Libertarian Party of Michigan

Updated on Dec 07, 2024

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Chair Bill Gelineau Secretary Diane Bostow Founded 1972		Vice Chair Kim McCurry Treasurer Jason Brandenburg Headquarters Lansing, MI

The Libertarian Party of Michigan was founded in Taylor, Michigan, in 1972 and remains on the ballot as Michigan’s third oldest active political party. It is the Michigan affiliate of the Libertarian Party of the United States.

Overview

Since its founding, the Libertarian Party of Michigan has fielded candidates for a variety of offices and has retained its position on the state ballot. In the 2006 general election, the Libertarian Party of Michigan was the only political party in the state to support the successful Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. The party's gubernatorial candidate, Greg Creswell, and his running mate Scotty Boman made it the centerpiece of their campaigns. Several Libertarians have held public office in Michigan, most at the local level. The party is a member of the Michigan Third Parties Coalition which advocates changes in Michigan's election laws.

In 2016, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson won 173,021 votes in Michigan, qualifying the state party for a primary election in 2018.

Elected libertarians currently in public office

Councilman Andrew LeCureaux of Hazel Park.

Commissioner Erwin Haas of the City of Kentwood 2nd Ward.

Park Commissioner Elizabeth Corder of Ypsilanti Township was elected in 2016 on a partisan ballot.

Board of Trustees Treasurer Bruce Gosling of Glen Oaks Community College was elected in a non-partisan election in 2003 and has remained in office as of January 2017.

Former elected libertarians

Former elected Libertarians include:

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Owen of Owosso.

Councilman Bill Bradley City of South Haven.

Troy City Councilman David Eisenbacher, who was returned to office.

Park Commissioner Lawrence W. Johnson of Ypsilanti Township was elected in 2008 on a partisan ballot.

Mayor Pro Tem Erin Stahl of St. Clair Shores,

Fred Collins, who served as Councilman for the City of Berkley, Michigan from 1997 until he gave up his position to run for Mayor in 2005, and lost the election.

Councilman Mark Byrne of Port Huron, who is now active with the Unifour Area Libertarian Party in North Carolina.

Park Commissioner Tom Bagwell of Ypsilanti Township was elected in 2008 on a partisan ballot, but left office after moving from Ypsilanti Township.

Libertarians appointed to public office

Lloyd Sherman (died December 25, 2006) – Hazel Park Brownfield Authority, Hazel Park Facilities and Infrastructure Citizens Advisory Board, Hazel Park Fence Review Board, Hazel Park Zoning Board of Appeals, Hazel Park General Building Authority.

Will Tyler White – Vice-Chair, Meridian Charter Township Economic Development Corporation

Donald Flatt – Commissioner, Portage Parks and Recreation Board.

Steven Butler – Co-Chair, Grand Rapids Environmental Mandates Committee.

James McAbee – Romeo Planning Commission

Darrell Johnson – Berkley City Planning Commission

Defender of Liberty Awards

"Defender of Liberty" Awards ("Libbies") have been presented by the Libertarian Party of Michigan at its annual LibertyFest Banquet to a maximum of four select individuals, Libertarian or otherwise, whom the LPM believes have made notable personal efforts in the defense of liberty. Winners must live and/or work in the state of Michigan. The Libertarian Party of Michigan lists three subcategories for the award:

Spokesperson for Liberty – a member of the community whose patriotism and conviction have inspired contributions to the cause of Liberty

Promoter of Liberty – A Libertarian whose efforts have done the most to promote the LP and Libertarian principles

Producer of Liberty – a dedicated, behind-the-scenes Libertarian whose quiet labors over the years exemplifies the backbone of the LP.

References

Libertarian Party of Michigan Wikipedia

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