Document:LNC Minutes 7-8 November 1981

LIBERTARIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 7-8, , BETHESDA, MARYLAND

 

Members present

Alicia Clark, Chair David Brazier, Region 3

Sheldon Richman, Vice-Chair Gary Palm, Region 4

Frances Eddy, Secretary Emil Franzi, Region 5

Vivian Baures, Treasurer Paul Grant, Region 6

David Bergland, Prior Chair Lynn Crussel, Region 7

Kent Guida, at-large Jim Johnston, Region 9

Chris Hocker, at-large Leslie Graves Key, Region 10

Dick Randolph, at-large Sandy Burns, Region 11

Andrea Millen Rich, at-large Alan Lindsay, Region 12

Murray Rothbard, at-large Matthew Monroe, Region 13

Stephen DeLisio, Region I David Walter, Region 14

Mike Hall, Region 2 Howie Rich, Region 16

Bill Evers, Region 2 Jim Lewis, Region 17

Dale Pratt, Region 2 Michael Burch, Region 18

Clark Hodge, Region 19

Members absent

Michael Emerling, at-large Linda Taylor, Region 8

Mary Louise Hanson, at-large vacant, Region 15

Resigned/replaced since last meeting

Craig Armstrong, Region 3 Joan Vanderslice, Region 5

1. CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Libertarian National Committee was ca I I ed to order by Cha i r C I a rk at 10: 14 a. m. , November 7, 1981 at the L i nden H i 11 Hotel, Bethesda, Maryland. The Chair began with remarks on the importance of keeping in mind our common goal of maximizing the growth of liberty.

2. CREDENTIALS: New Regional Representatives were seated. Letters from the appropriate state chairs had been received for David Brazier and Emil Franzi and there was no objection to seating them. The Chair announced that Region 3 will elect a new Alternate to replace Brazier and the current Region 5 Alternate will continue to serve.

Regarding the Representative for Region 15, the Chair noted that a caucus was held that morning attended by seven delegates who elected Dean Ahmad as Regional Representative and she asked for a report. Guida moved, and it was seconded, that we seat Jule Herbert as 13 out of 21 delegates voted for him in mail ballot. The chair said ''there is a controversey over the validity of the mail ballot and also over the validity of this caucus this morning. The chair had a doubt in ruling about this problem and I turn the ruling over to the NatCom." At the request of Grant, Messrs. Ahmad and Herbert spoke and answered questions. Rothbard moved, and it was seconded, to commit the motion to a 3-member credentials committee to be appointed by the Chair to consider the situation and report at the next meeting. Bergland's motion to call the question passed, and Rothbard's motion passed 14-9. Bergland's motion about seating a representative from Region 15 at this meeting was ruled out of order by the Chair. Key challenged the ruling. After some discussion, Evers' motion to extend debate 3 minutes passed. After further debate, Evers' motion to call the question passed and the chair's ruling was sustained. A. Rich asked about disposition of the committee. Clark appointed Andrea Millen Rich, Matt Monroe and Lynn Crussel. Randolph's motion to extend debate for 2 minutes passed. Randolph moved that the committee report in 30 days and have the Chair seat the representative or have the issue resolved by a NatCom mail ballot, -if necessary. Hocker amended Randolph's motion to the effect that only the 20 .delegates registered in Denver be permitted to vote in the best and easiest way .possible. The vote was by roll call and passed 14-13-0 as follows: For: Burch, Burns, DeLisio, Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lewis, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph, A. Rich, H. Rich; Against: Baures, Bergland, Crussel, Eddy, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Hall, Monroe, Pratt, Richman, Rothbard, Walter.

3. AGENDA ADDITION: There was no opposition to adding a resolution in opposition to AWACS sales (Evers) * The roll call vote on adding restoration of the old resolution 8 Fairness Doctrine and the FEC (Evers) failed 13-15-0 as follows: For: Bergland, Brazier, Eddy, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Hall, Lewis, Randolph, Richman, Rothbard, Walter; Against: Baures, Burch, Burns, Crussel, DeLisio, Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lindsay, Monroe, Palm, A. Rich, H. Rich. Guida's motion to adopt the agenda as revised passed. During discussion of the agenda Johnston raised a point of order about roll call votes, stating that the previously passed procedure to allow them at NatCom meetings at the request of 3 members was not in accord with Roberts Rules of Order. The Chair ruled that this body can adopt a rule fixing the size of a minority to have roll call votes and that the resolution in question was in order. Johnston challenged the ruling. The Chair's ruling was upheld.

4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was no objection to waiving the reading of the minutes of August 26. Key raised a point of order about the Secretary including in the minutes all points of order raised during NatCom meetings.Bergland moved, and it was seconded, to suspend the rules to consider his motion to adopt a policy that

only when the chair's point of order rulings are challenged they need be included in the minutes.Bergland's motion failed and the chair proposed that it be con sidered a suggestion. Franzi raised a point or order that it was for the secretary to decide which points of order be included in the minutes. The Chair said his

point was well taken. challenged the Chair's ruling. The Chair's ruling that points of order and other contents of the minutes be left to the Secretary's discretion was sustained. There was no objection to approving the minutes of August 26 as written. There was no objection to waiving the reading of the minutes of August 30. Guida's motion passed without objection that the following transcribed from the tape of the meeting be added to the minutes of August 30 under item 3: "I'm Frances Eddy, I'm the Secretary, and I'd also like to Report for Region 15, which consists of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. We're going to be having a mail ballot for our Regional Rep since some of our delegation had to go home." As a point of personal privilege Eddy clarified that she made that statement because she believed that that was the practice in such cases and not to imply that the region had voted to select its regional rep by mail ballot. She had not participated in making a decision at the convention about the method of selecting the region 15 representative. Palm noted that he should be listed under members present (not members absent). There was no objection to Johnston's proposal to include in item 6 after the phrase, Johnston moved to change 'support' to 'endorse' under 1. Be it resolved," the words "Evers argued that the common use of the word 'support' in libertarian deliberations did not imply a commitment of financial resources." There was no objection to approving the minutes of August 30 as corrected.

5. REGIONAL REPORTS: Written reports were received from Hall (Region 2), Palm (Reglon 4), Grant (Region 4), Monroe (Region 13), Walter ~Region 14), Ahmad ~Region 15), and Rich (Region 16).

 

6. AGENDA CHANGE: There was no objection to Pratt's motion to move item 6 to item 9a. Pratt moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn until I p.m. The motion failed 10-13.

7. ROLL CALL VOTES: Monroe moved to have a roll call vote on the final vote of all main motions. Following pro and con debate the roll call vote failed 11-14-2 as follows: For: Bergland, Brazier, Crussel , Eddy, Hall, Key, Monroe, Pratt, A. Rich, Rothbard, Walter; Against: Burch, Burns, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph, H. Rich, Richman; Abstain: Baures, Lewis.

8. SENDING NATCOM AGENDA AND MINUTES TO STATE CHAIRS AND STATE NEWSLETTER EDITORS: The Chair suggested dividing item 8. Pratt explained as a state chair she often didn't get NatCom minutes and agenda material; O'Keefe said it wasastanding resolution that state chairs received this material; Key said when state chairs didn't get material in the past she hoped they brought it to the attention of the National Director who prior to now was responsible for sending these and in future would bring it to the attention of the secretary who in fact was responsible. After discussion Pratt was satisfied on this part of the item. Eddy raised a point of information: Key confirmed that she indicated in the past the National Director sent out minutes, in future the secretary would in accord with Robert's Rules of Order. There was no objection to the Secretary responding to a letter Key had sent her asking her to state her intentions about this at this meeting: Eddy had discussed this with the National Director who agreed to continue the procedure of headquarters sending out copies of minutes and other material, as it is less expensive for headquarters to copy them in-house then to reimburse the secretary to have her local printer copy them. A. Rich moved, and it was seconded, that item 8 be adopted. Bergland pointed out that item 8 isn't a complete sentence and suggested a motion be made that the national office will do the following: O'Keefe gave his objections for sending the minutes to newsletter editors. Bergland moved, and it was seconded, to require sending all NatCom agenda to state newsletter editors. O'Keefe had no objection to this. Key movedtoextend debate 30 seconds and moved to amend the motion "at cost of recipient." There was no second for the amendment. The vote on Bergland's motion failed. Bergland moved, and it was seconded, that we require sending all NatCom minutes as finally approved to state newsletter editors. Pro and con discussion followed. Lindsay's motion to extend debate 30 se conds passed. The roll call vote taken on Bergland's motion failed 7-21-0 as follows: For: Bergland, Crussel, Franzi, Lewis, Monroe, Pratt, Rothbard; Against:

Baures, Brazier; Burch, Burns, DeLisio, Eddy, Evers, Grant, Guida, Hall, Hocker,

Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph, A. Rich, H. Rich, Richman, Walter.

9. RECORDING NATCOM MEETINGS: Pratt moved, and it was seconded, that we audio tape -record all NatCom meetings and that they be kept at national headquarters for one year, and she accepted Hall's friendly amendment that copies of such recordings be available to any member upon request at cost. The motion to close debate passed as did the Pratt's motion. Crussel moved, and it was seconded, to recess. Grant raised a point of information about money being available to record the meetings. Bergland recommended reconvening at 2 p.m. The motion to reconvened passed. The meeting resumed at 2:25 P.m.

1G. NATCOM MINUTES IN LP NEWS: After several restatements and friendly amendments, Monroe moved, and it was seconded, that the corrected NatCom minutes be published in the subsequent issue of Libertarian Party News, which involve a roll call vote on main motions. Grant proposed a substitute motion, which was not accepted as a friendly amendment, to resolve that this body instruct the secretary to write a synopsis of the meeting and have that published in Libertarian Party News. Lindsay moved, and it was seconded as a substitute motion that the corrected minutes be a separate publication from LP News and offered to subcribers in LP News. After further discussion the motion passed that it be advertised in LP News that the corrected NatCom m,inutes are available to any member of the party who pays for them."

11. BALLOT DRIVE FUNDING: Crussel moved, and it was seconded, to rescind the proposal in question, i e. , that $10,000 per month be authorized for the remainder of the year to states for ballot drive assistance to be spent at the discretion of the National Director. After arguments pro and con were offered, the roll call vote was taken and the motion failed 9-16-3 as follows: For: Baures, Bergland, Brazier, Crussel, Eddy, Hall, Monroe, Pratt, Rothbard; Against: Brazier, Burch, Burns, DeLisio, Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lewis, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph, A. Rich, H. Rich, Richman, Walter; Abstain: Evers, Franzi, Grant.

12.HEADQUARTERS REPORT: National Director Eric O'Keefe's report included the follow ing points: status of the 1980 LP campaign debt Oown $10,000 since last report), staff turnover (current staff-Deb Haws, Publications Director; Anita Anderson, Headquarters Manager; Jack Hart, Intern; Mike Hepple to begin 11/9/81 as fund

raiser), fire in the building (only paper and minor water damage in LP headquarters), publications (revised Q&A brochure reprinted and 2-sided 81" by 11" handout based on it), mailings (recent and planned fund-raising ones), ballot drives (Indiana has finished), the Chair's visit to D.C. in September (reception and media coverage).

Then O'Keefe answered questions, mainly on ballot drives. Crussel asked for a report on the amount spent by national so far on ballot drives, the figures to be broken down by state (a temporary estimate: $6,000 in Indiana, $2,500 in Ohio; $600 in Montana). Bergland moved, and it was seconded, that the National Director

prepare a memo reporting transactions between national headquarters and each state with a ballot drive and that it be made available to NatCom members. The roll call vote on the motion failed 8-17-1 as follows: For: Bergland, Crussel, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Hall, Pratt, Rothbard; Against: Brazier, Burch, Burns, DeLisio,

Eddy, Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lewis, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph. A. Rich, H. Rich, Richman, Walter; Abstain: Baures.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Vivian Baures' report included the following points: in future Baures expects to prepare monthly financial reports; she recommended the Treasurer and headquarters employees be bonded; and she reported that as soon as possible withholding taxes will again be taken out of staff salaries, a procedure which was discontinued last May. She appointed Paul Grant and Lynn Crussel to the Salary Review Committee and moved that David Walter serve as Audit Committee. His appointment was approved with no objection. Baures answered questions. Walter requested that pledges not be included in balance sheets in future but footnoted as deferred income. H. Rich moved to extend the time 30 seconds and expressed gratitude to Baures for an extremely detailed statement. The Treasurer's report was accepted as presented.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Finance Chair Leslie Key's report included the following points: the first meeting of the Finance Committee was held 11/6/81; new members of the committee are Eric O'Keefe and Dave Walter; the committee is working on, long-term funding from large contributors-Roger MacBride will help with this program; the current phone fund-raising program ($13-14,000 raised to date) was described; Liberty Audio, in exchange for ads in LP News, will prepare training tapes for the anticipated 60-70 phone fund raisers; Alicia and Ed Clark's program for helping to pay off the Clark campaign debt (now $57,000) was explained. Dave Walter spoke on his leadership pledge program and Key answered questions which emphasized broadening the base of contributors.

15. SPEAKERS BUREAU REPORT: Howie Rich gave a history of the development and achievement of the speakers bureau and recommended headquarters continue the project, which O'Keefe felt would not cost much. Marion Williams, who finished her work as Speakers Bureau coordinator today, submitted a report listing some speakers bureau speakers and activity. Rich concurred in DeLisio's recommendation that ads be run in LP News offering sample speeches.

16. LIBERTARIAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE REPORT: H. Rich gave background on the LCC and recommended it be continued as a subcommittee of the LNC (it has its own treasurer, bank account, etc.) so many of its functions can be handled by headquarters. Bergland explained why the more PAC's, the better and moved this resolution on Libertarian Congressional Committee: "in order to maximize effective and independent Libertarian congressional campaign activity during 1982, the LNC endorses the formation of Political Action Committees throughout the country to support Libertarian congresssional candidates. It is suggested that one such PAC be formed in each of the regions established under the LP Bylaws. Regional Representatives to the LNC are hereby requested to initiate the formation of such PACs in their respective regions by working with affiliated party leadership.

`The LNC will not provide monetary support for any PAC. The LP Headquarters staff will assist Libertarian PACs by providing advice as to Federal Election Commission requirements, assisting in FEC report preparation, and with mailing list and other informational clearing house function.

'This resolution replaces the resolution relating to the Libertarian Congressional Committee passed April 12, 1981.11

O'Keefe said it was not legal to establish more than 2 PACs (which are federal by definition and cannot gave money to local candidates). Key's point of order requested a ruling from the Chair on, if the resolution is illegal, discussion on it should not continue. It was moved, seconded and passed to recess for ten minutes to consult lawyers on this. The meeting recessed at 4:42 p.m. and resumed at 4:52 p.m. The Chair ruled the resolution is legal. Evers called the question. The motion to close debate failed 9-11. Discussion pro and con continued. Guida's motion to extend debate three minutes passed, After discussion Guida's motion to extend debate five minutes passed. Bergaldn accepted Guida's friendly amendment to delete the last sentence of his proposed resolution. Bergland clarifed that support services be provided consistently with market costs. Lindsay moved, and it was seconded to refer the Bergland resolution to a committee of Bergland, Hocker, and any other members of the Chair's choice to give a report in the morning. Lindsay's motion to commit passed without objection.

Evers' motion, which was seconded, to extend debate on the LCC five minutes, passed. Evers moved, and it was seconded, that all money earmarked for candidates follow the Felton criteria laid out in the LCC minutes of July 13, 1981: that the committee judge candidates based on their submission of a campaign plan including: 1. written goals, 2. two or three levels of budget, 3. list of their steering committee and why these people are on it, 4. finance committee members-who are -they and why are they on? 5. activity chart- line form-when will each thing happen? 6. who is campaign manager? background, 7. biography of candidate, 6. analysis of districts: geographic description of district, political history, Democratic and Republican, incumbent and likely opponents, any further anlaysis, that all such meetings be publicized to all LNC members and state chairs two weeks in advance, that the minutes of these meetings be sent to state chairs and LNC members and alternates. Key's motion to divide the question into three parts was seconded. Lindsay moved to consider this motion tomorrow morning. Key's motion failed. Lindsay's motion was ruled out of order. Johnston's motion, which was seconded, to extend debate five minutes failed. Bergland's point of order clarified that this motion applies to the LCC formed by the 4/12/81 resolution. The'vote on Evers' motion passed.

H. Rich's motion to extend debate 5 minutes was seconded and passed. H. Rich moved that a campaign '82 committee be formed to help recruit and assist libertar ian federal, state, and local candidates for the 1982 elections. The assistance should include candidate recruitment, training and workshops and assistance with

brochures, advertising, and fundraising and he volunteered to be the chair. Bergland's point of order that Rich's motion was out of order because it wasn't the LCC and it should be brought up later under the budget item was accepted by the Chair. DeLisio asked for a clarification in his point of information and Rich confirmed that it was basically correct that his motion was the action the LCC report recommended of the transfer to the national organization to perform certain functions. In response to a question Rich indicated that it was not the report of the committee but they had discussed it. After further discussion, the Chair accepted Rich's motion as presented by the LCC. Crussel called for orders of the day. Evers motion to extend debate five minutes on the L.CC was seconded and passed. Rich accepted Walter's friendly amendment that he as chairman of the LCC report back to NatCom at the next meeting on candidate recruitment, fundraising, and on alternative strategiesor themes for TV ads and literature. Rich accepted Hall's friendly amendment to add the words "to assist state organizations in the''in the appropriate place in the first sentence of his motion, which now reads: "that a campaign '82 committee be formed to assist state organizations in the recruitment and assistance of libertarian federal, state, and local candidates for the 1982 elections." Evers moved that the members of the committee in addition to its chair be Clark Hodge, Emil Franzi, Bill Evers, Paul Grant, and Alan Lindsay. Key's motion, which was seconded, to postpone this item to tomorrow at 9 a.m. passed. Evers moved, and it was seconded, to extend debate five minutes to ask his questions on the LCC minutes. It passed. After his questions were answered

and further discussion Grant moved, and it was seconded to adjourn for the day.moved and it was seconded to reconvene tomorrow at 8 a.m. The motion passed. On Bergland's point of order the Ch ir appoint DeLisio as the third mem ber of the committee to consider Berl a-nd I s__L__CC resolution motion. Grant's motion to adjourn passed and the meeting adjourned at 5:55 P.m.

17. AGENDA REVISIONS: The Chair reconvened the meeting at 8:17 a.m. Sunday and opened it with remarks on courtesy. Randolph moved, and it was seconded, to amend the order and time frame of the remaining agenda as follows: LCC debate to continue first (H. Rich had agreed to forego any discussion of the campaign '82 committee), delete item 19 (revisions and deletions of standing resolutions-with Hocker's agreement), continue with items in order of 15, 26, 22, 25, 16, 17, 18, 12, 21, 24, 27 and then continue in numerical order and times reduced to: items 17 and 18, 15 minutes each, 20 to 5, 23 to 10, 24 and 25 considered together, 121 hours, 27 to 5 minutes, 28-32, 5 each. Evers called the question and it and Randolph's motion passed.

18. LIBERTARIAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE: Bergland move, and it was seconded, that the first paragraph only (see item 16, paragraph one) of his proposed Resolution on Libertarian Congressional Committee be adopted. Evers called the question and Bergland's motion passed. Walter moved, and it was seconded, Resolved, Howard Rich, Chair of the LCC is directed to take the following appropriate action, and report on-this action, at the next National Committee Meeting: 1. recruitment of candidates, and state candidate coordinators, 2. fundraising for the LCC, 3. alternate strategies for presenting issues for the 1982 campaign, specifically as they apply to TV ads and literature and that Emil Franzi be appointed and Bruce Boyd dropped from this committee. Walter accepted dividing the motion (committee membership to be considered separately) as a friendly amendment. After pro~and con debate, Richman moved to extend debate five minutes and his motion passed. Walter's resolution (first part) passed unanimously. Walter moved, and it was seconded, that since the NatCom appointed the five members of the LCC, it is in our power to do this and therefore I propose to replace Bruce Boyd with Emil Franzi on the LCC. Hocker moved, and it was seconded, as a substitute motion that the committee be reconstituted with seven members, one of whom is Howie Rich as the chair, that he will make appointments, and turn the list over to the Chair and by 11 a.m. that list be read and opened for ratification by the National Committee. Hocker's motion carried and the new main motion also passed.

19. LIBERTARIANPARTY GOALS FOR 1982: Key moved, and it was seconded,that we resolve that

"The Libertarian Party exists to uphold the rights of individuals and to challenge the power of the state.

"in 1982, the goal of the Libertarian National Committee is to continue to build a radical, consistent and fast-growing political alternative to the Republican and Democratic parties and their policies.

"To achieve this, the Libertarian National Committee directs the national office to:

"I. work with state parties and individual candidates so at to have at least one Zibertarian candidate on the ballot in every state;

"2. achieve permanent ballot status for the Libertarian Party in 24 states by the end of 1982, up from the current number of 11;

"3. work with state parties and individual Libertarians to have over 1,000 Libertarian candidates, including 350 federal candidates, on the ballot in November 1~82;

"4. work with Libertarian candidates and their campaigns so that ten million votes are cast for Libertarians on election day in November 1982;

"5. develop guides for 6 week platform study programs and work with state parties and individuals to have at least 100 local Libertarian Party groups complete this study program by the end of 1982;

"6. upgrade the quality of libertarian candidates by providing training and assistance in understanding Libertarian ideas and positions and articulating them to the press and public;

"7. upgrade the performance and quality of Libertarian campaigns by providing thorough training in fundraising, media relations, volunteer recruitment and management, precinct analysis, get out the vote effcrts, and other campaign fundamentals;

'18. provide assistance to federal Libertarian candidates by researching issues, producing white papers and fact sheets where desirable, and preparing standardized campaign promotional materials (radio ads, brochures, space ads, etc.);

"9. expand our list of current contributors from 21,000 to over 30,000 names;

"10. increase our number of contributing members to 11,000 by February 1983;

"11. continue to publish Libertarian Party News bimonthly;

"12. produce position papers on important issues and events, and produce (or continue to make available) a recruiting brochure to interest people in, and attract them to, the Libertarian Party;

"13. establish a regular press release program and maintain contact with important national media;

"14. pay off any outstanding 1980 debt, repay any loans made to the LP by individuals in 1980, and maintain vendor payables at a level acceptable to our vendors and manageable by the party.' Discussion followed. Bergland's motion, which was seconded, to add items 2 and 3 from Clark's memo of October 3 was accepted as a friendly amendment-these items read: "50 strong state parties: To achieve this goal it is necessary to help all those states with less than 30 members to increase their membership, to organize their educational program and,where necessary, to assist them in developing a new letter, media relations and an effective on-going fundraising program." and "To develop the organizational and political skills of Libertarians. To produce procedure books, detailed outlines of the necessary steps to be an effectf-ve party officer, organize state conventions, be an effective campaign manager, be a good candidate." Randolph's motion to amend item 6 with the words 11actively recruiting electable candidates" between "Libertarian candidates by" and "providing .... 11 was accepted as a friendly amendment. After discussion of it, Franzi withdrew his motion that it; be a goal of the,Libertarian Party that in the next two years at least one-half of those states currently aided by the national party for ballot status become self-sufficient. Evers requested a report for the next meeting to have record of 1980 income from each state and the amount spent in each state. O'Keefe agreed to present this information provided the research has been done by the Clark campaign. Randolph called the question and Key's motion as amended passed unanimously.

The Chair then turned the meeting over to the Vice-Chair and she spoke on her goals I and 4 in her memo of October 3. After discussion Clark withdrew #1 as its essence is already included in the goals adopted. Randolph's motion to call the question was seconded and passed. Clark's,motion to include "establish and implement a Fund Raising Program adequate to achieve the goals of the Party and retire the debt" in the list of goals for 1982 passed unanimously. Clark resumed the Chair.

20. 1983 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATING CONVENTION: A. Rich moved, and it was seconded, that we adopt the New York Convention Committee's goals and proposals outlined in the 11/3/81 memo to the LNC from Loretta Weiss, Convention Committee Chair (the word "official" has been added between "executive" and "fund raising rights" [see Appendix A on page 15 for wording of the memo]). Grant's motion to commit, which was seconded, was stated as follows, that this item be referred to a committee of three people for the purposes of preparing a tentative detailed written agreement between the LNC and the FLP and this agreement would have to be ratified by the National Committee and the committee's purpose, if the agreement is reached, the committee would have a continuing purpose of overseeing performance under the agreement and that the committee would consist of Vivian Baures, Paul Grant, and Mike Hall. After discussion, Rothbard's motion, which was seconded, to extend debate 5 minutes failed. There was a one-minute recess while Grant's motion was reworded. It was moved and seconded to divide the question. Part one of Grant's motion reads that the LNC appoint a three-person subcommittee to consider goals and negotiate a contract on the 1983 New York Convention; that this subcommittee report back to the LNC within _n days; that the subcommi ttee be charged wi th report i ng back to the LNC on adherence to the contract. This motion passed 17-10. Evers statedthe second part of Grant's motion: that the members of the subcommittee be Mike Hall, Vivian Baures, and Paul Grant. Key's motion to extend debate five minutes, which was seconded, passed 17-8. Randolph moved, and it was seconded, to extend the committee to 5 members and add O'Keefe and Hocker. A. Rich moved to further amend to add some members of the Convention Committee to the committee. Pratt called the question. Randolph's motion was declared out of order. Hall, Grant, and Baures spoke on their own behalf and answered questions. Lindsay moved to extend debate four minutes, it was seconded, and passed. Randolph moved, and it was seconded, that we expand the committee to five members and the other two members be Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Hocker, and he spoke on their behalf. Evers called the question. At Bergland's request, Gary Greenberg spoke. Key's motion to extend debate two minutes was seconded by failed. Randolph's amendment passed unanimously, and part two of Grant's motion as amended, passed.

21. FILM "WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS": The film was shown and A. Rich reported how much the film and tapes cost to produce and her recommended selling prices. A. Rich moved, and it was seconded, that the national party buy the film for $4,600 to be promoted and distributed to local groups throughout the country. Walter and Don Ernsberger reported on their marketing survey of the recruitment film. Bergland proposed a substitute motion, which was seconded, that the Libertarian Party become the agent for sales and rental of the film and that the ownership of the film be retained by the producers. H. Rich said he was unwilling to provide the film on that basis. After more discussion, Franzils point of order that debate on the motion was now moot was well taken. Bergland challenged the Chair's ruling and withdrew the motion on the basis of Rich's statement. After further discussion, Randolph moved the previous question and it was seconded and it passed as did Rich's motion. Walter move, and it was seconded to secure a price quote from John Doswell Production for adjusting the history an ('as Richman's friendly amendment) tax issue of this film, and Don Ernsberger to be appointed to work with John Doswell on the changes needed, and (as Lindsay's friendly ame-n-d-m-ent-y-for Walter to report on the results at the next meeting. Walter's motion passed.

22. MEMBERSHIP OF THE LCC: At 11 a.m. H. Rich submitted his list of proposed members of the LC John Mason, Eric O'Keefe, Carolyn Felton, Chris Hocker, Ross Levatter, Clark Hodge. Randolph's motion to call the question was seconded and failed 12-11.

Rothbard moved to substitute the name of Jorge Amador for Ross Levatter. Amador and Lavatter spoke on their own behalf. Randolph moved a two-minute extension of debate, which was seconded, and passed. Lindsay moved that we adopt a rule that the committee here could vote to remove someone who is appointed by the chair of the committee but that we can only retain someone who is appointed by the chair. The vote was taken on Rothbard's substitute motion, and division~ a roll call vote, and a secret ballot were requested. The vote to use a secret ballot failed. The re sults of the roll call vote, which failed 6-16-5, were as follows: For: Brazier,

Evers, Monroe, Pratt, Rothbard, Walter; Against: Baures, Burch, Burns, Crussel, DeLisio, Guida, Hall, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lindsay, Randolph, A. Rich, H.Rich, Richman; Abstain: Bergland, Eddy, Franzi, Grant, Lindsay, The vote on Rich's motion passed. Bergland moved and it was seconded and passed that a five minute recess be held. The meeting recessed at 11:20 a.m. and reconvened at 11:29 a.m.

23. 1982 LP BUDGET: Baures moved and it was seconded to adopt the budget as is. The Treasurer answered questions. Walter moved, and it was seconded, that we put $500 in the priority one budget, that O'Keefe investigate an appropriate alarm sjstem and report to Alicia Clark within 30 days. This proposal was accepted. Evers moved that under special projects, public opinion poll, to add $10,000 under priority two and delete $25,000 under priority three and substitute $10,000 for $25,000 under total. Franzi offered to check with his partner in Arizona Survey Research Associates about donating their services for a public opinion poll. Guida called the question, which was seconded, and the motion to close debate passed. Evers' motion passed. Burch called the question and it was seconded. Bergland requested discussion on the Clark campaign debt before debate was closed. In a point of order Franzi asked O'Keefe about Franzi's membership proposal. Vote on closing debate failed. Grant questioned O'Keefe about the Clark campaign debt. Evers moved, and it was seconded, that the National Director negotiate with the Clark Campaign Committee to purchase the Clark campaign mailing list, authorizing up to $30,000 for the purpose. This motion passed. (See Appendix C)

24. SUBSTITUTE SECRETARY: In a point of personal privilege the Secretary asked permission for Honey Lanham to substitute for her for the rest of the meeting so she could attend a family funeral.

25. NEXT NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Monroe moved, and it was seconded, to have the next meeting in Houston March 27 and 28. After discussion, Randolph called the question. In a point of information Baures asked for any other proposals. Hall intends to propose a summer meeting in California and Brazier reports Seattle wants to host a spring or summer meeting. Randolph's motion to close debate was seconded and Monroe's motion passed unanimously.

26. SUSPENSION OF RULES: Randolph's motion to suspend the rules to take up items 21 and 23 was seconded and passed.

27. PROPOSED REVISIONS OF THE MAILING LIST COMMITTEE RESOLUTION: Key moved, and it was seconded, to amend NatCom Resolutions F-74 and F-156 as follows: Change f i rst part of resolution to read: The mailing list or lists which are or shall become the property of the Libertarian Party shall be made available for rental upon the approval of the National Director or a majority of the Mailing List Committee consisting of

the National Treasurer, the National Director, and three members of the National Committee selected by the National Committee and then continue the resolution as is, except for the addition at the end of this sentnece: Prices for list rentals shall be set by the National Director, except that the Mailing List Committee can overrule the Director and set a higher or lower price for any particular list rental. Hall moved, and it was seconded, to amend by substitution Key's motion to amend something previously adopted to read as follows: The mailing list or lists which are or shall become the property of the Libertarian Party shall be made available for rental upon the approval of a Mailing List Committee consisting of a Chair appointed by the National Chair, other members to be the Treasurer, the Finance Committee Chair and two members to be appointed by the Mailing List Committee Chair, subject to the approval of the National Chair; the Committee shall establish rental polices and prices; the National Director will be in charge of implementing these policies and prices and shall send a written report once very three months to every member of the Mailing List Committee, including a list of every individual or organization which has requested approval to rent any part of the list or lists, and a record of the actions taken on those requests; no such list or lists shall be used for a purpose which clearly and directly conflict with the Statement of Principles of the Libertarian Party; any member of the Libertarian Party who so requests may have his or her name removed from any or all lists to be furnished for rental. Hall's motion, in a roll call vote, passed 14-13-1 as follows: For: Baures, Bergland, Brazier, Crusse I, Evers, Franz i , Grant, Ha I I, Lewis, Monroe, Pratt, Rothbard, Walter, Clark: Against: Burch, Burns, DeLisio., Guida, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lindsay, Palm, Randolph, A. Rich, H. Rich; Abstain: Richman. The vote on Key's main motion as amended failed.

28. LIST OF COMMITTEES: Baures requested that the Secretary prepared a list of all committees and their members for use of NatCom members. The Chair answered that this list will be published not only for NatCom members but to inform all party members.

29. RANDOLPH-FOR-GOVERNOR CAMPAIGN: DeLisio report on campaign plans and Randolph spoke on the importance of his campaign for governor of Alaska.

30. 1982 LP BUDGET: Funds for recording NatCom meetings was discussed. Hocker moved, and it was seconded, to budget $300 for Liberty Audio's services at the Houston meeting. Evers called the question and Hocker's motion passed.

Evers' motion to suspend the rules for 5 minutes passed. Evers moved that the National Chair shall appoint a parliamentarian for the LNC subject to the approval of the Com mittee. Payments for parliamentary services shall be negotiated (with a ceiling of $600/year) by the National Director and approved by the Chair. Evers' motion failed.

Bergland's motion to close debate on the budget was seconded and passed. Baures was asked about income to balance new expenses and she answered there is none. The budget was unanimously approved as amended. There was a five-minute recess.

31. MAIL BALLOT RESULTS: Resolutions to set up Internal Education Committee and Outreach Committee passed by mail ballot 17-0-1 as follows: For: Evers, Lindsay, Baures, Palm, Crussel, Hodge, Emerling, Rothbard, Vanderslice, Pratt, Eddy, Richman, Armstrong, Monroe, Walter, Hall, Clark; Abstain: Johnston. After Lanham read the mail ballot report Johnston asked to withdraw his vote. The Chair ruled his withdrawal out of order in accord with our bylaws. The Chair ruled the committees are established. Key made a parlimentary inquiry that the Chair cannot preside at a meeting because she originated the mail ballot and participated in its debate. The Chair ruled the inquiry out of order as there had been no discussion during the meeting on merits of the motion. Burch appealed the Chair's ruling, which was sustained. See Appendix B, page 17, for wording of the resolutions.

32. INTERNAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Chair appointed John Mason as Chair of the Internal Education Committee. Bergland moved, and it was seconded,to approve Mason's appointment. Lindsay moved to suspend the rules to reconsider discussion of the mail ballot for ten minutes. His motion failed 16-9-1 by roll call vote

as follows: For: Baures, Burch, Burns, DeLisio, Guida, Hall, Hocker, Hodge, Johnston, Key, Lewis, Lindsay, A. Rich, H. Rich, Richman, Walter; Against: Bergland,Brazier, Crussel, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Monroe, Pratt, Rothbard; Abstain: Palm.Johnston moved to vote for Mason or NOTA. Chair ruled such voting out of order because the motion is on the appointment of John Masion as chair of the committee. Bergland's motion to approve Mason as Chair of the Internal Education Committee passed by a roll call vote 22-3-1 as follows: For: Baures, Bergland, Brazier, Burns, Crussel, DeLisio, Evers, Franzi, Grant, Guida, Hall, Hocker, Hodge, Lewis, Monroe, Palm, Pratt, A. Rich, H. Rich, Richman, Rothbard, Walter; Against: Johnston, Key, Lindsay; Abstain: Burch. Key asked to ve recorded as voting no ''for reasons respecting the proper nature of a deliberative organization." Lindsay

asked ''to be recorded as voting 'no' only as a protest against the refusal of 8 of our members to allow discussion on this subject." Walter presented a report from Mason on which there was discussion. Hocker proposed that the Political Action Workshops be under the External instead of the Internal Education Committee. The Chair ruled that Political action workshops are under the Internal Education Committee. Hocker withdrew his proposal. Bergland moved acceptance of the report given by Walter and it was accepted.

33. OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Sheldon Richman's appointment as chair of this committee was approved unanimously with no discussion. There was no obj ection to caIIing the committee the Outreach Committee insteadof External Education Committee as given in the agenda item. Richman announced members of the Strategy Subcommittee as Ed Clark, David Nolan, Kent Guida, Craig Armstrong, Jeff Hummel. Richman moved, and it was seconded, to rescind LNC Resolutions F-103 and F-104 and to create a Subcommittee-Adverti sing and Publications under the Outreach Committee. Richman's motion passed. Richman motion, which was seconded, to create the Advertising and Publications Subcommittee passed. He then appointed Chris Hocker as chair of this committee and Andrea Rich, Murray Rothbard and Christine Dorffi as members. Cissy Webb will serve as a PR liaison. Richman* announced that no budget was requested for this committee.

34. SALARY REVIEW COMMITTEE: Richman moved, and it was seconded that the Salary Review Committee [Resolutions F-85, F-102, F-1441 be abolished; debate was extended five minutes; the question was called and the motion passed.

35. DEFINITION OF CURRENT MEMBERS: O'Keefe explained that it has been the policy of the LP to credit contributions toward membership dues only if the contributor checked a membership renewal form or otherwise indicated that the contribution was for membership. He proposed that instead the first $10 ($5 for students) contributed in any 12-month period by a person who had at any time joined as a member be credited toward membership dues. O'Keefe deferred to parliamentarian Bill White who offered his opinion that it was proper for this change to be made administratively. O'Keefe asked if there would be any objection to this. Bergland said he didn't object to the change, but said he preferred that it be done by formal National Committee action, and not just administratively. He then moved O'Keefe's proposal as a resolution, and the resolution passed.

36. CONVENTION RULING ON ''CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS": OKeefe reported that several people had told him they believed that the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee's recommendation to change the term "member" to "contributing member" had been approved by the convention. It was recommended to check the tapes and meanwhile to accept the Secretary's statement that proposal had failed. O'Keefe requested approval to use the term "contributing member" on brochures and in mailings and approval was given without objection.

37. POSSIBLE 1984 NATIONAL LP PLATFORM CONVENTION: Richman's motion to table this item indefinitely was seconded and passed.

38. LNC AFFILIATION WITH THE LIBERTARIAN INTERNATIONAL: Waiter moved, and it was seconded, that the LNC affiliate with Libertarian International. Rothbard's motion to table Walter's motion for one year passed.

39. RESOLUTION ON HALTING THE NUCLEAR ARMS RACE: Richman moved, and it was seconded, to resolve:

"WHEREAS the threat of nuclear war is the greatest single threat to the existence of the human race;

"WHEREAS U.S. government policies, including the development of the MX missle, 8-1 bomber, and neutron bomb, heighten the risk of a nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union by, amont other things, striving for first-strike capability;

"WHEREAS the proposed development of 572 land-based missles in Europe has millions of Europeans fearing that their homes are being reserved as a nuclear battlefield;

"Be IT RESOLVED that the Libertarian National Committee: -Opposes the development of new nuclear weapons; -Opposes the deployment of new nuclear weapons in Europe;  -Demands the dismantling of the land-based missles in the United States; -Demands the withdrawal of current U.S. nuclear forces in Europe; -Calls on the U.S. and Soviet governments to negotiate real nuclear disarmament, rather than a managed arms race; -Expresses its solidarity with the European Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, which is responsible for several hundreds of thousands of people marching against nuclear weapons.

''BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in recognition of its value at a first step, the Libertarian National Committee endorses the proposal of the Campaign for a NuclearWeapon Freeze:

''To improve national and international security, the United States and the Soviet Union should stop the nuclear arms race. Specifically, they should adopt a mutual freeze on the testing, production and deployment of nuclear weapons and of missiles and new aircraft designed primarily to deliver nuclear weapons. This is an essential verifiable first step toward lessening the risk of nuclear war and reducing the nuclear arsenals."

Bergland's friendly amendment to change the last item under "Be it resolved..." to read: "-Exressses its solidarity with the several hundreds of thousands of European people marching against nculear weapons" was accepted. Key's motion to add under "Be it resolved" "-Supports immediate, complete and unilateral nuclear disarmament by the U.S. Government" failed. Richman's motion of the Resolution on Halting the Nuclear Arms Race passed.

4o. RESOLUTION OPPOSING AWACS MILITARY TRANSFER: Richman moved, and it was seconded, a resolution opposing AWACS military transfer which was written by Evers and Levatter. The resolution read:

"WHEREAS, events in the Middle East over the last two years-from the overthrow of Iran's Shah and the taking of American hostages to the more recent Israeli bombings of Iraq and Beirut and the assassination of Anwar Sadat-manifestly demonstrate the dangers of war and political turmoil in the region, and

"WHEREAS, the Reagan administration's efforts to form a strategic alliance with Israel and create a firmer alliance with Saudi Arabia will lock America into participation in future Mid East wars, and

"WHEREAS, the Reagan-endorsed and Senate-backed AWACS arms transfer to Saudi Arabia-calling for $8.5 billion in military equipment, including AWACS planes and sidewinder missiles, together with American training personnel-adds to the region's instability, and

"WHEREAS, the AWACS transfer endangers the American people, both by increasing the threat of war in the Middle East and by risking superpower confrontation,

"THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Libertarian National Committee strongly denounces the AWACS transfer, and

"The LNC calls upon the Reagan administration to rescind this military shipment, and

"The LNC calls for President Reagan to make a positive move toward Mid East stability and world peace by withdrawing all American troops from the Persian Gulf, removing an important tripwire toward American involvement in foreign war."

Monroe's proposed amendments to the resol ut ion- reword the penultimate paragraph to read "The LNC calls upon the Reagan administration to rescind all governmental military shipments to the Middle East, and" and to substitute the word "Middle East" for "Persian Guld" in the last paragraph-were accepted. Key's proposal to change the word "dangers" in the first paragraph to "evils" was not accepted. Richman's motion passed as amended.

41. APPRECIATION AND ADJOURNMENT: Crussel moved to adjourn; the Chair thanked all NatCom-members for their contributions; Richman thanked the Maryland state party; Bergland thanked the Chair and all NatCom members present gave her a standing ovation. The motion to adjourn passed and the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 P.m. on Sunday, November 8, 1981.

Respectfully submitted,

Frances Eddy  Secretary

Attachment: Appendix A-11/3/81 memo to LNC from  Loretta Weiss, Convention Committee Chair

APPENDIX A

(Copy of memo referred to in item 20, page 8 of minutes)

TO: Libertarian National Committee

FROM: Loretta Weiss, Convention Committee Chair

GOALS FOR THE 1983 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATING CONVENTION

November 3, 1981

1 High attendence Figures with a target of at least 1500 attendees. Although at least 1200 guests could be deemed a success, 1500 or more should greatly improve our ability to achieve other goals.

An Outstanding Events Program featuring nationally prominent speakers, libertarian scholars, debates, panels, social events, special events and a Presidential Banquet. The program should endeavor to be the most attractive events package ever presented at a Libertarian Convention. It must impress not only libertarians but the media as well.

3. Nationwide Media Attention should be generated by an active public relations staff, with at lease one full-time person working on that aspect for several months.

Building Morale is Important. The morale of conventioneers will affect (1) the amount of money raised at the banquet and (2) generate the necessary momentum for an active mass-based presidential campaign. Essential to building morale is a well-run convention in which all elements come together effectively. Contributing to morale building should be a sense that attendees are receiving full value for their investment in coming to the convention.

5. The Banquet must be Inspirational and present a positive view of the future. The emphasis should be on what unites us rather than what divides us. The banquet must serve as a rally point for the troops, leaving them eager to pitch in to the campaign with their maximum effort.

6. A Highly Competitive and Cleanly Fought Contest for the Presidential Nomination is of great importance but beyond the scope of the Convention Committee. However, if such a contest should emerge, the convention staff should serve to highlight and promote the contests in as positive a way as possible. The key convention staff should remain publicly, neutral and assist all candidates wherever consistent with the role of convention management.

7. Profit is Certainly Desirable. In 1975 the FLP-run presidential convention made better than a 25% profit on the convention. However, profit in the form of a quick buck is not always a desirable goal for a growing enterprise. To sacrifice other goals, merely for short-term dividend profit, would be a mistake. The Presidential Nominating Convention is more than just a single event. Its success at meeting all the above goals can affect both the short term success and long range growth of the Libertarian Party. We must be prepared to sacrifice some possible FLP profits in order to motivate and inspire furture Libertarian campaigners.

With all this in mind, the Convention Committee of the FLP makes the following proposal:

We will guarantee the Libertarian National Committee exclusive official fundraising rights at the 1983 Presidential Nominating Convention (which they may assign as they choose).

In return, we ask that the National Committee promote the Convention as follows:

a. One mailing to contributors list with business reply envelope to be mailed out by March 1, 1983.

b. Libertarian News will publish at its expense a 12-page or less insert about the Convention; we will provide the copy and choose in which newsletter it appears;

c. The Convention Committee shall have access to the Libertarian computer list and computer generated labels at no charge;

d. The Convention Committee will be entitled to insert up to two pages of news and promotional material in each issue of Libertarian News from the time of this agreement up to Convention.

cc: Gary Greenberg, Chair, Free Libertarian Party

1983 Presidential Convention Committee

 

APPENDIX B

(Mail Ballot September 27, 1981 , passed 17-0-1 ; see item 31, page 11)

Resolution 1. Internal Education Committee

Whereas one of the stated goals of the Party is "to educate our own members in developing their libertarian commitments and in applying libertarian principles to real world problems'' and whereas we have no committee to implement this, I move that the National Committee establish and Internal Education Committee whose duties shall be to provide educational materials, programs, advice and encouragement to state and local parties in order to help implement our goal of educating all members of the Party, of all affiliate parties, and all those registered as Libertarians in the principles, policies and goals of our party. This Committee will also develop programs to increase the organizational and political skills of the members of the Party. The National Chair will appoint the Chair of this Committee. This appointment will require approval by a majority of the NatCom. The Chair of the Committee and the National Chair will appoint joinly other members of this Committee. The Nat Com by a two-thirds vote may discharge any member of the Committee.

Resolution 2. Outreach Committee

Whereas one of the stated goals of the Party is to "Roll back the state by influencing people, media, voters and opinion molders," and whereas we need a comprehensive plan to do this, I move that the National Committee establish an Outreach Committee whose duties shall be to develop a comprehensive program to persuade nonlibertarians to accept libertarianiam. The program should include electoral politics and nonelectoral public relations and advertising by the Party. It shall develop analyses of target groups, current perception of the Party by the public, issues, the interplay between electoral and nonelectoral activities of the Party, and develop arguments that will be useful to the Party, affiliated parties and individual candidates in reaching their common goal of a libertarian society. The National Chair will appoint the Chair of the Committee and the Chair of the Committee will appointly jointly other members of this Committee. The NatCom by a two-thirds vote may discharge any member of the Committee.