Who. Frustrated by the nearly insurmountable obstacles designed into the electoral system by the Republicans and Democrats who have managed to gain a stranglehold over it (and which they have self-servingly promoted as being “two-party”), a small group of Libertarian Party activists created SGA — primarily, though not exclusively, as a vehicle to support or oppose ballot questions:
- Tim O’Brien, Executive Director. A former two-term chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan as well as the party’s first (and to date, only) Executive Director for an additional two years, Tim is a writer and advertising professional, newspaper columnist and radio commentator. Photo
- Ben Bachrach, Operations Manager. A retired Ford Motor Company executive, Ben has served on the LPM Board in a variety of positions for the last two decades. He brings a rare combination of technical expertise and real-world pragmatism to any project.
- Nancy O’Brien, Treasurer. A career management professional with decades of experience in operations oversight as well as a detailed familiarity with state reporting requirements, Nancy never permits a “t” to go uncrossed or an “i” undotted.
- Robert Burran, Commentator. This alter egotistical character has been hyding within our merry, little band since before it was — bringing an uncanny ability to tread the fine line between the grave and the preposterous. This is, of course, the definition of good satire. Given these times that continue to try our souls and the usual buffoonery of our “public servants” (most of whom are more reminiscent of the Keystone Kops than the founders of our republic), a libertarian would be hard put to imagine a more worthy contributor to the dialog. So if you’re unsure whether politicians’ response to some particular issue ought to provoke sobs or guffaws, we commend and recommend the unique insights of Mr. Robert Burran.
- Greg Dirasian, Communications Director. An incredibly talented computer professional whose technical expertise and creativity were vital in SGA’s launch, Greg has since moved to New York — where he continues the good fight.
- Bill Shotey, Development Director. Personable, sociable and well-connected, Bill was born to organize events and work with donors. Sadly, he passed away mere days after celebrating the success of SGA’s very first project — a newspaper ad campaign that defeated a proposal to raised property taxes to fund arts and cultural programs. One of the ubiquitous “For the children” campaigns – SGA was the only organized opposition. Bill’s hard work and boundless enthusiasm have been sorely missed ever since.
What. We are a statewide, independent, non-partisan, Political Action Committee specifically created and exclusively dedicated to reducing the size and scope of government in both the personal and financial lives of all peaceful, honest people.
When. Founded in 2002 on (appropriately enough) on July 4th.
Where. Allen Park, Michigan.
Why. Although there are numerous liberal and conservative organizations, the libertarian movement has been comprised almost entirely of “Think Tanks” and educational organizations. With the exception of the Libertarian Party — a “third party” focused on electing candidates in a system widely regarded as “two party” — there was no organization specifically purposed to move public policy in way that would advance individual rights on all issues.
How. The mission of SGA is to build a coalition of individuals and groups to reduce and limit the power and pervasiveness of government at all levels by working through the political process:
- Promoting legislation, initiatives, referenda and other law or rule making that advances our goal of expanding individual liberty and reducing government, opposing that which has the opposite effect.
- Educating the public on the advantages of individual liberty and responsibility, and the threat to our safety and happiness posed by expansive, overreaching government
- Supporting candidates, regardless of party affiliation, who share our fundamental vision of limited government, and opposing those who do not
- Recruiting others who share in our desire for more limited government to join with us in our efforts
- Working cooperatively with other organizations on issues of mutual interestJournalism’s
