LPNOVA members,
At our December meeting, we had a very spirited and substantive discussion regarding the formation of committees that would be the "action arm" of LPNOVA. We all had some great ideas but did not reach conclusion on exactly how we should organize themselves. Nobody said this was going to be easy, but hey, I'm just crazy enough to enjoy the challenge. At any rate, until we actually do form these committees, I think there are some things we can be doing right now. The underlying issue that I took from our discussions is that no matter our direction, WE NEED MORE MEMBERS. That being said, I would like to solicit volunteers from our humble ranks to create and maintain an LPNOVA site on the most popular networking sites: MySpace, Facebook, Yahoo! Groups, and LinkedIn. In addition, some of you may already be a member on Bureaucrash, a very popular "small L" libertarian networking site based in DC.
Let us know your thoughts: if you are interested in creating and maintaining a social page on one of these websites as a platform for recruiting new members, please send an email to me at chris.brookover@gmail.com or reply to this post. We are looking for people who are creative, handy with these types of websites, and dedicated to maintain our page on a regular basis. If you need ideas, you can go to LP.org and follow the links to the LP's social networking sites. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing your ideas!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
LPNOVA Committees
Hey everyone, I wanted to reach out to you and get your thoughts on LPNOVA committees. I would like to know what types of committees you would be interested in. Website? Local outreach? Fundraising and promotion? Let us know how you can best contribute your time and talents for LPNOVA.
In Liberty,
Chris
In Liberty,
Chris
Friday, December 5, 2008
LPNOVA in '09 - What do you want to see?
At the December 15th Meetup we will discuss 2009 plans for LPNOVA. We want everyone to come to the meetup and give their input as to what they think we should do, but it would also be great to get a head start on this VERY IMPORTANT discussion. So, please use this post as a place to leave your thoughts and comments. The more ideas that better, so give us everything you have. Let's get a discussion going!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Moving in the Right Direction
When I first looked at Tuesday's poll results I wasn't very happy with what I saw. Nationally, Bob Barr didn't do nearly as well as anticipated. In Virginia, he did even worse. In Fairfax County, Barr's vote total and percentage were both much lower than the LP ticket from 2004. Barr received 1,253 votes, which is only .28% of all votes cast in the county this year. In 2004, Badnarik received 1,743 votes, which is .37% of votes cast that year. Any way you look at them, these are pretty lousy results.
So, if I had just stopped there, I would have nothing to feel good about. Fortunately, I dug much deeper, and here is what I found:
Bob Barr received about 30% fewer votes than Badnarik in Fairfax County. However, in the precincts that we targeted with canvassing efforts, yard signs, and sample ballots, the results were much better. In the Lake Braddock precinct the LP presidential ticket received 113% more votes than in 2004. In the Signal Hill precinct, the ticket received 38% more votes than in 2004. These increases are great, and seem even better when you consider that the county as a whole cast far fewer votes for the LP ticket.
As for Bill Redpath, he received 2,454 votes in Fairfax County - about twice as many votes as Barr. He also received substantially more votes in our two target precincts than he did in other similar precincts. Unfortunately, we don't have any previous results to measure against, but it looks as though our efforts paid off for the Redpath campaign too.
Now, I know that this is not a scientific comparison. There are many factors that could have caused the increase in LP votes in these two precincts. However, it seems likely that our money and hard work may have paid off. At least, that's what I'm going with.
So, if I had just stopped there, I would have nothing to feel good about. Fortunately, I dug much deeper, and here is what I found:
Bob Barr received about 30% fewer votes than Badnarik in Fairfax County. However, in the precincts that we targeted with canvassing efforts, yard signs, and sample ballots, the results were much better. In the Lake Braddock precinct the LP presidential ticket received 113% more votes than in 2004. In the Signal Hill precinct, the ticket received 38% more votes than in 2004. These increases are great, and seem even better when you consider that the county as a whole cast far fewer votes for the LP ticket.
As for Bill Redpath, he received 2,454 votes in Fairfax County - about twice as many votes as Barr. He also received substantially more votes in our two target precincts than he did in other similar precincts. Unfortunately, we don't have any previous results to measure against, but it looks as though our efforts paid off for the Redpath campaign too.
Now, I know that this is not a scientific comparison. There are many factors that could have caused the increase in LP votes in these two precincts. However, it seems likely that our money and hard work may have paid off. At least, that's what I'm going with.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
LPNOVA Bylaws
Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia
We, The Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia (LPNOVA), do here by take up the charge to affect a change, through peaceable measures, in the governing bodies that affect our lives. We commit ourselves to working toward a smaller, less intrusive government. We will promote personal freedom and property rights. Through peaceful assembly, education of the public and politicians, and running candidates for local, state, and federal offices, we will maintain a visible presence in the Northern Virginia area.
“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.”—Thomas Jefferson
BYLAWS
1. Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia (LPNOVA) Membership
1.1 Members of LPNOVA will be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia libertarian parties.
1.2 Members will complete the LPNOVA membership form.
1.3 Members will reside in the counties of Fairfax, Prince William, or Arlington, or the cities of Falls Church, Fairfax or Alexandria.
2. Board of LPNOVA
1
2
2.1 LPNOVA shall be governed by an elected board. Members of the board will be elected by majority vote at the LPNOVA convention to be held in the last week of November each year.
2.2 Members seeking positions on the governing board will be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian Parties. These members should be in good standing with LPNOVA and have attended at least two thirds of monthly board meetings in the year which the wish to run for office.
2.3 The governing board shall consist of five positions; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and one At Large member.
2.3.1 The Chairman will run the day to day operations of LPNOVA. He will set the agenda for the year to come. At the monthly board meeting he will be granted one votes.
2.3.2 The Vice Chairman will stand in for the Chairman in his absence. He will supervise the advisory committees. He will have one vote at monthly board meeting.
2.3.3 The Treasurer will keep records of fundraising and expenses for all party functions, and file reports as required by local, state, or Federal law. He will receive one vote at the monthly board meeting.
2.3.4 The Secretary will keep minutes of board meetings and file any reports required of LPNOVA by local, state, or Federal law. He will receive one vote at monthly board meetings.
2.3.5 The At Large member will serve as liaison to the members of LPNOVA. He will be given one vote at monthly board meetings.
2.4 In the event that a board member must vacate or is removed from his post, a new officer will be appointed by the remaining board members. If the chairman must vacate his post, the vice chair will become the chairman and the board will appoint a new vice chairman.
2.5 An officer of the governing board may be removed if he is deemed to be no longer affective in his position. A two thirds vote of members at the meeting where a motion for removal is passed will be required to remove an officer.
2.6 The governing board will meet once a month to assess and set goals, vote on issues relevant to LPNOVA and address issues brought forward from advisory committees. Members will be welcome at all board meetings and are encouraged to participate.
3 Advisory Committees
3.1 As membership allows, advisory committees will be created by the governing board. These committees will inform the board on issues pertaining to local, state, and federal governing bodies.
3.2 Committee chairs will be appointed by the governing board.
4 LPNOVA Convention
4.1 The LPNOVA convention will be held in the last week of November every year.
4.2 The convention will elect new board members by majority vote.
4.3 LPNOVA will solicit, from its members, candidates for elected office in the following year.
4.3.1 Those that wish to be considered for office must be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian parties.
4.3.2 If more than one person would like to run for the same position, the LPNOVA candidate will be decided by majority vote.
4.4 Amendments to the LPNOVA Bylaws may be proposed at the convention.
4.4.1 Amendments may only be sponsored by LPNOVA members in good standing (those that have attended one half of monthly board meetings and are dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian parties).
4.4.2 Amendments will be passed when approved by two thirds of the LPNOVA membership.
5 Governing Law
5.1 LPNOVA will be subject to the bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Virginia, the laws of the commonwealth of Virginia, and all federal laws pertaining to the formation of a political party and the governing there forth.
Please post comments.
We, The Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia (LPNOVA), do here by take up the charge to affect a change, through peaceable measures, in the governing bodies that affect our lives. We commit ourselves to working toward a smaller, less intrusive government. We will promote personal freedom and property rights. Through peaceful assembly, education of the public and politicians, and running candidates for local, state, and federal offices, we will maintain a visible presence in the Northern Virginia area.
“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.”—Thomas Jefferson
BYLAWS
1. Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia (LPNOVA) Membership
1.1 Members of LPNOVA will be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia libertarian parties.
1.2 Members will complete the LPNOVA membership form.
1.3 Members will reside in the counties of Fairfax, Prince William, or Arlington, or the cities of Falls Church, Fairfax or Alexandria.
2. Board of LPNOVA
1
2
2.1 LPNOVA shall be governed by an elected board. Members of the board will be elected by majority vote at the LPNOVA convention to be held in the last week of November each year.
2.2 Members seeking positions on the governing board will be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian Parties. These members should be in good standing with LPNOVA and have attended at least two thirds of monthly board meetings in the year which the wish to run for office.
2.3 The governing board shall consist of five positions; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and one At Large member.
2.3.1 The Chairman will run the day to day operations of LPNOVA. He will set the agenda for the year to come. At the monthly board meeting he will be granted one votes.
2.3.2 The Vice Chairman will stand in for the Chairman in his absence. He will supervise the advisory committees. He will have one vote at monthly board meeting.
2.3.3 The Treasurer will keep records of fundraising and expenses for all party functions, and file reports as required by local, state, or Federal law. He will receive one vote at the monthly board meeting.
2.3.4 The Secretary will keep minutes of board meetings and file any reports required of LPNOVA by local, state, or Federal law. He will receive one vote at monthly board meetings.
2.3.5 The At Large member will serve as liaison to the members of LPNOVA. He will be given one vote at monthly board meetings.
2.4 In the event that a board member must vacate or is removed from his post, a new officer will be appointed by the remaining board members. If the chairman must vacate his post, the vice chair will become the chairman and the board will appoint a new vice chairman.
2.5 An officer of the governing board may be removed if he is deemed to be no longer affective in his position. A two thirds vote of members at the meeting where a motion for removal is passed will be required to remove an officer.
2.6 The governing board will meet once a month to assess and set goals, vote on issues relevant to LPNOVA and address issues brought forward from advisory committees. Members will be welcome at all board meetings and are encouraged to participate.
3 Advisory Committees
3.1 As membership allows, advisory committees will be created by the governing board. These committees will inform the board on issues pertaining to local, state, and federal governing bodies.
3.2 Committee chairs will be appointed by the governing board.
4 LPNOVA Convention
4.1 The LPNOVA convention will be held in the last week of November every year.
4.2 The convention will elect new board members by majority vote.
4.3 LPNOVA will solicit, from its members, candidates for elected office in the following year.
4.3.1 Those that wish to be considered for office must be dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian parties.
4.3.2 If more than one person would like to run for the same position, the LPNOVA candidate will be decided by majority vote.
4.4 Amendments to the LPNOVA Bylaws may be proposed at the convention.
4.4.1 Amendments may only be sponsored by LPNOVA members in good standing (those that have attended one half of monthly board meetings and are dues paying members of both the national and Virginia Libertarian parties).
4.4.2 Amendments will be passed when approved by two thirds of the LPNOVA membership.
5 Governing Law
5.1 LPNOVA will be subject to the bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Virginia, the laws of the commonwealth of Virginia, and all federal laws pertaining to the formation of a political party and the governing there forth.
Please post comments.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Virginia Transportation
Transportation Solution
A letter to the Virginia legislature by Matthew D Helm
A letter to the Virginia legislature by Matthew D Helm
On the cusp of a recession, Virginians face a crisis that threatens to grind the state to a halt. Runaway inflation, a down housing market, and low consumer confidence affect the incomes of individuals, businesses, and the government. Soon the budget for transportation will dry up and Virginia will be faced with the decision to tighten her belt or raise taxes to provide necessary money for maintenance and to start new projects.
The simple solution is always the same; raise taxes. The only major disagreement between republicans and democrats is where the taxes will be imposed. However, when logic is applied to our current situation, higher taxes are the last thing consumers and businesses need. Raising costs is not the way to stimulate growth. It’s time to think outside the box.
If we cannot afford to maintain existing roads, then we certainly should not be spending money on new projects that will also need maintenance in the future. Adjusting for inflation, the six cent tax increase on already suffocating gas prices will not be enough in a few years. Raising the sales tax in northern Virginia and Hampton Roads will not provide the necessary revenues if consumers continue to spend less money and charging homeowners more money to sell their homes won’t fix the housing market. Tolls on new roads, however, may be a step in the right direction.
The solution as I see it is a simple one: Allow private companies to provide many of the new roads needed. The majority of the current transportation budget can then be used for maintenance on existing roads. Any surplus in the budget can then be used to start new projects. Private corporations should then be allowed to “pick up the slack.”
Northern Virginians have a perfect example in our own back yard; The Dulles Greenway. The owners of the Greenway, TRIP II, bought land from its owners at market price, built the road using conventional financing, and maintain the road at their expense. The state troopers patrolling the Greenway are paid for by TRIP II with no expense to the tax payer, and the moneys provided from their efforts goes to the state. The best news is that it produces revenue for the state (3.1 million in real estate taxes alone in 2007).
Allowing the market to decide whether the roads are needed is another benefit. This will cut down on unnecessary maintenance to justify bloated budgets. It will ease traffic congestion on some roads, and create new job opportunities throughout the state.
I ask the legislature to act responsibly and think outside of the “raise taxes box.” Give corporations the chance to thrive in Virginia. Give consumers a choice in their commute. Allow the people to keep more of the money they work hard to bring home. Governor Kaine has said, "Adult leadership means taking adult responsibility to solve challenges.” Let’s do just that.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Welcome to the LPNOVA blog
Thanks for checking out the LPNOVA blog. In the near future, this blog will be used to keep you informed of news and events that are relevant to Libertarians and all lovers of freedom.
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