July 2009

Convention 2009 Wrap-Up

By Cisse W. Spragins

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The 2009 Convention took place in Jefferson City in April. The primary focus of the Convention was activist education in the areas of public relations, outreach, and campaigning. General sessions and numerous breakout sessions focused on different areas of outreach. Some of the featured speakers included:

• Gary Nolan, host of The Drive with Gary Nolan on The Eagle 93.9FM in Columbia.
• Mark Rutherford, Chairman, Atlas!Liberty PAC and former Indiana LP State Chair.
• Michael Jingozian, Libertarian National Committee Vice-Chair
• Austin Petersen, National LP Volunteer Coordinator and a Missouri native.

Mike Jingozian gave a great talk which involved “role playing” a one-on-one conversation about libertarianism with a relative, friend or acquaintance. He provided some great responses to those tough questions.

Mark Rutherford

Earlier this year, an Indianapolis City Councilman left the Republican Party to join the LP. Mark Rutherford discussed how the Indiana LP had made it an objective to get involved in local politics in a consistent and ongoing manner. He discussed how they have someone attend nearly every City Council meeting to be seen as real, reasonable people. He also noted that they volunteer for various appointments and tasks and regularly issue statements and commentary. Through consistent action over a period of time, they have succeeded in becoming part of the political process. Because of the familiarity established by the Indiana LP over the last few years, when At-Large Councilman Ed Coleman, with nearly 800,000 constituents, became disillusioned with the Republican Party, he felt comfortable joining the LP. Every journey starts with the first step. This is a great example of how local, consistent action pays off. They say 80% of politics is showing up, so now is the time to get involved at the local level.

Convention Floor

New Officers Elected:

The Missouri Libertarian Party elected new officers at the State Committee meeting held April 18th during the State Convention.

Glenn Nielsen of Columbia was elected Chair. On his election to a second term, Nielsen stated: "There is growing dissatisfaction with where the Democrats and Republicans have led this country. Bailouts, unprecedented government spending and political profiling in the recent Missouri Information Analysis Center report. Now, more than ever, Missourians need to hear the libertarian message of individual liberty, free markets and peace."

Cisse Spragins of Kansas City was re-elected Vice Chair. Dr. Spragins is the founder, owner and CEO of a small manufacturing business in Kansas City. Upon re-election, Dr. Spragins stated "It is a pleasure to continue to serve the Party truly committed to liberty. Now more than ever, voters need a choice and it is our responsibility to work to get worthwhile candidates on the ballot."

Barry Albin of Kansas City was elected Secretary, replacing outgoing Secretary John Schultz of Columbia. On his election as Secretary Albin stated "I hope to bring the same degree of professionalism to this office that I have demonstrated as a lawyer for the past 36 years. I see this position as one of servant to the State Committee and the Party and will work to improve the internal strength of the Party throughout my tenure."

Outgoing Secretary John Schultz was the 2008 winner of the Missouri Libertarian Party's highest award, the Karl Wetzel Award. Thanking Schultz, Nielsen stated "John did a great job as Secretary and I am pleased to see he will continue as a member of the Executive Committee and as Boone County Libertarian Party Chair."

Paula Benski of Chesterfield was re-elected Treasurer. Upon re-election, Paula Benski stated, "It has been a pleasure to work with such a high caliber of people as those in the Missouri Libertarian Party. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone in the Party to advance the cause of liberty in our state. We have proven that we can broker positive change."

Convention Dinner - Allen Underdown, Michael Jingozian, Glenn Nielsen and Mark Rutherford (left to right)

Elected Libertarians:

Libertarians won two of five local elections in April. Robert Stephens was elected to the Springfield City Council. Mike Ferguson was elected to the Grandview City Council.

The Springfield race was particularly noteworthy. For Springfield City Council seats, there is first a primary and then a run-off between the top two finishers in the primary. In what was perhaps a first in LP history, of the five primary contestants, the top two finishers were Libertarian Tom Martz and Libertarian Robert Stephens. The two Libertarians faced off against each other in the run-off. The Springfield voters’ obvious comfort with Libertarians is no doubt due the excellent job Libertarian Doug Burlison has done since being elected to the Springfield City Council in 2007.

The newly elected Libertarians join Mike Bozarth who was elected to the St. Joseph City Council in 2006, Joel Stoner who was elected Mayor of Macks Creek in 2007, and as noted, Doug Burlison who was elected to the Springfield City Council in 2007.

Doug Burlison, Mike Ferguson and Mike Bozarth (left to right)

The Elected Libertarian Panel at the Convention featured Mike Bozarth, Doug Burlison and Mike Ferguson sharing their experiences and offering their words of wisdom. Doug Burlison noted that his several runs for public office prior to his successful run for City Council were instrumental in building his name recognition and “political credentials”. Ultimately, he says, actions speak louder than words. His demand for an audit of the Springfield City budget, which uncovered several problems and received quite a lot of press ultimately pushed him over the edge.

Mike Bozarth noted that he knocked on over 1500 doors and feels that face-to-face contact is key in local races. He also noted that getting involved is important and he made it a point to attend and participate in the meetings of the largest neighborhood association in his district. Mike Ferguson used the recognition he received in running for Lieutenant Governor in 2004 to get appointed to a local commission in his town and from there moved into elected positions by executing a strategy of specifically targeting likely voters.

If you missed the Convention, you can view videos of Michael Jingozian’s talk, Austin Peterson’s talk and the Elected Libertarian panel on the Missouri LP You Tube Channel at http://youtube.com/MissouriLP.