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Why Voting Libertarian is Not a Wasted Vote

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on September 9, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJanuary 14, 2021

As published in the Northern Express  Why are Americans still stuck with the same dysfunctional two parties year after year?

In other words, why won’t many Americans look beyond the duopoly to vote for some of the alternative candidates?

“It’s silly that a country that prides itself on choice allows only two choices for president,” said Bill Maher, political analyst and comedian.

The reasons for this are complicated, but the argument that Libertarians constantly hear is that people “don’t want to waste their votes” on the third-largest party, or any of the other alternatives. The idea of this argument is that your vote doesn’t count if you vote for someone who probably will not win.

Despite these arguments, Libertarians and other third-party voters are increasingly voting for candidates outside the duopoly. We’re doing this for many reasons. The progress that Libertarians have made in recent years has us hopeful. We also feel that even if our candidate doesn’t win, our votes will make a difference in other ways. Last but not least, most Libertarians feel that it is important to vote for principles and beliefs, rather than following the crowd.

According to Ballot Access News’ March 2018 edition, between 2008 and 2018, the number of U.S. voters registered as Libertarian surged by 92 percent. Over that same period, the number of voters registered as Democrats fell by 8 percent. Republicans are down by 5 percent. And the number of voters registered as independent or with other parties increased by 19 percent.

Also notable: In 2016, eight times as many people voted for the Libertarian presidential candidate than in 2008. According to Ballotpedia, 523,713 voted for Bob Barr in 2008, while almost 4,489,233 voted for Gary Johnson in 2016.

Most importantly, third-party candidates for small local offices have an excellent chance of winning. In these instances, your vote for Libertarian candidates really does make a difference.

The Libertarian Party has several township and county candidates on Northern Michigan ballots in 2020. These are all high-caliber people who have a great chance of winning and are active in their communities. These candidates have made an effort to get out and meet voters, since creative grassroots efforts are the best ways that Libertarians can overcome the obstacles. As Libertarian candidate for Mancelona Township trustee, I have been knocking on doors every day, introducing myself to my neighbors, and talking to them about their concerns.

On the other hand, Libertarian presidential candidates have a bigger challenge. As Kristina Nwazota, a former editor with the PBS online NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, reported, “Third party candidates are at a disadvantage because of federal campaign finance laws, rules that dictate who can enter presidential debates, and a lack of media attention.”

However, despite these obstacles, Nwazota believes that “Third parties have had a major influence on U.S. policy and political debate.”

John McAlister, former Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate, agrees.

“The most successful third party in the 20th Century was the Socialist Party. First the Democrats and then later the Republicans piecemeal adopted just about every major tenet of the 1916 Socialist Party platform,” he stated in his online article “The Wasted Vote Myth” at www.freepress.org.
Libertarians are the opposite of the Socialists, but the pattern is the same: “The radical ideas about liberty that we started with in 1971 are now being seriously debated or, in some cases, implemented by the other parties,” said McAlister.

“There’ll be an issue that’s being neglected or that is being purposely excluded from national debate because neither party wants to face the political criticism that it would bring,” explained Sean Wilentz of Princeton University. “Third parties are the ones that raise the issues that no one wants to raise.”

As Libertarians continue to grow the party and influence politics, it is insulting when people actually get angry at us because of how we vote. They assume that our vote takes away from their favorite candidate.

Yet surely no one thinks that we owe it to anyone to be sure that their candidate wins. In fact, I feel that my vote would be wasted if I voted for someone who does not represent my values and beliefs. It’s important for me to be true to myself and not follow society blindly, like a sheep.

Things would change if everyone read the platforms of the alternative parties and took a leap of faith.

“Even if once in your life you missed the chance to cast that mythical deciding ballot, the harm from selecting the wrong person in one election is more than offset by a lifetime of giving voter support to the lesser of two evils rather than standing up for what you believe,” said McAlister.

Voting for the lesser evil sends the wrong message. Remember, if we keep voting the way we have been voting, we will keep getting what we have been getting.

Research alternatives. Dare to be different. Vote for the person who truly represents your principles and beliefs.

How Would Libertarians Reform the Police?

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on August 1, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegDecember 23, 2020

As written by Donna Gundle-Krieg and published in the Northern Express July 4, 2020

Americans are finally seeing the need to reform the way our society enforces laws, as the issue of police force has been placed front and center before us.

The Libertarian Party has been ahead of the game for decades on the issues of reforming our criminal justice system.

Since the 1960s, we have advocated for getting rid of laws that create “victimless crimes.” We have long believed in holding police accountable. Last but not least, Libertarians believe that the job descriptions, policies, and procedures of the police departments need to be reformed.

In fact, back in 1969, Lanny Friedlander, founder of the leading Libertarian magazine, Reason, said, “The police of a free society, engaging in retaliatory force only, enforcing laws of a defensive nature only, would be bound by the same laws they enforced and would stand fully accountable for their actions.”

Achieving this free society starts with getting rid of “victimless crimes.” In other words, we need to minimize the opportunity for the police to act against the public. This means fewer laws and less intrusive enforcement of the laws that we do have.

In 1971, the fledgling Libertarian Party called for “the repeal of all ‘crimes without victims,’ such as the prohibitions on drug use that have driven so much of the escalation in aggressive police tactics.”

Fifty years later, the Libertarian Party platform states: “Government force must be limited to the protection of the rights of individuals to life, liberty, and property, and governments must never be permitted to violate these rights.”

“We favor the repeal of all laws creating ‘crimes without victims,’ such as gambling, the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes, and consensual transactions involving sexual services.”

Voters in Michigan took a huge step toward repealing drug laws when they voted for recreational marijuana to be legal. According to Pew Research, in 2018, 40 percent of all arrests in the United States were for marijuana offenses. Making this drug legal certainly helps reduce the opportunity for the police to act against the public.

In addition to repealing victimless crimes, Libertarians favor holding government agencies and their employees accountable for their actions.

“We support full restitution for all loss suffered by persons arrested, indicted, tried, imprisoned, or otherwise injured in the course of criminal proceedings against them which do not result in their conviction,” the Libertarian Party declared in 1979.

“Law enforcement agencies should be liable for this restitution unless malfeasance of the officials involved is proven, in which case they should be personally liable.”

More recently, Grand Rapids’ Justin Amash, the only Libertarian in the U.S. Congress, introduced the first-ever “tri-partisan bill,” which would eliminate qualified immunity.

“The Ending Qualified Immunity Act will … restore Americans’ ability to obtain relief when police officers violate their constitutionally secured rights,” stated Amash.

“The brutal killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police is merely the latest in a long line of incidents of egregious police misconduct. This pattern continues because police are legally, politically, and culturally insulated from consequences for violating the rights of the people whom they have sworn to serve.”

In addition to holding police officers accountable and eliminating victimless crimes, Libertarians believe that we must take back some of the tremendous power that society has given to police.

“Over the last 25 years, America has seen a disturbing militarization of its civilian law enforcement, along with a dramatic and unsettling rise in the use of paramilitary police units for routine police work,” warned the Cato Institute’s Radley Balko in his 2013 book, “Rise of the Warrior Cop.”

He explained that he was referring to Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, teams. These types of teams perform “no-knock raids,” which so often end in tragedy when police kick in the wrong door, or when a suddenly awakened resident tries to defend against intruders.

This month, libertarian-leaning Senator Rand Paul introduced legislation to stop the use of no-knock warrants, an idea that Democrats are also pushing in their calls for police reform. The bill requires law enforcement officers to give notice of their authority and purpose before entering a home.

In addition to qualified immunity and ending no-knock warrants, there are many other reforms that need to happen. Nearly all Americans favor at least some level of change to the nation’s criminal justice system, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which concluded that “Americans overwhelmingly want clear standards on when police officers may use force and consequences for officers who do so excessively.”

Thankfully, Americans are finally agreeing with Libertarians and implementing many of the reforms and policy changes that we have been fighting for decades.

The Libertarian party might have the deck stacked against it during elections. However, we have always been the first — and often the only — party to fight the battle against abusive government power.

 

Donna Gundle-Krieg 2020 Libertarian for Mancelona Township Trustee

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 28, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJuly 28, 2020

Donna Gundle-Krieg is running as a Libertarian candidate for Mancelona Township Trustee on the November 3rd ballot. Mancelona voters can choose two trustees. Vote for Donna and also choose either Republican Rod Vesey or Democrat Yousef “Yogi” Jabara.

Donna, a real estate broker, lives with her husband Dennis on the Cedar River in Mancelona. They have two adult children. Son Steven and his wife Tori live in Chicago, and daughter Ellie and her husband Jared reside in Interlochen.

Donna, born and raised in the Detroit area, loves Mancelona. As broker and owner of DEK Realty, she has sold over 300 properties in the area since moving here several years ago. Recently Donna was voted 2020 “Red Hot Best” Realtor in the Charlevoix/Chain of Lakes area.  

“Mancelona has been good to me, and I have fallen in love with the people in this town,” she said. “I want to continue to find new ways to give back. I really think that my leadership and communication skills will serve the township residents well.”

She is also a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and the Mancelona Chamber of Commerce. Last year, she helped start the Mancelona Area Professionals Networking group.

Donna’s biggest volunteer job is Political Director of the 9-county Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials.

The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, so are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Donna also writes about Libertarian issues, primarily as a guest columnist for the Northern Express.

Donna has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Wayne State University, as well as Master’s level business and law classes at Wayne State and Eastern Michigan University.

David Holmer 2020 Libertarian for Manistee County Commissioner District #7

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 28, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJuly 28, 2020

David Holmer

David Holmer, who has filed for Manistee County Commissioner District 7, ran an impressive race in 2018. He is currently running a two-party race, against a Democrat.

David is a veteran and an author, and actively works with over a dozen non-profit organizations, including President of the Manistee Civic Players, Board Member of United Church of Christ, Manistee Choral Society, Co-Founder of Manistee Writers’ Group, and Manistee County Council on Aging.

Click here for more information about David Holmer. He can be reached at 231-590-8290 or cory0269@yahoo.com.

David is running as a Libertarian and member of the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials. The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, and are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Cory Dean 2020 Libertarian for Blair Township Trustee

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 28, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJanuary 14, 2021

Cory Dean is running as a Libertarian candidate for Blair Township Trustee on the November 3rd ballot. There are five trustee candidates running, and Blair Township voters can vote for up to four.

Cory and his wife Stephanie raised four sons and have lived in the township for 40 years. He works as an Account Manager for Star Truck Rental. He is very active in his community, especially as a Board Member for American Legion Baseball and Director of Operations for AA high school baseball.

Cory, born and raised in the Traverse City area, is a staunch believer in the Constitution. “I apply the Constitution to every issue, every time. No exceptions, no excuses!” he stated.

He is running for office because he loves freedom and wants to promote it for the sake of his children and grandchildren.

“It’s important that we start at the bottom, lowest level of government closest to the people,” he said. “That’s what my goal and mission in life is to do…get back to our founding freedoms.”

Click here to see Cory’s Candidate Facebook page. He has many videos and statements of beliefs on his page. He can be reached at 231-590-8290 or cory0269@yahoo.com.

Cory is running as a Libertarian and member of the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials.The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, and are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Thomas Bosch 2020 Libertarian for Long Lake Township Trustee

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 28, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegDecember 23, 2020

Thomas Bosch is running as a Libertarian candidate for Long Lake Township Trustee on the November 3rd ballot. Voters can vote for up to four of the nine candidates who will be on the ballot.

Thomas has an engineering and management background.  He studied Industrial Management at Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Thomas has spent 25 years working in the Automotive Manufacturing Industry, including one year in Japan while learning the Japanese language and culture.  He worked seven years in Design Engineering and then 12 years in Supervision of the design group.  Finally, he spent seven years Managing 25 personnel within the Tool and Die trades.

Thomas is married to Jill.  They, along with their two dogs, like to spend time outdoors; hiking, biking, kayaking or just walking around the neighborhood.  Thomas also enjoys casual and competitive sailing.  He is currently caring for his parents during this pandemic.

Thomas can be reached at 231-881-8801 or bosch_tom@yahoo.com.

Thomas is running as a long-time Libertarian and member of the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This local affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials. The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, and are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Frank Pelky 2020 Libertarian for Homestead Township Clerk

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 28, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJuly 28, 2020

Frank Pelky of Honor, Michigan, has filed for Homestead Township Clerk on the November 3rd 2020 ballot.  

Frank is a former Great Lakes sailor and commercial captain. He has six children and 13 grandchildren, most who live in the area.

Frank is adamant about government overreach, and can often be found at the township meetings fighting against too-strict noise and blight ordinances.

Frank is running as a Libertarian and member of the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials.

The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, and are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Frank can be reached at 231-383-2643 or franksfords@aol.com

Seven NW MI Libertarians File as Candidates on 2020 Ballot

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 27, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegDecember 23, 2020

Racin’ Jason Crum, longtime deejay at WKLT, was among six Northwest Michigan Libertarian selected recently to run as candidates on the 2020 ballot. Other candidates include Ben Boren, David Holmer, Cory Dean, Frank Pelky, Thomas Bosch, and Donna Gundle-Krieg.

Jason, who was nominated for State Representative in the 104th district. is the father of six children and resides with his wife Shawn in Kingsley. Crum has already done a series of videos about why he wants to run for State Representative as a Libertarian. Click here for more information on Jason Crum.

Boren, who is running for Congress in District 1, is an Entrepreneur who lives in Traverse CIty. He is the Outreach Director of the Northwest Michigan Libertarians, and the Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. His enthusiasm is contagious. His favorite quote is from Ayn Rand: “He will be an integrated man, that is: a thinker who is a man of action.” Click here for more information about Ben Boren.

Racin’ Jason Crum

 

David Holmer

Ben Boren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Holmer, who was nominated for Manistee County Commissioner District 7, ran an impressive race in 2018. He is a veteran and an author, and actively works with a dozen non-profits in the Manistee area. Click here for more information about David Holmer.

Nominated for Blair Township Trustee, Cory Dean and his wife Stephanie have raised four sons and have lived in the township for 40 years. He is very active in his community, and is an account manager for Star Truck Rental. Click here for more information about Cory Dean. 

Frank Pelky, who was nominated for Homestead Township Clerk, is a former Great Lakes sailor and commercial captain. He has six children and 13 grandchildren, most who live in the area.   

Thomas Bosch was nominated for Long Lake Township Trustee. He is married to Jill and has a mechanical engineering and management background. He is a long time Libertarian who is excited to make a change. Click here for more information about Thomas Bosch.

Donna Gundle-Krieg was nominated for Mancelona Township Trustee. Gundle-Krieg is Political Director of the Northwest Michigan Libertarians. She is a real estate broker and lives with her husband Dennis in Mancelona. Click here for more information on Donna Gundle-Krieg. 

Much more information on these candidates will be provided in the coming weeks!!

Frank Pelky

 

Donna Gundle-Krieg

Cory Dean

 

Thomas Bosch

Jason Crum 2020 Libertarian for State Representative 104th district

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 27, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegDecember 23, 2020

Racin’ Jason Crum is running as a Libertarian candidate for Michigan State Representative for the 104th district, which includes Grand Traverse County.

Jason, former deejay at WKLT, is the father of six children and resides with his wife Shawn in Kingsley. He is currently a blacksmith at HJ Forge, a shop that specializes in forging Damascus Knives. One of his claims to fame is winning the “Forged in  Fire” contest on the History Channel.

Jason has already done a series of videos about his candidacy and why he wants to run for State Representative. Basically, he feels that the people in the 104th district deserve “common sense representation,” especially regarding recent actions by our governor.

“For a single person to rule by executive order is not how this country was founded. That is not how this state was founded. It is not within our constitution.”

Jason is running as a Libertarian and member of the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party. This affiliate was officially recognized last year as part of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.

“The Libertarian party is one that I have always gravitated to. It’s a party based in freedoms and liberty, small government, conservative fiscal positions, more liberal social positions,” he stated. “It’s a nice balance for where I am as a person, and I’ve always related to the Libertarian party.”

Jason will be on the November 3rd ballot, running against Democrat Dan O’Neil and winner of the Republican primary, either Heather Cerone or John Roth.

In recent years, many new Libertarian Party affiliate groups are forming as state party membership has grown, especially among freedom-loving millennials. The Libertarian Party’s goal is to provide voters with options beyond the two-party system. Libertarians believe in limited government, and are considered financially conservative and socially liberal.

Jason Crum can be reached at 231-640-4812 or jason_crum@hotmail.com

Antrim Sheriff Candidates Bean, Cole Discuss Proposed New Jail

Northwest Michigan Libertarians Posted on July 21, 2020 by Donna Gundle-KriegJuly 21, 2020

Triston Cole

The biggest race in Antrim County’s 2020 primary is for Sheriff.

Triston Cole is challenging incumbent Dan Bean. For more information, see each candidate’s Facebook page. Click here for Bean’s page, and click here for Cole’s page.

Dan B

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you support the Stepping Up Program to reduce jail population? Do you feel that the Sheriff should make this one of his priorities? Please explain.
Answers:
Bean: I do support the step up program. The program really isn’t to reduce the population but to help CMH gather statistics on initial bookings for those clients coming to jail. This is supposed to help CMH get a better picture of those entering the jail. We are in the process of meeting with CMH and getting the information they need into our booking process to help with the evaluation of those clients.

Cole: Yes! This would be a top priority for me to pursue as Sheriff. It is a shame it hasn’t been implemented already as promised. Any opportunity to work with programs that will help reduce the county jail population will be actively sought out. Keeping families together and finding the right mix of support greatly reduces recidivism. Additionally, I will work with and utilize my connections with local, state and federal elected officials to learn what other counties and states are doing to ensure we are turning over every stone and on the cutting edge for what programming is available and what is working well in similar communities. Communication and working together is key here. I have built and utilize a broad network in my current position


2. Which of the options do you believe the board should pursue as far as renovating or building a new jail? Please explain.
Answers:
Bean: Building a new jail/administration office is the way it should be done. This facility has been added on too so often that the utilities Plumbing, electrical etc.) are antiquated. The other issue is the safety for inmates and corrections officers and the liability with the old linear style compared to the newer pod design that that helps with the safety for inmates and corrections staff but also reduces liability for the county (which in the end is the tax payers).

Cole: I recently learned that an idea/plan to use a portion of the current county building was also privately paid for and put before the sheriff as well. It was ignored for an extended period of time. At this time, continuing with comparisons of all options is prudent. This is not a taxpayer funded project to be taken lightly or enter into blindly. Cost, longevity and future flexibility all must be carefully weighed out. As well as any local, regional or statewide partnerships for a facility to address the larger mental health needs and issues. Remember, anytime an individual is an official inmate they lose Medicaid healthcare coverage. The county becomes responsible for the costs incurred for treatment and care of any and all conditions. From dental procedures to expensive high risk pregnancies. We need the greatest flexibility and not just cells to lock people up.


3. Should the Board hire a Structural Engineer to evaluate the current jail for an addition, since it was built to accommodate two stories?

Answers:
Bean: It is my understanding that the current structure cannot hold a second story. I do believe that the current structure has been added onto enough and moving forward with a new structure is the best way to go.
Cole: Of course, this is common sense and my answer to the above question is applicable here as well.


4. Do you believe that the citizens should be able to vote on this project? Or do you think a board that is split 5-4 should have the $76 million decision?
Answers:
Bean: The jail/law administration building is not $76 million. It is more like $21 to $24 million according to the Facilities Master Plan. On July 18, 2019 there was a motion to postpone moving forward with the Facilities Master Plan, which ended in a 4 to 4 vote. Being a tie, the motion died at the table. Currently, as I understand it, the Board is working toward a consensus on how to move forward. 

Cole: I believe that we elect a board of Commissioners to their positions to make decisions on our behalf. They are entrusted to make decisions and they answer to voters every other year. That being said, a project of this size should either require a 3/4 positive vote of the Commissioners and or be put before the voters.


5. How do you think the project should be funded? Fund balance / millage vote / bonding our children’s future?

Answers:
Bean: It probably should be a mix of fund balance and bonding. The commissioners were elected to make this type of decision.That is something the board needs to decide if the project moves forward.

Cole: If it is decided to proceed forward, all funding mechanisms should be put on the table and evaluated. This is an example of a significant communication gap and where a survey of our county taxpayers may be appropriate. Putting our children in greater debt, potentially raising property taxes and making it unaffordable for our young people to stay close to their families in our community is not very appealing to me.

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