Franklin County Libertarians Offer Campaign Training for November Election and Beyond
Franklin County Libertarians are excited to announce a comprehensive campaign training program designed to equip candidates, volunteers, and supporters with the skills needed for success in the upcoming November election and future races. The training will cover essential aspects of campaign planning, including strategy development, voter outreach, fundraising, and digital engagement. By participating, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to run effective, grassroots campaigns that reflect Libertarian values. This initiative underscores the party’s commitment to empowering individuals to take active roles in the political process. For more information, visit Franklin County Libertarians’ website.
Contact: Franklin County Libertarians Email: info@fclp.org Website: www.fclpo.org
September 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join Franklin County Libertarians to cover campaign training and planning for the November election and beyond.
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
We encourage first-timers to run for local offices in odd-numbered years. You must file a declaration of candidacy with the Franklin County Board of Elections, with completed petitions containing the number of signatures required for the office you are seeking.
Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down! Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).
Franklin County Libertarians’ statement on arrest and charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
Columbus, Ohio – August 28, 2024
The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio is outraged by the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities and the charges brought against him. This act is seen as a direct threat to free speech and digital privacy, targeting a leader committed to protecting user rights. The move sets a dangerous precedent, signaling increased governmental overreach into private communication. The Party stands in solidarity with Durov and all advocates of civil liberties, emphasizing the urgent need to defend the fundamental right to communicate freely without interference. This incident underscores the importance of protecting individual freedoms in the digital age.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Ken Holpp Communications Director Franklin County Libertarian Party info@fclpo.org fclpo.org
About Franklin County Libertarian Party
The Franklin County Libertarian Party is committed to defending individual liberties, advocating for limited government, and promoting policies that empower individuals and communities throughout Ohio.
Contact:
Ken Holpp Communications Director Franklin County Libertarian Party info@fclpo.org fclpo.org
This press release reflects the Franklin County Libertarian Party’s call to protect freedom of speech in all formats and forums, emphasizing the individual’s right to expression free of government harassment and interference.
Franklin County Libertarian Party Urges End to Fluoride in Drinking Water Citing Safety Concerns: “Fluoride Neurotoxic at ANY Level”
Columbus, Ohio – August 14, 2024
The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio is taking a firm stance against the continued addition of fluoride to municipal drinking water supplies, citing significant safety concerns. The party asserts that fluoride is neurotoxic at any level and calls upon state agencies and local municipalities to immediately halt its inclusion in public water systems.
Fluoride has historically been added to drinking water with the intention of improving dental health. However, a diverse community of scientific studies show neurotoxic effects even at low levels of exposure. Studies conducted in Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well as studies funded by the federal NIH, consistently found lowering of IQ or increased risk of behavioral problems like ADHD associated with early life exposure to fluoridated water. The Franklin County Libertarian Party argues that these risks outweigh any purported benefits, especially considering the widespread availability of fluoride in dental products.
“It is unacceptable to expose our population, especially vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, to a known neurotoxin,” said Michael Sweeney, At Large Member of the Franklin County Libertarian Party. “Fluoride should not be administered through public water supplies when safer alternatives exist, and individuals have the right to make their own choices regarding their health.”
The party emphasizes that the decision to ingest fluoride should be a matter of personal choice and informed consent, not a mandate imposed by government agencies. They advocate for policies that respect individual rights and prioritize public health based on transparent, independent scientific research.
“We call upon state agencies and local municipalities to heed the growing body of evidence and prioritize public health by voluntarily ending water fluoridation,” added Sweeney. “It is time to protect our citizens’ health and uphold their right to make informed decisions about what goes into their bodies.”
The Franklin County Libertarian Party encourages public discourse and urges policymakers to reconsider water fluoridation policies in light of emerging scientific findings and the principle of individual liberty.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Ken Holpp Communications Director Franklin County Libertarian Party info@fclpo.org fclpo.org
About Franklin County Libertarian Party
The Franklin County Libertarian Party is committed to defending individual liberties, advocating for limited government, and promoting policies that empower individuals and communities throughout Ohio.
Contact:
Ken Holpp Communications Director Franklin County Libertarian Party info@fclpo.org fclpo.org
This press release reflects the Franklin County Libertarian Party’s call to end fluoride use in drinking water due to safety concerns, emphasizing the need for informed choice and public health protection.
Over the past 10 years it has become obvious that the Republican Party has abandoned the dense urban centers of most Ohio cities and suburbs.
Retreating to the safety of their easy wins at the state level, and the occasional local family dynasty, the red team has abdicated all interest and effort in even token attempts to run candidates in Franklin County. (Of course, the red team is still happy to take your money! It just won’t find it’s way into helping any candidate or issue in your neighborhood.)
After spending the same decade working tirelessly to eliminate any possible competition in the form of alternative political parties, (through lawfare, intimidation and fraud), this has left voters in our area with a large and growing slate of unopposed elections, where blue team candidates file paperwork and walk into elected office without winning an election.
This has left the Franklin County red team with a dwindling, defeatist and disenfranchised volunteer and voter base, thoroughly convinced in their permanent loss of representation at the local level. This is also leading to a loss of county and local political influence.
In contrast, the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio has spent the last 10 years working to recruit and train candidates, fundraise and support issues, and generally work to support orphaned candidates and voters, (helping independents, and even blue and red team candidates when it made sense).
We did that work while fighting off constant attacks on our political credibility while only benefiting from ballot access half the time, and pushing through odious and burdensome petitioning requirements the other half.
How did Franklin County get to this point, with a dominating and lazy blue team, and an equally lazy, but vanishingly relevant red team?
Franklin County is an economic hub, home to Columbus, numerous smaller cities, boasting a diverse economy in finance, education, healthcare, and tech. Its central location, strong infrastructure, and vibrant workforce drive growth, attracting talent and investment, making it vital to Ohio’s prosperity.
With all this going for it, you’d think a major political party would be fighting for every precinct tooth and nail.
You would be wrong, and it wouldn’t be just the last ten years that that impression would be incorrect.
In the distant past, when smoke filled rooms were legal, and the common way to manage politics, the red and blue teams in Franklin County struck a deal, a détente, if you will, to stay out of each other’s way. At the state level the red and blue teams took cyclical turns running the state-wide offices of governor, secretary of state and rarely commanded more than slim margins in the state house or senate.
This made such an agreement more palatable for both sides, and elected roles in Franklin County were divided up based on who most often won, leading to many unopposed elections for both teams, and candidates with very little real support when some did go “rouge”. Elected roles like Mayor of Columbus, Columbus City Council, County Commissioners and urban State Representatives were firmly blue team, while County Prosecutor, County Engineer, County Treasurer and more rural State Senators were firmly red team.
Over time the district lines shifted, but the agreement was held for the most part and political power in central Ohio leaned blue or red without much real variance.
Then something unexpected happened.
A Green Party member filed to run for County Prosecutor, a race the county blue team had largely ignored, and rarely fielded a candidate to oppose. This candidate was brash and full of energy, a real firebrand and was talking about real reform and actual political action.
Of course, the blue team could not allow any such challenge to the status quo. (Let alone a Green!)
So, they found a paper candidate on short notice to file, and with all the influence and endorsement of the blue county machine, the paper candidate sailed through the primary unopposed and found some enthusiasm among their voters.
And then the unthinkable happened.
The blue team candidate almost won the general election.
When the dust settled, the blue team tallied their numbers and realized something profound.
The demographics for central Ohio had shifted. There was no longer a reliable swing back and forth between so-called “liberal” and “conservative” voters. Columbus voters in particular seemed to have shifted firmly “liberal”.
This new understanding led the county blue team machine to ramp up recruiting, fundraising and undertake the effort of running a candidate for every race they could.
Meanwhile, the red team slumbered, even as several of their choice elected roles were competed right out from under them several times in a row. However, instead of fighting back with grass roots ground game and pouring effort and energy into revitalizing their sleepy base, they continued to demand the blue team honor the now defunct back-room agreements, and shifted strategy to controlling state level district lines.
The ”redistricting strategy” has kept the red team with a healthy margin of control of the State House and Senate, and the wide-spread, and numerous, rural voter base continues to fall for the faux conservative act for state-wide red candidates.
However, while the population of the State of Ohio is not growing (in fact, shrinking), urban and suburban central Ohio is gaining residents, both from other cities and from rural areas.
Red team’s control of the state-level government may be short-lived as local and county-level influence wanes. As demographic shifts and urbanization increase, their traditional rural base diminishes. This disconnect from local issues will erode voter support, leading to significant challenges in maintaining statewide power in future elections.
While at the highest level it looks like the Republican Party of Ohio is in control politically, the reality we are seeing is local and county GOP death spiral.
Ohio is moving more and more purple, and the fake “conservatives” that made their bread and butter over pretending to care about small govt, low taxes and individual liberties days are numbered.
Franklin County Libertarians offer choice on the ballot, not a fake choice between voting and not voting, but real choice with candidates who listen, live and work in our communities, shop in the same stores and experience the same concerns and share values with neighbors.
We are not asleep, we are not going away, we are putting in the work, and we will represent all residents in Franklin County.
We are not red or blue.
We are not “liberal” or “conservative”.
We are Libertarians.
We stand for individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.
In our relentless pursuit of individual liberty and the principles of limited government, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. As we confront the entrenched barriers of a two-party system, grapple with the challenges posed by aging leadership, and navigate the complexities of an uncertain economy, the imperative for political reform and the preservation of leadership integrity has never been more urgent.
Revolutionizing Political Paradigms:
Our current political landscape, dominated by the entrenched duopoly of two major parties, has failed to adequately represent the diverse spectrum of American values and beliefs. This narrow binary confines us to a false choice, limiting our ability to enact meaningful change and relegating our libertarian ideals to the sidelines.
Yet, the power to disrupt this entrenched system lies within each of us. By rallying just one person to join our cause for political reform, we can ignite a grassroots movement that transcends party lines and reshapes the political landscape from the bottom up. From local town halls to state legislatures, from city councils to county commissions, our collective action can build momentum and influence, paving the way for a more inclusive and pluralistic political environment.
Fostering Innovation and Inclusivity:
Our libertarian principles demand a political environment that embraces diversity of thought and empowers local communities to chart their own course. From the bustling metropolis to the rural heartland, the spirit of innovation and self-governance thrives in the rich tapestry of American society.
Let us inspire our fellow citizens to engage in local politics, volunteer for community organizations, and advocate for policies that promote individual autonomy and voluntary cooperation. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity at the grassroots level, we can unleash the full potential of decentralized governance, empowering individuals to shape their own destinies and solve local challenges through bottom-up solutions.
Preserving Leadership Vitality:
The vitality and integrity of our leaders are fundamental to the preservation of our democratic institutions and the protection of our individual rights. As stewards of liberty, we must hold our elected officials to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. The prospect of aging politicians holding political office raises legitimate concerns about their ability to lead with vigor, clarity, and sound judgment. From local councils to the highest echelons of government, we must demand comprehensive age and health assessments for candidates seeking political office, coupled with transparent reporting of their medical histories. By ensuring that our leaders are fit to serve and capable of upholding their sworn duties, we can safeguard the principles of liberty and justice for all.
Navigating Economic Uncertainty:
In the midst of these challenges, we find ourselves at an economic crossroads, grappling with the repercussions of a global pandemic, escalating debt, and growing income inequality. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching implications for future generations, shaping the trajectory of our nation's economy and determining whether we remain true to our foundingprinciples of fiscal responsibility and individual opportunity.
As champions of free markets and limited government, we must advocate for policies that promote economic freedom, unleash the entrepreneurial spirit, and empower individuals to pursue their own prosperity. Let us reject the false promises of government intervention and central planning, and instead embrace the principles of free enterprise, competition, and voluntary exchange.
A Call to Action:
The time for passive observation and resignation is over; now is the time for action and solidarity. Together, we possess the power to effect transformative change at every level of government, from the smallest town to the highest office in the land.
If each of us commits to rallying just one person to join our cause for political reform, we can ignite a movement that reverberates from coast to coast, town to city, county to state, and eventually, the entire country. Let us harness the collective power of our grassroots network and amplify our voices through advocacy, outreach, and coalition-building.
The path to a more prosperous and principled future begins with us. Let us seize this moment and unite in our shared mission to empower liberty, champion integrity, and shape the destiny of our great nation.
A little money goes a long way in Franklin County! Your gift will help spread the word to the public at community festivals and fairs, purchase literature, and pay the cost of community outreach.
Donate today to support Franklin County Libertarian candidates and issues!
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently released their annual Ohio School Report Cards, now using “stars” instead of letter grades. Columbus City School District was awarded 2 out of 5 stars. In 2019 CCSD got an overall D. This has been the long term pattern, only interrupted by spurts of grade inflation and scoring fraud. (Even changing from letters to stars cannot hide the many challenges the district faces.)
Columbus City Schools District 2 star ranking
Despite being fully funded from a fresh levy and an annual budget of approximately $1.35 billion dollars, Columbus City School District struggles with low academic achievement, resource imbalances between schools, and ineffective administration. Even after spending over $17,500 per student CCSD has high student absenteeism, significant teacher turnover, and uneven implementation of educational programs that exacerbate these challenges. Bureaucratic inefficiencies prevent necessary reforms, hindering efforts to address the district’s diverse student needs. Furthermore, inequitable distribution of resources and outdated facilities continue to impact the learning environment, despite the financial resources available.
Columbus City School District 1965
Breaking up Columbus City Schools District into four or five smaller districts presents several benefits, particularly in terms of governance, accountability, equity, and student outcomes. It can make schools better, improve how students learn, and help communities feel more connected to their local schools.
First of all, smaller districts are easier to manage. Right now, Columbus City Schools is very big, with over 46,000 students. When a district is so large, it can be difficult for the leaders to give attention to each school. By breaking the district into smaller parts, school boards can focus on the specific needs of each area. This means schools can get more help to solve their own problems quickly. Parents and teachers can also work more closely with local school leaders because they are more accessible. Allowing more localized governance ensures that decision-making is better aligned with the specific needs and priorities of individual communities.
With fewer schools to manage smaller districts can be more fair. In a big district like Columbus City Schools, some schools might have more resources, like newer facilities or better materials, while others don’t. *cough* Columbus Alternative High School *cough* When the district is split into smaller parts, each district will have its own budget. This allows leaders to make sure every school gets what it needs. This can also help students who are struggling with challenges like poverty or language barriers. Smaller districts can pay closer attention to these issues and provide better support.
Smaller districts can have an easier time encouraging excellence and competition. Without even realizing it, many times hard working teachers and staff can become discouraged when seemingly distant schools or teachers are rewarded or acknowledged for performing well. This is compounded when problems outside of their control contribute to a sense of futility. Smaller districts allow problems to be seen in local context, and success to be celebrated by the people who made it happen, not some central office distant from the effort.
While the city of Columbus can be intimidating with sprawl, our urban roadways allow swift travel from one side to the other. Rural school districts easily handle long bus rides to schools many miles from home, while urban students are bussed to the closest schools without any choice. With 4 or 5 smaller districts in the same area, families would be able to choose where to send their children, even across district lines. This would encourage smaller districts to do better to attract students and families. This means they will try to improve their programs, test scores, and school environment. When one district tries something new and it works, other districts might copy the idea, leading to more improvements for everyone. For example, one district might focus on science and technology, while another focuses on career and technical education. This variety helps meet the different needs of students.
Students, teachers, and administrators in smaller districts can also build closer relationships. In big districts, students and teachers often feel disconnected from the people making decisions. Smaller districts can make it easier for teachers and students to know each other and for students to get the support they need. This sense of community can make students feel more motivated and engaged in their schoolwork. It can also help reduce dropout rates because students feel more connected to their schools.
Teachers and staff will also benefit from working in smaller districts. Teachers can feel overwhelmed in a big district, especially if they don’t feel heard by the administration. Smaller districts can provide more opportunities for teachers to participate in professional development, collaborate with other teachers, and get the help they need to succeed in their classrooms. This can make teaching more enjoyable and improve the quality of education students receive.
Breaking up the district can also improve student performance. Smaller districts can focus more closely on improving test scores, graduation rates, and attendance. Students may get more personalized attention, and schools can try different approaches to help students succeed.
Another advantage is that smaller districts can operate more efficiently. Large school districts often have layers of bureaucracy that slow down decision-making. Smaller districts can respond faster to problems, such as fixing buildings or adjusting curriculum, because they have fewer people involved in the process. This can save money and allow more funds to go directly into the classroom rather than administrative costs.
Finally, breaking up the district can strengthen community ties. When schools serve smaller areas, parents and community members feel more connected to them. This can lead to more people getting involved in school activities, such as parent-teacher organizations, volunteer opportunities, and even school board meetings. A strong sense of community makes schools better places for students to learn and grow.
Although there are challenges to breaking up Columbus City Schools, such as figuring out how to fairly divide funding, and how parents would choose which school to send their children, the potential benefits make it an idea worth considering. We can give our hard working teachers and staff the breathing room they need to live up to the high expectations they place on themselves. By creating smaller districts, school leaders can focus on the unique needs of their communities, improve resources for all students, and help create schools where students, teachers, and parents feel more connected and engaged.
As long as Columbus City Schools are all lumped together the accomplishments of individual schools and teachers will be overshadowed by the challenges of the whole.
Resource: Ohio School Report Cards https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/043802
Govt schools in Ohio create a harmful monopoly by limiting educational choices and controlling funding, restricting competition and innovation. This reduces parents’ options for better alternatives, leading to inefficiency, unequal resource distribution, and lower overall educational quality.
Breaking up this monopoly is crucial to maximizing Ohio education and innovation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio 9/12/2024
Franklin County Libertarian Party to Host Candidate Forum
Columbus, OH – The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio (FCLPO) will host the Franklin County Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 17th, from 6pm to 8pm at the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Driving Park Branch in Meeting Room 3, located at 1422 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205. This event offers a candid discussion on opportunities, challenges, and policies impacting all Franklin County residents.
All candidates and elected officials are invited to participate in this forum, which encourages open dialogue on key local issues such as public safety, education, economic development, and community services. Candidates will have the opportunity to present their ideas and engage directly with residents on the most pressing concerns affecting the county.
The forum fosters an inclusive, nonpartisan environment where candidates from all political backgrounds can share their perspectives, offering transparency and accountability to the voters. Franklin County residents are encouraged to attend and hear firsthand from those running for office.
The Franklin County Candidate Forum is free and open to the public. For more information and event updates, please visit the FCLPO.org website or follow their social media channels.
All Franklin County candidates and elected are invited and welcome.
Candidates confirmed to attend:
Drake Lundstrom – Candidate for Franklin County Treasurer
John Rutan – Candidate for Franklin County Prosecutor
Brandy Seymour – Candidate for Ohio House District 9
Eric Terford – Candidate for Ohio House District 2
Event Details: What: Franklin County Candidate Forum When: Thursday, October 17th, 6pm to 8pm Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library: Driving Park Branch, Meeting Room 3 1422 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Contact: Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Email: info@fclpo.org Website: fclpo.org
For media inquiries, please contact Ken Holpp, Communications Director, info@fclpo.org
A machinist by trade, Eric Terford is running for Ohio House District 2, championing lower taxes, government accountability, and individual liberty.
Eric pledges to reduce the tax burden on families and businesses, fostering economic growth. Terford advocates for increased transparency in government operations, ensuring officials are held accountable for their actions.
He also emphasizes the importance of protecting personal freedoms, opposing regulations that infringe on individual rights. Terford’s platform aims to create a more efficient, responsible government that respects the autonomy of its citizens, striving for policies that enhance prosperity and safeguard liberties for all Ohioans.
