My response to the ultimatum brought forth by the LPWA State Chairman, Larry Nicholas. The ultimatum was, “resign or be fired” as the volunteer Executive Director and the only excuse given to me from Chairman Nicholas was, “we just can’t work together anymore.” My decision to forcibly resign from my position was swift and without question. I knew I had to break away to do what is right for the party without interference. As a dedicated Libertarian, I have unwavering principles to further the Libertarian Party’s movement to accelerate liberty and freedom for all. I was first in disbelief and then overwhelmed with disdain in when it was brought to my attention in early March and then shown evidence that Larry Nicholas (holding the highest position In the LPWA as the State Chairman) had requested two Libertarian candidates to drop out of their race in favor of two Republican incumbents in which Larry has relations with. The two Libertarian candidates are Nicholas Kunkel 42nd District Position 1 and Allan Springstead 42nd District Position 2. The current Republican incumbents are Jason Overstreet Position 1 and Vincent Buys Position 2. Chairman Nicholas also tried to convince the Chairwoman of the Whatcom County Libertarian Party, Tina Sorensen and the Membership Chairman of the Whatcom County Libertarian Party, Rob Stratton to not support Kunkel or Springstead’s campaigns and instead support the Republicans. YES, THE REPUBLICANS. With the distrust, separation, and disappointment toward the actions of Larry Nicholas that has now been filling my inbox, facebook, text, etc. at a national level has led me to bring forth a response. This incident does not warrant the attention that it has received. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter. Titles don’t make leaders and leaders don’t need titles to be effective. There are many dedicated Libertarians across this country. We are moving forward with or without Larry and obtaining continued success by taking massive action. What does matter is the enormous amount of success that has been achieved here in Washington State in a very short time frame. As the volunteer Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Washington State, I have worked diligently to increase, innovate, and inspire solid support that positions the Libertarian Party for overwhelming growth. As a result the LPWA went from zero state wide candidates in the year 2012 to currently 14 with an expected 20 candidates running this election season, tripled our convention number from the year before, and dramatically increased fundraising, membership, and Libertarian activism around the state. I’ve led the efforts to organize this years’ convention with an incredible line-up of speakers and also have put on 4 free Libertarian leadership and activism workshops with 7 more scheduled in the coming months. All as a VOLUNTEER Executive Director. The strongest leaders know that building trust and confidence in their colleagues is the fastest and most effective way to grow and positively transform any organization into a cohesive machine. When something as important as our life and the natural liberty that is inherently owned by us comes under threat of danger we first must identify those individuals who are capable of bringing the group together and restore the confidence and cohesiveness that we all desire. I C. Michael Pickens acted based upon my principles and beliefs that Libertarians nationwide must support fellow Libertarians. I am fully confident that I made the right decision for the Libertarian Party of Washington. Regardless of the decision made by Chairman Nicholas, I remain steadfast in our efforts to elect Libertarians to public office. I will continue to work to empower Libertarian candidates and activists to reach their full potential. Fancy titles do not prove leadership abilities, actions do. Michael Pickens
Posted on: Mon, 05 May 2014 16:39:15 +0000
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