Elected Libertarian Gives Power Back To The People

March 31, 1997
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian Wisneski, 517-456-7772
Emily Salvette, State Chair, 313-747-8129

(Clinton, MI)-- Brian Wisneski, one of the first elected Libertarians in Michigan, has restored an annual opportunity for his constituents to hold their elected township officials accountable. Wisneski, 37, was elected to a Trustee seat in Clinton Township (Lenawee Co.) last November. At the March 19 Clinton Township meeting, Wisneski moved to reinstate the "Annual Meeting of Inhabitants" which allows residents a say on public spending and elected officials' compensation. The motion passed 3 to 2 and the Annual Meeting is now scheduled for Thursday, April 10 at 7 pm in Clinton Township Hall. Several years ago, the State of Michigan allowed townships to abolish their "Annual Meeting of the Inhabitants." The original intent of these meetings was to allow township residents a chance to express opinions about their township board's performance, review the next year's budget, and set the compensation of their elected officials. While the rules governing these meetings are still on the books, many township boards have opted out of them. This does not surprise Wisneski.

"When you consider that this is a time when elected officials have to answer directly for their actions and must allow the public to have their say on spending, it's no wonder they've avoided such meetings," he said. Wisneski is one of three elected Libertarians serving in township office in Michigan. He concluded: "Those of us who are anxious to slash spending are also anxious to meet with our neighbors to get their input. Those who benefit from the status quo (particularly our two 'no' votes) are having a major 'Excedrin moment.'"