Queens’ own Larry Sharpe, the 2022 LPNY candidate for Governor, was presented in person with this year’s Thomas Stevens National Libertarian Award by QL at its Annual Holiday Luncheon on December 10. Retired professor Robert Luster received the Local Libertarian Award for his series of talks on international and geo-political liberty issues given over the past year. Sharpe’s tireless campaigning and fundraising throughout the state has deeply raised the standard of practice for Libertarian candidates running for statewide office in New York, even in the face of ridiculously unfair changes in the election law that deprived the party of permanent ballot status.
Sharpe made several points about the campaign and the legal battle, to address “what went wrong?” sentiments, and to indicate the future path of the party going into 2024 and beyond. He has agreed to discuss these ‘lessons learned’ issues in fuller detail at QL’s February 11 meeting, where several motions and housekeeping matters will also be gone over. Members (current and future) are encouraged to join or renew their involvement by paying the $20 dues needed to be able to vote on the business items. Until then, to all in advance, Happy New Year!