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By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@leader.net
Monday, March 17, 2003 Page: 3A
WILKES-BARRE – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania will hold its 2003
state convention April 4-6 at the Ramada Inn on Public Square, Luzerne County
Libertarian Party Chairwoman Betsy Summers said on Sunday.
Summers, of Wilkes-Barre, said it might be the first time ever the city
will be the site of a state convention for a major political party.
Founded in 1971, the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party
in the country after the Democratic and Republican parties. The party has more
than 500 elected and appointed officials serving nationwide and 71 statewide.
Summers said Libertarians are focused on the Constitution and advocate
small government and “letting people do what they want to do as long as they
don’t violate the rights of others.” They are mostly liberal in their views,
but “don’t like regulation and we abhor taxation,” she said.
Summers said the fact that she was the highest Libertarian vote getter in
the state in the last election might have helped convince state party leaders
to have this year’s convention in her home town. Conventions are typically in
Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
Summers received more than 9,100 votes when she ran for the Luzerne County
Home Rule Study Commission and was the second-highest vote getter in that
race.
Summers said the convention will offer a chance for Libertarians to
socialize, “learn from our speakers and broaden our minds and ideas.”
The convention will open the evening of April 4 with a Welcome Bash
featuring the Allentown-based band Poker Face, which performed on the
soundtrack of the Hollywood film, “The Patriot.” The state’s elected and
appointed Libertarians will be recognized in a pre-bash cocktail reception.
Featured speakers include Marty Thomas-Brumme, executive director of a
conflict-resolution center in Scranton; Dr. James Pendleton,
secretary/treasurer of the state chapter of the American Association of
Physicians and Surgeons, who will discuss private solutions to the state’s
health care crisis; Imad Ahmad, formerly of Forty Fort and president of an
Islamic think tank in Washington, D.C.; and Scranton Times political
cartoonist Dennis Draughon.
Summers said she hopes the convention will help educate people locally
about the party and boost membership. She tried to recruit “local talent” to
bolster community interest.
Vendors at the convention will include representatives from organizations
advocating drug reform, the repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the reform
of marijuana laws. Seminars are set on land value based taxation and
protecting civil liberties during police encounters.
Gourmet Hempzel Pretzels, snacks that contain hulled hemp seed, will also
be available.
All events are open to the public.
Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 459-2005.