Bielert for IL 103

Brad Bielert taking on Carol Ammons for IL House of Representatives in District 103

After a long fight to get on the ballot this November, Brad Bielert is ready to take on Carol Ammons. The Champaign County Libertarian Party wholeheartedly endorse him for the position and stands ready to fight with him.

Brad was born and raised in Champaign and his family has lived here for 3 generations. As an auto mechanic, he has seen the difficulties facing the community: the lack of economic development, the over taxation, politicians treating people like serfs, and the abysmal social justice. He wants to change all that.

The fight to get on the ballot began with a petitioning. Marching door to door late into the evening to meet the signature requirement. It was no easy task after working long days under the hoods of cars, not to mention having to convince people to speak during a global pandemic.

Obtaining the required signatures, the victory was short lived, as opponents filed an objection to his signature counts. Objectors initially claimed there was a false address associated with one signature. When pressed on the fact that Brad obtained ~50% more signatures than the requirement, his adversaries changed tactics, attempting to argue that a pending case appealing a prior judicial reduction in signature granted to third parties in light of the pandemic invalidated the number.

On Friday August 21, the Illinois Board of Elections decided to reject the objection and ruled that Brad’s name be on the ballot this fall. He is the only opponent to Carol Ammons.

During an interview I asked him why he’s running.

“I want to see unity. People working together for the people. I don’t want to burden people with government control, but instill in them their right to individuality.”

Asked about his opponent he said:

“Unlike my opponent, I want to see legislation that represents all people. I want to give the people the freedom due to them while keeping them safe and out of harms way.”

He said that is why the four pillars of his campaign are:

  • Fair Maps
  • Lower Property Taxes
  • Making Springfield Work Again
  • Social Equality

Brad makes a strong case for libertarianism, and the Champaign County Libertarian Party to endorse him.

Please check out his website, follow him on Facebook, and donate to his campaign.

Get Illinois Libertarian House Candidates On the Ballot!

Due to the coronavirus situation, online petitioning to obtain registered voters’ signatures to get on the ballot is legal in Illinois this year. The Libertarian Party of Illinois has a US House of Representatives candidate in all 18 congressional districts. By signing a candidate’s petition, you are not endorsing or supporting a candidate. You are only stating that you would like the candidate to appear on the November 2020 General Election ballot.

Depending on the congressional district, each US House candidate must obtain between 856 and 1,599 signatures of registered voters by July 20 to get on this November’s ballot, and every signature helps!

It’s easy and will give you another choice at the ballot box this November. Thank you so much!

Sign the petition here: http://lpilcandidates.org

On Policy: Marijuana’s Legal, Allow its Sale

After deadlock on the Environment and Land Use Committee, zoning ordinances for marijuana-related businesses in unincorporated areas of Champaign County are going to the board for vote. Proponents laud the potential tax windfall from potential businesses, while opponents fear children will be tempted to use the drug.

Lets consider the facts. Illinois legalized recreational marijuana earlier this year. The Champaign Board voted to tax marijuana-related businesses. Selling marijuana to minors will continue to be illegal. Even if marijuana sale is disallowed in these communities, citizens will be able to purchase marijuana elsewhere; Champaign and Urbana are only a short drives away.

Fear from opponents are purely unfounded. Legalization of marijuana has not increased use among young people or decreased graduation/dropout rates in Colorado. Use by teens in Washington state is also decreasing or remains flat. Scientific studies show that legalizing medical and recreational marijuana use is decreasing or having no affect on teen marijuana use. This tired old trope is played out.

The Champaign County Libertarian Party supports the right of people to choose for themselves what to do with their bodies. We support businesses and markets and the consensual exchange of goods. In light of evidence against increase youth usage in case studies around the US, we see no downside to allowing marijuana businesses. For these reasons, the Champaign County Libertarian Party urges board members to vote in support of pro-marijuana zoning ordinances.