October 2004

By Curtis Everett

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They say that one person can make a difference in the voting process. I'm here to tell you that is true. It has been frustrating the past several years. I'm the only committeeman for Laclede county since the late nineties. I've tried holding meetings repeatedly, but nobody will show up. I know there are Libertarians (maybe they are libertarians with a small l) in my county, because I've seen the voting records. It's been less than twenty, but that's better than just myself. It seems that we don't like to volunteer for things, or just don't want to get involved.

But something happened. There was a death in the 26th circuit court district. And the committee people of the Democrat, Republican, and Libertarian parties could get together and nominate someone to fill that office in the November election. And a qualified Libertarian, Mary Clare McWilliams, was willing to run. That's where the single person came in. I'm the only committeeman in Laclede, Camden, Miller, Morgan, or Moniteau counties. Greg Tlapek had contacted me to see if I would be willing to help get her on the ballot. After getting the paper work from the state government filled out and notarized, I sent it on to Mary McWilliams to file in Jefferson City. There were time constraints, but we made it. I guess it is easier to hold a nominating meeting when you are the only one.

It feels good to be able to give people a choice. And thanks to Mary, people in five counties won't be stuck with only a Republican or Democrat as a candidate for circuit judge.