Michael H. Wilson: Libertarian Party of Washington State highlights of 2013

Michael H. Wilson comments on a previous thread:

Not to brag too much, just a little here is some of what the LPWA has done in this year which is closing on us. We can add a couple of Hempfest booths and a convention where about 120 people showed up. To push an issue we are trying to do more than the usual running for office routine.

Looking back: Where have we’ve been this past year? By James Donovan

The Top Two Primary may have slowed the LP down but we are not going to let it stop us.

This year’s legislature saw more Libertarians on the campus of the Capitol than in recent years. The new session was kicked off with Executive Director Michael Pickens testifying before a House committee in support of a bill sponsored by Rep. Jason Overstreet on expanding the amount of profit a home enterprise could make in a year. That was followed by testimony of Taylor Dalton on HB 1771 on the use of drones and Alex Sheer on HB 1581 giving testimony on the state’s role in the National Defense Authorization Act as well.

At-large rep. Michael Wilson testified on six bills and sat in on hearings of many others. Specifically he spoke against excessive taxes on cannabis and pointed out that would just encourage the black market. He also spoke in favor of allowing those charged with simple possession of marijuana to expunge their convictions so that they would have an opportunity to clear their names which would enable them to go through live without having a minor offense follow them.

Wilson also spoke before the health committee and called for the repeal of licensing laws and reducing regulatory barriers for midwives. He emphasized how expanding the role of midwives will save tax dollars since about 50% of births in Washington are paid for by Medicaid.

Wilson also hand delivered a letter to all the Democratic senators explaining why they should oppose the Columbia River Crossing and how it will costs jobs. He has also written two guest opinions for the Olympian news paper; one on the Columbia River Crossing and another on mass transit alternatives.

This year we had three candidates run in local races. Eli Olson in a race for City Council in Marysville picked up 30.05 %, Brandon Robinson in a City Council race in Anacortes received 19.46 %. Both of these were race in which two candidates contested the position. In a six man race in Clark County for Freeholder Adam Baldwin gain 15%. Our thanks to the candidates and their volunteers for their fine effort.

We expect to have 12 or more candidates running for office in 2014 and LPWA Executive Director C. Michael Pickens is actively recruiting more potential candidates.

As the legislature begins a new session in January we have an opportunity to get the word out on some issues and expect to be testifying on transportation, health care, crime victims and the usual marijuana related bills if not more. In fact we think we will see one bill that we’ve influenced become law.