March 1998
Washington state Freeholders work to bring liberty to the local level
After four years of work, two elected Libertarians in Washington state say they're almost ready to unveil a new county government charter that will enshrine into law the "principle of minimum use of government force."
LP members Jack and Lori Loranger -- who were elected to the 15-member Freeholder board in Skamania County in 1994 -- say they are optimistic that the new charter will win the approval of county residents, when it comes up for a vote by 1999.
"We're giving legislative authority directly to the people," said Jack of their proposed charter -- which would create a libertarian-style county government where citizens can propose laws, there are no appointed offices, and an oath of office is enforceable by contract law.
"It is exciting to see such fundamental changes taking place, especially with Libertarians helping to guide the effort," said Doug Thornton, the Washington state LP Public Relations Chair. "One hopes to see the domino theory kick in, [and] county governments around Washington are replaced with Libertarian-led, freedom-preserving institutions."
Title 36
If the domino effect does occur, it will be because of Title 36 of Washington law, which allows counties to opt out of the usual state-mandated county government by adopting a "home rule" charter."The state constitution leaves this door open for people to take control when they're being stepped on," said Jack.
The citizens of Skamania County walked through that door in 1994 because of growing dissatisfaction with the three county commissioners, said Jack. Voters endorsed a home rule charter, and elected 15 Freeholders who were charged with writing a new charter, which would lay out the new county government.
And what kind of government do the two Libertarians have in mind?
"We're trying to give people the option to govern themselves and provide for their needs through voluntary organizations," said Lori. "As people build these organizations, government will have less and less to do, and become less expensive."
Although the details are not finalized, Jack said that in the proposed new government:
- There will be no appointed offices; everyone in the executive and judicial branches will be elected by the people.
- "The charter will specify that the oath of office is a contract with the people," he said. So, any official that violates the oath is subject to the laws pertaining to contract violation.
The Lorangers hope to have the charter ready for the 1998 ballot, but it may take longer.
"The process is not hindered by a deadline," said Lori. "We feel that it's more important to write a good charter. We may have it ready for this November [but] it may take another year. By refusing to be hurried, we've been able to address many of the initial fears of change, and we've given people a chance to become comfortable with the idea."
