Reform Party of Harris County
The Centrist Choice!

News

Members and Friends,

It is my pleasure to announce the results of the 2004 Reform Party National Convention, held August 23-26 in DFW.

****The Texas Turnout.****

The Reform Party of Texas had approximately 20 delegates attend the convention, representing multiple counties and metropolitan areas.  Considering our maximum delegate allotment was about 35, this is a remarkable achievement considering that in 2001 there was barely an organization left in our state.

****The nomination of Mr. Ralph Nader as our Presidential candidate.****

This was something that was discussed quite a bit here in Harris County. Would we support a Nader nomination? Polling our county members, it was split about 3 ways. About a third supported his nomination. About another third supported most of his stances, but were concerned about the "spoiler effect". The remaining third were concerned some of his stances were too far to the left and opposed his nomination for that reason. At the Convention, Mr. Nader successfully highlighted the areas where the Reform Party and his platform agree and received the nomination of the National Convention.

Now, to be honest, this has little direct impact on our state or county organization, because the Texas officials seem determined to keep Mr. Nader off the ballot except (maybe) as a write-in candidate. So what this really means for us is (potentially) an opportunity to grow our organization further with new members from Mr. Nader's supporters, as well as an opportunity (should you choose to) to assist in his write-in campaign here in Texas.

I realize full well some folks were opposed to Mr. Nader's nomination. No one expects every Republican or Democrat to agree with their choice of Presidential candidate, and the same goes for us. We are all working toward the goal of reform to create a government that is less influenced by corporate and special interests, and more responsive to the actual public, and that means give and take from one election cycle to the next as we struggle our way toward that goal.

*****Platform Change****

There were several resolutions, most merely tweaked the wording of previous platform planks or were nonbinding resolutions. However there was one significant change to the Platform. Before I go into it, let me stress that the National Platform is not binding on the state parties, nor is the state party platform necessarily binding on a county organization. The platform is instead a statement of what the majority at each level believe a candidate should emphasize. So the National Platform is our statement of what we want a Presidential candidate to emphasize, a State Platform would apply to a candidate for governor, etc.

Ok, here is the actual text of the platform plank:

"The Reform Party agrees to disagree on the issues of Religion, Sexual Orientation, Definitions of Marriage, and Abortion (Pro-Life/Pro-Choice); and therefore, we will not become officially involved in these and related issues at the national level. The Reform Party welcomes members with views across the spectrum on these issues."

Now, originally it was assumed in the Reform Party that we would avoid putting issues like those mentioned in the plank above in our national platform. This assumption was challenged in 2000-2001 when those types of issues were added to the platform, but in 2002 that decision was reversed.

To make it less likely that such issues would make a reappearance in the future, the platform plank was added. The members I spoke with emphasized that each of us can follow our conscience by participating in non-partisan groups which emphasize those issues as we see fit, but the National Organization will focus on and choose candidates who will emphasize issues we have in common as Reform Party members and not the social/moral issues upon which we may disagree.

I believe that this is the best of all worlds for each of us. As Mr. Nader stated, even family members can't agree on everything, but that doesn't mean they can't be in the same family. I hope we all can find effective outlets to express our convictions, while continuing to work together on those issues we have in common. If we do, in a few years I truly believe we can rock the local political scene in the Houston area, eventually becoming a viable "third choice" for area voters.

Thank you for your continued participation and support.

David Collison
County Chairman

Harris County Delegates Attend State Convention

Two members from Harris County, David Collison and Michael Giese, are delegates to the Reform Party of Texas State Convention.  Currently, the Convention is working on the State Platform and planning for the upcoming election cycle.

Harris County Reform Party Elects New Officers

At this year's County Convention, the RPHC elected the following county officers:

David Collison, Chairman
Michael Mravetz, Vice-Chairman
Bob Marcum, Secretary
Lynne Perdue, Treasurer

We all look forward to continuing progress growing the RPHC and electing local candidate.

It's Election Season, and we want your participation!

That's right, election season is here in Texas, in case you missed the signs and commercials flooding the city and airwaves for the same-old-same-old candidates by the "Big Two". "We'll cut taxes, spend more, and you'll be happy!" one says. "We'll raise taxes, spend more, and you'll be happy!" the other says. And, unfortunately we buy one argument or the other, somehow believing that Party A just HAS to be better than Party B that we voted in last time (argh....).

Want to be a Reform Party candidate for office? Contact us and we'll discuss the requirements for getting on the ballot. No, it's not easy, but consider what Mr. George Washington would have responded to the question "Is it worth the effort?"

Want to help us build a truly broad-based, common-sense, Centrist platform? Or want to nominate a candidate? All you have to do is participate in our Precinct Convention, which is the bedrock of our democratic organization. See the Calendar of Events below for details.

If you wish to participate, please contact the County Chairman for more information at 281-852-2928.

Reform Party of the USA National Convention!

The 2003 National Convention of the Reform Party will be held October 9-12 at the Ramada Inn - Diamondhead in Diamondhead, MS (between New Orleans and Biloxi).  Because this is an odd-year convention, all 2002 TX Delegates retain their seats.  HOWEVER, the state Executive Committee has the ability to seat additional delegates.  If you wish to participate, please contact the County Chairman for more information at 281-852-2928.

For more information, visit the National website Convention Page

Atascocita Man Has National Political Job

By Pam Gibbens
Observer Reporter

After contentious National Conventions in 2000 and 2001, the Reform Party splintered almost to the point of annihilation.

After Ross Perot ran as an independent in 1992, the Reform Party emerged on Sept. 25, 1995 as the multi-millionaire's political vehicle.

Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and Reform Party candidate, was elected governer of Minnesota in 1998. Later Ventura joined the Independent [sic] Party.

Pat Buchanan, searching for a political party to support his candidacy for president of the United States, was thought to be one of the reasons many members were at odds about the party's platform and candidates. As a result, 72 percent left the party.

The Reform Party's 2002 National Convention, held in a suburb of Denver, Colorado, culminated with plans to reorganize, revitalize, and return to its roots.

According to David Collison, newly-elected Reform Party national secretary, the convention exceeded all expectations.

"Many of us went to the 2002 National Convention concerned it would be a repeat of 2000 and 2001, where valid delegates were locked out and credentials given to individuals who should not have been seated," said Collison. "There were concerns that the obvious dissatisfaction with the current chair would result in a deadlock at the convention."

The Atascocita resident is elated about his position and the new direction that the Reform Party is taking.

Collison explained that not only was the chairman removed from office but the platform and constitution were restored back to the 1999 Dearborn versions.[Full Story]

Harris County Reform Party Recieves Local Press Coverage

A local newspaper, The Observer, which publishes four weekly editions (East Montgomery County, Humble, Kingwood, and Atascocita) interviewed County Chairman David Collison and published a half-page story about his recent election and the activities of the Reform Party of Harris County. Hopefully, the newspaper's website will be updated to show the article shortly, and we will provide a link to it from this page.

Until then, it's enough to say that we were very pleased with the article and have already received inquiries about the RPHC because of it.

In other news, the RPHC has been asked to speak before a private high school class about the Reform Party and how party platforms are built. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity, which will occur next week. Also, the RPHC, in keeping with its local focus, has completed the first steps toward setting up a county party treasury independent of the state Reform Party organization.

Local Resident Elected to National Party Position

Reform Party Turns Back the Clock, Returns to Its Roots

September 14, 2002
REFORM PARTY of HARRIS COUNTY
18935 Atasca Oaks Dr.
Kingwood, TX 77346

Atascocita, TX. "I'm here to serve the membership, and I promise to serve with integrity. I came to this Party because of its principles, not its personalities." Said newly elected Reform Party National Secretary David Collison upon returning to his home in Kingwood. Exhausted from the marathon 2002 National Convention, held in a suburb of Denver, Colorado, he was obviously also elated at the results.

"Many of us went to the 2002 National Convention concerned it would be a repeat of 2000 and 2001, where valid delegates were locked out and credentials given to individuals which should not have been seated," Mr. Collison said. "There were also concerns that the obvious dissatisfaction with the current chair would result in a deadlock at the Convention."

Instead, the Convention exceeded almost everyone's expectations. Not only was the chairman removed from office by an overwhelming majority, and the Platform and Constitution reverted back to the 1999 Dearborn versions (held by most Reformers to most accurately represent the character of the party), several new officers were elected, including Mr. Collison as National Secretary. [Read full Press Release]

National Convention! Delegates needed!

During the 2002 State Convention, the convention empowered the State Executive Committee to seek out additional individuals who would be willing to participate at the 2002 National Convention to ensure we have the full representation to which we are entitled.

With the National Convention only a month away, the Reform Party of Texas has an unprecedented opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of the Reform Party on a national level. This is a rare opportunity to guide the rebuilding of our organization and promote those issues which we believe are critical to our nation's and our families' future.

Currently, we do not have the full delegate slate to which we are entitled based on our membership. We need motivated individuals interested in representing our fellow members at the National Convention.

If you are interested in participating or want more information, please contact David Collison (281-852-2928 or Chairman@harriscountyrp.org) as soon as possible. The nominal deadline is August 5. However, submissions will still be accepted after that date.

You can also view an Open Letter to RPHC Members from State Chairman Charles Foster asking for your participation.

For more information about the upcoming National Convention or the recent 2002 State Convention, please visit our state Reform Party of Texas website.

RP Harris County News

Reorganization Phase Complete. The Reform Party of Harris County has passed through the initial states of Reorganization and is currently building a County Platform. Results of meetings up to this point have included:

-Need for a membership building campaign, to include mailings, newspaper advertisements, and other methods.

-Further development of a County Platform, including more detailed research into local issues.

Future County Meetings. Future County meetings will be held the 3rd Saturday of each month unless posted otherwise. Please see Calendar of Events for time and location.

Participation in State and National Levels. With the successful initial reorganization, the RPHC is now taking an active role in the Reform Party at the State and National levels. For more information, visit the Reform Party of Texas website.

Upcoming issues and events at the State and National levels include finalization of Texas' National Committee Members (3) and alternates (3), and finalization of Texas' National Delegates (up to 35). The National Convention will be held September 6-8 in Denver, CO.

For more information contact us.

Calendar of Events

September 30 Meet and Greet!

We are scheduling a "Meet and Greet" for anyone who would like to get together and put faces-with emails so new members and old can meet, ask questions, and generally have a good time with some good food.  Note that purchasing food or drink is not required, but encouraged (the restaurant has very good reviews for its food).

Location and time are as follows:

Location:
Mykonos Island Restaurant
2181 Richmond Ave
(Greenbriar and Richmond)

Date and Time:
September 30, 2004
Room reserved from 6PM to 8PM, but times are flexible on the back end.

Contact County Chair for details: 281-852-2928 or Chairman@harriscountyrp.org

Future Meetings:

Our intent is to conduct most business online, to make it easier for those with busy schedules to participate.  Instead, we will have one or more activism events or social events per quarter.