Hamilton County Libertarian Party

Parting Message

2011-01-28T09:17:00.002-05:00

Now that my time as Chair is passing, I wanted to share some thoughts on the way out.

On Strategy. In the previous several years, the Libertarian Party was getting beat up locally on issues we share with the Left- opposition to the War in Iraq, and especially to the War on Drugs. My strategic approach in 2003 was to recognize that Hamilton County is one that is predisposed to the Right, so let's outflank the Republicans to the right on economic issues.

I do not lament this course. The economy is today's top issue, and if our policy recommendations were heeded, such as our calls to cut the budgets from 5-10% beginning in 2004, we might have the budgetary discomfort we have today. See today's Indy Star, for Commissioner Steve Dillinger's place on the hot seat as he tries to make savings now, here, and here.

But the sands have shifted. People are beginning to see more clearly the folly of Iraq & Afghanistan, and the War on Drugs. Funny how a change in Administrations can do that. But when even Pat Robertson questions the War on Drugs, and the Indiana legislature is poised to explore marijuana issues, the time has come for the Libertarian Party to push the envelope, and not just on these relatively mothballed issues.

The time is right to call for much larger cuts. The people in our area know how screwed we are. They're ready to hear honest assessment, and to take the 'medicine' of cutting back significantly on this extravagant government. If Dillinger is calling for layoffs, we can call him committed to preserving government and further for the scaling back on benefits to remaining employees and elimination of departments. If Rand Paul is calling for a 30% budget cut, let's call that a nice start and call for a 50% cut. Let's expand the conversation in our direction step by step.

On Candidates. We need candidates for office in this municipal cycle. Yes, Federal offices are sexy and get talked about on the Sunday TV shows, but the mayors in our Hamilton County cities spend huge money on pet projects, and the voters need a November choice for smaller government in Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield. Libertarian politics is all well and good for discussion, but the candidates on the ballot make it meaningful. It's nice for the County Chair to take issue with arts palaces with a press release and some time on an AM talk radio show, but a candidate for office who pledges never to do anything like that again and to freeze bonding is a clear choice for voters who don't want a tax & spend mayor, and the possibility of unseating that mayor.

Farewell. It has been a pleasure to serve as Chair on and off since 2003. We've had some fine candidates in our county during this time, and we've made the case to the voters on a number of important issues. I'm so delighted at the growth of our base this year that I can scarcely express it. There is an opportunity for the Libertarian Party to continue to grow. We need to tap into those voters who showed up for us this past November. We need to transition more fully from a discussion outlet to an action committee. There's no reason we can't run as many candidates as the Democrats in 2011- or more! There's no good reason why we can't get someone elected in Sheridan or Cicero. Whatever the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County does, I'll be cheering it on, as I develop a business plan and possibly complete that MBA.

In Liberty-
-Mike

Kole Stepping Down As Chair

2011-01-24T15:08:00.002-05:00

The time has come for me to step down as County Chair. Family, work, and continued education concerns make it so.

I take stock in the gains that our organization has made in the past two years:

Libertarian candidates for offices in our county were on the ballot again in 2010 for the first time since 2006.
Our base more than doubled! I have previously crunched the numbers via this link.
We have a full roster of officers in the organization.
Our monthly Meet-Ups are well attended.

It is crucially important that somebody steps up to replace me as Chair. In the seven years I have been involved with the Libertarian Party here in Hamilton County, our organization has been characterized by members who will vote for our candidates, attend our events, financially support the organization, but shy away from being involved in leadership, and for the actions that are the reason for this organization to exist: running for office, and campaigning door-to-door.

We have very capable people in our membership. Libertarians are almost universally self-sufficient and achievers. Please consider bringing your talent to the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County, as a leader and/or as a candidate.

We have a clear momentum we can build upon! People are talking about libertarian policy and philosophy like never before. Hamilton County voters are at last beginning to shift from the old parties towards us. It would be a tremendous shame if the chapter were to fold for lack of participation at the leadership level.

At minimum, the Chair spends about 5 hours/week. This is what is needed to recruit candidates; answer questions from media and the public; watch issues affecting us here. Ambitious Chairs of course spend more time than that.

So, we will host a County Convention for the purpose of electing a new County Chair. Here are the details:

When: Thursday, January 27, 2011; 7-8pm

Where: Claude & Annie’s, 9251 E. 141^st St, Fishers IN 46038

Who Can Vote: Those with current membership in either the national or Indiana Libertarian Party. Membership can be made current at the meeting prior to votes taking place.

I'll look forward to seeing you at Claude & Annie's on Thursday!

Sincerely Yours-
-Mike Kole
Chair, Libertarian Party of Hamilton County

Voter Registration Is Open

2010-12-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Not long after one election season closes does the ability to register to vote for the next one open up. The next elections focus on municipal elections (mayors, city & town councils).

Next Election Day: Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Link for Voter Registration Form: pdf file

Where to submit your completed form:

Voter Registration Office, basement, Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center from 8:00am-4:30p.m. Monday-Friday.

Noblesville, Fishers, and Carmel License Branches

Any City or Town Clerk-Treasurer's office

Any public assistance office (such as the Division of Family and Children

)

Make sure to register so you can vote for Libertarian candidates in 2011!

If you are unsure of your status, follow this link to check up.

Libertarians will not participate in the Primary Elections in May 2011. Instead, we will host a County Convention where our candidates for municipal offices will be nominated. More details down the road.

Sad News - David Nolan, R.I.P.

2010-11-22T09:22:00.006-05:00

Libertarians across the country were saddened to learn that a co-founder of the Libertarian Party, David Nolan, had died suddenly Saturday night. The Libertarian Party was actually formed in Nolan's living room. There are many articles in response. Here's a small sampling:

Libertarian Party's blog

The Advocates For Smaller Government blog

Tucson Citizen

Freedom's Phoenix

Independent Political Report - the comments are loaded with tributes

David Nolan was on the current Libertarian National Committee, and just recently ran for US Senate against John McCain. He invented the "Nolan Chart", a later version of which is now used by the Advocates For Smaller Government, which we all use for outreach at events.

Greg Noland administers 'The World's Smallest Political Quiz', which incorporates 'The Nolan Chart". Photo from recent Good Earth Festival in Atlanta, IN.

David was apparently driving to an event to support the Advocates. He had created a fundraising event for his upcoming birthday - Tuesday - asking Facebook friends to support the Advocates as a birthday wish. Link to the page to donate in David's memory.

I had the opportunity to meet with David at several LP national conventions. My lasting impressions of him are of his calm demeanor at the microphone during heated platform arguments, as the voice of reason, but as one deeply respected by each of the various factions within the party. The room always got respectfully quieter when David Nolan began to speak.

Post-Election Meetup

2010-11-15T14:11:00.002-05:00

We're hosting this month's Meetup later in the month than usual (it's normally the first Thursday of each month), due to the proximity to Election Day.

Now that we've rested a bit, it's time to celebrate our increasing returns! Also, discuss the intestinal fortitude of the Republicans. Will they raise the debt ceiling and continue deficit spending?

When: Thursday, November 15, 7:30pm-?

Where: Claude & Annie's, SW corner of SR 37 & E. 141st, Fishers

Meetup website link. Make sure to visit the Meetup site and register. RSVP and get regular notices of all Hamilton County Libertarian Meetup activities.

Number Crunching, Precinct Level

2010-11-05T23:10:00.003-04:00

What value going door-to-door and standing at your precinct handing out palm cards on election day? See if you can guess which precinct I live in, and which two voted at the polling place I stood at on election day:

Delaware 1: 7.27%
Delaware 2: 4.29%
Delaware 3: 15.63%
Delaware 8: 5.69%
Delaware 9: 7.17%
Delaware 10: 13.27%

Yes, I live in Delaware 3, and I handed out palm cards at Fishers Town Hall, which housed voting for Delaware 3 & 10. Full precinct results.

This is why County Chairs beg supporters to go door-to-door, and to work the polling place on election day. Message is great. Promoting a great message is vital.

More Unofficial Returns

2010-11-05T21:05:00.005-04:00

While we did not win our ultimate goals- election to office- in the recent general elections, the Libertarian Party can show that our base has grown significantly here in Hamilton County. Let us compare the countywide numbers with the same cycles from elections past:

2010 US Senate Results
Rebecca Sink-Burris
5380 votes, 6.66%

2004 US Senate Results
Al Barger
970 votes, 1%

(In 2006, there was no Democratic candidate for US Senate. Libertarian Steve Osborn got 4,226 votes, 8%, in a two-way race with Republican Dick Lugar.)

2010 Indiana Secretary of State Results
Mike Wherry
5,880 votes, 7.35%

2006 Indiana Secretary of State Results
Mike Kole
1,775 votes, 3%

2010 Indiana Auditor Results
Eric Knipe
3,360 votes, 4.31%

2002 Indiana Auditor Results
Bruce Parisi
1,535 votes, 4%

(The Libertarian Party did not field a candidate for Indiana Auditor in 2006.)

2010 US House, District 5 Results
Chard Reid
7,584 votes, 9.45%

2006 US House, District 5 Results
Shari Conover Sharlow
2,393 votes, 4%

Links to Hamilton County election results: 2010, 2006, 2004, 2002.

It has always been the experience of the Libertarian Party throughout Indiana that the candidates at the top of the ticket, for federal offices like President or US Senate, tended to get the lowest returns, with numbers improving further downticket in local races. So, the numbers pulled by Chard Reid and Rebecca Sink-Burris are positively encouraging.

Both Reid and Sink-Burris earned some broad name recognition, Reid having been endorsed by the Indianapolis Star, and Sink-Burris performing well in three televised debates. This clearly translated into votes for each.

These are huge gains that suggest to me that our base has grown significantly, and that the voters are increasingly comfortable with casting votes for offices perceived to be the most important. This is a source of great pride for me as County Chair!

The Secretary of State race is also very interesting to compare, as Mike Wherry more than doubled up my 2006 results, the Democrats stayed flat, while the Republicans took a hit.

2010 R: 67.03%
2006 R: 71%

2010 D: 25.62%
2006 D: 26%

No doubt the voter registration issues dogging Republican Charlie White were a factor here. Interesting, though, that White's status as Republican County Chair did not help overcome losing support to Wherry. But also, I suspect the fact of the Secretary of State race as the ballot status race for the Libertarian Party was also a factor.

In other races where we had candidates, Libertarians also fared well.

2010 County Council Dist 3 Results
Joe Tucker
2,761 votes, 17.08%

2002 County Council Dist 3 Results
Terry Baker
830 votes, 8%

There was no Libertarian in this race in 2006, and in 2002, Baker ran in a three-way race, so there isn't an apples-to-apples comparison available here. We can compare to a different district though. In 2002, in District 2, Gregg Puls ran in a two-way race for County Council and got 1,079 votes and 11%. It could be that the Noblesville area is more inclined to vote Libertarian than the Fishers area was at that time. It could simply reflect the party's growth, or more likely, some of both.

2010 County Council Dist 2 Results
Mike Kole
1,643 votes, 6.88%

2002 County Council Dist 2 Results
Greg Puls
1,079 votes, 11%

As with District 3, there was no Libertarian candidate in 2006, and there isn't an apples-to-apples comparison, because 2002 was a two-way, and 2010 was a three way race. I take stock in the increase in number of votes, especially considering there was a Democrat taking roughly 25%. No doubt in 2002, some Democratic voters cast votes for Puls lacking a candidate of their own to vote for. What I noticed right away, though, was that my 2010 vote total of 1,643 votes represents just three of the County's nine townships, my 2006 vote totals of 1,775 for the Secretary of State were taken from the entire County. That's pretty remarkable.

2010 Indiana House Dist 36 Results
Greg Noland
29 votes, 4.01%

2008 Indiana House Dist 36 Results
Greg Noland
36 votes, 3.41%

This is a nice one to compare, as we had the same candidate running against the same incumbent Democrat. While the Dem lost 10 points, we went up by more than half a point. This district is primarily in Madison County, but it does extend into White River and part of Jackson Townships.

2010 Indiana House Dist 87 Returns
Joe Hauptmann
1,638 votes, 16.76%

2008 Indiana House Dist 87 Returns
Pamela Hickman (Democrat)
4,991 votes, 31,19%

There isn't an apples-to-apples comparison for this race for 2002-2010, but this one is interesting. In 2008, there was no Libertarian candidate, and Republican Cindy Noe ran a two-way race with Democrat Pamela Hickman. Against the same candidate in 2010, Libertarian Joe Hauptmann got more than half the percentage of the Democrat, who was boosted by a national pendulum swing to the Democrats in 2008.

In Summary: Our numbers are going up despite our candidates not having huge advertising budgets. We do a fantastic job of taking advantage of earned media. The base of the Libertarian Party in Hamilton County is growing at all levels, but most significantly at the top of ticket, where voter confidence was previously very scarce. The key now is to translate more votes into more candidates for future ballots, and more volunteers to walk neighborhoods and work phone banks and polling places. We may be getting near to Malcolm Gladwell's tipping point, where we start electing officials to office in Hamilton County!

Unofficial Returns

2010-11-03T09:59:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, I did not win in my bid for County Council. That's okay- I'll take stock in the positives:

I enjoyed going door-to-door to talk issues with my neighbors. I know that more people have an understanding of what a Libertarian would do in office if elected, and dispelled some misnomers.

We found where some of our supporters are. I am hopeful this will result in more people active with the Libertarian Party.

The support of friends was tremendous! Many, many thanks to friends who braved the cold to pass out palm cards on election day, including Jim Hurst, Mark Kolovrat, Craig Witt, Lars & Pami Noldan, and Matt Mulder.

The unofficial returns have me getting 6.9% of the votes, with the Democrat getting 24.8%, and the Republican 68.3%. This was the first time this Council seat had a three-way race. It was unchallenged in 2006 with the Republican unopposed, and in 2002 Libertarian Gregg Puls got 11%, but there wasn't a Democrat in the race. Now we know where the baselines are for this area.

The best Libertarian showing in a three-way County Council race was in 2002, when Terry Baker got 8% in the district that includes Noblesville.

The turnout was really low. Just 44% of registered Hamilton County voters appeared at the polls. That's disappointing, but consistent. 4 years ago, the turnout was also just 44%. It just goes to show that even though there is more media buzz and more commercials on TV, the result isn't necessarily translating into more voters.

More later on the Libertarian numbers for Hamilton County and across Indiana. Very encouraging!!!

Ready To Vote!

2010-11-02T04:59:00.000-04:00

I'm up early and ready to vote. I hope you will be voting too! The votes we cast are crucial in getting policies that will grow our economies, or our governments. In my Fishers precinct I will be voting for:

Rebecca Sink-Burris, US Senate

Chard Reid, US House of Representatives, District 5

Mike Wherry, Indiana Secretary of State

Eric Knipe, Indiana Auditor

Mike Kole, Hamilton County Council, District 2

The rest will largely be a lot of blanks. Why? I won't vote for a candidate who doesn't represent my views in a high percentage. I don't expect 100% agreement. I know that isn't possible. But nor will I vote for someone I agree with less than half of the time, just because they are 'the lesser of two evils'. The lesser of two evils? Now that's a wasted vote!

Last US Senate Debate Tonight

2010-10-25T14:19:00.003-04:00

Through two debates, Libertarian Rebecca Sink-Burris has been the grown-up in the room while Republican Dan Coats and Democrat Brad Ellsworth sling mud at each other. Get this: Rebecca actually answers the questions! It's really a novel concept to do this and not revert to talking points and personal attacks.

The 3rd and final debate between Rebecca Sink-Burris and the mudslingers will be widely televised in Central Indiana:

WFYI-TV, Channel 20
WRTV-TV, Digital Channel 6.2

Mike Kole's podcast interview with Rebecca Sink-Burris following the first debate:

Congratulations, Chard Reid!

2010-10-23T07:20:00.004-04:00

Chard Reid is the Libertarian candidate for US House of Representatives in District 5. Reid is seeking to replace Republican Dan Burton, and his chances just got a healthy boost as the Indianapolis Star has endorsed him! From the Star endorsement article:

Reid, a young economics teacher at Plainfield High School, has taken the fight to Burton on taxes and the deficit. He maintains that the 14-termer has not worked for systemic change despite his conservative persona. Reid also offers thoughtful ideas for cutting spending, simplifying the tax code and reforming entitlements.

Reid represents the best of Libertarian small-government ideals. He would be a refreshing departure from the incumbent's complacency and cavalier attitude toward ethics.

I couldn't be more proud of Chard! Every Hamilton County voter will be able to vote for Chard, as the 5th District covers our county entirely.

Audio On Fishers Lawsuit

2010-10-18T09:32:00.000-04:00

I was recently interviewed by Chris Spangle, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, for the party's podcast. The lawsuit against the Town of Fishers is discussed in detail.

Your Hamilton County Libertarian Candidates

2010-10-15T15:11:00.002-04:00

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Be sure to plan to vote! Every resident of Hamilton County will have at least four Libertarian candidates to vote for.

US Senate - Rebecca Sink-Burris
US Representative, District 5 - Chard Reid
Secretary of State - Mike Wherry
Treasurer of State - Eric Knipe

There are additional candidates for portions of the county:

Indiana Representative, District 36 - Greg Noland (White River & Jackson Twps)
Indiana Representative, District 87 - Joe Hauptmann (part of Clay Twp)
Hamilton County Council, District 2 - Mike Kole (Delaware, Fall Creek, Wayne Twps)
Hamilton County Council, District 3 - Joe Tucker (Noblesville, Jackson, White River Twps)
Fall Creek Township Trustee - Lars Noldan

Election Day polling place staffing is also needed. A smiling face handing out palm cards can be worth a 5% boost! We especially need staffing for Joe Hauptmann in Clay Township, and Mike Kole in Fishers, although when you work your home precinct, you are most effective when you talk with your neighbors prior to their votes. We have materials for Rebecca Sink-Burris, Chard Reid, and Mike Wherry also.

Contact Mike Kole to schedule for AM rush (6-9am) and PM rush (4-6pm) and for materials pick-up.

The Grown-Ups In The Room

2010-10-14T14:23:00.001-04:00

I've been watching the debates for Congress across Indiana and one thing keeps striking me: The Republicans and Democrats sling mud at each other and dance around the questions, and the Libertarians are the grown-ups in the room. From Indiana Public Media, on the first US Senate debate:

Both Democrat Brad Ellsworth and Republican Dan Coats were on the offensive during last night’s Senate debate in Indianapolis… while Libertarian Rebecca Sink-Burris remained more focused on questions and responses.

As a Libertarian, I'm going to prefer the Libertarian candidate's answers 95 times out of 100, but the glaring difference in demeanor gets me. The electorate is fed up with Washington insiders and their nonsense. Here were two Washington insiders and their nonsense, and a grown-up in the room. I hope the voters are really taking note.

Not affecting Hamilton County, but I love the coverage Scott Wise got on a Fort Wayne TV station along these same lines, in his debate in Indiana's 3rd Congressional District:

Rebecca Sink-Burris will debate two more times with fellow candidates for US Senate. Well, she will debate. The others will no doubt sling more mud. I hope she tells them to knock it off and behave.

Fri Oct 22, at Fort Wayne
Mon Oct 25, at Vincennes

These should be widely televised again. If you missed the first US Senate debate, see it by clicking here.

Lawsuit Against Fishers

2010-10-11T09:44:00.003-04:00

I recently joined a tri-partisan lawsuit against the Town of Fishers, regarding the ballot status of the question, "Should Fishers remain a Town, or become a City".

It is my opinion that the City Yes petitioners had followed the law in gaining an adequate number of signatures, and that the law therefore triggers a response by the Town in putting the issue on the ballot as a public question. The Town did not do this, so I joined the suit.

I believe that the form of government is something that the Town's voters should have the final word on. Right now, it appears that the Town Councilors are trying to preserve that for themselves, and to preserve political power.

My interest is in representative government, and good government.

I do disagree with the position that city government would be better, though. Yes, the people should have their say, but in my opinion, and additional layer of government will not provide checks and balances as the City Yes people hope. Certainly, that has not worked out in Carmel or Westfield, where the mayors have championed expensive pet projects, and the city councils have largely acted as rubber stamps. One party rule is one party rule, regardless of how many layers of government you have.

I believe there should be a compromise, as I stated on my September 23 post. Remain a Town, but eliminate the at-large voting, and re-draw the district map in seven concise districts.

But, one thing at a time. A petition was filed. It deserves its' place on the ballot. Once there, we can make the case for remaining a Town, eliminating the at-large vote and redrawing the map.

The tri-partisan nature of the suit speaks to the way the issue cuts across party lines. The people should have their say.

Promote Libertarian Candidates

2010-09-30T09:53:00.005-04:00

We're about 5 weeks away from the upcoming elections. Sad to say, but many people are only now beginning to pay attention to candidates. Help them out! Get stickers for your vehicles and be a moving billboard for our Libertarian candidates

Does your car look like this yet?

Contact me with a mailing address, and I'll send bumper stickers to you. I have them for Mike Wherry (candidate for Secretary of State and continued Libertarian ballot access) and Chard Reid (US Congress, District 5).

Greg Noland Campaigns In Atlanta

2010-09-27T20:47:00.005-04:00

Greg Noland is the Libertarian candidate for Indiana House in District 36, and was good enough to set up a booth at the Good Earth Festival in Atlanta this past weekend.

Greg Noland give 'The Quiz' to a voter.

No, Greg didn't travel to Georgia. Out of state campaigning is something Republicans do. Atlanta is a small town on Route 19 in the northern part of Hamilton County. Greg's district is primarily in Madison County, but it does extend into parts of White River and Jackson Townships in out county.

Greg has a great touch when speaking with voters. It was a pleasure for me to spend a little time with him, promoting his campaign and all of candidates on our ballot in November.

Greg Noland with Hamilton County Chair Mike Kole, and Mike's son Ethan.

Make sure to vote for Greg Noland for Indiana House in District 36!

Fishers Town Council Map Woes

2010-09-23T10:31:00.006-04:00

For several years, the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County has decried the electoral politics of the Town of Fishers, as expressed in the District Map, and the at-large nature of electing Town Councilors.

For many years, it has been apparent that the Town Council conveniently redrew the map to accommodate the moves of the Council members within the Town, but out of their original Districts. How else does a Town get to a map that looks like this?

The issue came to light again recently, when Charlie White resigned from the Town Council, because he was unaware of where he lives. From the Indianapolis Star:

White, who also is the Hamilton County Republican chairman, said Tuesday in a news release issued by the town that he simply didn't realize his new condo in Fall Creek Township was well outside the borders of his district, which is primarily in Delaware Township.
Indiana law requires council members to forfeit their seats if they move out of their district.
"Because of my statewide campaign for secretary of state and recent marriage, I failed to realize that my new residence was outside my Council district," White said. "Once notified of the situation, I took immediate action to correct the issue."

I truly hope that White's participation in any vote while not eligible to be on the Council does not have the effect of nullifying those votes, rendering ordinances passed as invalid. That would represent a cost burden on the taxpayers of the Town- an unfair one- to cover legal review costs.

The time has come to redraw the District Map. Delaware and Fall Creek Townships are nearly fully populated such that a simple geographic drawing is both possible and overdue. We will be happy to furnish a sample map in the near future.

The other change that needs to happen is the elimination of the at-large nature of voting. Currently, a candidate challenging for a Town Council seat can win every vote in their District and still lose in a landslide. This is because every resident of Fishers can vote on each Council seat, even though that voter will only be represented by one Councilor. Fishers has a base of approximately 70%, and the Councilors know full well that when voting on a person that won't be your representative, the voter is more inclined to simply follow regular voting inclinations, and not cross party lines.

The Democrats have been pushing for city status for Fishers for this reason. The Libertarian position is halfway between the Republicans and Democrats. We do not want to add an executive layer of government, as we have seen how it has led to greater spending and pet projects in Carmel and Westfield. Remain a Town, but eliminate at-large voting, tying the votes strictly to the District.

Libertarians have been talking about these issues for nearly five years. It is sad that the issue comes to light in this manner, but it becomes a blessing in disguise if it leads to the opportunity to being about better, more representative government.

Chard Reid Billboard Ready

2010-09-14T20:20:00.004-04:00

Chard Reid is the Libertarian candidate for US House in Indiana's District 5. Reid is attempting to unseat long-time incumbent Dan Burton, a Republican. Reid will be on every ballot in Hamilton County. Link to District 5 map.

This billboard is going up in the Castleton area this week. Here's what it will look like:
Reid is running a very good campaign, reaching out to young voters in particular. He is a high school economics teacher, so this comes as no surprise.

If you want information on Reid's campaign, please follow this link!

Deadline To Register To Vote Approaching

2010-09-12T23:28:00.002-04:00

October 4 is the deadline to register to vote in this year's elections.

If you need to register to vote, you can follow this link for forms to download. Or, if you would prefer to receive the forms by mail, contact me and I will send one to you.

Register now to be sure your registration is accepted and valid! You don't want to miss the opportunity to vote this year!

Business Meeting Coming Soon!

2010-07-16T13:40:00.002-04:00

The next business meeting of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County is fast upon us:

When: Tuesday, July 27, 7-9pm
Where: Delaware Twp Govt Ctr, 9090 E 131st St, Fishers

Please plan to attend, as we have a very interesting guest speaker in Debbie Driskell. She is the Delaware Township Trustee, and I've asked her to discuss with us the pro's and con's regarding the fight over township government.

Many of us are inclined to be in favor of the elimination of township government as a knee-jerk reaction. But does it eliminate any functions of government? Does it result in cost savings? Does it consolidate power in the hands of fewer officials? And it so, is that a bad thing? Driskell will give a presentation and take questions.

Kole Campaign Blog Posted

2010-07-01T13:38:00.000-04:00

Look for Mike Kole's new blog, posting items specifically relevant to his run for Hamilton County Council, District 2. To view his blog, click this link.

If you support Mike's campaign, become a follower of his blog and subscribe to the RSS feed.

Retail Politics

2010-05-19T10:42:00.004-04:00

We had a good meeting of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County last night. One thing that came out of it was a move towards greater activity at the precinct level.

While the other parties elect Precinct Committee chairs, the Libertarian Party is not so formal. As County Chair, I am asking all Hamilton County Libertarians to function as a "Precinct Leader".

Every Libertarian in our county needs to at least own the block on their street. Outstanding if you are willing to work the entire Precinct! But, at minimum, own your street, or your block, or your building. Here's how:

Visit each of your neighbors, and introduce yourself as the Precinct Leader for the Libertarian Party. Invite them to get involved, to visit our Meet-Ups, the get on the mailing list, and of course- to vote Libertarian in November. Take 'The World's Smallest Political Quiz

Those wanting to cover the whole precinct will probably want to send a letter or postcard. We are working on templates for use right now, and these will be available to you shortly.

If we work on this level, we will see some very positive outcomes:

Our vote totals for our local candidates will be higher than ever.
Our vote totals for Secretary of State candidate Mike Wherry will be high enough to boost the ballot access cause.
We will have more poll workers, which improves our visibility.
We will increase our number of activists, and future candidates.
You will discover political allies right near you that you may not have known were there.

Contact me to get involved in precinct level politics. email: mikekole @ comcast.net