Libertarians Make Clean Sweep in Targeted Races

11/04/2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NewsRelease@lpmich.org

Hazel Park MI—Libertarians celebrated a clean sweep tonight. Three Libertarian city councilmen were reelected and Libertarians added two new council members to their ever-growing farm team of elected officials.

The three re-elected councilmen are Mark Owen in Owosso, Andy LeCureaux in Hazel Park, and Bill Bradley in South Haven. Despite negative campaigning from anonymous and fraudulent sources in Hazel Park attempting to discredit LeCureaux for belonging to a minor party, voters showed that when it comes to honesty and trust, the Libertarian name can't be beat. Owen was also blasted for his Libertarian affiliation, but voters have proven repeatedly their personal budgets and property rights trump party affiliation every time.

"One thing is clear," said LeCureaux, "the existing elected officials from the older parties wouldn't be attacking us if they weren't afraid. I'm still not sure what it is they fear, but I am sure that they don't want an open and honest discussion of the issues. If they did, they would be more interested in discussing issues than political affiliations." LeCureaux continued, "In these difficult economic times, Libertarian councilmen are balancing budgets without raising taxes—much like most families are doing with their own budgets. Neighboring communities keep going to the voters for tax increases or they raise fees to increase revenues—seemingly unconcerned about the impact on their constituents. It is unfortunate that they seem to have taken a lesson from their counterparts in the state legislature."

The two new council members are Erin Stahl of St. Clair Shores and John Stempfle of Grosse Pointe. This was Stahl's second run for a council seat. "Many voters urged me to run again," Stahl said. "Our city council had become so arrogant and disrespectful of the residents that they had to be replaced. The strong showings by the other challengers was an expression of how upset the residents were—I hope the remaining council members get the message."