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 wer e elected, including Mr. Collison as National Secretary.

"I think we have seen a dramatic shift in the makeup of the national officers. All those elected spoke extensively about the need to serve the membership, not lead it. They realized that the members hip wanted national officers which were responsive to the needs of the state parties, not a maverick leader who would try to push their own agenda," said Mr. Collison. "But the most dramatic impact will be the shift of the Platform away from social issues and back to the principles upon which the party was founded."

Indeed, upon passage of the resolution to revert to the 1999 Platform, Mr. McLaughlin, who chaired the Convention, summed it all up by stating "Ladies and gentleman, we have gone back in time!" accompanied by roaring cheers from the delegates.

Other officers elected at the Convention included Ms. Lou Anne Jones of Montana as Chairman, and Mr. Mark Lauterman of California as Treasurer. Mr. McLaughlin of Pennsylvania was retained as Vice-Chairman.

Most delegates at the convention agreed that this represented a turning point for the Reform Party. Many states that previously disaffiliated during 2000-2001 are already in discussions regarding reorganization and reaffiliation.

Mr. Collison has stated uncategorically that his new duties will not sway his focus. "The key to a strong national party is strong county organizations. I will continue to focus on local efforts and party building in Harris County. Elections are won and lost at the local level, and that\rquote s where the majority of our work will be."

Contact:
Lynne Perdue
County Secretary
281-812-6917