Learn about Ken Holpp

Do you have any experience you feel would suit you to this role? 

I’ve been the Executive Committee Secretary for the past several years and I’d like to think I’ve done a good job at it.

Would you share any details about your background, philosophy or interests that might appeal to your fellow County Central Committee members?

I attended OU where I got a degree in Journalism. My wife and I are both Libertarians and both lean towards the Anarchist end of the spectrum. 

Urgent Party Business – County Central Committee Organization Meeting

In accordance with the By-Laws of the Franklin County Libertarian Party (FCLPO), the Constitution of the Libertarian Party of Ohio (LPO) and the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), the current County Central Committee members have scheduled our upcoming organizational meeting and County Convention for Saturday, May 30th, between 9am and 2pm, with possible party business as late as 5pm.

Voting for Central Committee Roles

In-Person Secret Ballot – 9am to 12pm, May 30th, 2020 at LPO Office

Voting for Executive Committee Roles

In-Person Secret Ballot – 9am to 12pm, May 30th, 2020 at LPO Office

Election Tally – 1pm, May 30th, 2020 at LPO Office

LPO Office

6230 Busch Blvd, Suite 102
Columbus, OH 43229

Map

How will voting happen?

The organizational meeting will include limited in-person voting to satisfy the need for a secret ballot, per FCLPO By-Laws.

There will be an election of Central Committee roles, election of Executive Committee roles, and then members are welcome to stay at LPO Office to participate in-person or go home and participate electronically.

In-person voting for Central Committee and Executive Committee roles will happen concurrently with two ballot boxes, supervised by a witness. Once the two election results have been tallied, they will be reported to all members.

As a courtesy for our new Central Committee members we will be splitting the entrances to the LPO Office, one dedicated for access to a private space for in-person voting, and the other door providing access to the main LPO Office space for participating in presentations and meetings. These will be marked clearly on arrival.

After all Committee Members have been contacted with the results from the two elections, the new Executive Committee Chair may decide, at their own discretion, if it is reasonable to hold a meeting of the new Executive Committee immediately or wait until a future time. If you are planning to run for election to the FCLPO Executive Committee we do ask that you plan to be available until 5pm, either in-person or electronically. (A quorum of 60% is required to conduct business, so if the new Chair finds at least that many newly elected members are available they can proceed with an official party meeting. A meeting without quorum cannot ratify official party business, but discussion of future business is certainly always welcome anytime.)

Write-In “John Stewart” for District 12!

OH District 12 Libertarians!

Please be aware, our own John Stewart, long time Libertarian activist, is running as write-in for District 12.
In addition to pulling a Libertarian Primary ballot you must write-in “John Stewart” for the District 12 US Congress election.

Not sure what district you live in?
Look up your Sample Ballot!
https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/search-polling-locations

It will look similar to this!

Franklin County Libertarians field 16 candidates for County Central Committee

Congratulations to the following candidates who have been certified for the County Central Committee election on March 17th, 2020!

 Marie Myers  Columbus  Ward 46
 Heather O. Sheets  Columbus  Ward 57
 Albert L. Vest  Columbus  Ward 67
 Chad Harris  Columbus  Ward 69
 Christopher Gill  Columbus  Ward 77
 Harold D Thomas  Columbus  Ward 84
 Paul J Ridenour  Gahanna  Ward 02
 Michael Sweeney  Gahanna  Ward 03
 Drake Lundstrom  Gahanna  Ward 04
 John S. Stewart  Gahanna  Ward 04
 Jordan T Bertke  Hilliard  Ward 04
 Scott T. Smith  Jackson Township
 Patrick J Hoffman  Madison Township
 Jennifer Lynn Flower  Prairie Township
 Kenneth D. Holpp  Worthington  Ward 01
 David Nadolny  Worthington  Ward 02

#VoteLibertarian

https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/BOEL-website/media/Election-Info/2020/(1)%20Primary%20Election%20-%20March%2010,%202020/(2)%20Candidates%20and%20Issues/2020-Primary-Certified-Candidate-List.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3psP3_l1d1hjqbmByh02Cl6h9XhNKM0Bc_upKPAwTqmGQNf-fT2BLdQpc

The important role of Central Committee members

We’ve fielded a few questions about why it is important to have a vibrant and diverse County Central Committee. Beyond the vital roles CentCom provides for electing the Executive Committee, endorsing candidates and approving By-Law amendments, it also functions as a reliable pool of Libertarian Party affiliated electors for candidate and issue petitions.
Anyone that has spent any time collecting signatures for petition knows the unique struggle the process involves. Asking, getting a yes, checking a person is eligible, getting a valid signature, filling out the form, all steps that could cause trouble down the road.
As the Franklin County Libertarian Party grows and flexes is political abilities, we will benefit from more hands pushing and eyes watching for opportunity.
Growing our Central Committee is crucial to growing a strong and dynamic Libertarian Party.
We cannot do this without you and thank you sincerely for your effort. It is appreciated.
#VoteLibertarian

– Michael Sweeney
Chair, Executive Committee
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio

FCLPO Endorses Candidates

Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee, at the recommendation of the Executive Committee, is pleased to endorse the following candidates for election in Franklin County.

Tricia Sprankle, running for the office of City Attorney for Gahanna, Ohio

Jennifer Flower, running for the office of Trustee for Prairie Township, Ohio

Rob Bender, running for the office of City Council Ward 3, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

If you are interested in donating or volunteering for these candidates you can fill out our volunteer form, and we will forward you to the appropriate campaign resource. You can also donate directly to FCLPO using the link below and indicate a preference for the candidate we should forward your support.

Donate to FCLPO

Endorsement for Thomas for LPO Executive Committee Chair

My fellow Ohio Libertarians, we have found ourselves at a new moment in the history of our state party. For the first time in a long time our foundation of volunteers, members and candidates did not implode or vaporize after a major election.
We did not turn on each other with sharpened knives, bicker over fault or point fingers over mistakes made. We did not disappear into the mist of disappointment or compromise our principles for the promises of opposition rhetoric. We have stayed the course, stayed true to our ideals and shown that our courage is more than convenience.
We have calmly reviewed our lessons learned, assessed our strengths and weaknesses and identified where we need focus.
This may seem a minor accomplishment, however, I can assure you it is a monumental tribute to the momentum we have gained and the confidence we have grown. Both for ourselves and the silent witnesses still on the sidelines.
At the core of this achievement is a quiet and resolute leadership. An unwavering commitment to showing up, working harder and assuring that mundane details are in order.
It is with this accomplishment in mind that I am privileged to endorse my friend and mentor, Harold Thomas, for re-election to the role of Chair for the Libertarian Party of Ohio Executive Committee.
It has been my honor and benefit to learn all I can from Mr. Thomas and pay forward his patience, persistence and perspicacity.
When things were at their darkest, Mr. Thomas provided a clear and simple plan, steps for accomplishing growth and building that allowed even our small group to seem like giants. We were emboldened to keep coming back, keep asking “What’s next?” and take seriously our own big ideas. Without the certainty of Mr. Thomas’ support and sounding board of experience, I do not think our investments would have matured as well, or at all.
Mr. Thomas has demonstrated an unswerving ability to collaborate, coordinate and conduct business in a professional manner with all measure of amateurs, dilettantes and gadflies. (I do not use these terms as rebuke for any missing qualities of fellow colleagues and activists, I found myself having fallen through portions, or the entirety, of their definitions over the past 3 years. We have each grown with honest guidance, and given the space needed to spread our wings.)
Mr. Thomas has diligently laid the groundwork for new initiatives and endeavors that put our principles into action and demonstrate the practical benefits of our philosophy.
I encourage each LPO Central Committee member to seek qualities for the role of Chair that reassure our volunteers, donors and candidates, strengthen our alliances internally and without, and communicate clearly when times are good and times are hard.
We have a new kind of opportunity ahead of us, to keep steady our momentum, double down on our investments and prove to ourselves we are here to stay and working to win.
Safe journey.

Michael Sweeney,
Chair, Executive Committee, Franklin County Libertarian Party Of Ohio

Co-Signed,
Chad Harris, Vice Chair, Executive Committee
Pat Hoffman, Treasurer, Executive Committee
Ken Holpp, Secretary, Executive Committee
John Stewart, At Large, Executive Committee

FCLP Endorses Wichers for LPO Vice-Chair

It is my honor to endorse Kryssi Wichers for the role of Vice Chair for the Libertarian Party of Ohio.

In her ten years of liberty activism Kryssi has been a tireless force for positive change and growth. Mrs. Wichers exemplifies the best attributes of libertarianism: compassion, selflessness, loyalty, thoughtfulness and forthrightness.

Working with Mrs. Wichers professionally I have found her to be an excellent communicator, reliable and persistent.

Franklin County Libertarians have benefited greatly from Mrs. Wichers’ political acumen and insight, working closely and collaborating with other county affiliates and development groups.

Mrs. Wichers’ credentials as an established liberty activist, planning, coordinating and executing marches, rallies, campaigns and clean ups, are well known locally and nationally, providing an unprecedented level of earned media exposure on a regular basis. While many activists that receive media attention find themselves reluctant to share the spotlight, Mrs. Wichers possesses that rare quality combination of honesty, humility and grace under pressure.

Progress requires action. As a political party we can only move forward by putting our principles into action with an unwavering commitment to integrity.

Elections come and go, issues wax and wane, volunteers, candidates and leaders find and lose enthusiasm, but the flame of liberty must be carried on.

I encourage all LPO Central Committee members to look at the public record of action, and not only potential, when deciding their conscience.

Michael Sweeney,
Chair, Executive Committee, Franklin County Libertarian Party Of Ohio

Co-Signed,
Chad Harris, Vice Chair, Executive Committee
Pat Hoffman, Treasurer, Executive Committee
Ken Holpp, Secretary, Executive Committee

Ready, Set, RUN! 2019 Election Starter!

Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.

We encourage first-timers to run for local offices in odd-numbered years. You must file a declaration of candidacy with the Franklin County Board of Elections, with completed petitions containing the number of signatures required for the office you are seeking.

Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. See what county, city, village and township elections are in your area.

With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down! Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).

Franklin County Libertarians offer free tools for outreach through our Contactshelper platform. Organize volunteers, donors and voters with tags and create campaigns for easy instant phone and text banking. Import your own personal contacts to get a jump start on organizing, and import voter records from your local Board of Elections to identify walking lists and likely voters.

We also highly recommend getting copy of “How to win a local election“, or one can be provided to you (you just have to promise to read it!).

We can help you. Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.

Contact Information * Required
Name: *
Phone:
Email: *
What office do you want to run for? (required) : *

2019 Local Elections around Franklin County

The following city, county, village, and townships have local elections in 2019! Are you interested in running for office and supporting your community? Get started today!

CITY OF BEXLEY
4 city council
2 school board

CITY OF CANAL WINCHESTER
Mayor
3 city council
2 school board

CITY OF COLUMBUS
Mayor
4 city council
4 school board

CITY OF DUBLIN
3 city council at large
2 school board

CITY OF GAHANNA
Mayor
City attorney
3 city council at large
2 school board

CITY OF GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS
Mayor
3 city council
2 school board

CITY OF GROVE CITY
Mayor
City council at large, ward 2 & ward 4

CITY OF GROVEPORT
Mayor
2 city council
2 school board

CITY OF HILLIARD – partisan
Mayor
3 city council
2 school board – non partisan

CITY OF NEW ALBANY
Mayor
2 school board

CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG – partisan
Mayor
City attorney
President of council
4 city council – all four wards
2 school board

CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
3 city council
3 school board

CITY OF WESTERVILLE
3 city council
2 school board

CITY OF WHITEHALL
Mayor
Treasurer
City attorney
President of council
3 city council at large
2 school board

CITY OF WORTHINGTON
3 city council
2 school board

VILLAGE OF BRICE
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF HARRISBURG
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF LOCKBOURNE
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF MARBLE CLIFF
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF MINERVA PARK
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF OBETZ
Mayor
2 city council

VILLAGE OF RIVERLEA
Mayor
Clerk-treasurer
2 city council

VILLAGE OF URBANCREST
Mayor
2 city council
Board of public affairs – 2 spots

VILLAGE OF VALLEYVIEW
Mayor
2 city council

BLENDON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

CLINTON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

JACKSON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

MADISON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

NORWICH TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

PERRY TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

PLAIN TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

SHARON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

TRURO TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Fiscal officer
Trustee

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER OF CENTRAL OHIO
Franklin county sub-district