LPCO's Annual Convention Minutes
Minutes for Libertarian Party Business Meeting 05/07/2005

Administrative

Meeting called to order 1:03p by Norm Olsen

Moved the voters to the front and asked that we track those who leave.

Bud Martin took the microphone to recognize Norm Olsen for his service as Chairman and proposed that we habitually recognize the former Chairman.

First proposal was to approve rules. Motioned by Keith Hamberger and Seconded Steve Gallant. This proposal passed with a voice vote.

2nd proposal to approve the agenda for this meeting. Motioned by Dave Aitkin seconded by Jeff Oliver. This proposal passed with a voice vote.

Bo Shaeffer pointed out that an error was made filing 2004 measure to disallow dual membership. He moved that the assembly recognize that an error was made in paperwork filing following 2004 convention and hereby reasserts article 8, section 1 of the bylaws, and that the intent of the party is that the rules should be followed as passed. Dave Aitkin seconded the motion. After discussion the proposal was passed with a voice vote.

Dave Aitken made a motion to approve the minutes from the 2004 meeting. Jeff Oliver seconded this and it passed with a voice vote.

Bo Shaeffer counted 45 voting members present.

Norm referred to the officer's reports in the packet.

Rand Fanshier presented the outreach report and welcomed two new affiliates. San Migel includes the Sheriff and the Coroner Prestone has grown from a start of 5 registered Libertarians to 42. The Delta county affiliate mentioned that they have successfully prosecuted several major issues. Boulder added 85 new registered voters. And Fredicksburg has been declared an island of liberty.

Steve Gallant presented the Publication's Director report. He mentioned that the web site was maintained and that the newsletter was published quarterly. Steve mentioned that he has prepared a transition packet.

Rick Randall presented the Legislative Director's report. He mentioned that the legislature thinks that we are much bigger than we are. He feels that letters to the editor and to the representatives is the key. Rick recommended that we monitor the weekly minuteman alerts.

Jeff Oliver, our Treasurer, presented his report. He reported that we have $2014 with 800 already earmarked. He mentioned that we are not getting any donations from members. He also mentioned that all who donate $20 or more at a time will be reported to the state.

Norm Olsen presented the verbal portion of the State Chairman's report. He mentioned that after 5 years he is resigning. He mentioned that as a political party we are making a difference. But he mentioned that the state party is basically a committee of nine. He suggested that we build structure that allows us to routinely complete the required paperwork.

Rand Fanshier explained that we have two campaigns currently active. We have bus bench ads in 4 locations and the new radio ads that will be run along the front range.

Elections

Norm Olsen opened nominations for the State Chair. After a point of order interruption (by disgruntled persons upset that a Republican, Sharon Armstrong, was going to try to vote) Frank Atwood nominated Travis Nicks. This was seconded by Patrick Escher. Ron Baines nominated Debbie Schaum and Bo Shaeffer seconded. Bruce Waters nominated Sharon Armstrong and Ralph Schelvner second. This was challenged by Paul Tiger on the grounds that Sharon is not a registered Libertarian. The nomination was disallowed.

Travis Nicks spoke. He advocated that we be united and save the fighting for those who erode the Constitution. Debbie advocated that we vote for Nick. 40+ votes for Nick, 4 votes for Debbie and 0 for NOTA.

Travis Nicks nominated and Rick Randell seconded a nomination for Lea Kelly as Campaigns Director. This was declared an uncontested elections. The rules were suspended by a 2/3 vote to allow Lea to introduce herself. She was elected by a voice vote.

Debbie Schaum nominated and Travis Nicks seconded Patrick Esser as Publications Director. Patrick was elected by a voice vote. A motion was made and seconded to allow Patrick to speak. The motion passed by a 2/3 vote and Patrick Esser advocated more events for children to draw them into the party. He also wants an uncensored blog and more interactivity.

Rick Randall nominated and Ralph Schnelver seconded Sean Ayers for Media Director. A motion and a second were made to suspend the rules to allow Sean to speak. 2/3s voted to in favor. Sean mentioned that he came from the Democrat party and that he wanted to be a doer not a watcher. He said that he will contact the media and help to grow the party. Sean was elected by a voice vote.

Mike Spalding nominated and Bo Schaeffer and Rick Randell seconded Bud Martin for Treasurer. Bud was elected by a voice vote.

Constitution and Bylaw Amendments

Mike Humbert motioned that we adopt a package of changes to limit membership and to allow proxy voting. Tim Jacobs seconded the motion. Paul Tiger presented a friendly amendment to include the missing text from the 2004 convention (see above). Shawn Elke moved that this proposal be divided into three issues. Bruce Waters seconded. Kieth Hamberger called a question to end debate on the motion to divide. This passed. A vote was then held and the motion to divide failed. A friendly motion to amend the amendment to require a notary was made by and seconded by . This amendment failed a voice vote. Greg Woods offered a friendly amendment to limit the number of proxy votes carried per person to five. Paul Tiger seconded this. Kieth Hamberger again called a question to end the debate on the motion to limit to five proxies per attendees. This passed and the debate ended. The amendment was defeated 20 to 18 in a stand up vote. Kieth Hamberger proposed an amendment requiring that the proxies include voting instructions and be prepared by the board 90 days in advance. This was seconded by Rick Randall. The amendment failed in a voice vote. A friendly amendment to remove the words "state of Colorado"from the original package amendment was made by John Duncan and seconded by Kieth Hamberger. This amendment failed after a voice and hand vote. A question was called to end debate on the original package but this failed after a voice and a stand up vote. Paul Tiger motion to amend the language to include the missing language from the 2004 issue. Bo Schaeffer seconded. Paul Tiger withdrew the motion. Travis Nicks motioned for a change in the language of the package amendment to specify a legitimate member. Lane Mills seconded this. The question was called and discussion was ended with a voice vote. Dan Boise called the question of the original package amendment. Discussion was ended with a voice vote. A request for a secret ballot was accepted. The vote was 33 in favor and 10 opposed.

Rick Randal proposed that we split the outreach director office into Western and Front Range directors. Mike Hamberger called the question. Discussion was closed with a voice vote. The constitutional amendment passed with 2/3 of the 39 present. 26 were for and 12 were opposed.

Bud Martin proposed that we undertake several changes in order to increase the effectiveness of the administrative side of the party. After a brief description of his proposal, he withdrew his motion.

Rick Randal proposed that we add a Membership Director and Bo Schaeffer seconded this motion. Eva made a motion to change the name to Affiliate Services. Kieth Hamberger seconded the motion. The name change amendment passed with a voice vote. Keith Hamberger called the question and discussion was closed by a voice vote. The Membership Director proposal was voted down by a voice vote.

Paul Tiger made a motion for a resolution that the state board should be required should refocus toward affiliate support. Bud Martin provided a second. Bo Shaeffer motioned and Bruce Waters seconded the removal of the word "demand". A voice vote passed this motion. Keith Hamburger called the question and a voice vote closed discussion on the original amendment. In a standing count the amendment passed.

A motion to adjourn was presented at 5:15p. After final words from Norm Olsen, the meeting was adjourned.

(minutes typed by Mike Spalding)