Well, I'm a little slow getting it posted, but here at last is your humble webmaster's report on the 2003 State Convention.
I guess my first piece of news is of course that I am now actually the webmaster, stepping up from my former role as simply the perl geek behind the scenes. Sheesh, how'd I get myself into this? : )
Oh, yeah of course we had elections for all those "other" positions. As reported by our honorable incumbent chair, Ray Ledford:
After a very close race, the convention delegates elected me as chair. The other candidate for chair was James Chesser (Davidson County LP Chair).
Heather Scott at one time had three challengers, but James Chesser declined the nomination. Heather won her race against Mike Croteau (Hamilton County LP Chair), and Mike won a reprieve until next time.
Alicia Mattson was unanimously returned as Treasurer, and Joey King suffered a similar fate by being re-elected Secretary.
Also, post convention, Ray appointed H. Pete Norris as our new Communications Director / Press Secretary. I'm sure Pete will do an outstanding job, we're lucky to have him, as we're lucky to have all of our dedicated, hard working officers.
Earlier in the day Alicia presented the treasurer's report and the budget for the next year, which passed without controversy. Alicia also spent some time educating us on the various ways we might be affected by the recently passed "Incumbent Protection Act" -- at least, to the extent that anyone can really tell what this cesspool of a bill requires.
Of course the most important item on the day's agenda were the reports from the counties, and I'm pleased to say our county affiliates are doing some exciting things! A few of the highlights:
Shelby County has implemented an excellent technique for interenet fundraising: selling LPSC items at
CafePress.com. Other internet techniques they're trying: ebay auctions and the Amazon affiliates program. Members of the Hamilton County LP were all fired up about a project called "The Head" -- unfortunately, I don't remember exactly what it is. I'll make it up to them by mentioning that they have now implemented Shelby's fundraising ideas. In addition they've designated May as Bill of Rights Protection Month -- find out all about it at their website Wilson County has been working to pass a Taxpayers' Bill of Rights in Mt. Juliet, with plans to move on to the rest of the county. Get a copy of their proposal from our toolbox:
/toolbox/mj_taxpayer_bor4.doc and start doing the same in your county!
Finally, Davidson County has decided to put the "party" back in the Libertarian Party! While night school has kept this DC resident from witnessing firsthand, I understand that chair James Chesser has turned LPDC meetings into can't-miss events. In other news, DC is reported to have developed a series of high quality outreach videos -- I can't wait to see 'em!
If I missed your county, lemme know so I can correct it post-haste! (and shame on you county chairs, don't make me wait 'til next year's convention to report your news!)
Rounding out the day were four excellent guest speakers, a stirring tribute to Richard Pearl, lunch at the Cooker, and a fantastic dinner at the Longhorn with our esteemed guest, LP Presidential nomination-candiadte Michael Badnarik. Many thanks to Rutherford County activist Sam Reid for his astounding generosity in picking up the tab for dinner! (Richard must have trained him well : )
That's it for my report, all that remains is to get the official minutes posted. Chris Snyder was kind enough to record the convention to tape as well as mp3, so we had hoped to have the mp3 on the site by now, unfortunately a technical glitch got in the way. As soon as I can get the tapes and the transcription from Joey we'll get both versions up ASAP.
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