LNC At-Large Member Rich Bowen has resigned from the LNC. His message is reshared below:
Rich Bowen
Sep 1, 2023
to lnc-business
This email is to formally notify the LNC board that I’m resigning my position as an At Large Representative and all subcommittees effective immediately.
I want to thank the delegates of the Libertarian Party Convention in Reno NV for electing me back in May 2022. Just under 70% of you voted for me and for that I am eternally grateful.
My greatest concern in resigning has been to ensure that the Convention Oversight Committee (COC) is left in good hands to continue the work we have performed to date. I have been in contact with Chair McArdle and the COC about replacing me as Convention Chair over the last few weeks and I believe that the current makeup of the COC is more than qualified to continue the progress we have made. I am always available to advise or assist with the transition of any institutional knowledge I possess for continuity.
As a member of the Audit Committee, I also wanted to make sure that the 2022 Independent Annual Financial Audit was complete before I resigned. The final report should be available shortly.
I have been proud to serve the party on the LNC, but unfortunately the stress of serving on this board has been negatively affecting my physical health. I need to find a less stressful, and healthier environment to continue the important work of the Libertarian Party. We all need to find our lane to be productive and proud of accomplishments. I have concluded that I can’t be either on the LNC at this time.
What does the future hold? Where can I be happy and make the greatest impact? Historically it has been working with campaigns. With that in mind, I have accepted an invitation to join the staff of the Joshua Smith for President campaign. I look forward to continuing the fight for freedom and liberty with all of you.
With best regards,
Rich Bowen
“Caryn Ann Harlos has endorsed Adrian Malagon, on the grounds that the 2022 convention wanted a unified LNC,”
Well it’s clearly been that the last 15 months.
Mr. Bowen was replaced by Adrian Malagon, the California LP State Chair.
The candidates to replace Mr. Bowen are Adrian Malagon and Bill Redpath. LNCSecretary Caryn Ann Harlos has endorsed Adrian Malagon, on the grounds that the 2022 convention wanted a unified LNC, not a factionally diverse LNC. For her full statement, see our sister publication ThirdPartyWatch.com.
“Ryan, that vote was over a year ago. People change. What if that person is no longer interested?”
A person is allowed to state they no longer have interest in serving.
The European Parliament do this for resignations that occur to parliamentarians that are elected by lists. I really hate list voting, but each party presents a list, say they elect 2 and in a year one of them resigns. 3rd from that list is promoted up.
Bill Redpath was nominated for LNC At-Large by Mark Tuniewicz. Tuniewicz’s nominating statement, and his advice to the LNc on resolutions, will appear on our sister publication Third Party Watch.
Ryan, that vote was over a year ago. People change. What if that person is no longer interested?
Even Sarwark didn’t do this.
Seems to me the best way to fill at-large vacancies is you just go down the finishing order when the National Convention voted on them. Take top 5, one resigns, person in 6th gets promoted. However, that’s logical and logic should not apply to such situations where POWER~! is involved.
However, he could have been made the At-Large Member first. He would then be eligible.
LNC Region Alternates are not eligible to be on the Executive Committee.
Mr. Redpath has a huge store of experience in the LP and it would be mind boggling to have him passed over for NatCom (if he wants to serve).
The vote is proceeding. The only negative vote or discussion thusfar is Mr. Tuniewicz, who wrote:
“I vote No.
By way of explanation I believe a more experienced LNC member, with a longer history with the Party then just a few years, should be appointed to this role. And I believe the LNC needs to take a more thoughtful approach in filling such vacancies.
There has been zero public discussion on this body about what qualities we are looking for in a candidate for the executive committee role. I think that’s a mistake, one that leads to insular thinking and decisions
For me personally, this vote seems to be an intentionally rushed one with no real opportunity for the consideration of other, more experienced candidates.
For example I think Mr Redpath would make an excellent candidate given his long tenure with the party, his service for many years on past executive committees, as well as his time as national chair.
Given the difficult situation we find ourself in as an organization, we ought more seriously consider this appointment, add it to the agenda of our next online meeting for open public discussion and consider multiple candidates.
Doing otherwise gives the appearance of a done deal… another Mises Caucus “Coronation.” That’s what this feels like.”
Caryn Ann Harlos has nominated Adrian Malagon as the new at-large LNC member.