Libertarian Dumped On Technicality In State Senate Race

Libertarian Dumped On Technicality In State Senate Race

By Bob Small

The new minor party status that the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania received was said to give them an advantage in special elections, including not having to gather signatures

This year’s first special election is on Jan 31 in the 27th state senatorial district.  The 27th opened up when John Gordner resigned on Nov 30 to become counsel to State Senator Kim Ward who is now the Senate Majority Leader.

The major party candidates are Patricia Lawton (D) and Lynda Schlegel Culver (R), meaning one of them will become the first female 27th District Female Senator.

So it seemed that the Libertarians would have their initial Special Election Candidate for 2023, under this new statute.  Well, the devil is in the details.

Though Thomas Anderson’s nomination packet was filed by the Dec. 12 deadline because “he failed to include a copy of his (SFI) statement of financial interests”

Here’s where it gets interesting;  The DOS states that they gave Anderson leeway to file it in a few days, but that Anderson “inexplicably waited until Jan. 11 to file.  There’s various conflicting statements in the media reports.

Anderson has a Bachelor’s Degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology and a graduate degree from Penn State University.  He has worked as an alternative energy consultant, constable, and software engineer.  He has been affiliated with the Columbia County Committee of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, The Columbia County Landowners Association, We the People of Columbia County, and The Williamsport Tea Party.  

On Jan. 25, I received an email from Thomas Anderson that contained confirmation that the SFI was timestamped as of 5:16 p.m. on Dec. 12.

I’ll leave the final quotes to Thomas Anderson “I was duly nominated by the third largest political party in Pennsylvania.  They chose to deny for a technicality which was cured almost immediately”.

Two last comments The Greens have become used to this on a regular basis. Meanwhile, the newly minted Governor Shapiro refuses to even release some financial information.

More to follow. 

Libertarian Dumped On Technicality In State Senate Race
Tom Anderson’s email statement
Libertarian Dumped On Technicality In State Senate Race

Lancaster Libertarians Ponder Replacing Plurality Voting

Lancaster Libertarians Ponder Replacing Plurality Voting

By Bob Small

The most used voting system in the United States is plurality, which means the top vote-getter wins regardless of whether he gets the majority of total votes.

Is it the best? 

 The Libertarians Party of Lancaster County, among others, feel there is a better way and will discuss options at their monthly forum 7 p.m., Dec. 21 at 15 Mount Joy St., Mount Joy, Pa. 17552.

The Lancaster Libertarians are opposed to “instant runoff” ranked choice and are lukewarm about “approval voting.” The ones they are pushing for are Best/Alternate/Worst Voting (BAWV) and Approve/Approve/Disapprove Voting (ASDV) which are discussed here.

“Since the continuing use of Plurality is the single largest reason why no other party can compete with the Ds and Rs in elections, it is very important that we all get on the same page (and on the CORRECT page) regarding its replacement!,” say the Libertarians. 

The Libertarian Party of Lancaster County forums concern topics important to the philosophy of liberty and are normally 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month on the second floor of 15 Mount Joy St. accessed through the side door from the parking lot.

Check the calendar at lplcpa.org for late changes. Topics have been “Rational Thinking,” “Rational Self-interest,” “Rights,” “The NAP,” “Libertarian Taxation,” “The PA Constitution” and “Money.” PowerPoint slides for most sessions are posted here:

While I am a Green and not a Libertarian, we do agree on some issues.

Lancaster Libertarians Ponder Replacing Plurality Voting
Lancaster Libertarians Ponder Replacing Plurality Voting

Shutdown The Shutdown Montco Reps Being Told

Shutdown The Shutdown Montco Reps Being Told — Sorry Bob Small. We were going through old emails and saw this one about the “Shutdown the Shutdown” event being hosted today (May 30) by the Montgomery County Libertarians with Ken Krawchuk as guest emcee.

It consists of nine rallies being hosted at the homes of Montco’s State House contingent which started at 9 a.m. for Christopher Rabb (D-200) and was followed by one at 10 a.m. for Steven McCarter (D-154). As of this writing (11:49 a.m.) a demonstration aimed at Ben Sanchez (D-153) at Jenkingtown and Meetinghouse roads.

The remaining schedule is:

12 p.m.

State Rep Thomas Murt (R-152)

Park and meet in Boileau Park on Byberry Road near Orangemans Road

1 p.m.

State Rep Todd Stephens (R-151)

Meet at corner of Witmer and Old Witmer

Park on side streets

2 p.m.

State Rep Steven R Malagari (D-53)

Meet at Hancock Street Park, Hancock Road and Maple St.

Park on side streets

3 p.m.

State Rep Matthew Bradford (D-70)

Meet at corner of Trooper and Spring Hill

Park on side streets

4 p.m.

State Rep Tim Briggs (D-149)
Meet at Crow Creek on Keebler Road.

Park on side streets

5 p.m.

State Rep Mary Jo Daley (D-148)

Park and meet in Sabine Park, Montgomery Ave. and Sabine Ave.

6 p.m.

Post-rally Munchies (optional, non-political, just food)

Germantown Pike and Joshua Road

Park on Joshua Road

Nearby is a Wawa, a pizza place, decent Indian take-out, and a grassy park

For information about the Libertarian Party, the public is invited to contact the Montgomery County Libertarian Party at www.MontcoLP.org, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania at www.LpPa.org or (800) R-RIGHTS, or the National Libertarian Party at www.Lp.org or (202) 333-0008.

Shutdown The Shutdown Montco Reps Being Told
Shutdown The Shutdown Montco Reps Being Told

GOP Challenges David Medina Nomination Papers

GOP Challenges David Medina Nomination Papers

This press release was sent to us by Josiah Stricklan, who is vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Delaware County.

A group of Republicans have filed objections to the nominating papers for the Libertarian Candidate for State Representative, W. David Medina in the 162nd district.

David Jahn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Delaware County said “This is expected. The two old parties have been using onerous ballot access laws to suppress competition for over a hundred years. They maintain their dominance of the political discourse and this nation’s resources by limiting our choices at the polls. As a result, Americans most often endure exaggerated attack ad campaigns lacking the kind of civil discourse, solutions and ideas candidates like David Medina can bring to the debate.“

Josiah Strickland, vice chair responded saying “Establishment politicians fear real alternatives to their candidates. This is merely a power play to reduce competition. This challenge is a distraction when citizens deserve to be hearing about how we can solve the gridlock in Harrisburg.”

W. David Medinais a resident of Ridley Township and has worked with special needs families in his own business for 19 years.

His wife, Maria, works for DowDupont in Wilmington, Delaware and his two daughters have attended Leedom Elementary School. His oldest daughter has also attended Ridley Middle School and Ridley High School. His daughters have played soccer for Ridley United Soccer Club.

A dedicated family man, Medina is committed to improving the quality of life for Delaware County families through job creation, economic development and reducing wasteful government spending.

Medina is an Honors Graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Best Selling Author. More info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MedinaForHouse/

Find out more about the Libertarian Party Principles at www.LPPA.org and www.Delco4Liberty.com

GOP Challenges David Medina Nomination Papers

David Medina Is Libertarian Pick For 162nd Race

David Medina Is Libertarian Pick For 162nd RaceDavid Medina Is Libertarian Pick For 162nd Race — The Delaware County Libertarian Committee has chosen W. David Medina as their candidate this November in Pennsylvania’s 162nd State House District to take on the seat currently held by incumbent Nick Miccarelli, a Republican.

Medina, of Ridley Park,  a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, is the proprietor of  Medina Kenpo Karate in Springfield.

The 162nd District consists of Tinicum Township; the 3rd, 4th and 5th wards of Darby Township; the 4th, 6th and 9th wards of Ridley Township along with the 2nd precinct of the 1st Ward; and the boroughs of Collingdale, Folcroft, Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park and Ridley Park.

In 2010, it had a population of 63,600.

David Medina Is Libertarian Pick For 162nd Race

 

Opioid War Won’t Stop Epidemic

Opioid War Won't Stop EpidemicOpioid War Won’t Stop Epidemic

By Dale Kerns

President Trump, a few weeks ago, you addressed the opioid epidemic, which has gripped the country in recent years. In officially declaring the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, you took the important first step toward fixing this problem.

However, even more important is how we move forward in operating in the midst of this emergency. We have already tried treating the issue as a criminal one. Over the last 40 years, our nation has spent well over $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars on the War on Drugs as our federal prison population has increased by nearly 800 percent.

If one wishes to know the effectiveness of these policies, they need only learn that in spite of these strong steps, the United States remains the number 1 country in the world in illegal drug use.

With this “tough on crime” approach clearly failing, an alternative has emerged treat drug users not as criminals, but rather as human beings. In Portugal they decided to take this path less traveled in 2001. Once ravaged by chaos and disarray due to the drug trade, the country’s incidences of use and addiction has plummeted. Overdose deaths of adults are now the second lowest in the entire European Union, with 3 annually for every 1 million citizens.

Switzerland has embraced medical treatment for heroin addicts. The Swiss have experienced incredible results with their heroin-assisted treatment program, which began in 1994. The Swiss treat roughly 1,300 addicts with maintenance doses of heroin via more than 20 clinics. Perhaps the most incredible statistic, since the program’s inception there has not been a single occurrence of overdose in any of the clinics.

My own family has had a brush with the real-world ramifications of the failures of the current War on Drugs. Two years ago, we lost my cousin Dan. He had been a drug user, and when he needed help the most, the government ex- tended not a helping hand, but an iron fist. Thrown in jail, he never got the necessary treatment to help him kick his addiction.

Addiction is not a crime, and it shouldn’t be treated like one. If my family had been given the opportunity to help Dan, things could have turned out differently. It may be too late for him, but it is not too late to help the millions like him who suffer every day from the current Drug War.

In 1990, one leading business voice eloquently explained a path to winning the War on Drugs. He asserted, “You have to take the profit away from these drug czars.” That same business leader stated that by taking the drug trade out of the shadows, profits could then be used to educate the public about the “dangers of drugs,” rather than wasting that money on incarceration.

Mr. President, do you remember speaking these words? Your words could not have been more right then, and now you have the opportunity to prove yourself correct and enact this policy 27 years later. By taking the steps I’ve outlined in my “Addiction is Not a Crime” bill, I’m confident that we can work together to bring an end to the scourges that are drug addiction and the War on Drugs.

Dale Kerns is the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. 

Opioid War Won’t Stop Epidemic

Samantha Harris Explains Sally Ladd Case

Samantha Harris Explains Sally Ladd Case — America’s Future Foundation which describes itself as “the premier network for liberty-minded young professional” will have a meeting 6:30 p.m., tonight, Sept. 18 at the Heritage Ballroom in Ridley to address Sally Ladd injustice.

Samantha Harris and her family hired Sally Ladd to get tenants for their vacation home at Arrowhead Lake in the Poconos and were very happy with her performance.

Unfortunately she did not have a real estate broker license. Getting one would have required 300 hours of approved instruction, pass two exams, and spend three years working as an apprentice under an already-licensed broker.

Ms. Ladd was 61 years old.  She said she was quitting her business rather than deal with burden.

Mrs. Harris, who is vice president of policy research at Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, talked her into filing suit  against the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of State. They are seeking relief from the law—the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, 63 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 455.1.

Heritage Ballroom is at 2107 MacDade Blvd. Homes, Pa. 19043.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Hat tip Kim Kennedy

Samantha Harris Explains Sally Ladd Case

Samantha Harris Explains Sally Ladd Case

Delco Libertarians Historic Slate For County Offices

Delco Libertarians Historic Slate For County Offices — The Delaware County Libertarian Committee is filing, tomorrow, Aug. 1, nomination papers for candidates for county council, sheriff, register of wills and controller.

“This marks the first time in recorded history that a third party has challenged the two major parties for a countywide slate in Delaware County,” said Libertarian Vice Chairman Dale Kerns.

Delco Libertarians Historic Slate For County Offices

Delco Libertarians Historic Slate For County Offices

Libertarian Opposes GOP Health Reform Bill

Libertarian Opposes GOP Health Reform Bill — The Dale Kerns Campaign issued this statement concerning the GOP replacement of the Affordable Care Act with the American Health Care Act.

Libertarian Opposes GOP Health Reform Bill
Dale Kerns

Today the House passed the American Health Care Act as a replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act. If I had the pleasure of being Pennsylvania’s representative in the Senate, I would vote no to this bill. The AHCA bill is just an Obamacare Lite that does not fix the overall problems that the Affordable Care Act is causing Americans. Without a mandate, the government monopoly on healthcare cannot work, and with the mandate the system is corrupt. The GOP bill will cause premiums to skyrocket. We need to bring the purchasing power of insurance back to the consumer by offering free market solutions. Instead the AHCA gives the insurance companies an open check book to make insane profits while driving the level of care further into the ground. We must repeal, but not replace. When you put out a fire do you look for another catastrophe to replace it with?”

Dale Kerns of Ridley is a Libertarian seeking to replace Bob Casey as U.S. Senator.

Libertarian Opposes GOP Health Reform Bill

 

Libertarian Discusses Addict Criminalization

Libertarian Discusses Addict Criminalization — The Dale Kerns Campaign will discuss the impact of legal force on addicts, 11 a.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Clarion Philadelphia Airport Hotel, 76 Industrial Highway, Essington.

Libertarian Discusses Addict Criminalization
Dale Kerns

Kerns is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for U.S. Senate to run against U.S Sen. Bob Casey in 2018.

This event, inspired by Kerns’ own recent loss of a loved one to drug addiction, is intended to show the negative impact that the criminalization of addiction has on families.

It also addresses how criminalization makes the growing drug epidemic significantly worse, and how the Libertarian position of decriminalization and legalization makes things better. This will be the first in a series of “Addiction is Not a Crime” events to draft a bill to propose to Congress concerning the rights of citizens suffering from drug addiction. Guests will hear a slate of speakers versed in Libertarian and addiction related fields.

Besides Kerns, speakers will be Christopher Dreisbach, CEO of Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, who is celebrating 10 years of sobriety; and Christopher Bastone, contributor on PHL Radio, who served with U.S. Air Force Intelligence.

Libertarian Discusses Addict Criminalization Dale Kerns