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Jim Lark for Chair: Endorsement statements
Jim Lark is unusually well-suited to the task of leading the Libertarian Party into an increasingly prominent role in 21st Century political affairs. He is youthful but experienced, committed, vigorous, personable, communicative, insightful, an organizer and a builder of unity. My husband George and I enthusiastically endorse his bid for LP national chair.
I have known Jim Lark for over 12 years. While I was a student at the University of Virginia, I worked with Jim to build a strong libertarian student organization, the Students for Individual Liberty (SIL). Jim provided the indispensable role of "patron saint", providing countless hours of his valuable time as well as dollars out of his own pocket. Because of his leadership, SIL survived the turnover that normally dooms other student groups. Because of Jim Lark and SIL, countless students were introduced to the principles of liberty, and many were converted to the cause. Because of Jim Lark and SIL, libertarian ideas became part of the mainstream debate at UVa. Because of Jim Lark and SIL, a strong community of libertarians has taken root in Charlottesville, Virginia. So strong, in fact, that the libertarian vote there is often the strongest in the country, and local politicians regularly pay heed to libertarians before running for office and while in office. Over the last 12 years, I have watched Jim grow in his career and in his contribution to the libertarian movement. I have seen him excel in work, where as a professor at UVa he is regularly voted among the best teachers. I have seen him excel in the Libertarian Party of Virginia, where he has held numerous positions of responsibility. And I have seen him excel in the national Libertarian Party, where he has given countless seminars on student activism and has recently played an active role on the National Committee. Jim Lark is a gentleman and a scholar. He is fair and honorable in all his dealings. And he is a tireless servant of liberty. For these reasons, I endorse Jim Lark for Chairman of the Libertarian Party.
I strongly endorse Jim Lark for the next LP national chairman. I have known Jim since 1989, when I first spoke to his University of Virginia libertarian club. He is now a professor there, at Thomas Jefferson's university. He is a very energetic guy. He is totally committed to our principles. He is not associated with any of the current factions. He is not involved in the Hornberger vs. Browne controversy, and he has helped the Virginia LP rise from typical amateur status to a real organization. (I moved from Virginia to California in 1998, so I bring you advice from the other coast.) Ask our other National Committee person from Virginia, Jim Turney (also my close friend, who videotaped our San Diego convention), about Jim Lark. He is worth your delegate's vote at the national convention for our next national LP chair.
I have no doubts that Jim Lark is the best person running for LNC Chair, and I am happy to endorse him for the position. His accomplishments, character, and dedication indicate to me that he'll continue to move the LNC forward.
I am proud to support Jim Lark for chair. He is someone who is both effective and a gentleman. Having worked with him, he impresses me as one who leads by example and has the ability to bring people together. He will make a great chairman.
As a newcomer to the Libertarian Party, I'm continually meeting many impressive and dedicated volunteers for the cause of liberty. The scope and depth of their knowledge of the problems that confront our nation and their understanding of the principled solutions to those problems are resources that, if harnessed and coordinated, will cause the changes that are necessary for a freer and better society. Jim Lark is the right choice to lead those resources--all of us volunteers--in that direction. I sense that the Libertarian Party is quickly evolving from being a mere organization of like-minded philosophers to being a dominant participant in the affairs of our nation. With Jim Lark at the helm of our ship, we will realize our individual desires to reach freedom's shore while retaining the core principles that guide us toward that destination.
I first became acquainted with Jim Lark when I was newly elected to the LNC. We were faced with a very difficult decision concerning a party member and I was deeply impressed on how extremely fair Jim Lark was and still is. To this day I remember parts of his speech he made to the LNC board about our duty to be absolutely sure in our decision. Jim will make a fine, fair leader for this party. He knows how to advance our national interest without sacrificing our important grassroots organizations. He has proven an understanding of local groups, and what keeps them healthy with his effort to create campus organizations across the nation. One of the discussions taking place in the National Chair race is whether there should be a focus on a national organizations and national races or whether there should be a focus on local organizations and races. Jim Lark understands that we must have both to survive and compete. I believe Jim Lark will lead our party by creating a strong national backbone with plenty of local organizational muscle to make our party one of the best in the coming years.
I'm going to Anaheim to vote for Jim Lark for National Chair. At a time when flaming egos all over the country are popping up to settle old perceived slights, he's kept his sight set on growing the party in size, growing the party in recognition, and growing the party in maturity. I've observed first hand that, even when baselessly and personally attacked, he will choose a path of reconciliation & do what's best for the party and our mutual cause. I'm happy to endorse Jim Lark.
Jim Lark's knowledge, professionalism and experience make him an outstanding choice for Chairman of the Libertarian Party. I have worked with Mr. Lark on several occasions and have found him to have a solid understanding of libertarian principles and a strong ability to communicate those principles effectively. Mr. Lark is able to demonstrate how our principles translate into practical solutions, and he is able to explain those solutions in a manner that is direct and convincing. Most importantly, he is well informed and can use facts from both history and current events to demonstrate how our ideas work. Mr. Lark always carries himself professional manner and shows a high level of respect towards others. Such professionalism is vital in all of our party leaders if we are to be perceived as a credible political alternative. Mr. Lark's 16 years of experience and hard work on behalf of the party are clear evidence of his dedication. When I have worked with Mr. Lark, I have found him to be efficient and reliable. He is always willing to assist in whatever manner he can, and responds quickly and effectively when called upon. Jim Lark's unique ability to understand and communicate libertarian ideas, present himself as a credible leader, and draw on 16 years of experience make him our best choice for Chairman of the Libertarian Party.
Right now the Libertarian Party is in great danger of falling into the fate of a divided party, with all of the controversy surrounding the '96 presidential campaign. There is so much animosity building up between the different sides of the argument I wonder how we can possibly fight the good fight in November. What we need right now is a strong leader. One who can bring this party together, one who can put the focus back on freedom, and clean this mess up once and for all. We need a wise person, one who can take us into this new millennium with the momentum to win freedom back for this great country. We need a man who is willing to sacrifice his time and very self to pull us all together. I believe that man is Mr. Jim Lark. He has the experience we need, the work ethic, and he has demonstrated the willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure liberty prevails. So in July please cast your vote for Jim Lark National Chair for the future of liberty. I know I will.
This letter is to put in writing my prior endorsement of James Lark for LNC Chair. I consider Dr. Lark the best qualified of all the candidates for the post both in experience and temperament. I share his goal that the national party should work as a vehicle of growth for the Libertarian political movement. I have not always agreed with his votes on the national committee, but I firmly believe that he voted in what he perceived to be the best interests of our party of principle. His style and temperament are well suited to herding cats the leadership style needed to lead libertarians. I strongly endorse Dr. Lark for LNC Chair and pledge him my vote and active support at the convention.
I was particularly pleased to read [in the March 2000 LP News] of Jim Lark's decision to seek the chairmanship of the Libertarian Party. Never have I met a man more energetically devoted to the cause of individual liberty, nor more personally generous in its pursuit with his time, talent and resources than is Jim Lark. For years, Jim has stood ready to go anywhere, at any time, at his own expense as a spokesman for liberty. I've seen him do it. Call him for advice and he is there, happy to share it. I've seen him make generous donations to fledgling state parties in dire need of funds. One special expertise that Jim brings to the chairmanship is his experience in recruiting students to the libertarian movement. How will we our party survive lacking regular infusions of the exuberant idealism of youth? Jim has learned to harness that essential force. But there is one point perhaps more critical. In the wake of recent intra-party conflicts, the details of which deserve no mention here, Jim's style of leadership would provide a soothing and healing balm. Jim would say that I am being much too kind in describing him in this manner. But I have not scratched the surface in describing Jim's dedication to our cause and to our party. It is not a question of honoring the man with the office, it is a question of honoring the office with the man. The "party of principle" deserves no less than Jim Lark to be its chair.
Jim Lark is an excellent communicator for Liberty. He has sound ideas, good organizational skills and produces results in a tough environment (college students)! Jim has my endorsement without hesitation.
I support Jim Lark for National LP Chair. He is a great speaker and a hard worker for liberty.
I support Jim Lark because he has the consensus-building skills that we need in a National Chairman. Open communications and the ability to create consensus are key requirements for having a unified party, and for helping state and local affiliates and candidates. Far from proposing business as usual, or a fractious `house cleaning' exercise, Jim has stepped forward to serve his party and not his ego, to fight big government and not to fight other Libertarians. This is what we need now.
I have decided to endorse Jim Lark for National Chairman of the Libertarian Party and I would encourage you to support him as well. Jim will further unite and build the Party like no other candidate can. I know Jim personally and I can tell you that he is eminently qualified to lead our party into the future. He is a "consensus candidate" with a strong history of activism and a positive outlook. Please encourage your delegates to the National convention to support Jim Lark for Chairman. If you have any questions about Jim and his candidacy, please contact me at drizzo@lpma.org or (781) 631-1484.
Jim Lark will bring new energy and new standards to the LP chairmanship. I endorse him fully for the job!
The National LP needs a steady hand at the helm. Jim Lark is the man to provide it.
As one of the Libertarian Party's youngest activists and a local party chair, I believe that Jim Lark III is the most qualified candidate to lead our party. His vision and voice will promote the activities this party must to do grow in membership and elected candidates. His belief in reaching out to young people will expand the party and build the type of coalition that elected Jesse Ventura. His support of local party affiliates will promote the membership increase that this party needs. If we call for local control of the nation, why don't we reflect that in our party.
Jim Lark has been an important contributor to the Libertarian Party's progress for many years. He has done the hard work of traveling, speaking, and organizing within Virginia and nationally. He has the unusually broad educational background of being both an Engineer, who understands what works in the physical world, and a political scientist, who understands the proper role of government. Jim is also uniquely positioned with a faculty position at the University of Virginia, whose founder, Thomas Jefferson, is one of the great articulators of libertarian philosophy. This affords him a location reasonably close to National Headquarters, the credibility of an academic title at a major university, and some free time with which to do the necessary work without undue danger of burnout. I am pleased that Jim has decided to seek the LP chair position, and pleased to offer my endorsement.
I'd like to announce my full support and endorsement for Jim Lark for National Chair. I have spoken with him several times about numerous issues and I have always found him to be honest, intelligent, competent, and open to new ideas. I am convinced that he will help to lead us to greater professionalism and success. He's the type of leader that we need. I fully encourage all delegates at the upcoming national convention to vote for integrity and progress -- vote for Jim Lark.
I give my full support to Jim Lark for LP Chair. When I was involved with the College Libertarians at Georgia Tech, Jim came down to met with us to discuss plans to help our organization grow. Jim's energy and dedication to freedom is an asset to the party that will be put to good use as the Chair.
I have decided *not* to seek the office of National Chair, and I am endorsing Jim Lark for that position. While Jim and I may occasionally disagree, he has made it clear to me that he supports my strategic objectives. That's what I was looking for. I believe Jim will do an excellent job as National Chair.
I, John Babiarz, Libertarian candidate for governor, the state of New Hampshire whole heartily endorses Jim Lark for the office of L.P. chairmanship. I had the great privilege of working with Jim at an outreach event in New Hampshire during the presidential primary season. I think Jim will add class to the national organization. Watching him work with young adults, I can see his persistence, and patients in working with people of all backgrounds. Jim has the dedication and principles we need to carry our movement forward. I urge my fellow libertarians to vote for Jim Lark.
It has been a rule of mine to not get entangled with the national LP affairs as I have my own house (NH) to tend. I gladly break this rule to endorse Dr. Jim Lark for national LP chair. I worked closely with Jim during his visit to NH. After several hours of one-on-one conversation, it was clear we were on the same page when it came to party matters and strategies. After watching him conduct outreach to college and high school students, it was clear he could deal with many people on many levels. With Jim at the helm, I can continue to not get entangled in national LP affairs and that's what I want from a leader.
I have known Jim Lark for many years, and as a national LP field organizer, have had the opportunity to work with him on numerous occasions. Jim is a rock-solid libertarian and a dedicated, tireless activist. He has the political savvy, the experience, and the insight to serve the LP well as chairman of the LNC. I recommend him without hesitation.
Jim Lark is the best candidate for Chair to continue and expand upon the excellent work being done by our national office. I look forward to the opportunity to cast my vote for Jim in Anaheim.
Jim Lark as National LP chairman will lead the Libertarian Party to think national and act local.
I endorse Jim Lark for National Chair of the Libertarian Party. Before you think, "Oh, he must be a member of the X faction", allow me to define myself a bit better. I've been an LP member for over 25 years. I am a Gorman for President supporter. I am a Future of Freedom Subscriber and (in general) a Hornberger fan. I supported Gene Cisewski for National Chair at the Convention in 1998, and still think that was the right decision. I led an effort to contract out ALL of the functions of the National Office as early as 1985, as well as an effort to refocus the LP almost exclusively on local efforts. I have little use for individuals in the National Office who are doing very well by doing good, and who have proven themselves quite capable of conflict of interest or the toleration of it. I've got a long track record as a Rebel. I've read George Phillies ideas, and like them, although I wish he would be a lot more brief and to the point. But who is best placed to translate such ideas into practice? I am supporting Jim Lark for Chair because I know him, and that has been a great privilege. Jim is a man of great, and unique, honesty and integrity. Jim is a man that has given a tremendous amount of himself and his means to the cause of Individual Liberty and to the Libertarian Party. Jim is a man who would never dream of attempting to personally profit directly and financially from the LP, and is not likely to tolerate those that seek to do so. But he is also objective enough to realize that for some labor, we do need to pay (competitively) for the best talent available. Jim's primary efforts have long been at the local level in Virginia, and he is keenly aware of the importance of grassroots efforts in our struggle for Liberty. And he has a lot more successful experience with the crucial task of student organizing than virtually any Libertarian I can think of. Most importantly, Jim is not a member of a faction. Jim is loyal to friends, and he has a great many friends on all sides of disputes within the Libertarian Party. But Jim's primary loyalty is to Individual Liberty, and to the Libertarian Party. He is his own man, not controlled by anyone, with an intellect matched by very few. He is fair to a fault and always willing to listen and contemplate the points of view of others. He and I have not, do not, and will not always see eye-to-eye on every subject, but I know any position he takes will be honest, well-reasoned, well-informed, and will be his best evaluation of the most effective route for our Party and our cause. I've been annoyed at suggestions that Jim is just a member of the National Office or Bergland/Dasbach faction. No one that really knows Jim can think that this is true. Indeed, the Rebels at the 1998 Convention actively supported his service as Moderator in the Debate for National Chair, and his election to the National Committee because they knew he was fair, independent and impartial. Knowing Jim gives me the confidence to predict that anyone that thinks he will serve their personal interest at the expense of the LP is in for a very rude surprise. Likewise, anyone that thinks that they cannot work with Jim is just wrong. Jim has the ability to listen and has the patience of Job. Even if you support someone else for National Chair, PLEASE realize that you can discuss your ideas with Jim and work well with Jim if he wins. Jim is a personal friend. He is absolutely the most charming gentleman I have ever had the privilege of knowing, at least within the Libertarian Party. And he has a typical Virginia Hillbilly's sense of honor. You don't dare cross it, but you can stake your life on it. And since, whether you know it yet or not, we have indeed already staked our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honors on each other, Jim is the ideal man to set the example for all of us on how to carry this responsibility. When he considered running for Chair, he asked me if he should do it. I told him If the Party needs healing, you would be the ideal man for the job. I meant that then, and I mean it now. Please support Jim Lark for National Chair. But more importantly, whoever you vote for, if Jim wins, please realize that you will have someone you can work with, even if your attitude is as skeptical toward the powers that be within the LP as mine. Thank You!
I cannot think of anyone better able to guide our party through the next two crucial years than Professor Jim Lark, and believe he is the best choice for Libertarian Party National Chair. The ideal candidate for LP National Chair should know how to build the party at the grassroots--and Prof. Lark has done with that with his involvement with the Jefferson Area Libertarians and the LPVA, as well as his work to form student groups at the University of Virginia and other colleges. The ideal candidate for LP National Chair should know how our party's National Committee operates and be well known to prominent Libertarian activists around the country--and Prof. Lark does both, through his experience as a NatCom member, his work on the Platform committee, and his service in the "Success '97" and "Success '99" programs. The ideal candidate for LP National Chair should also be an untiring champion for the cause of Liberty--and Prof. Lark certainly deserves the description. He is always willing to speak to any Libertarian group, chapter, or state party to share ideas on how to advance our party and its principles. Professor Jim Lark has the experience and the temperament to perform the National Chair's duties exceptionally well. More importantly, he has the vision to lead the Libertarian Party during our continuing transformation from the periphery of American politics to the forefront of the battle to restore limited government and individual freedom. He is the ideal candidate for LP National Chair, and I urge my fellow Libertarians to give him the job.
I first met Jim in 1992 when he came to Georgia Tech to help the new College Libertarian organization. Over the past 8 years, I have talked with Jim at numerous Libertarian events. Because I believe Jim will spur the development of the many local and college Libertarian organizations that are needed for our success, I endorse Jim Lark for National LP Chair.
Jim was a great help to me when I founded the College Libertarians of Michigan Technological University. He talked with me on the phone for over an hour on his dime helping this poor 'rebel leader' uses his resources better. The only thing I wish I would have done differently was listen more to his advice on local organizing for college students. His focus on socializing as a liberty building activity was something I sadly dismissed. Now that I have moved to a city that focuses more in that direction, I see the wisdom in his words.
I am supporting Jim Lark as our next Libertarian Party National Chair. I've known Jim for years and have seen his hard work and dedication for the Libertarian Party. During my VP campaigning in the 1996 election Jim not only planned busy, productive days of campaigning for me, he also opened up his home to me and let me stay for a few days to help save the campaign much needed dollars for advertising and other expenses. Jim would make a fine National Chair and I urge you to give him your vote.
I've known Jim about four years and have worked with him closely the past two years on the LNC. Jim understands the business of the party and has realistic expectations about where it should go and how to get there. More importantly, I've never met a more forthright, honest, diligent, and hardworking Libertarian; he is a true gentleman who is staunchly non-coercive and who tries to mediate contentious parties. I believe he is the right person for the leadership of our party at this time.
I honestly think that all 3 candidates for LNC Chair could do an excellent job for the party. I also believe that all three have a vision for moving the party in the direction of increasing activism (which I heartily endorse). But, in the end, I think that Jim Lark would get the most accomplished and therefore I endorse Jim Lark for LNC Chair. My reasons include: In any event, I hope that the two losing candidates will run for and win membership on the LNC. We need to implement the ideas of all three of these great Libertarians if we are to be successful and their first hand involvement will best see to that.
I've served on the NatCom with Jim Lark. He is an impartial leader, wedded to the concept of fairness, not favoritism.
Two factors that are crucial if the LP is to play a vital role in advancing the cause of liberty, is more aggressive outreach to the younger generation and greater integration with the larger LP movement. Jim Lark has been a leading voice, and an active participant, in pursuing both goals. I would like to see him continue this pursuit as the LP Chairman.
In this cynical age in which we live I must confess that there are few people in which I truly believe. Jim Lark is one of those few people in whom I still believe. Jim is one of those rare individuals who can consistently take a principled stand and manage not offend or irritate everyone in the process (I, on the other hand, am still learning). I have never seen anyone work as long and as hard as he, in this cause we call liberty. I would not wish to embarrass Professor Lark but, as someone who knows him pretty well, his generosity and willingness to go the extra mile for friends (and foes, all two or three of them) is just a small reflection of his integrity and character. I know that the Libertarian Party would not only be in safe hands but, in extremely competent ones as well. I think Jim's ability to actually listen and consider the ideas of others, and to be ready with his own insights when needed, will go a long way to continuing to build upon the foundation of success that those before him have diligently laid. The future of the Libertarian Party is looking better every minute!
Jim's vision and dedication to libertarian principles are unsurpassed. His leadership skills and talent for gentle persuasion are so finely honed as to seem inborn. I have seen him bring about consensus where consensus seemed impossible.
Having known Jim Lark for many years, I strongly endorse him for National Chair. I am sure that his calm rationality and sense of fairness will help take the Party of Principle to new heights...
I first arrived from New York in Richmond, Virginia in September 1993. I attended my first local L.P. meeting there in October 1993, and one event will stick out in my mind forever. Jim Lark came over to me and introduced himself, shook my hand, welcomed me to the meeting, and genuinely showing interest in me. I'd been around the Libertarian Party in New York for several years, and met many wonderful people there, but never had I felt so welcome as the moment I met Jim Lark. This introduction was no special case; Jim does this every time a new person attends; EVERY TIME! I know, I've seen it at every meeting. Besides being one of the MOST intelligent people I have ever met, Jim is a great communicator of liberty, both in substance and in style. He is tireless in his efforts in promoting liberty, and has achieved the results to show for it! These qualities are what make Jim Lark very highly qualified to be chairman of the organization which I love . . . The Libertarian Party! Please show your support for Jim by casting your vote for him at the National Convention.
I support Jim Lark for L.P. chairman without reservation. He has the whole package: intelligence, experience, integrity and fairness, consensus-building skills, strategic vision, energy, dedication, and leadership. He is an activist's activist who has achieved success at all levels of involvement (local, campus, state, and national). In particular, he knows the importance of local organizing and will help to build and strengthen local and state parties. He also recognizes the crucial importance of reaching young people, and will emphasize improving our youth outreach. As my Libertarian Party of Virginia colleagues can attest, Jim is a great activist and a great guy who will make a superb chairman.
I was pleased to read the article in the LP News [March 2000] announcing Jim Lark's bid for the LNC Chairmanship. As favorable an impression as that offered, I can add another perspective as State Chair of the Virginia LP. I have seen Jim serving in multiple roles - campus organizing, local affiliate activity, and as Vice Chair in the LP of Virginia. Jim brings a level of diligence and energy to his activism that I can only envy. No job has been "beneath him," nor has any challenge been too big. His support for me in my chairmanship has been invaluable. But, ultimately, it's results that count. Jim's tour of the Ninth Congressional District resulted in several local affiliates forming. His local activism has brought media attention to the LP. His assistance in establishing a full time Executive Director position for the LPVA was essential. And, frequently, he has conducted the State Central Committee meetings with productive results. Throughout the term I have served with him he has maintained a sense of humor, a diplomatic manner, a sensitivity to the members and state party leadership, and an optimistic vision of our future. Jim Lark has my full support in his bid for the LNC Chairmanship. The LP will be well served by having him at the helm. (From LP News, April 2000, pp. 28-29)
I'm biased. Aside from my wife, I haven't had a better friend than Jim Lark in the 14 years that I've known him. But during that time, I don't know of a volunteer who has worked harder or more effectively for the LP than Jim. 1,900 volunteer petition signatures in one year. The best campus organizer every year. A great spokesman for the Party every day. And Jim draws well deserved respect from all quarters in the LP, which is important in keeping us unified and marshaling our resources to fight the real enemies of freedom. He will be a great Chair. Please join me in casting a vote for Jim Lark as the next Chair of the Libertarian Party.
I am pleased to endorse and will vote for Jim Lark in the elections for LNC Chair at the LP convention. Even though the LP has attracted many talented leaders with the potential to perform the responsibilities of Chair, Jim Lark stands out as especially capable for this top role. Jim shows grace under political pressure that is so valuable. In his travels for the LP he has built a working relationship with many local LP leaders across the country. Jim has the respect of all sides of divisive issues within the LP. Perhaps most important of all, Jim is an experienced and motivated organizer of libertarian activism. I think Jim Lark should be and will be the next Chair of the Libertarian Party's National Committee.
Of all of the people that I might consider worthy of the job, I can think of none, other than Jim Lark, that I think have dedicated themselves more to the party and the position. Based on what I know of Jim and his past work, I can think of no one else who I would actively support for the position. I can think of no one else who will take the time -- as Jim Lark has taken the time -- to travel extensively, to be where ever he is needed, whenever he is needed, for important or humble work -- in building the party, making the appearances, teaching, communicating, reaching out, speaking out, helping in any way he can. I know of no one else who has his grasp of current events or politics or who has his ability to communicate across age ranges, socio-economic ranges, or political boundaries. In short, I can't think of anyone else who could carry out the duties of National Chair with greater skill, devotion, and dedication. I admire him and his dedication and in may ways, I wish I could emulate him.
I enthusiastically endorse Prof. Jim Lark for National Chairman of the LP. I have worked with Jim at many University of Virginia and community outreach activities. He has made the time in his schedule and career to work on local organizing. As a supporter of Gene Cisewski for National Chairman twice and proponent of his model of local organizing, I can testify to Jim's commitment time and again to local libertarian activities and his deep integrity. Jim does more than talk a good game. With integrity, intelligence, energy, and commitment, he PLAYS a good game. I urge all LP members to contribute in some positive way to his campaign and elect him National Chairman.
I was very pleased to learn that Jim Lark is seeking the chairmanship of the Libertarian National Committee. As national campus coordinator, Jim has introduced libertarian ideas to countless young people through grassroots organization. I was one of them, and I am now a Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Jim Lark is a man of impeccable integrity. He will help us resolve internal conflicts and bring the message of liberty to more and more Americans.
Jim Lark never ceases to amaze me. Every time I see him in action, fighting for Liberty, he again exceeds my already lofty expectations. With Jim we get it all: an articulate and impressive spokesman, an effective and passionate activist, and a reasonable and fair representative of our *entire* membership.
Here in West Virginia Jim Lark is well-known as a staunch libertarian activist. He has traveled thousands of miles over the past decade at his own expense promoting the libertarian philosophy and building libertarian organizations. He is an accomplished speaker who uses his intelligence, wit, and personal charm effectively in support of our party. I have complete confidence that he will be an excellent National Chairman.
A 20-year-old activist recruited this year is likely to serve the Libertarian Party for 50 years or more, and LNC Chair candidate Jim Lark is the LP's undisputed leader in recruiting young activists. Always traveling at his own expense, Jim has crisscrossed the country, helping establish college campus libertarian organizations and training and motivating local activists. As LNC Chair, Jim Lark would be an energetic, hands-on leader. Combining the organizational skills of a systems engineer with 16 years' experience in Libertarian Party activism, Jim Lark is the right person to take the party to the next level. I urge his election as LNC Chair. (From LP News, May 2000, p. 32)
I believe Jim Lark would make a great National Chair for the Libertarian Party. It is important to realize that our younger generation is the future of the Libertarian Party, and Jim realizes that foremost within the Party. As a young person who has met with Jim personally, I believe he brings the knowledge and background to help serve as a uniter, not a divider. I believe that he will strive to combine local activism with national leadership, something the Libertarian Party truly needs. |