Parting Message
Friday, January 28, 2011
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
Labels: economic issues, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, social issues, strategy
posted by Mike Kole @ 9:17 AM,
,
Kole Stepping Down As Chair
Monday, January 24, 2011
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. 141st 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
Labels: County Chair, County Convention, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Mike Kole
posted by Mike Kole @ 3:08 PM,
,
Business Meeting Coming Soon!
Friday, July 16, 2010
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.
Labels: Debbie Driskell, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, township government
posted by Mike Kole @ 1:40 PM,
,
Retail Politics
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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.
Labels: Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Mike Wherry, precinct politics
posted by Mike Kole @ 10:42 AM,
,
Last Chance For Convention Discounts
Monday, March 29, 2010
This is convention season for the Libertarian Party at all levels- locally, state, and national. The latter two charge fees to attendees, but offer early bird discounts.
Libertarian Party of Indiana - Register before April 1 for $20 off. Follow this link.
Libertarian Party, national - Register before April 1 for discounts. Follow this link. There are also hotel stay discounts on that page.
But the Hamilton County Convention of the Libertarian Party is the first one to happen. Be sure to attend!
When: Thursday, April 15
Where: Claude & Annie's, SR 37 & E.141st in Fishers
Times: Dinner at 6pm, Business Meeting at 7:30pm
Speaker: Mark Rutherford, ex-State Chair, candidate for national Vice Chair
Cost: Dinner as ordered from the menu; Business Meeting is free
RSVP to mikekole (a) comcast . net is greatly appreciated, especially for dinner head count.
Labels: County Convention, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Libertarian National Committee, Libertarian Party of Indiana, National Convention, State Convention
posted by Mike Kole @ 7:45 PM,
,
Directing The Anger
Monday, March 22, 2010
I know that many of my fellow Hamilton County Libertarians are furious with the vote to more socialize health care in the United States. I am too.
The thing to do now is to channel that anger and energy in a positive way, that will help lead our country back in the direction it needs to go- in favor of free markets, and away from increasing government control. The thing to do now is to become a candidate for office yourself.
As a candidate for office, you can speak to the virtues of free markets on a public stage until November. Then, you can put the principles into action should you win.
If we don't run, only the two statist parties will have their say. We cannot allow them to have the stage to themselves.
You can run at any level of office, from Township office right through US Senate. Contact Mike Kole for more info on becoming a candidate. Cell: 317 - 709 - 3874.
Labels: candidate, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, health care, running for office
posted by Mike Kole @ 10:52 AM,
,
County Convention Announced
Sunday, March 14, 2010
It is time for our annual convention of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County!
We will take care of a great deal of important organizational business at this convention, including:
- Nomination of local candidates
- Adoption of a platform for the 2010 election season
- Nomination of officers, in the positions of Vice Chair and Secretary
- Nomination of delegates to the State & National conventions of the Libertarian Party
- Mark Rutherford, ex-State Chair of the LPIN, is a candidate for Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. He will speak during dinner about all things related to the LNC, and about his candidacy
- All filed candidates for legislative, statewide, or federal offices are invited to speak during the business meeting. There will be opportunities for Q&A from our members.
When: Thursday, April 15
Time: Dinner at 6pm, Business Meeting at 7:30pm
Where: Claude & Annie's, SW corner of SR 37 & E. 141st, Fishers
RSVPs to Mike Kole are greatly appreciated, so we can have a head count for the restaurant. Email mikekole (at) comcast.net, or call 317 - 709- 3874.
If you wish to be a delegate to any of the other conventions, it is important that you be present in order to secure nomination. We will fill our delegate allocations for both the state and national conventions. Don't be left behind!
Labels: Claude and Annie's, County Convention, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Libertarian National Committee, Mark Rutherford
posted by Mike Kole @ 1:42 PM,
,
Hamilton County Convention Approaching
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual Libertarian Party of Hamilton County convention!
When: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Where: Claude & Annie’s, southwest corner of SR37 & E. 141st St, Fishers
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm, Meeting at 7:30pm
RSVP to Chair Mike Kole is greatly appreciated, for dinner head count.
It's the dreaded tax day. We just might have something to talk about over dinner.
Libertarians do not select candidates in taxpayer funded Primary Elections. Rather, we host a convention for member delegates to vote in, at our own cost. This saves the taxpayers the cost of this private function- something the other two parties should take note of.
Importantly, we will come out of the convention having adopted our platform for the 2010 election season. Our platform will feature planks that address the most pressing issues of the day, and our solutions for them.
Other business includes the nomination of delegates to the State and National Conventions.
There is no cost to attend the business meeting. For dinner, each person will order from the Claude & Annie's menu.
RSVP to Mike Kole by email (mikekole at comcast.net) or at 317-709-3874
Labels: Claude and Annie's, County Convention, Hamilton County Libertarian Party
posted by Mike Kole @ 10:19 PM,
,
Meetup Thursday
Friday, September 04, 2009
The Libertarian Party of Hamilton County will be hosting its' monthly Meet-Up on Thursday, September 10. This is a change from the usual Meet-Up schedule of the first Thursday of any month. Details:
When: September 10, 2009 7:00 PM
Where:Barley Island / 639 Conner St Noblesville, IN 46060
(317)770-5280
Let's discuss Obama Care, public school addresses, the jobless rate, and anything else!
The Meet-Ups are not exclusively for Libertarian Party members, or even small-l libertarians. If you are curious to learn more about libertarian policy solutions for the issues of today, or the philosophy, come on out! We always have robust, lively discussions!
Labels: Barley Island, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Meet-Up, Obama Care
posted by Mike Kole @ 7:50 PM,
,
Libertarian Party of Indiana's Weekly Podcast - Hamilton County Edition
Friday, June 12, 2009
I was recently interviewed for the Libertarian Party of Indiana's Weekly Podcast to talk about my plans for growing the Hamilton County LP.
LPIN Executive Director Chris Spangle is a radio pro, a former producer at Indy's WXNT for the Abdul in the Morning show. I answered Chris' questions about my plans, and the challenges in reaching voters in a traditionally Republican county, and one that is split between the highly developed suburban landscape of Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville, and the rural and small towns of Sheridan, Atlanta, and Strawtown.
Here's the spoiler: The goal is a full ballot for 2010. The plan is to continue to recruit qualified candidates, but especially disaffected small business owners. We will also begin to work at the precinct level to build our base.
You can hear the entire interview by following this link to the podcast archive.
You can also subscribe to get every podcast episode downloaded to your iTunes or other service. Follow this link to subscribe. All 30 podcasts are available!
It was fun to be interviewed. Certainly, it was a turning of the tables, as I am the regular host of the Podcast. Many thanks to Chris Spangle for being the guest host!
Labels: Carmel, Chris Spangle, Fishers, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Libertarian Party of Indiana' Weekly Podcast, Noblesville, WXNT
posted by Mike Kole @ 12:27 AM,
,
Libertarian Party of Indiana's Weekly Podcast
Monday, March 16, 2009
Just to toot my own horn a bit, I have been producing the Libertarian Party of Indiana's Weekly Podcast beginning in late January, and there are already 15 podcasts posted, mainly because while nominally weekly, there has been much of interest to talk about.
Here's the link to the podcast archive.
You can subscribe to the podcast on the archive page, and have each new episode downloaded whenever you open iTunes or other MP3 file programs.
The idea behind the podcast is to talk with the stars of the LPIN. For now, that means recent and past candidates, party leaders such as State Chair Todd Singer or various county chairs, and libertarian activists. As we get nearer to the 2010 elections, interviews will increasingly feature candidates for the 2010 ballot.
So far, I've spoken with 2008 candidate for governor Andy Horning, LPIN Executive Director Chris Spangle, Hagerstown Judge Susan Bell, Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman, IU Southern economist and Congressional candidate Dr. Eric Schansberg, and many more. I'm proud of the work. Check it out!
Labels: Andy Horning, Chris Spangle, Ed Coleman, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Libertarian Party of Indiana' Weekly Podcast, MP3, podcast, Susan Bell, Todd Singer
posted by Mike Kole @ 12:43 PM,
,
County Convention Announced
Monday, March 09, 2009
To all Hamilton County Libertarians!
The county party is hosting a convention for the purpose of electing officers and delegates to the upcoming state convention, which will also elect officers. Mark your calendars now and plan to be at the county convention!
Event: Hamilton County LP County Convention
What: Business Meeting
Host: Hamilton County Libertarians
Start Time: Saturday, April 11 at 2:00pm
Where: Delaware Township Office Bldg - 9191 E. 131st St, Fishers
You can RSVP at the county party's Facebook page. See you there!
Labels: Hamilton County Libertarian Party
posted by Mike Kole @ 10:47 AM,
,
Vote Libertarian!
Friday, October 31, 2008
While Hamilton County is among Indiana's most prosperous, these declining economic times are a matter of grave concern. If you think government hasn't been doing right by you or by your country, now is the time to cast a vote for real change. After all, this mess has been brought to us largely by the Republicans, but no thanks also to the Democrats.
Wanted justice for the bad actors in the financial crisis? You got bailouts that punish us and reward the same bad actors, and their bad decisions instead
Wanted smaller government? You didn't get it.
Wanted lower taxes? You got shell games.
Wanted an end to an over-reaching foreign policy? It still over-reaches.
Wanted greater civil liberties? You're joking, right?
The best way to vote pro-liberty is to cast a straight ticket vote for the Libertarian Party. Do this by pushing the button opposite the Libertarian Party name, in the third position from the top, on the first page.
Here are the Libertarian Party candidates on the ballot in Hamilton County:
President - Bob Barr
Vice President - Wayne A. Root
Governor - Andy Horning
Lieutenant Governor - Lisa Kelly
Indiana Senate, District 30 - Steve Keltner
This is no time for the argument about the Wasted Vote Syndrome. If you want socialism, don't waste your vote. Vote McCain or Obama. The only difference is the speed by which you get socialism- tomorrow or next week. If you favor capitalism, individualism, and justice, vote for Bob Barr and his fellow Libertarian candidates, because these are the only ones who will do everything to deliver.
Labels: Andy Horning, Bob Barr, election, Hamilton County Libertarian Party, Libertarian Party, Lisa Kelly, Steve Keltner, vote, Wayne A. Root
posted by Mike Kole @ 4:00 PM,
,
