NW Michigan Libertarian Voting Guide 2018
Libertarians in Northwest Michigan have several excellent candidates to vote for this year, both at statewide and local levels. In addition, there are three statewide ballot proposals. A complete list of candidates, websites, and contact information is at the bottom of this article.
This year’s election is especially important. For the first time ever, the Libertarian party is a primary party in Michigan! If the candidate for governor receives 5% or more of the vote, the Libertarians remain a primary party and can continue to gain ground in the state of Michigan.
LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATES
Bill Gelineau’s race for governor is the most important for the party. Gelineau comes from Grand Rapids. His running mate is Angelique Thomas.
Other statewide candidates include Gregory Stempfle – Secretary of State Lisa Lane Gioia – Attorney General. In addition Tim Coon is running for State Senate District #35, which includes Benzie, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Wexford, and Manistee Counties.
Two local candidates are running in Manistee County. David Holmer is running for Manistee County Commissioner, District #2 and Robert Clark is running as Arcadia Township Supervisor.
There is also a full slate of Libertarian candidates running for the State Board of Education as well as MSU, U of M and Wayne State. The Libertarian party endorses Kerry Morgan for State Supreme Court.
Link to All Libertarian candidates in Michigan
Ballot Proposals
At the statewide convention, Libertarians took no position on Proposals 1 and 3, and voted to not endorse Proposal 2.
Proposal 1: Libertarian delegates took no position on Proposal 1, the ballot initiative organized by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. However at the July 2017 State Convention, delegates fell two votes shy of the two-thirds necessary for the endorsement of the proposal.
Most of the opposition to the proposal was because people with previous cannabis convictions would not have their record expunged, and the additional taxes placed on cannabis being used as a means for government to raise revenue for unrelated functions.
Many Libertarians supporting Proposal 1 believe that the proposal may not be perfect, but is an important first step towards freedom and overcrowded prisons.
Proposal 2: This proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution would create an independent citizen redistricting commission designed to curb partisan gerrymandering.
Among the reasons for the Libertarian party’s opposition to the amendment are that it would limit major players to two political parties. Many libertarians feel that the only way to solve the gerrymandering problem is to move towards electing legislators from multi-member districts or proportional representation.
Proposal 3: The party also took no position on Proposal 3, which would provide voting reforms, including a requirement that a straight-ticket voting option be included on the ballot.
Having no straight-ticket option helps third party and independent candidates, especially in races with only two opponents.
LIbertarian Candidates and Contact Information
Bill Gelineau – Governor Angelique Thomas – Lieutenant Governor
Website: https://liberty4gov.org/
Email: campaign@liberty4gov.org
Gregory Stempfle – Secretary of State
Website: https://stempfle4sos.com/ Email: info@stempfle4sos.com
Lisa Lane Gioia – Attorney General
Website: LisaForLiberty.com Email: lisa.lane.liberty@gmail.com
Timothy Coon – District 35
Email: timothycoon1982@aol.com
David Holmer- Manistee County Commissioner, District #2
Email: David Holmer@yahoo.com
Township Supervisor
Robert Clark – Arcadia (Manistee)
Email: arcadiavalleyenterprises@gmail.com
John Tatar – State Board of Education
Website: http://www.johnjtatar.com/ Email: johnjtatar@yahoo.com
Scotty Boman – State Board of Education
Email: scottyeducation@yahoo.com
Bruce Campbell – MSU Board of Trustees
Email: bhcamp47@yahoo.com
Tim Orzechowski – MSU Board of Trustees
Website: http://timo4trustee.com Email: timo4trustee@gmail.com
John Jascob – U of M Board of Regents Email: jjascob@umich.edu
James Hudler – U of M Board of Regents
Email: james.hudler@gmail.com
Jon Elgas – WSU Board of Governors
Email: jonelgas1978@gmail.com
John Hargenrader – WSU Board of Governors
Email: jthargenrader@att.net
Judicial: Kerry Morgan – Justice to the Supreme Court
Email: kmorganesq@aol.com