Reform Party of Harris County
The Centrist Choice!

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.

In addition, several new officers were elected. Lou Anne Jones of Montana was elected chairman, Mark Lauterman of California as treasurer, and Tom McLaughlin of Pennsylvania was retained as vice-chairman.

"There has been a complete sea change since the last convention. I think we have seen a dramatic shift in the makeup of the national officers," said Collison.

"All those elected spoke extensively about the need to serve the membership, not lead it."

Collison, a mechanical engineer and training consultant, explained that the Reform Party attracts a diverse group of people.

"I got involved with the party after voting for Perot in 1996," said Collison. "But before that I was a registered independent. I am what you'd call a radicalized centrist. I don't consider myself a moderate, however."

According to Collison, once the veneer of social issues is stripped away, the Republican and Democrat political parties share the same approach to the economy, foreign affairs and accept donations from the same corporations and individuals.

Though he disagrees with Buchanan's politics, Collison said that he did not view him as an extremist.

"I think he tends to attract extremists," said Collison. "A small minority began to make threats against some of the older members if they disagreed. That made it difficult to have an open debate. After Buchanan, some states disaffiliated. Some members left in disgust."

Currently, there are 25 states affiliated with the Reform Party down from 50, said Collison.

The Reform Party of Harris County is in the process of rebuilding its membership. The proposed platform issues, still under development, begins by insisting that the county and city tax dollars be "spent wisely and honestly." According to party literature, local government spending must be "transparent, unbiased, honest and effective."

Issues such as transportation and traffic, urban and suburban development and flood control are critical issues facing the county. The Reform Party hopes to ensure that future growth does not endanger citizens' quality of life.

Public services such as schools, fire and police departments and utilities should be adequately funded. The Reform Party believes that a quality education is not a "right, but a necessity." The future is dependent on the skills and knowledge imparted to children.

Collison said the party now realizes the danger associated with high-profile candidates.

"When people follow one person or the focus is only on national politics, the health of the organization is at stake. I believe in the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the time should be dedicated to the organization's needs and money spent at the local level. Twenty percent of the time the focus should be on national issues."

Though the Reform Party will not participate in upcoming state or local elections, a grassroot[s] effort has begun to build the party base.

"We plan to reorganize and listen to what members want," said Collison. "Like the Green Party. They build their base at the local level. It takes years. The Greens have 40 candidates running for office in Dallas."

The explosive growth of the Reform Party in the beginning was "too much, too fast," said Collison.

"We need to take a step back. We are smaller, but a wiser group. Elections are won and lost at the local level, and that's where the majority of our work will be. We have learned valuable lessons the hard way. One lesson is that slow growth that is sustainable will ensure that we'll be here 20 years from now."

For more information about the Reform Party visit the Web site at www.reformparty.org or www.harriscountyrp.org. To contact the county secretary email secretary@harriscountyrp.org.