes to constitution and bylaws. Seconded. Discussion asked why another seat when we can’t fill current. Elizabeth Johnson called the question but Buck Bailey made a motion to lay on the table. This failed and then the vote on the call the question passed. The vote on the amendment itself passed with 31 votes.
Requirements for Amendment
After Travis Nicks and others explained the value of this amendment we went directly to a voice vote which approved the amendment.
Consolidating Outreach Positions
Before discussion began the numbers were adjusted via an amendment. Debbie Schum motioned that we substitute a name change. Rick Randall moved that we table this and a voice vote tabled it.
Candidate Nomination
Jeff described the amendment. Martin Buchanan offered an amendment to b) to strike the day before provision. A voice vote quickly dispatched it. Joe Johnson proposed an amendment to strike section C and replace it with 3/4 vote. Buck Bailey proposed amending this to 2/3, but after a voice vote and a counted vote it failed. Discussion continued until Mark Goddard called orders of the day. Votes approved the amendment to the amendment and the amendment itself.
At 3:05 Mark Goddard moved to recess until 3:30 and this passed.
At 3:30 we resumed business.
(Quorum 47, 31, 24)
Election of Officers to the Board of Directors
Nominations were opened for Chair. Debbie Schum nominated Steve Gallant and Ken Wyble nominated Dave Williams for the position. Nominations closed.
Dave Williams: 25
Steve Gallant: 18
NOTA: 4
Nominations were opened for Campaigns. Ken Wyble nominated Norm Olsen.
Olsen: Unanimous voice vote
NOTA: 0.
(Quorum 49)
Frank Atwood nominated Debbie Schum for Western Slope Outreach
Schum: 48 via voice vote
NOTA: 1.
Martin Buchanan nominated Clint Jones for Membership Director
Jones: Unanimous voice vote
NOTA: 0.
Nominations were for Publications Directors.
Armstrong: 6
Brown: 25
Rock Star: 1
NOTA: 5.
Mr. White nominated Kate Melvin for Media Director.
Melton: 48 via voice vote
NOTA: 1.
Ken Wyble nominated Denny Kates and Norm Olsen nominated Jason Bowman for Fund Raising director
Bowman:8
Kates:35
NOTA: 6
Dave Williams nominated Jason Longo for Legislative Liaison
Longo: 45 via voice vote
NOTA: 3
Resolutions
Jeff Orrok proposed the following resolution
STRIKE Constitution Article VII Section 3;
ADD “Any fee to participate in such a meeting shall be established by a majority vote of the Board prior to the call of that meeting.” TO Bylaws Article III Section 1.
Discussion continued until Jamie Brown called the question. The call passed while, in a subsequent voice vote, the resolution itself failed.
Jeff Orrok moved to resolve that: With the exception of lifetime memberships, all benefits given in response to contributions established prior to the 2009 Convention are hereby repealed. After much discussion Curtis Harris called the question. This passed and the resolution itself also passed by a voice vote.
Norm Olsen moved to resolve that Travis Nicks & Richard Randall be honored for their 4 and 5 years of great service.
Jeff Orrok moved to resolve that Travis Nicks be honored for running to be on the board, for encouraging others to run and for doing an amazing job running the board.
Our new chair, Dave Williams introduced Michael Sandavol author of Slapstick Politics and Ryan Call, chairman of the Denver Republican party.
Richard Randall asked the body to give a vote of confidence to Steve Gallant to serve as vice chair. This non-binding resolution passed.
Martin Buchanan offered a resolution that the members of the Libertarian Party have no responsibility for the recent trillions of debt. Oddly this resolution failed with only 16 votes.
Joe Johnson moved to reconsider the Income Taxation plank. The motion failed.
Seth Anthony moved to adjourn.
Seconded and passed via voice vote.
Meeting adjourned 4:48 PM
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 03/08/2008
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 9:32 a.m. by Chairman Travis Nicks.
A count was taken. In attendance: 35.
Records Director Steven Gallant took minutes. Marc Goddard served as parliamentarian. Wes Long served as technical manager.
Directors
- Front Range Outreach – Jeffory Orrok
- Western Slope Outreach – Ron Bain
- Membership – Clint Jones
- Records – Steven Gallant
- Legislative – Richard Randall
- Treasurer – Leah Kelley
Meeting Rules
Motion to adopt meeting rules (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Meeting Agenda
Motion to adopt meeting agenda (see included text). Seconded and passed unanimously.
Minutes
2007 minutes approved by unanimous consent.
(Quorum: 36.)
Board Director Reports
(For additional information, see included reports.)Motion to postpone Front Range Outreach report until Orrok’s arrival. Seconded and passed unanimously.
Western Slope Outreach – Two major achievements: Liaison to Ron Paul Meetup group; helped form new Mesa County affiliate.
Membership – See report.
Records – See report.
Legislative – Will be stepping down this year. Has focused on improving the platform in order to support libertarian legislative efforts.
Treasurer – See report.
Chair – Thanked Directors for all of their work. Sad to see some of them leave. Has seen the LPCO overcome some challenges since he became Chair. The Ron Paul Revolution has drawn away some LPCO members, but it also provides an opportunity to bring in some new activists. Attended Libertarian State Leadership Alliance conference. LPCO has 30 delegate slots for National LP Convention. Region One will be reconfigured. Media access has been improved in the last few years.
Randall moved for a 15-minute break to allow delegates to read the Platform Committee Report. Seconded and passed unanimously.
(Reconvened 10:15 a.m. Quorum: 37.)
Front Range Outreach – From 2006 to 2007, saw growth of 14 percent. From 2007 to 2008, saw growth of one percent. Some counties, including Larimer, did lose members to Ron Paul Revolution, but not a huge number. Orrok suggests using “weapons of mass induction”, including “Discover Liberty” publication from the Advocates for Self-Government. Also recommended outreach to high school students.
Platform Committee Report
Randall moved to adopt the Platform Committee Report. Seconded. David Williams moved to divide and recommit items 1,4 and 5. Aye: 22. Nay: 16.
Nicks noted that Williams was not credentialed, because his application was processed one day late. Orrok raised a point of order that, according to the LPCO Constitution, membership begins on the date that the voter signs the application, not the date that it is stamped by the Secretary of State. Williams said his membership would still be one day late. Nicks moved to accept Williams as a delegate regardless. Seconded and passed unanimously.
Aitken moved to divide Item 2. Motion failed on voice vote.
Buchanan moved to divide the platform committee report into 11 individual planks. Motion passed 23-15.
- ITEM 1
Randall moved to recommit Item 1 to platform committee. Seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. - ITEM 2
Randall moved to adopt Item 2. Seconded. Discussion ensued.Orrok challenged the Chair’s ruling on the voice vote to recommit Item 1. The Chair’s ruling was upheld by voice vote.
Joe Johnson moved to amend Item 2 to strike all wording from plank and replace it with “abolish the income tax”. Seconded. Randall suggested that the item be recommitted to committee with the recommendation that it be reworded to call for the abolition of the income tax. Johnson accepted the recommendation. Seconded and passed 29-9.
- ITEM 3
Randall moved for the adoption of Item 3. Seconded. Discussion ensued concerning the meaning and wording of the item. Jack Woehr moved to call the question. Seconded and passed by voice vote. m 5 with stronger language more in keeping with libertarian principles. Seconded and passed by voice vote. - ITEM 4
Randall moved to recommit Item 4. Seconded and passed by voice vote. - ITEM 5
Randall moved to recommit Item 5 with stronger language more in keeping with libertarian principles. Seconded and passed by voice vote. - ITEM 6
Randall moved to recommit Item 6. Seconded. Seth Anthony explained the meaning of the “safety clause”. Orrok moved to amend the plank to add a bullet point requiring that the Colorado state constitution repeal bills with the safety clause after one year. Michele Poague moved to replace “repeal” with “sunset”. Seconded and passed on voice vote. Ronald Thomas moved to amend the language to apply retroactively. Discussion ensued. Question called. Seconded and passed by voice vote. Amendment to apply motion retroactively failed by voice vote.Motion to end debate seconded and passed by voice vote. Amended language passed 20-18. Proposed language was unclear. Randall suggested that the platform committee determine the exact wording, in keeping with the will of the assembly. Chair said motion was out of order. Withdrawn.
Johnson moved to postpone the vote on the amended language until a definite time of 1 p.m. to allow the committee to re-write the language. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
- ITEM 7
Randall moved to adopt Item 7. Seconded and passed unanimously. - ITEM 8
Randall moved to adopt Item 8. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Johnson moved to recommit. Seconded and failed by voice vote. Mykl Kryka moved to call the question. Seconded and passed unanimously. Item 8 adopted by voice vote. - ITEM 9
Randall moved to adopt Item 9. Seconded. Poague moved to amend the motion to strike the words “themselves or” from the first paragraph. Amendment seconded and failed by voice vote. Primary motion passed unanimously. - ITEM 10
Randall moved to adopt Item 10. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Kryka moved to call the question. Seconded and passed by voice vote. Motion to adopt Item 10 failed 23-15. - ITEM 11
Randall moved to adopt Item 11. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Motion to amend to add the word “not” between “but” and “necessarily” in the first paragraph under “The Solution” section. Motion to amend passed by voice vote.
Woehr moved to strike “,or range voting” and end sentence there. Seconded. Motion to amend failed by voice vote. Kryka challenged the ruling of the Chair on the voice vote. The Chair’s ruling was upheld by voice vote. Joe Johnson moved to allow “None of the Above” to be added as a choice on the ballot. Seconded. Randall moved to postpone until a definite time of 1:05 p.m. to allow platform committee to work on the language of Item 11. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
PRE-LUNCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nicks said the assembly has been graced with the attendance of three 2008 LP presidential candidates, Wayne Allen Root, George Phillies, and Michael Jingozian, who will speak during lunch.
Orrok and Nicks discussed the 2020 Vision, a plan for the LPCO to achieve major-party status by 2020.
LUNCH
(Motion to amend agenda to allow each presidential candidate two additional minutes for closing remarks. Seconded and passed by voice vote.)
(Reconvened 1:10 p.m. Quorum: 38.)
Platform Committee Report
(Continued)
- ITEM 6 (Revisited)
Randall moved that the additional language for Item 6 be adopted. Seconded.afety to sunset after one year.”Woehr moved to amend the language to add “henceforth” between “laws” and “passed”. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
Motion to add amended bullet point language to Item 6 passed by voice vote.
Motion to adopt Item 6 passed by voice vote.
- ITEM 11 (Revisited)
Regarding Item 11, it was moved that the language “CRS 1 should be amended to require that ‘None of the Above’ be a ballot choice for each elected office” be added. Seconded.Joe Johnson moved to revise the proposed language, changing “require” to “allow”. Added and amended language seconded and adopted by voice vote.
Motion to adopt Item 11 with revised and added language seconded and passed by voice vote.
Election of Delegates and Alternates to the National Convention
Nominees:
- Martin Buchanan
- Norm Olsen
- Elizabeth Johnson
- Joe Johnson
- Charles Wright
- David Aitken
- Ronald Thomas
- Tom Sullivan
- Joseph Thompson
- Greg Woods
- Marc Goddard
- Ken Wyble
- Clint Jones
- Frank Atwood
- Daniel Ong
- Keith Laube
- Ralph Shnelvar
- Leah Kelley
- Travis Nicks
- Seth Anthony
- Jim Frye
- Steven Gallant
- Randy Luallin
- David Williams
- Richard Randall
- Jaime Brown
- Claire Gersch
- Mykl Kryka
- Jeffory Orrok
- Ken Waters
Alternates:
- Ron Bain
- Doug Anderson
- Aaron Chase
- Scott Ward
- Bo Shaffer
- Rachel Trainor
- Michele Poague
- Eva Kosinski
- Monte Poague
Motion to approve this list of delegates and alternates seconded and passed unanimously.
Gersch nominated Wyble to be the delegation chair. Goddard nominated Nicks, but Nicks declined. Wyble was unanimously approved for the position of delegation chair.
Election of Nine State Electors
Williams nominated Wyble. Wyble declined.
Nominees:
- Frank Atwood
- Marc Goddard
- Claire Gersch
- Joseph Thompson
- Mykl Kryka
- Travis Nicks
- Ronald Thomas
- Megan Reece
- Richard Randall
- Gerald Kiltz
- Norm Olsen
Olsen moved that the nominations for the slate of electors be postponed until after the selection of candidates for public office. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report
Anthony moved that the assembly recess for ten minutes to allow for review of committee report document. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
(Reconvened 1:57 p.m. Quorum: 37.)
MOTION TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF VICE CHAIR
See included text for relevant changes to constitution and bylaws. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Motion failed by voice vote.
MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA POSITIONS INTO COMMUNICATIONS POSITION
See included text for relevant changes to constitution and bylaws. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Kryka moved to call the question. Motion seconded and passed by voice vote.
Original motion failed 21-16.
MOTION TO REORGANIZE AND EXPAND OFFICER DUTIES
See included text for relevant changes to constitution and bylaws. Seconded. Randall moved to strike “organizing and managing an intern program” from Section 7, page 13. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Kryka called the question. Seconded and failed by voice vote. Motion to amend passed by voice vote.
(Quorum: 36.)
Jones moved to strike the added underlined language from Section 10, page 12. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Motion to amend passed by voice vote.
Shnelvar moved to postpone the main motion until the 2009 LPCO Convention to allow the assembly more time for review. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
MOTION TO STANDARDIZE CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Strike “sixty” and insert “ninety” in Section 4. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Motion passed by voice vote.
MOTION TO AMEND LPCO CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XII
See included text for relevant changes to constitution. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Gallant moved to postpone the motion to the 2009 Convention to allow for further review. Seconded and failed by voice vote. Joe Johnson moved to re-commit the motion in order to review possible negative consequences. Seconded and passed 24-13.
SPENDING LIMITATIONS
See included text for relevant language. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Long moved to add “monthly” to each Section. Amendment seconded and passed unanimously. Bain moved to separate the changes to Section 3 from the changes to Sections 4 and 5. Seconded and failed by voice vote. Kosinski called the question. Seconded and passed by voice vote. Main motion failed by voice vote.
Anthony called orders of the day.
Nomination of Candidates for Public Office
For President:
Long nominated Wayne Allyn Root.
Kosinski nominated George Phillies.
John Finger nominated Ron Paul.
Anthony nominated Steve Kubby.
Poague nominated Michael Jingozian.
Wyble nominated Christine Smith.
Joe Johnson nominated Bob Jackson.
The assembly voted to indicate their preference for 2008 LP Presidential candidate.
| Results: (in order of nomination) |
|
| Root | 15 |
| Phillies | 7 |
| Paul | 7 |
| Kubby | 2 |
| Jingozian | 0 |
| Smith | 1 |
| Jackson | 1 |
| NOTA | 2 |
(Quorum: 35.)
Wyble nominated Frye for House District 42. The nomination was supported unanimously.
Woods nominated Luallin for Boulder County Commissioner, District 3. The nomination was supported unanimously.
Luallin nominated Shnelvar for Boulder County Commissioner, District 1. Shnelvar: 30. NOTA: 5.
Luallin nominated Bo Shaffer for Boulder County Commissioner, District 2. Shaffer: 20. NOTA: 15.
Brown nominated Wyble for State Senate District 28. Wyble: 34. NOTA: 1.
Jones nominated Buchanan for US Congressional District One. Jones moved to allow Buchanan to speak for a few minutes. Motion seconded and passed by voice vote. Buchanan spoke.
Discussion ensued concerning Section V, Article VIII of the Bylaws and the powers of the vacancy committee. The Board failed to notify the membership of Buchanan’s candidacy.
Anthony moved for an exception to Section V to allow Buchanan to be nominated without giving him another 27 minutes as specified. Seconded. Nicks apologized for failing to notify the membership of Buchanan’s candidacy. Nicks called the vote to allow an exception for Buchanan. The motion passed 32-3. To comply with the letter of the Constitution, Randall suggested that the assembly grant Buchanan 30 minutes and requested that Buchanan cede that time back to the business meeting. This was done.
Long nominated Woehr for House District 25. The nomination was supported unanimously.
Randall sought a vote of confidence for a potential U.S. Senate run. The assembly voted its unanimous support.
Shnelvar moved to prohibit the vacancy committee from nominating candidates to the offices of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and governor of Colorado. Seconded. Orrok asked that he be allowed a few minutes to research Robert’s Rules of Order. The assembly recessed to allow this.
(Reconvened 3:56. Quorum: 33.)
Orrok said the Rules indicated that the vacancy committee had the authority to fill these nomination vacancies. Nicks said that, as Chair, he would rule in favor of Orrok’s interpretation, but that he would like to have a vote of confidence from the assembly. Seconded. Discussion ensued concerning the establishment of the vacancy committee and possible conflicts with party documents. Nicks said that when there are conflicts in organizing documents, the one that is most clear takes precedence. After discussion, Nicks withdrew his call for a vote of confidence in favor of a constitutional amendment.
Woehr moved that the period at the end of the last sentence of Article VI, Section III be changed to a comma and that the following be added: “and that vacancy committee shall have the powers to fill any candidate vacancy with any eligible individual who was not voted down at the convention.” Anthony moved to amend the motion to read “and that vacancy committee shall have the powers to fill any candidate vacancy, independent of the restrictions on candidacy in Article VIII, Section 5, with any eligible individual who was not voted down at the convention.” Seconded. The amendment to the motion passed 23-10. Finger moved to add “the most recent state” before “convention” in the last sentence. Seconded. The amendment failed 16-17. Orrok moved to change the motion to read, “and that vacancy committee shall have the powers to fill any candidate vacancy by a 2/3 vote, without notice and with any eligible individual who was not voted down at the convention.”
Randall moved to table the motion momentarily in order to nominate a candidate for Legislative Director. Motion to table seconded and passed unanimously. Randall nominated David Williams to serve as Legislative Director.
(Quorum: 32.)
Williams: 32.
NOTA: 0.
Discussion continued concerning vacancy committee authority and relevant constitution and bylaw language.
Motion to call the question. Seconded and passed by voice vote.
Motion to approve amended language, “and that vacancy committee shall have the powers to fill any candidate vacancy by a 2/3 vote, without notice and with any eligible individual who was not voted down at the convention.” seconded and failed by voice vote.
Article VI, Section 3 proposed amendment to read: “The Board of Directors shall have the control and management of all the affairs, properties, and funds of the Party consistent with this Constitution and shall meet in the manner specified in the Party Bylaws. The Board shall serve as the Party’s vacancy committee, and that vacancy committee shall have the powers to fill any candidate vacancy, independent of the restrictions on candidacy in Article VIII, Section 5, with any eligible individual who was not voted down at the convention.” Motion to adopt amended Article VI, Section 3 failed by voice vote.
Election of Officers to the Board of Directors
Nominations were opened for Campaigns Director. Bain nominated Joe Johnson for the position, but he declined. Nominations closed.
(Quorum: 31.)
Nominations were opened for Front Range Outreach Director. Bain nominated Orrok. Orrok nominated Joe Johnson, but Johnson declined.
Orrok: 31.
NOTA: 0.
Bain nominated Brown for Publications Director.
Brown: 31.
NOTA: 0.
Brown nominated Bain for Media Director. Kelley nominated Randall for Media Director. Bain deferred to Randall.
Randall: 31.
NOTA: 0.
(Quorum: 32.)
Goddard nominated Gallant for Records Director.
Gallant: 32.
NOTA: 0.
Randall nominated Kelley for Treasurer.
Kelley: 32.
NOTA: 0.
Brown nominated Poague for Fundraising Director. Poague accepted the nomination provided that everyone in the room attend the national LP Convention.
Poague: 31.
NOTA: 1.
Election of Nine State Electors
(Continued)The Assembly returned to the nomination of the State Electors. Goddard and Atwood were moved to the Alternate list. The Nominee list consisting of:
- Claire Gersch
- Joseph Thompson
- Mykl Kryka
- Travis Nicks
- Ronald Thomas
- Megan Reece
- Richard Randall
- Gerald Kiltz
- Norman Olsen
was seconded and approved by unanimous consent.
Resolutions
Randall moved to add a Section 2 to Article XI of the Constitution, dealing with the Platform.
Proposed Section 2: “Amendments to the Platform whose sole purpose is to correct typographical, spelling, grammatical, punctuation, and cross-reference errors and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the Delegates may be made by the Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote, without further approval from the Delegates to the Convention.
Seconded and passed by voice vote.
Joe Johnson moved to eliminate Section 5, Article XIII of the Constitution. Seconded. Discussion ensued. Wyble moved to postpone the question indefinitely. Seconded. Motion to postpone failed 14-18. Motion to call the question. Motion seconded and passed by voice vote. Motion to strike Section 5 of Article VIII failed 13-19.
Thomas moved to reconsider the motion to add the position of Vice-Chair. Motion to reconsider seconded and failed by voice vote.
Bain moved to amend Section 5 of Article XIII by striking the word “All” and changing “shall” to “should”. The motion died for lack of a second.
Nicks reminded candidates for public office to fill out their candidate packets.
Gallant moved to adjourn.
Seconded and passed 31-1.
Meeting adjourned 5:07 PM
Minutes of Convention Libertarian Party of Colorado May 19, 2007
↑ Back To TopMeeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Travis Nicks.
A count was taken. In attendance: Thirty-two in Aurora, four in Montrose. [19 is majority—24 is 2/3].
Records Director Steven Gallant took minutes.
Directors
- Front Range Outreach – Jeffory Orrok
- Western Slope Outreach – Debbie Schum (Western Slope convention)
- Membership – Clint Jones
- Publications – Jesse Herron
- Records – Steven Gallant
- Legislative – Richard Randall
- Treasurer – Wesley Long (Western Slope convention)
Meeting Rules
Orrok raised a point of information concerning the correlation between the number of the motion and the number on the Qwizdom electronic voting units. Orrok moved to amend the rules to strike the sentence “Since amendments will have higher numbers than main motions, voting on questions often will not occur in numerical order,” from Section 8A; to change Convention Chair to System Operator in section 8C; and to strike the words “and by changing the color of the EVU’s number box on the projector screen” from section 8C. Seconded and passed 33-2. The amended rules (See included text.) were adopted by unanimous consent.
Meeting Agenda
Motion to adopt Meeting Agenda (see included text). Adopted by unanimous consent.
Minutes
Orrok moved to correct the minutes of the 2006 Convention to show that his title was Arapahoe County LP Chair and Outreach Director, not Treasurer, and to correct the spelling of his first name, Jeffory. Amended 2006 minutes approved by unanimous consent.
Board Director Reports
(For additional information, see included reports.)Chair – Thanked delegates for attending and Steve Yates for providing the Qwizdom units and technical support. Spoke of the LPCO’s success with Senate Bill 83, which gives third parties greater latitude in nominating candidates. Thanked Marc Goddard for organizing the Casino Night Fundraiser. Thanked Michele Poague for wooing national delegates, encouraging them to hold the national convention in Denver in 2008. Spoke of reviving the newsletter and raising more funds.
Campaigns – Orrok moved to allow Goddard to present the campaigns report in Leah Kelley’s place, as she was unable to attend. No objection. Goddard spoke of the completion of the campaign handbook, Dawn Winkler’s campaign, and Club 20 debates. Looks forward to working with future candidates.
Front Range Outreach – Asked people to volunteer to work at the outreach booth at the People’s Fair. Overall trend shows the LPCO growing. From January of 2006 to January of 2007, the numbers from the Secretary of State show 831 new members, an increase of 14 percent. However, he noted that a lot of growth is needed for the LPCO to reach major party status. Party needs more money and more activists so it can operate more booths at more outreach events. Orrok said Larimer County has shown a lot of growth and credited Gene Freeland and his personal outreach kits for much of that growth.
Western Slope Outreach – Spoke of growth of the LP on the Western Slope and creation of new affiliates.
Membership – Goals include increasing contact with new members and increasing number of donating members. Using Ballot Base, he has called 103 people this month, seeking donations. He is also looking for student interns to work with the party. Wants everyone to see the word “Libertarian” twice a day during the campaign season. Envisions possible advertising avenues, including flyers and stationary ads.
(Quorum: 37.)
Publications – Herron, elected to position in March 2007 by the Board, said he intends to make some changes to the newsletter. Believes the newsletter should be more than a list of previous and upcoming events. Wants to move toward more professional-looking newsletter with more varied content. In the short term, the newsletter will be web only, but he hopes to offer a printed version again soon. Would like affiliates to provide editorial content for newsletter. Newsletter will be published bimonthly or quarterly. Also creating a weekly webcast program that will address issues of the moment. The webcast will be connected to a chat room for Libertarians.
(Orrok moved to extend the time for the directors’ reports by fifteen minutes. Seconded. Motion passed 27-9.)
Media – Nicks presented the media report on behalf of Chris Thompson who was absent.
Records – New database 90 percent completed. Continues to maintain and update records.
Legislative – Promoted multiple bills that advanced Libertarian causes. LPCO was successful in killing several bills that limited freedom. Also successful in opposing multiple bills that required vaccination, including the Gardicil bill. Successfully lobbied with the Secretary of State to get Senate Bill 83 passed. Several legislators are willing to put forth Libertarian legislation. Need better means of communicating with membership.
(Orrok made a point of order that all electronic devices, such as cellphones, must be turned off or muted.)
Treasurer – See report. Worked to improve communications at LPHQ.
BREAK
Reconvened 10:45 AM.
(Quorum: 36.)
Committee Reports
(Quorum: 38.)
Constitution and Bylaws (Randall) – Provided copies of proposed constitution and bylaw amendments. Randall moved to accept the constitution and bylaws report. Seconded and passed 35-1. Randall suggested that the committee continue to examine the use of score voting. He said that the constitution and bylaws needed to be cleaned up before they could be combined into one document. Randall moved to adopt the constitution and bylaws report. Seth Dilday raised a point of information, asking how Randall would divide the question if it were divided. Bud Martin made a motion to divide the question, then withdrew it. Martin moved to strike the word “serious” from Section 3 of the report, which amends Article 2, Section 1, item “f” of the constitution. Chair noted that the question would have to be divided to make such a motion. Randall moved to divide the question by voting on the whole, excepting items 3, 7 and 8. Randall pointed out that, if the report is adopted, items 1 (score voting) and 2 (combining constitution and bylaws) will be sent back to committee. Motion to divide seconded and passed 27-8. Martin moved to strike the word “serious” from section three of the report because he believes it to be redundant. Seconded. After debate, Randall moved to call the question. Seconded. Randall withdrew his motion to call the question. The motion to strike the word “serious” from Section 3 of the report failed 25-12.
David Aitken moved to strike item “a” of Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution in Section 3 of the report. Seconded and failed 25-10.
Herron moved to replace the word “movement” with “party and affiliates” in item “a”, Section 1, Article 2 of the proposed Constitutional language. Nicks said the motion failed for lack of a timely second. Herron appealed Nicks’ decision, moving to overturn the Chair’s decision. Seconded and passed 22-13. Herron restated his motion. Seconded and failed 20-15.
(Quorum: 38.)
(Bette Rose and Tony Ryan joined the convention as observers.)
Goddard moved to call the question, to end debate on the question of adopting the proposed changes in Section 3 of the report. Seconded and passed 34-1.
Motion to adopt the proposed changes in Section 3 of the report seconded and passed 29-3.
Randall moved to shorten the voting time to 20 seconds. Seconded. Shaffer made a friendly amendment to change it to 30 seconds. The amendment was accepted. The motion passed by unanimous consent.
Martin Buchanan moved to amend Section 7 of the report to replace “the national Libertarian Party platform” and “the Libertarian Party of Colorado platform” with “the national Libertarian Party Statement of Principles”. Seconded. After discussion, Goddard moved to call the question. Seconded and passed 33-3. The motion to amend Section 7 failed 19-17.
(Quorum: 37.)
Goddard moved to call the question, to move to the vote on adoption of Section 7. Seconded and failed 20-14.
Shaffer moved to replace the proposed language in Section 7 with “All candidates to be approved by the membership at the Convention with the responsibility for determining candidate qualifications to rest with the Board of Directors, specifically the Campaigns Director.” Seconded. It was moved and seconded to re-commit Section 7 to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Motion passed 21-15.
(Quorum: 38.)
Randall moved to postpone Section 8 until after lunch so that the convention could vote on the remainder of the constitution and bylaw proposals. Seconded and passed 34-1. Motion to end debate on adoption of remainder of constitution and bylaws report seconded and passed 28-7.
Randall moved to adopt the remainder of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report, Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9. Randall moved to divide the question, excepting Section 2. After discussion, it was decided that Section 2 was null and void if Section 1 passed. The motion to adopt the remainder of the Committee report passed 27-8.
BREAK
Reconvened 1:20 PM.
Awards Ceremony
Nicks said attorney Rick Daily donated his time to help draft the language in Senate Bill 83. For this, Daily received the 2007 Friend of Liberty award. The award is for non-Libertarians who have helped advance the libertarian cause.
Minuteman Awards:
- Ken Waters, for his Arapahoe County Sheriff campaign.
- Claire Gersch and Mykl Kryka, for helping with Waters’ campaign and organizing Arapahoe County affiliate.
- Ken Wyble, for his work with the Arapahoe County affiliate and organizing the convention.
LUNCH
Michele Poague encouraged delegates to attend the 2008 National LP Convention in Denver. She would like to see 1,000 people attend the Convention. She encouraged people to find sponsors and to support them. Money will be needed to pay high-profile speakers. Website is denverlpcon.com.
Michael Badnarik was the luncheon speaker.
The business session reconvened at 2:00PM with a quorum of 36.
Nicks presented Bo Shaffer with the Minuteman Award that had been awarded, but never presented, to him three years ago, for his years of service as a director, candidate and Boulder County LP activist.
Randall moved to adopt Section 8 of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report, concerning Article 7 of the LPCO Constitution, Nomination of Candidates. Seconded and debated. Motion passed 32-5.
Orrok moved to extend the time for debate of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report by 15 minutes. Passed by unanimous consent.
(Quorum: 33.)
Orrok moved to insert language in the LPCO Bylaws to ensure compliance with state statutes. He moved to insert a new Section 1, Article 3 to read, “Any meeting to elect party officers, including Delegates, and any assembly to nominate candidates, shall be held at a public place at the time specified by the State Chair, and the time and place of such meeting shall be published once, no later than fifteen days before such meeting in a newspaper of general circulation in each county wherein Members reside,” to change the name of Article 3 to “Meetings”, and re-number the following sections. Passed by unanimous consent.
Orrok proposed striking the language “a written notice, unless waived by all members of the Board, of the time and place of each meeting shall be mailed to each Board member not fewer than seven days prior to said meeting,” from Article 3, Section 2 (new numbering) of the Bylaws. Seconded. David Aitken moved to amend the motion to replace the word “mailed” with “sent”. Orrok moved to replace the language with “to be acknowledged by any means by all members of the Board at least 48 hours prior to such meeting.” Seconded and passed 25-8.
(Quorum: 34.)
Platform Committee Report
Randall moved to accept the 2007 Platform Committee Report. Accepted by unanimous consent. Randall moved to adopt the report. Seconded. Dilday moved to divide the Platform between the whole and planks 13 and 15. Motion passed 24-9. Randall moved to adopt item 13 of the platform, concerning Voting Age Discrimination. Motion to adopt item 13 failed 23-11. Randall moved to adopt the remainder of the platform report with the exception of items 13 and 15. Motion passed 32-1. Dilday moved to re-commit by unanimous consent item 15 to the platform committee for further consideration. Objections were raised, requiring discussion and a vote. Motion to re-commit passed 29-4.
Nicks discharged the Platform Committee and reappointed the committee, naming Randall as chair. Nicks discharged the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and reappointed the committee, naming Orrok as chair.
Orrok moved to amend the orders of the day to allow an additional 15 minutes to discuss bylaws amendments. Seconded and passed by unanimous consent.
Orrok moved to replace the parliamentary authority clause with “The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th Edition shall govern the Party in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Party Constitution, Party Bylaws, and any standing rules and any special rules of order the Party or the Board of Directors may adopt. Passed by unanimous consent.
Orrok moved to add a Section 8 to Article 6 of the Bylaws, stating, “Such other committees, standing or special, shall be appointed by the State Chair as the Board of Directors or State Convention shall from time to time deem necessary to carry on the work of the Party” and to strike the word “Convention” from the title of the article. (Quorum: 35.)
The amendment passed 25-7
Orrok moved to amend the orders of the day to add 30 minutes for bylaws discussion. Seconded.
(Quorum: 34.)
Motion failed 20-14.
Goddard moved for a ten-minute recess. Seconded and approved by unanimous consent.
Business session reconvened at 3:36PM with a quorum of 33.
Nominations
The position of Membership Director was created last year and Jones appointed to the position. The Membership Director is to be elected in odd-numbered years.
Nominations were opened for Chair. Buchanan nominated Nicks. Nominations closed.
Nicks: 32
NOTA: 1
Nominations were opened for Campaigns Director. Goddard nominated Kelley for the position. Kelley has said she will accept the nomination. Kryka nominated Jim Frye. Frye declined. Nominations closed.
Kelley: 31
NOTA: 2
Nominations were opened for Western Slope Outreach Director. Elke Glazer nominated Schum. Schum declined. (Quorum: 31.) Patrick Esser nominated Ron Bain. Nominations closed.
Bain: 28
NOTA: 4
Nominations were opened for Media Director. Randall nominated Chris Thompson. Nominations closed.
Thompson: 29
NOTA: 3
Nominations were opened for Publications Director. Randall nominated Herron. Nominations closed.
Herron: 29
NOTA: 2
Nominations were opened for Membership Director. Kristen Hoyer nominated Jones. Nominations closed.
Jones: 32
NOTA: 0
Nominations were opened for Treasurer. Frank Atwood nominated Long. Nominations closed.
Long: 32
NOTA: 0
RESOLUTIONS
Orrok proposed “Resolve that the Board be allowed to conduct e-mail votes provided that the call of the vote is acknowledged by all Board members within 48 hours of its issuance, and that all votes are received within 96 hours.” Seconded. Buchanan offered a friendly amendment adding “e-mail and web votes”. Orrok replaced “e-mail” with “electronic”. “Resolve that the Board be allowed to conduct e-mail votes provided that the call of the vote is acknowledged by all Board members within 48 hours of its issuance, and that all votes are received within 96 hours,” adopted by unanimous consent.
Kok recommended that the LP adopt approval voting for the National LP Convention.
Frank Atwood encouraged attendees to engage in more activism and to find ways to get involved in local politics.
Goddard moved to adjourn.
Seconded and passed 25-6.
Meeting adjourned 4:13PM
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 05/13/2006
↑ Back To TopMeeting called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Chairman Travis Nicks.
A count was taken. In attendance: 36 voting members and five visitors. Fifteen proxies were carried to Convention. (NOTE: A running count of voting members and proxies was kept throughout the business meeting, with voting member count ranging as high as 75 and the proxy count as high as 17. Therefore, vote totals reflect those in attendance, minus abstentions, at the time the motion was debated and called.)
Records Director Steven Gallant took minutes. Voting member count and vote tallies conducted by Nicks, Gallant, Michele Poague, Jim Frye and parliamentary procedure assistant Mark Goddard.
Directors
Campaigns – Leah Kelley
Front Range Outreach – Rand Fanshier
Western Slope Outreach – Debbie Schum
Publications – Patrick Esser
Media – Sean Ayers
Records – Steven Gallant
Legislative – Richard Randall
Treasurer – Wesley Long
Fundraising – Michele Poague
Standing Committees
Bus Bench Ad/Database – Jim Frye
Bylaws – Rick Randall
Membership – Clint Jones
Phone Blaster – Roger Ko
Meeting Rules
Motion to adopt Meeting Rules (see included text). Seconded and passed.
Meeting Agenda
Motion to adopt Meeting Agenda (see included text). Seconded and passed. Motion to prohibit changes to agenda. Seconded and failed.
Minutes
2005 Convention minutes approved.
Board Director Reports
Campaigns – Thanked all who donated time and money to support campaigns. Doug Anderson’s victory in Lakewood due to successful campaign strategy. Different campaign strategy in Frederick failed to elect Glenn Berry Mayor. Provided list of candidates for November races.
Front Range Outreach – Six hundred new registered Libertarians. More than a dozen old and new Front Range outreach events. Two deputies: Hans Romer in Northeast Colorado, Keith Hamburger in Southeast Colorado. New membership program administered by Clint Jones. Fanshier will be stepping down as Front Range Outreach Director, recommended Arapahoe County LP Treasurer Jeffrey Orrok to be the new Front Range Outreach Director.
Western Slope Outreach – Developed how-to recall packet. Completed an LP affiliation handbook that explains everything necessary to form a county political party. New affiliate in Mesa County. Schum purchased a tent for Western Slope outreach events. Working with activists in unaffiliated counties. Working on petition efforts, especially the Petition Rights Amendment (Amendment 38). Worked hard to defeat Referenda C and D. Proud that both referenda were defeated on the Western Slope.
Publications – Developing new Colorado Viewpoint Website has received a significant increase in number of hits since redesign. Battle over Referenda C and D drew highest number of new visitors to lpcolorado.org. Changed the newsletter to a newspaper style format at lower cost than previous format.
Media – Has developed a number of important contacts in radio and print media, including Mike Zinna of radio’s “Colorado Exposed”, radio host Michael Corbin and writers at newspapers and magazines, including “5280″.
Records – Focused on developing new and improved database with a completion deadline of August 13. Working on creating a thorough and accurate record of LPCO activities. Organized files in office. LPCO POC for opposition to statewide smoking ban. Intern/volunteer program handed off to Membership Coordinator Clint Jones. With end of UMP program, new database must support LPCO fundraising efforts.
Legislative – Developed LPCO Liberty Alerts to improve state party’s communication with activists and the general public. Since July 2005 has issued 35 Liberty Alerts focusing on both Federal bills and Colorado issues. Over the past year, has made 20 radio appearances on five different programs. Has worked to develop coalitions and strengthen LPCO relationships with about a dozen issue-oriented interest groups. Cooperating with LPCO affiliates and activists who are opposing TABOR-related ballot issues in order to defeat tax increases. Worked with Jim Frye and Arapahoe affiliate to oppose Aurora Mental Health Services Tax. Campaign was very successful, resulting in cancellation of the election. Working to improve cooperation with state legislators and staff members.
Treasurer – Checking account has approximately $2500. Post office account has approximately $300. We have received the last UMP check. With the end of UMP, fundraising is a priority for all LP activists. Receiving approximately $500 per month in 1776 Club pledges. Urged attendees to join the 1776 Club. FCPA filed.
Fundraising – Sent out 3,000 fundraising letters. So far, they have brought in almost $1,000. Will be stepping down from Fundraising.
Committee Reports
Bus Bench Ad (Jim Frye) – Report presented by Fanshier. Working on a new series of bus bench ads at ten locations.
Bylaws (Rick Randall) – Provided copies of proposed bylaw and constitution amendments.
Membership (Clint Jones) – Presented by Fanshier. New membership program offers several levels of membership with packets containing Libertarian literature, coins, bumper stickers, and T-shirts.
Phone Blaster (Roger Ko) – Presented by Fanshier. Phone blaster has been extremely valuable and a very effective tool for candidate and issue campaigns.
- Break -
State Party Constitution and Bylaw Amendments
Convention returned to order at 10:30 a.m. with 48 voting members (with 47 eligible to vote on Constitution and Bylaw amendments) and 17 proxies.
Chair recognized Bo Shaffer and Joe Johnson, two of eight elected Libertarians in Colorado.
1. SCORE VOTING
Jan Kok proposed an amendment to Article VII, Section 1 of the LPCO Constitution, concerning voting procedure. Seconded.
Proposed revision:
Article VII – NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
Section 1
Nomination of candidates for offices requiring the vote of all the electors of the state shall be made at the Party Convention by a vote of Party members, present or by Proxy, who have been members for at least 90 days prior to the Convention, or by a committee designated thereby. Nomination of candidates for all other offices may be made in the same way.Section 1.1
If there is just one candidate running for a given office, Party members shall vote on whether to confirm or reject the candidate for the office. If the number of votes to confirm is greater than the number of votes to reject, the candidate is elected. Otherwise, the office is not filled.Section 1.2
If there is more than one candidate running for a given office, Party members shall be provided with paper ballots listing the candidates for the office, and shall be instructed to “Assign a score to each candidate. Allowed scores are the whole numbers 0 through 10. More than one candidate may be given the same score. There is no requirement that the scores add up to any particular value. A missing, invalid or ambiguous score assigned to a candidate shall be treated as a score of 0. The candidate who receives the highest total score shall win the election, subject to confirmation.” The total scores shall be calculated and the tentative winner shall be announced, consistent with the instructions. The Party members shall then vote to confirm or reject the tentative winner, according to the same procedure as given in Section 1.1.PRO:
The purposes of this proposed change are to:
1. Allow LPCO to make better selection of candidates when there is more than one candidate running for an office.
2. Allow LPCO to lead by example, encouraging other political parties to adopt better voting methods for their candidate selection. This could lead to the other parties running better, more broadly popular candidates, which is in everyone’s interest. It could also lead, eventually, to the use of better voting methods in general elections.
3. Minimize changes to our voting procedures in simple elections, when there is only one candidate running for an office.
4. Preserve the intent of None Of The Above (NOTA). If a majority of the voters prefer NOTA, they can vote in a way that causes NOTA to win.CON:
Score Voting has not been used for public, political elections. There is some risk that Score Voting could manifest some unforeseen problems when used in this new context.
Score Voting is not entirely “strategy-free”; there is still some incentive for voters to vote strategically. (However, the consequences of strategic voting are much less severe in Score Voting than in most other methods.)
Norm Olsen pointed out that score voting was proscribed by Colorado statute. Ralph Schnelvar moved to amend the proposal so that it applied only to the nomination of Federal candidates. Seconded. Olsen noted that score voting was not allowed for the nomination of Federal candidates either. Vote on the amendment to the motion called. Amendment to motion passed. Kok asked if it was possible to remove amendment. Chair said it was with a two-thirds majority. Motion to reconsider previous vote. Passed. Previous vote to amend motion rescinded. New vote for amendment to motion called. Motion failed. Joe Johnson moved to refer the matter to committee. Seconded. Motion to refer to Constitution and Bylaws Committee passed.
2. COMBINE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS INTO SINGLE DOCUMENT
Randall proposed combining the LPCO Constitution and Bylaws into a single document.
PRO:
Until approximately 1970, organizations commonly had both a Constitution and Bylaws. The Constitution defined the organization, qualifications for members, and essential details of meetings. The Bylaws then containedthe rules for the organization. Since 1970, most organizations have combined the two into a single Bylaws document or ease of use. By combining the LPCO Constition and Bylaws, confusion will be avoided because a topic will only be addressed once instead of twice (once in each document). This will promote ease of use and understanding by the membership.
The LPCO Constitution requires a 2/3 vote for amendments while the Bylaws require only a majority vote. This proposal includes requiring a 2/3 vote for all changes to the consolidated Bylaws.CON:
Changes to the LPCO Constitution require a 2/3 vote whereas the Bylaws only require a majority. By combining the two documents, it will become more difficult to change the rules ofthe organization because all changes would require a 2/3 vote.
David Aitken said that he would like to see the language of the proposed consolidated document. Seth Anthony moved to send the proposal to committee. Seconded and passed.
3. ELIMINATE PROXY VOTING
Gallant moved to eliminate proxy voting.
PRO:
Proxy voting has created tremendous difficulties in managing the business meeting. The LPCO Constitution and Bylaws are ambiguous about how such proxy votes are to be handled with respect to preventing voter fraud and it creates an opportunity for a small group of individuals to gain control ofthe LPCO.CON:
Eliminating proxy voting could deny a voice in the direction of the party to those individuals who can not physically attend the Assembly.
After arguments were offered for and against the motion, Joe Johnson moved to call the question. Seconded. Motion passed. Proxy voting language will be removed from Constitution and Bylaws.
4. CONVENTION PARTICIPATION VIA REMOTE LOCATION
Randall proposed the following revision to the Constitution:
Article VI – CONVENTIONS
Section 1
The Party shall hold a Convention during the second quarter of each calendar year, at which time the Board of Directors shall be elected, the Party Platform may be revised, and the Constitution and Bylaws may be amended. Arrangements may be made by the Board of Directors to provide for members to participate in the Convention from remote locations. At least forty-five days prior to Convention, the Board shall call the Convention by notifying members of the date and location of the Convention as well as any remote locations. Additionally, the time and place of any Convention and remote locations shall be published fifteen days prior to such Convention in a newspaper of general circulation in each county wherein the members of the Party reside.PRO:
By allowing for members to attend the Convention through the use of modern technology at designated remote locations, greater member participation will be encouraged. This provision is not mandatory because we can not foresee future challenges that might prevent the Party from utilizing such remote locations. Therefore, the decision to utilize remote locations and the methodology for how such arrangements are to be made is left entirelyto the discretion of the Board of Directors.CON:
None.
Bo Shaffer proposed amendment to change revised language from “Arrangements may be made…” to “Arrangements shall be made….” Amendment failed. Question called. Motion passed.
5. ADD MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR POSITION
Randall proposed the creation of a Membership Director position on the Board.
Proposed revision to Constitution:
Article IV – OFFICERS
Section 1
There shall be eleven Party Officers, as follows: State Chair, Campaigns Director, Front Range Outreach Director, Western Slope Outreach Director, Membership Director, Publications Director, Media Director, Records Director, Legislative Director, Treasurer, and Fundraising Director. The powers and duties of these Officers shall be as specified herein and in the Party Bylaws.Section 2
The following Officers shall be elected in odd-numbered years: State Chair, Campaigns Director, Western Slope Outreach Director, Media Director, Publications Director, and Membership Director. The following Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years: Records Director, Fundraising Director, Front Range Outreach Director, and Legislative Director. The Officers shall be elected by a majority of the Party members present and registered at the Party Convention each year when they are to be elected. Officers shall be elected individually, on separate ballots, in the order designated in Section 1 of this Article and shall serve terms commencing immediately upon adjournment of the Party Convention and ending at the close of the next Convention when they are to be elected.PRO:
The Outreach positions are tasked with finding new members and creating County Parties / affiliates. However, no position exists for managing those new members and interacting / coordinating with County Parties. This function would be assumed by the “Membership Director”. The Membership Director’s duties would be defined in the Bylaws.CON:
None.
After brief discussion, question called. Seconded. Motion passed.
6. 90-DAY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT
Randall proposed that members be required to have been registered Libertarians for 90 days prior to Convention in order to vote on candidate nominations and Board positions. Seconded and passed.
7. CHANGE “AFFILIATES” TO “COUNTY PARTIES”
Paul Tiger and Randall proposed the following revision to the Constitution and Bylaws:
Article XI – PLATFORM
Section 2
The Board of Directors shall appoint the members of the State Platform Committee and each affiliate County Party shall elect delegates to the State Platform Committee as set forth in the Party Bylaws.
(This change would also carry over to the Bylaws.)PRO:
The Colorado Revised Statutes (State Laws) do not use the term “affiliates”. They use the terms “County Parties” and “Municipal Parties”. By changing our terminology to match that used in the Colorado Revised Statutes, we can better avoid confusion within our own party when dealing with the County Clerks and Secretary of State.
Further, we already refer to our “affiliates” AS County Parties (e.g., the LPBC, LPDC, LPJC, LPLC, etc.) when designating them.CON:
None.
Jack Woehr moved to amend the language to state “affiliate or county party.” Seconded and passed. Randall moved to refer issue to committee. Seconded and failed. Question called. Motion failed.
8. REQUIRE AFFILIATES TO HAVE FIVE OFFICERS
Mark Brophy proposed the following amendment to the Constitution:
Article VIII – RECOGNITION OF PARTY AFFILIATES
Section 2
Every organization so chartered shall ratify the Statement of Principles of the national Libertarian Party. They shall also submit contact information for their officers, who shall include at least a chair and a treasurer, with both being separate people; they shall maintain at least 5 members officers, publish their bylaws to thosetheir members and the state Board of Directors, and file their initial fair campaign practices act filings as necessary.PRO:
Some affiliates have formed only to de-affiliate later due to lack of member participation / involvement and commitment. Changing the word “member” to “officer” carries a higher level of commitment to the success of the affiliate. Before a group of Libertarians seek to form an affiliate, that group should first meet on a regular basis to ensure that they are committed to the administration and maintenance of the affiliate. Then work together opposing issues until they are satisfied that they maintain and grow an affiliate.CON:
Some party affiliates have difficulty maintaining 2 officers. Expanding the requirement to 5 may require some less successful affiliates to de-affiliate. This increased number of officers could also serve as a barrier to newly forming affiliates.
Discussion ensued. Question called. Motion failed.
WITHDRAWN:
Schnelvar moved that amendments must be approved at two consecutive Conventions before taking effect. Schnelvar withdrew motion.
9. AFFILIATE REPRESENTATION ON STATE BOARD
Bud Martin proposed and Randall presented a motion stating that “each affiliate shall have a seat on the Board.” After discussion and questions as to whether the motion was legitimate due to non-specific language, a vote was taken. Motion failed.
10. ANNUAL ELECTION OF STATE CHAIR
Mr. Tiger proposed that the state chair be elected annually. Proposed revision:
Article IV – OFFICERS
Section 2
The following Officers shall be elected in odd-numbered years:Campaigns Director, Western Slope Outreach Director, Media Director, Publications Director, and Treasurer. The following Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years: Records Director, Fundraising Director, Front Range Outreach Director, and Legislative Director. The State Chair shall be elected each year.PRO:
The overlap of the terms of officers was designed to create board continuity. Should an officer be found not performing as expected, another may be elected by the board. These mid-term appointments may have little overall effect on the direction of the LPCO. However, a non-performing State Chair or one on a path contrary to the membership can do substantial damage to the board and the party in a relatively short period of time. Should the leadership be in question, the membership should have an opportunity to redirect the LPCO every year.CON:
The State Chair may not be able to effect long term plans if they are truncated by failing to be re-elected.
After discussion, question called. Motion failed.
LUNCH AND AWARDS
Jim Frye received the Minuteman Award for his work with the database. Wesley Long received the Minuteman Award for resolving the Paypal account issues. Frank Atwood received the Ptak Award for his work on the Aurora Mental Health Tax increase, and his extensive support of candidate and issue campaigns. Grace Reed received the Lexington Lifetime Achievement Award for her continuing support of the party, including monthly donations for two decades and her support for several campaigns.
Convention returned to order.
11. ELECT TREASURER IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS
Long proposed the following revision:
Article IV – OFFICERS
Section 2
The following Officers shall be elected in odd-numbered years: State Chair, Campaigns Director, Western Slope Outreach Director, Media Director, and Publications Director, and Treasurer. The following Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years: Records Director, Fundraising Director, Front Range Outreach Director,Treasurer, and Legislative Director. The Officers shall be elected by a majority of the Party members present and registered at the Party Convention each year when they are to be elected. Officers shall be elected individually, on separate ballots, in the order designated in Section 1 of this Article and shall serve terms commencing immediately upon adjournment of the Party Convention and ending at the close of the next Convention when they are to be elected.PRO:
Currently, both the State Chair and Treasurer are elected during the same election cycle. Consideringthe importance of the financial reporting and responsibilities shared by these two positions, it is of critical importance to maintain consistency. By having these two positions elected during alternating periods, the Party will be able to maintain consistency in fulfilling these financial responsibilities.CON:
None.
After discussion, motion passed.
12. REMOVE THE PLEDGE
Ms. Tiger proposed the following revision:
Article IV – OFFICERS
Section 3
No person not a member of the party shall be eligible to serve as an Officer. Any individual seeking a position as an Officer must sign a statement to the effect that he or she does not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals.PRO:
By Paul Tiger: The Pledge itself is a limitation of liberty. It attempts to preemptively control individual freedom.Those that are reverent to the ideal of the pledge may do so without an oath to do so. Those that do not consider it to have value are coerced to commit to it or be recognized as disloyal and shunned. It is an attempt to legislate morality.
The Pledge has many interpretations. It has been and will continued to be used to control who can and who cannot be a party member in good standing. This is the mark of a club, not a political party. Anyone registered as a Libertarian may vote in public elections, whether or not they have signed The Pledge. Those that chose Liberty and Freedom over allegiance to The Pledge are denied ballot access within the party.
The Pledge was created to appease a tyrannical federal administration that sought to dismantle the party based on the assumption that the party was a militant force bent on the destruction of the government. Those with ulterior motives will not be discovered by their mock sincerity in allegiance to The Pledge.
Additionally, I find it rather strange that our Constitution applies the Pledge to party officers, but not to members or candidates for public office.
CON:
By Michele Poague: The non-initiation of force is the one underlying principle that all of the Libertarian philosophy is based on. By signing the pledge, you are stating to the public and to your fellow Libertarians that you agree with this basic philosophy. Imagine if the signers of the Declaration of Independence refused to sign that statement of principles. They not only signed it, but they risked their very lives to do so.As a political party, we cannot FORCE anyone to sign the pledge. We cannot impose fines or incarcerate them, but we don’t have to elect them to office either.
Many people feel that signing this pledge precludes them from actively fighting for freedom, not so, it means we do not believe in using the heavy hand of government to force the populace do as we wish, but rather, we wish to take away the governments power to restrict free will and self determination.
After discussion, the question was called. Tiger requested a secret ballot. Seconded. Motion failed.
(NOTE: Some motions were withdrawn. Motion to table additional motions seconded and passed. Additional motions described in included document.)
NOMINATIONS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
Dan Cochran nominated Daniel Ong as candidate for University of Colorado Board of Regents. Seconded. Ong: 69. NOTA: 5
Schum nominated: Kathrine Romack as candidate for Jackson County Commissioner, District One. Seconded. Romack: 71. NOTA: 3
Bert “Bob” Sargent as candidate for Third Congressional District. Seconded. Sargent: unanimous.
Chris Leinster nominated Dave Williams as candidate for Attorney General. Seconded. Paul Tiger nominated Dwight Harding as candidate for Attorney General. Seconded. Williams spoke for his candidacy. Tiger spoke on behalf of Harding. Point of order: Williams not a registered Libertarian. Williams withdrew. Shaffer moved to re-open nominations for Attorney General. Motion passed on voice vote. Tiger re-nominated Harding. Seconded. Harding: 47. NOTA: 22
Mary Brophy nominated Mark Brophy as candidate for Colorado House District 53. Seconded. Brophy: 40. NOTA: 29.
Motion to suspend secret ballot unless requested. Seconded. Motion passed.
Randall nominated Dawn Winkler (AKA Deborah Kinateder) as candidate for Governor. Seconded. Winkler: 67. NOTA: 7.
BREAK
Convention returned to order with 57 in attendance and 17 proxies.
Mike Spalding nominated Jack Woehr as candidate for Sixth Congressional District. Seconded. Woehr: 55. NOTA: 6.
Jim Frye nominated Mike Kien as candidate for House District 57. Seconded. Kien: 64. NOTA: 6.
Shaffer nominated: Norm Olsen as candidate for Second Congressional District. Seconded. Olsen: 68. NOTA: zero.
Rand Fanshier as candidate for House District 13. Seconded. Fanshier: 66. NOTA: 4. Fanshier motioned that assembly vote to endorse all Boulder County LP nominations. Withdrawn.
Randy Luallin as candidate for Boulder County Commissioner, District 2. Seconded. Luallin: 68. NOTA: 2.
John Lappart nominated Paul Tiger as candidate for U.S. House District Four. Seconded. Tiger: 40. NOTA: 32.
Tiger nominated Shaffer as candidate for Boulder County Sheriff. Seconded. Shaffer: 43. NOTA: 31.
Kelley nominated: Ken Waters as candidate for Arapahoe County Sheriff. Seconded. Waters: unanimous.
Roger Easely as candidate for Park County Sheriff. Seconded. Easely: 71. NOTA: 1.
Gallant as candidate for U.S. House District 7. Seconded. Gallant: 72. NOTA: 2.
Johnson moved that the assembly endorse Bill Masters for San Miguel County Sheriff and Bob Dempsey for San Miguel County Coroner. Seconded and passed.
Shaffer moved to close nominations for public office. Seconded and passed.
NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES:
Richard Randall, Norm Olsen, David Aitken, Chris Leinster, Sean Ayers, Rachel Trainor, Daniel Ong, Michael Spalding, Elizabeth Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Leah Kelley, James Frye, Michele Poague, Seth Anthony, Martin Buchanan, Ralph Schnelvar, Bud Martin, Travis Nicks, and Dawn Winkler
The delegates were approved by unanimous consent.
NOMINATIONS FOR LPCO DIRECTORS
Fanshier nominated Orrok for Front Range Outreach Director. Schum nominated Spalding for same. Spalding declined. Orrok elected. NOTA: 5.
Gallant nominated himself for Records Director. Gallant elected. NOTA: 1
Long nominated Randall for Legislative Director. Randall elected. NOTA: 3.
Poague declined calls for her to continue as Fund raising Director. Poague nominated Judd Ptak. Ptak elected. NOTA: 1.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION FOR CHAIRMAN AUTHORITY TO FILL DELEGATE VACANCIES
Whereas, It occurs that offices for delegate to the National Convention for the Libertarian Party of Colorado may go unfilled; and
Whereas, The Libertarian Party of Colorado should be represented at the National Convention; Therefore be it
Resolved That the Libertarian Party of Colorado Chairman of the Board of Directors be given the authority by this assembly to appoint delegates meeting the required criteria to be delegates to the National Convention.
Resolution seconded and passed.
RESOLUTION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTHORITY TO FILL CANDIDATE VACANCIES
Whereas, Electing Libertarians to public office is the Libertarian Party of Colorado’s goal; and
Whereas, Positions for candidate for public office may go unfilled; and
Whereas, Potential candidates meeting the required criteria may express interest in holding public office after the 2006 General Assembly Meeting; and
Whereas, Nominations for candidates shall already be closed; Therefore be it
Resolved, That the Libertarian Party of Colorado Board of Directors be given the authority by this assembly to appoint candidates for public office by a two thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Motion to amend resolution to place NOTA on the ballot for all un-filled races, to be withdrawn at filing deadline. Seconded. Amendment to resolution passed.
Amended resolution vote called. Seconded. Amended resolution passed.
IMMIGRATION RESOLUTION
Martin Buchanan proposed the following resolution:
“Whereas all men and women are created equal, with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Therefore, we, the Libertarian Party of Colorado, support open borders and welcome immigrants to the United States.”
Shaffer proposed amending resolution to read “welcome legal immigrants.” Seconded. Amendment to resolution passed.
After discussion, Anthony moved to table the proposed resolution. Seconded. Motion to table passed.
Motion to adjourn.
Seconded.
Passed.
Meeting adjourned 4:55 PM
New Business
Convention – Nicks said that each Director should write an annual report for a 2-5 minute presentation. A projector and sound system will be needed. Candidate training seminar will take place after business meeting. Mark Goddard volunteered to assist at Convention. Convention will be recorded on videotape or digital.
Awards Luncheon – Frye nominated to receive a Minuteman award in recognition of his efforts to stop the Aurora mental health tax increase. Seconded. Passed unanimously. Long nominated for Minuteman award in recognition of his work to restore the Paypal account. Seconded. Passed unanimously. Grace Reed nominated for Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her two-decade financial support of the LPCO, her campaign for office and her support of other LPCO campaigns. Seconded. Passed unanimously. Frank Atwood nominated for the Judd Ptak Libertarian of the Year award in recognition of his efforts to defeat the Aurora mental health tax increase as well as his support of various LPCO campaigns and activism. Seconded. Passed unanimously.
Convention Registration Procedures – Gallant and Frye presented the following questions for Board feedback:
- 1. We will need a volunteer to assist with processing.
Board – Orrok and Poague can assist. Robert Lewis (not yet voting age) might be able to work the registration table during meeting business.
- 2. Our database is current to February 1. How should we handle those who have registered since that date if they do not have a voter registration card?
Board – If an attendee’s name is not on the list and they do not have their voter registration card, they will not be eligible to vote.
- 3. What if the address on the voter registration card does not match the address in the database?
Board – Attendee will be eligible. Database will be updated.
- 4. Are there any limits on the use of proxy votes? Can they be used to vote formotions amended at Convention? New motions? Can proxy votes be used for secret ballots?
Board – Proxy votes cannot be used for procedural issues or to obtain an appeal. Proxy votes can be used for amended motions, new motions and secret ballots.
- 5. What I.D. should be required of attendees? In the past, signing in and confirmation against the SOS database sufficed.
Board – Attendee signature and SOS database confirmation are sufficient.
- 6. Will there bea separate area for visitors and press during the business meeting?
Board – Yes.
- 7. Will the room besealed once the business meeting starts? What of late arrivals? Will late arrivals be allowed in after breaks? After lunch?
Board – Late arrivals will be allowed in, although they cannot vote if the question has already been called. A running tally of eligible voters will be kept. Proxies leave with the proxy holder. Executive session will be closed.
- 8. Can attendees with proxiesdesignate some votes aye, some nay, some for NOTA, etc. presumably ifdirected by the proxy-giver, on announced agenda items?
Board – Yes and also for new motions. The number of votes and their allotment will be repeated after each vote to ensure accuracy of minutes.
Motion to adjourn.
Seconded.
Passed Unanimously.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
(minutes typed by Records Director, Steve Gallant – translated to HTML by Publications Director, Patrick Esser)
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 05/07/2005
Administrative
Meeting called to order 1:03p by Norm Olsen
Moved the voters to the front and asked that we track those who leave.
Bud Martin took the microphone to recognize Norm Olsen for his service as Chairman and proposed that we habitually recognize the former Chairman.
First proposal was to approve rules. Motioned by Keith Hamberger and Seconded Steve Gallant. This proposal passed with a voice vote.
2nd proposal to approve the agenda for this meeting. Motioned by Dave Aitkin seconded by Jeff Oliver. This proposal passed with a voice vote.
Bo Shaeffer pointed out that an error was made filing 2004 measure to disallow dual membership. He moved that the assembly recognize that an error was made in paperwork filing following 2004 convention and hereby reasserts article 8, section 1 of the bylaws, and that the intent of the party is that the rules should be followed as passed. Dave Aitkin seconded the motion. After discussion the proposal was passed with a voice vote.
Dave Aitken made a motion to approve the minutes from the 2004 meeting. Jeff Oliver seconded this and it passed with a voice vote.
Bo Shaeffer counted 45 voting members present.
Norm referred to the officer’s reports in the packet.
Rand Fanshier presented the outreach report and welcomed two new affiliates. San Migel includes the Sheriff and the Coroner Prestone has grown from a start of 5 registered Libertarians to 42. The Delta county affiliate mentioned that they have successfully prosecuted several major issues. Boulder added 85 new registered voters. And Fredicksburg has been declared an island of liberty.
Steve Gallant presented the Publication’s Director report. He mentioned that the web site was maintained and that the newsletter was published quarterly. Steve mentioned that he has prepared a transition packet.
Rick Randall presented the Legislative Director’s report. He mentioned that the legislature thinks that we are much bigger than we are. He feels that letters to the editor and to the representatives is the key. Rick recommended that we monitor the weekly minuteman alerts.
Jeff Oliver, our Treasurer, presented his report. He reported that we have $2014 with 800 already earmarked. He mentioned that we are not getting any donations from members. He also mentioned that all who donate $20 or more at a time will be reported to the state.
Norm Olsen presented the verbal portion of the State Chairman’s report. He mentioned that after 5 years he is resigning. He mentioned that as a political party we are making a difference. But he mentioned that the state party is basically a committee of nine. He suggested that we build structure that allows us to routinely complete the required paperwork.
Rand Fanshier explained that we have two campaigns currently active. We have bus bench ads in 4 locations and the new radio ads that will be run along the front range.
Elections
Norm Olsen opened nominations for the State Chair. After a point of order interruption (by disgruntled persons upset that a Republican, Sharon Armstrong, was going to try to vote) Frank Atwood nominated Travis Nicks. This was seconded by Patrick Escher. Ron Baines nominated Debbie Schaum and Bo Shaeffer seconded. Bruce Waters nominated Sharon Armstrong and Ralph Schelvner second. This was challenged by Paul Tiger on the grounds that Sharon is not a registered Libertarian. The nomination was disallowed.
Travis Nicks spoke. He advocated that we be united and save the fighting for those who erode the Constitution. Debbie advocated that we vote for Nick. 40+ votes for Nick, 4 votes for Debbie and 0 for NOTA.
Travis Nicks nominated and Rick Randell seconded a nomination for Lea Kelly as Campaigns Director. This was declared an uncontested elections. The rules were suspended by a 2/3 vote to allow Lea to introduce herself. She was elected by a voice vote.
Debbie Schaum nominated and Travis Nicks seconded Patrick Esser as Publications Director. Patrick was elected by a voice vote. A motion was made and seconded to allow Patrick to speak. The motion passed by a 2/3 vote and Patrick Esser advocated more events for children to draw them into the party. He also wants an uncensored blog and more interactivity.
Rick Randall nominated and Ralph Schnelver seconded Sean Ayers for Media Director. A motion and a second were made to suspend the rules to allow Sean to speak. 2/3s voted to in favor. Sean mentioned that he came from the Democrat party and that he wanted to be a doer not a watcher. He said that he will contact the media and help to grow the party. Sean was elected by a voice vote.
Mike Spalding nominated and Bo Schaeffer and Rick Randell seconded Bud Martin for Treasurer. Bud was elected by a voice vote.
Constitution and Bylaw Amendments
Mike Humbert motioned that we adopt a package of changes to limit membership and to allow proxy voting. Tim Jacobs seconded the motion. Paul Tiger presented a friendly amendment to include the missing text from the 2004 convention (see above). Shawn Elke moved that this proposal be divided into three issues. Bruce Waters seconded. Kieth Hamberger called a question to end debate on the motion to divide. This passed. A vote was then held and the motion to divide failed. A friendly motion to amend the amendment to require a notary was made by and seconded by . This amendment failed a voice vote. Greg Woods offered a friendly amendment to limit the number of proxy votes carried per person to five. Paul Tiger seconded this. Kieth Hamberger again called a question to end the debate on the motion to limit to five proxies per attendees. This passed and the debate ended. The amendment was defeated 20 to 18 in a stand up vote. Kieth Hamberger proposed an amendment requiring that the proxies include voting instructions and be prepared by the board 90 days in advance. This was seconded by Rick Randall. The amendment failed in a voice vote. A friendly amendment to remove the words “state of Colorado”from the original package amendment was made by John Duncan and seconded by Kieth Hamberger. This amendment failed after a voice and hand vote. A question was called to end debate on the original package but this failed after a voice and a stand up vote. Paul Tiger motion to amend the language to include the missing language from the 2004 issue. Bo Schaeffer seconded. Paul Tiger withdrew the motion. Travis Nicks motioned for a change in the language of the package amendment to specify a legitimate member. Lane Mills seconded this. The question was called and discussion was ended with a voice vote. Dan Boise called the question of the original package amendment. Discussion was ended with a voice vote. A request for a secret ballot was accepted. The vote was 33 in favor and 10 opposed.
Rick Randal proposed that we split the outreach director office into Western and Front Range directors. Mike Hamberger called the question. Discussion was closed with a voice vote. The constitutional amendment passed with 2/3 of the 39 present. 26 were for and 12 were opposed.
Bud Martin proposed that we undertake several changes in order to increase the effectiveness of the administrative side of the party. After a brief description of his proposal, he withdrew his motion.
Rick Randal proposed that we add a Membership Director and Bo Schaeffer seconded this motion. Eva made a motion to change the name to Affiliate Services. Kieth Hamberger seconded the motion. The name change amendment passed with a voice vote. Keith Hamberger called the question and discussion was closed by a voice vote. The Membership Director proposal was voted down by a voice vote.
Paul Tiger made a motion for a resolution that the state board should be required should refocus toward affiliate support. Bud Martin provided a second. Bo Shaeffer motioned and Bruce Waters seconded the removal of the word “demand”. A voice vote passed this motion. Keith Hamburger called the question and a voice vote closed discussion on the original amendment. In a standing count the amendment passed.
A motion to adjourn was presented at 5:15p. After final words from Norm Olsen, the meeting was adjourned.
(minutes typed by Mike Spalding)
