VOTE LIBERTARIAN!

Then come to the

St. Louis Libertarian Election Night Watch Party

Join us for pizza, appetizers and drinks as we watch the election results come in. This will be a great opportunity to socialize with other libertarians, reflect on the campaign season, and plan for the future.  Festivities will begin when the polls close, 7:00 P.M.

Talayna’s Pizza

Libertarian Gubernatorial Candidate Finkenstadt Declares Opposition on Proposition A.

ST CHARLES, Mo - October 15, 2008 — Libertarian Andrew Finkenstadt declared his opposition today to Proposition A

Finkenstadt says, “My opposition to Proposition (A) is due to the anti-competitive nature of the limitation on the number of casinos in Missouri. The other provisions seem an acceptable choice, but the the free market is fundamentally about allowing more choices, which allows businesspeople to compete, which ultimately allows consumers to profit from the reduction in costs.”

Libertarian Finkenstadt explains that, “even though many libertarian philosophies appear in this proposed legislation, the fact remains that the anti-competitive provisions made this unacceptable.”

Finkenstadt goes on to explain, “I like to use the comparison of sewage to pure water. You can take a teaspoon of water and put it in the sewage, and you still have sewage. If you take a teaspoon of sewage and put it in the gallon of water, you also end up with sewage. ”

Continuing, “This restriction to the free market in what would otherwise be an acceptable proposal, still makes it taste like sewage.”

Working a regular “day job” to support his family, Finkenstadt, 42, is a full-time software engineer for Simutronics Corp., a St. Charles, Missouri-based online persistent-world computer game company.  He is also a music minister for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri.  His wife, Carol, is an administrative assistant at First United Methodist Church in St. Charles.   Finkenstadt attended Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) 1983-1987, where he majored in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Andrew (Andy) Finkenstadt is the Gubernatorial candidate for the Missouri Libertarian Party.  For more information on Finkenstadt, please visit http://andy4governor.com or email andy4governor@finkenstadt.com.

The Missouri Libertarian Party is one of three established political parties.  For more information, please visit http://lpmo.org or call toll-free 877-VOTE-4-US.

—–

What are your top three priorities to accomplish?

REDUCE TAXES on all Missourians, not just the middle class or the well-to-do.

ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE in the daily lives and property rights of all Missourians.

Bring about a SMALLER GOVERNMENT, reducing expenses and removing non-essential services, and returning the money to YOUR pocket book for YOU to spend as you wish. Who knows best how to spend your hard-earned money: you, or the legion of legislators and rule-makers who work in our state government?

How do you plan to accomplish them?

The Governor submits a budget to the legislature.  I will accomplish my goals through the power of the VETO, if the legislature attempts to increase the budget I’ve submitted.  The state will effectively go on a diet, for its future better health.

In addition, I will call for and support legislation and constitutional amendments to forbid the state government from interfering in its citizens’ lives.  The taking of one person’s private property for the benefit of another via eminent domain, all in the name of “economic development,” must be stopped.

How do you plan to pay for them?

All three of my priorities will reduce the cost of government.  Therefore, I plan to “pay” for it by giving the money back to the citizens; and once the legislature has reduced the tax rates for all Missourians, both rich and poor, I plan to “pay” for it by keeping the money in the possession of the people.

What unique characteristic or qualification do you possess that makes you the best person for this job?

I am not a politician - which makes me unique. I have to work for a living.

I am a computer software engineer — we don’t just study a problem or pass a new law further restricting how Missouri does business: we actually solve the problems. Libertarians fight for YOUR individual freedoms, and personal responsibility for the choices we make.

I am also a Catholic music minister, a singer, a landlord, a small, internet business operator, a member of MENSA, and a newlywed husband.

I know what it’s like to have to make ends meet through hard work and a realistic budget.

Why should voters elect me instead of my opponents? Only I will bring about a smaller government. My opponents promise new and expanded programs, spending to the limit of the state’s checkbook from taxes and fees. Only I will fight for your individual freedoms and liberties, while my opponents have accepted millions of dollars in campaign contributions - which they spend wastefully on negative advertising and misleading statements of “truth”. Do they think we are that stupid? No, we are not.

Don’t waste your vote — vote for Life, vote for Liberty, vote for Andy.

When was the last time you had a one-on-one conversation with a member of the opposite party?  What did you hope to accomplish?

Also unique in our state, an office-mate of mine is running for State Representative this year.  Two candidates working at the same non-political office running for state office the same year.  It must be something in the water.

He is a Democrat.  I am a Libertarian.  We had been talking about the economy, and the $700 BILLION dollar (or more) bailout that was proposed over the weekend.  As has been typical, we agree on many more points than we differ.  We were not trying to persuade each other of the rightness of our own views, or the wrongness of the other’s views.  We were discussing what would be best for our respective 401(k) plans.

Do you vote a straight party ticket, or what criteria do you use to vote when evaluating a candidate?

I do not.  I gather information about each candidate, and each issue.  I do not let my feelings get in the way.  I evaluate each candidate or issue based on the principles of government that I hold dear:  life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, individual choices and responsibility for those choices.  I never vote for the “lesser of two evils”, because that choice STILL chooses evil.  And then I vote.

Missouri Press Association Gubernatorial Debate

Finkenstadt Outlines Plans for Change; Nixon, Hulshof Promises Same Old Bigger Government Story

“We should not be burning our food!  And taxpayers should not be paying for the privilege”

COLUMBIA, Mo. - September 14, 2008 — In the gubernatorial debate, hosted by the Missouri Press Association, Libertarian Andrew Finkenstadt outlined his plans to change the direction of the state, while Attorney General Jay Nixon and Congressman Kenny Hulshof continued to embrace the same failed policies from the Democratic and Republican parties that have resulted in bigger government budgets, bigger government taxation, and bigger government interference.

“I am a computer software engineer.  Engineers do not create a blue-ribbon panel to study an issue.  Engineers solve the problems put before them,” Finkenstadt said in opening remarks.  “A lawyer looks at a problem and tends to say, ‘There ought to be a law.‘  I say in response, ‘We have too many laws already, we don’t need any more.‘  A politician looks at a problem and tends to say, ‘Hey, we should study that.‘  Computer programmers see a problem and address it in a more direct and methodical way, we actually solve it.”

Libertarian Andy Finkenstadt went on to say, “I will reduce taxes for everyone (not just the rich, not just the middle class), and I’ll do it by reducing the size of our government.  Reducing taxes leaves more money in your pocket to spend as YOU see fit, without some government middleman getting in the way.  After all, who knows best how to spend your hard-earned money:  you, or the legion of legislators and rule makers who work in our state government?”

During the question and answer portion of the debate, both Nixon and Hulshof reiterated their campaign issues: bigger government spending on health care and insurance products, expanded government spending on educational programs, and more government control over alternative energy sources.

Libertarian Andy Finkenstadt advocated for the government to get out of the way of the free market solutions available for each of these issues:

1.       Health care choices are, ultimately, the choice of each family.  The choice of what kind of health insurance they want, what level of health care they want, the care providers they want, and the medicines and treatments they will use.  For those families who are unable to pay for necessary health care, Finkenstadt holds that private organizations and charities whose mission it is to provide these services should be contacted for their assistance.  (Finkenstadt’s family contributes a significant amount of its annual income to just such local charities.)

2.       Education, like any other service, is best provided by the free market, achieving greater quality and efficiency with more diversity of choice. Schools should be managed locally to achieve greater accountability and parental involvement. Recognizing that the education of children is inextricably linked to moral values, we should return authority to parents to determine the education of their children, without interference from government. In particular, parents should have control of and responsibility for all funds expended for their children’s education.

Finkenstadt did not advocate vouchers that go to private institutions, despite Nixon’s misunderstanding during the debate.  Perhaps it is just this common misunderstanding that prevents governmental leaders from coming up with the right solution:  multiple school choices in an area, each supported exclusively by the publicly-funded dollars following the student.

3.       Energy, especially clean energy, is the proper domain of the free market.  The government should not be subsidizing any particular form of energy.

Ethanol: Both Nixon and Hulshof support taxpayer-funded subsidizing of ethanol producers.  Replies Finkenstadt, “We should not be burning our food!  And taxpayers shouldn’t be paying for the privilege; that just adds insult to injury.”

Working a regular “day job” to support his family, Finkenstadt, 42, is a full-time software engineer for Simutronics Corp., a St. Charles, Missouri-based online persistent-world computer game company.  He is also a music minister for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri.  His wife, Carol, is an administrative assistant at First United Methodist Church in St. Charles.   Finkenstadt attended Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) 1983-1987, where he majored in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Andrew (Andy) Finkenstadt is the Missouri Libertarian Party Gubernatorial candidate in the general election on November 4^th.  He was unopposed in the primary election.  More information can be found at http://andy4governor.com.

The Missouri Libertarian Party is one of three established political parties in Missouri.  More information can be found at http://lpmo.org.

# # #

Courtesy of KSDK, the St. Louis NBC station, all four segments of video of the debate are available online:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

and Part 4

Closing Remarks

Thank you very much.

Thanks to our sponsors for inviting each of us to be here today.  What a giant step forward it is to see more points of view.  Debates should be about the issues, and should give every candidate for the office the opportunity to share their own viewpoints.

Just as a free market brings about a healthy competition in business, and so will the debates bring out a healthy competition in this November’s election.  These debates will be the job interview, if you will, for the position of Governor; the interview with the people of Missouri where they will say “SHOW ME what you’ve got”.

And all of us will give it our best shot.  It’s up to us to answer your questions.  It’s up to you to take what we say, and vote accordingly.

As I opened with earlier, I am a computer programmer - a software engineer, and we build practical solutions, not just study them into oblivion.

Computers only do what they are told to do.  If you want to change how the computer works, you have to replace the software with something else, and then reboot the computer.  Well, it’s time to reboot the government.  It’s time to get rid of the programs that don’t work, and put in workable solutions.

Don’t waste your vote.  Don’t waste your vote.  That’s what they told you four years ago: they said you shouldn’t vote for a third-party candidate, because it’ll be a wasted vote.  They said that you needed to have the Republicans and the Democrats in charge to move the state forward.  I say, “Don’t waste your vote”.  I say, “There’s a better choice out there.  A choice only you can make.”  I say, “Only you can reclaim your independence, and reclaim the politics of this state.”  I say, “And only you can do it.  Don’t waste your vote.”

(adapted from a speech by Peter Hutchinson, MN Gubernatorial candidate, 2006)

The leaders you elect make decisions that affect YOUR job, YOUR health care, YOUR energy costs, YOUR security, and the legacy you leave to the future.

I promise that my government will stay out of your business, will leave your money and property alone, and will allow you to live peacefully as you choose.  This November, please vote for me, Andy Finkenstadt, for Governor of the State of Missouri.

Opening Remarks:

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.   Thank you to the Missouri School of Journalism; to the Missouri Society of Newspaper Editors;  to the Missouri Broadcasters Association.  And, thank you to the Missouri Press Association for inviting me here today to speak about the Missouri Governor’s race.

My name is Andy Finkenstadt - and I’m the Missouri Libertarian Party candidate for Governor.  I bring a unique perspective on how things will be improved in Jefferson City and in Missouri at large.

I am a computer software engineer.  Engineers do not create a blue-ribbon panel to study an issue.  Engineers SOLVE the problems put before them.

A lawyer looks at a problem and tends to say, “There ought to be a law.”  I say in response, “We have too many laws already, we don’t need any more.”  A politician looks at a problem and tends to say, “Hey, we should study that.”  Computer programmers see a problem and address it in a more direct and methodical way, we actually solve it.

Earlier I said I was the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor.  The word Libertarian comes from the word LIBERTY.

As Libertarians we seek a world of liberty:
a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives;
and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.

We believe that respect for individual rights is essential for a free and prosperous world,
that force, and fraud, must be banished from human relationships,
and that only through this freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.

Consequently we defend each person’s right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest,
and we welcome the diversity that freedom brings.
The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free,
free to follow their own dreams in their own ways,
without interference from government or authoritarian power.

I hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives,
they have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as
they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of OTHERS to live in whatever manner they choose.

As they say, “The right to swing your fist stops at my nose.”

Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle:
that the state has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor.
Even within the State of Missouri, all political parties other than the Libertarians
grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals
and seize the fruits of their labor without consent.

Libertarians, on the contrary, DENY the right of the government to do these things:
and hold that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any individual.

What are those rights?

First, the right to life:
accordingly we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others.

Secondly, the right to liberty of speech and action:
we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press,
as well as government censorship in any form.

And thirdly, the right to property:
we oppose all government interference with private property,  such as
the taking of one person’s private property with eminent domain
for the benefit of private developers
all in the name of “economic development”;
we oppose bans against smoking in private venues,
and of course, we oppose robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation.

Since governments must not violate individual rights,
we oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals.
People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others.
They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders;
and the resultant economic system,
the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market.

(adapted from Libertarian Party Principles, http://www.lp.org/platform)

I am not here to “tickle your ears” with so-called solutions to problems that call for bigger government regulation and interference in your life, or so-called solutions that result in larger government spending of yet more of your tax dollars, taken from YOUR paycheck each and every week.

I am here to tell you that I will reduce taxes for everyone (not just the rich, not just the middle class), and I’ll do it by reducing the size of our government.  Reducing taxes leaves more money in your pocket to spend as YOU see fit, without some government middleman getting in the way.  After all, who knows best how to spend your hard-earned money:  you, or the legion of legislators and rulemakers who work in our state government?

You know the answer already.   And that’s what Libertarians fight for every day:  YOUR right to do as you please with your money, with your time, with your treasure, and with your talents.

I bring to the citizens of Missouri more than 20 years of experience in creating solutions that actually work, and that maximize your personal liberty.  When I am elected Governor on November 4^th, there will be a new way of doing business in Jefferson City.

And it will be truly revolutionary.

The audio-cast of the first Gubernatorial Debate is now available, compliments of MissouriNet.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch Political Fix blog had this to say about Finkenstadt’s response on Campaign Finance:  “Best Line So Far from Libertarian.”

Thursday, September 11, 2008- 3:15pm
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall
- Governor -

Presented by:
University of Missouri School of Journalism, Missouri Press Association, Missouri Broadcaster Association, Missouri Society of Newspaper Editors

To listen online, go to the below link:

http://player.cumulusstreaming.com/Play.html?KFRU-AM

September 7th:  Finkenstadt will be at the SEMO District Fair, Libertarian Party booth with Branden McCullough, the US Representative (District candidate, from 4pm through 10pm.

September 11th:  Finkenstadt has been invited to participate in the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Missouri Press Association, the Missouri Broadcasters Association, the Missouri School of Journalism, and the Missouri Society of Newspaper Editors.  3:15pm through 4:30pm, in the Fisher Auditorium, 87 Gannet Hall at Mizzou.

Also on September 11th: Finkenstadt will be participating in a live and in-person, on-air interview with The Drive with Gary Nolan.  The show is on from 4pm to 6pm, listen in from outside the area on The Eagle 93.9.

September 13th:  St. Louis County Libertarian Central Committee picnic, an informal event held at Castlepoint Park in Jennings (2465 Baroness Drive), from 12pm through 4pm.

UPDATED: to add The Drive event on September 11th.

The Libertarian Dime has a podcast up, containing an Interview with Andy Finkenstadt on running for Governor in the State of Missouri.

Come meet LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE BOB BARR this Sunday in St. Louis!

“Make plans to join us at Syberg’s (http://www.sybergsdorsett.com) at 2430 Old Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, just off I-270 Sunday August 17th at 6:00 P.M.

Get a first-hand update on the campaign and our nominee’s effort to bring “Liberty to America” with this campaign.

Bob Barr is leading the most exiting Presidential ticket in LP history! Come meet the candidate who continues to earn unprecedented news media coverage for a third party candidate.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet former Congressman Bob Barr. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring undecided voters!

Be a part of the Libertarian Presidential campaign that is making history in 2008!  Please RSVP by E-Mail to info@lpmo.org today!

Mike Ferguson

Bob Barr for President 2008
National Field Director
http://bobbarr2008.com”

Andy and Carol will be there to meet Bob Barr, also.  We’re looking forward to it.

Tune in this Tuesday to The Eagle 93.9, The News and Talk of Columbia, MO between 4pm and 6pm to the “The Drive with Gary Nolan.”  Andy will be available for questions and responses between 5:15pm and 5:30pm.  If you are not able to pick up the radio broadcast, listening in via the Internet is also supported — just “LISTEN LIVE” from The Eagle’s home page.

The Missouri State Fair is happening right now, and both Andy and his wife Carol will be manning the Libertarian Party information booth in the vendor tent on Saturday, August 16th 2008 from 3pm until 9pm.  If you are in the Sedalia Missouri area, we’d love the chance to meet you, talk, and discuss why Andy is the Excellent Choice for Missourians interested in a fresh start on Government.

Fireworks will follow.

Personal notes:

To the 1,718 persons who selected a Libertarian Party ballot and indicated their trust in my run for Governor, THANK YOU.  I’ve had several people contact me via facebook to tell me of their decision.

To the 53,600+ people who voted in the Democratic Party Primary, and the nearly 200,000 people who voted in the Republican Party Primary for candidates — whose candidate did not win, I encourage you to vote for me this November. It is my promise to do what is right, and best, for the State and all of you, its citizens.

Instead of choosing between the lesser of two evils, Go for Excellence!  Vote for Andy in ‘08.

Steve Pokin’s latest column in The St. Charles Suburban Journal features many of the local people running for office in the August 5th primary election, including Finkenstadt.  It is an excellent read, and informative.

The Columbia Missourian has a highly informative article about the positions of the Gubernatorial candidates in the upcoming Primary Election on August 5th.  The portion about Finkenstadt’s candidacy for Governor is at the bottom of the page, in the “saved the best for last” position.

The Joplin Globe has a great article about the Gubernatorial primaries coming up on August 5th.

Also on the ticket for governor is Andrew W. Finkenstadt, the Libertarian candidate from Cottleville, a suburb of St. Charles.  “I will be pushing for smaller government, less-intrusive government, a government that does not put its fingers on everyone’s lives as much as its does today,” he said. “I want to increase education and infrastructure funding. What’s good for business is good for people. I also want to operate a totally open office. I want to take the Sunshine Law to the next logical step.”

]]> http://www.andy4governor.com/information/2008/07/joplin-mo-globe-gop-gubernatorial-primary-has-echoes-of-1992-battle/feed/ http://www.andy4governor.com/information/2008/07/disability-resource-association/ http://www.andy4governor.com/information/2008/07/disability-resource-association/#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:08:29 +0000 andy http://www.andy4governor.com/information/?p=8

The Disability Resource Association has published a Voter’s Guide (PDF document, Adobe Reader required, 10 megabytes) which includes some responses from candidates in the upcoming primary and general election.  Andy’s answers to the Disability Resource Association’s questions are contained within it.  The text of those answers is here:

Dear Mr. Henning,

Enclosed please find my response to your questionnaire for your upcoming Voter Guide for the August primary elections and the November general elections.

State Children’s Health Insurance Program

As a Libertarian I am more in support of smaller government and fewer government programs than I am in expanding existing programs and creating new ones.  I prefer to have less intervention at the Federal level with state and local concerns.  Let us keep our tax money out of federal hands and in our own pockets.

Providing health care for one’s citizens is rightly a choice made at the state or local level, through the actions of the legislature in accordance with the people’s best interest.  The legislature then provides the money from the tax dollars it has collected from its citizens, and makes its choices in where it is spent in accord with what it sees as its priorities.  I will work to persuade them to make better choices in the future.

As Governor, I will happily contribute a portion of my own income to organizations and charities that provide essential health services to those who are unable to afford it on their own.

As a private citizen I already contribute this portion of my income for these purposes; I hope through my example that others do so as well.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Missouri State Capitol Building houses both the legislatures, and the office space of the Governor (soon to be mine) and some other agencies.  The Missouri Assistive Technology group and the Office of the Administration has made many efforts to accommodate people with certain kinds of disabilities.  According to this booklet, available online at <http://www.at.mo.gov/publications/capitol_booklet.shtm>, the Capitol Building has been made accessible, and there are employees in the public service responsible for fulfilling whatever accommodations are necessary.

The legislature is responsible for providing funding, and makes its choices in accordance with what it sees as its priorities.  I will persuade them to make different and better choices in the future.

As Governor, it will be my duty and pleasure, on behalf of any citizen who is unable to reach my office’s doorstep, to visit and transact business with them at their convenience.

Citizens without Health Insurance

Public Health Eligibility and Access

There are no easy answers for countering a rise in the numbers of people who have no health insurance, nor are there simple, cost-effective solutions for providing basic health care for the aged, disabled and working poor.

Ultimately I believe the choices that have been made in the state and federal governments must result in a tempering of expectations of what it means to have “basic health care,” and the resulting lowering of cost to taxpayers who support those who cannot or choose not to afford other sorts of health care options.

Centers for Independent Living

Libertarians are, as a rule, strong proponents of individual freedom and self-responsibility.

The good work accomplished by the Centers for Independent Living and the organizations that support them should be applauded.  They do great amounts of work with a small number of dollars.

As Governor I would work to pass legislation that effectively increases the amount of funding, by allowing private individuals and civic-minded businesses to contribute directly to the charities of their choice, receiving some sort of tax credit in return on their state tax return.

This tax credit, similar to the one already allowed for Food Pantries and the like, allows the people to decide directly how their tax dollars are spent.

As Governor I expect to make significant changes to improve the lives of the people in the State of Missouri.

Thank you for the opportunity to present my views through your Voter Guide.  Best regards,

//signature//

Andrew Finkenstadt

The good people at Project VoteSmart have made available a large amount of material for many elections across the nation.  Finkenstadt’s biographical information is now available, and they are working hard at collecting and organizing candidate position information.  Project VoteSmart advocates the “Political Courage Test”, challenging a candidate to publicly take a stand on various issues.

Andrew Finkenstadt, Sitting:  Web Print

Andrew Finkenstadt, Standing:  Web Print

Andrew & Carol Finkenstadt, Black and White Wedding:  Web Print