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Working to increase your freedom.
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Oklahoma Libertarian Party State Convention Held
Oklahoma Libertarian Party elected officers for 2006-07 at their state convention in Guthrie on February 18th.
New officers for the state organization are Chairman Jimmy Cook (Claremore), Vice-Chairman David Splinter (Oklahoma City), Secretary Robert Stock (El Reno), and Treasurer Larry Brittain (Guthrie).
Chairman Cook said, "The Republican and Democrat Parties continue to work hard to prevent third parties from having a voice, I will work harder than them to insure that the Libertarian Philosophy is heard in Oklahoma." Cook reminded members, "That once upon a time Oklahoma Democrats were telling folks that they were wasting their vote by being a Republican. History shows that if we continue on our path we will gain our right seat at the table."
The Oklahoma Libertarian Party passed a resolution to support State Questions 726 and 729, the Stop Overspending (SOS) and Protect Our Home Initiatives. Members of Oklahomans in Action spoke about these two initiatives.
Rick Carpenter, Chairman of Oklahomans in Action, called the Stop Overspending Initiative a budget stabilization measure. “Under SQ 726, state government will still grow, but it would be a sustainable growth.” This initiative would increase the Rainy Day Fund and make it more difficult to access, as well as limiting growth in spending. Mr. Carpenter said these protections are needed because “Democrats can’t stop eating and Republicans can’t stay on a diet.”
“Opposition to SQ 726 comes from those with vested interests,” commented Mr. Carpenter. “The support comes from one simple group of people: the taxpayers.” He reasoned, “If you think government is spending enough right now, then you should support SQ 726.”
SQ 729, the Protect Our Homes Initiative, seeks to remedy possible abuses of eminent domain power. “We want to protect our homes and business from corporate takeover,” said Dr. Bruce Niemi. Municipal governments are no longer restrained from taking private property for economic development. The Kelo v. New London Supreme Court decision allowing this “should be a call to arms for all Libertarians.”
The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 and currently has about 600 members in public office across the country. Citizens in every state except Oklahoma were able to vote for the party's presidential candidate in 2004. The Oklahoma LP is currently challenging the state's ballot access law, recognized as the most restrictive in the nation, in state court. For more information about the Libertarian Party in Oklahoma, visit www.oklp.org.
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