This organization shall be known as the Libertarian Party of Fayette County, hereinafter referred
to as LPFC.
Our mission is to move towards a voluntary society based on individual sovereignty, where peaceful, voluntary exchange of private property and services replaces the aggressive and coercive use of force to achieve political or social goals, principally in Fayette County, through the following activities:
a) Provide leadership and direction for the libertarian movement in Fayette County.
b) Deliver a distinct and uncompromising libertarian message.
c) Nominate and elect competent, qualified candidates for public office who will implement and influence public policy in accord with libertarian principles.
d) Perform political information and education activities on libertarian philosophy.
e) Develop cooperative coalitions with other organizations on areas of common ground by combining our energy and efforts to achieve shared goals.
f) Advocate for libertarian ordinance, regulation, and legislative reform.
Section 1 – Membership
There shall be two (2) classes of membership:
a) Voting Member: Individuals residing in Fayette County who have attested to agree with the LPFC Mission Statement at a Regular Meeting and who are Members of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. Voting Members may be elected or appointed to any office of LPFC.
b) Supporting Member: Individuals residing in neighboring counties who have attested to agree with the LPFC Mission Statement at a Regular Meeting.
Section 2 – Dues
The Board of Directors may set membership dues for each membership class.
Section 3 – Suspension of Membership
The Board of Directors shall have the power to suspend a member for failure to maintain all qualifications of membership or for cause by a two-thirds vote. A member may be suspended for:
a) Unreasonable behavior in meetings (e.g., repeatedly interrupting, being loud, rude, or negative);
b) Misrepresenting LPFC;
c) Endorsing or campaigning in the name of LPFC without authorization;
d) Abuse of power;
e) Other reasonable cause.
Once suspended, a member must immediately leave the meeting. Notification of suspension shall be in writing and may be appealed in writing within fifteen (15) days. Failure to appeal results in termination of membership.
Section 4 – Appeal from a Suspended Member
Upon appeal, the Appeals Committee shall hold a hearing within fifteen (15) days. At least ten (10) days’ notice shall be provided unless an earlier date is agreed upon. After the hearing, the Appeals Committee shall decide to either terminate or reinstate the member. If the Committee fails to rule, the original decision stands.
Section 1 – Officers
The officers of LPFC shall include:
Chair:
• Presides over all meetings of LPFC and the Board of Directors.
• Acts as chief executive officer.
• Sets meeting times and locations.
• Appoints committee chairs (subject to Board approval).
• May designate another executive member to preside if both Chair and Vice Chair are
unavailable.
Vice Chair:
• Assists the Chair.
• Coordinates candidates and party activities.
• Acts as Chair in the Chair’s absence.
• Helps prepare for meetings.
Secretary:
• Records and maintains minutes of all meetings.
• Notifies members of meetings.
• Maintains the membership list.
Treasurer:
• Manages all funds under the supervision of the Chair and Board.
• Compiles quarterly financial reports (balance sheet and profit/loss statement).
• Files all required financial reports with government agencies.
LPPA Board Representative:
• Represents LPFC at Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania board meetings and conferences.
• May appoint a proxy from LPFC if unable to attend.
Section 2 – Directors
Three (3) Directors-at-Large shall be elected by a majority of the membership present at the
LPFC Annual Election.
Section 3 – Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of all Officers and Directors-at-Large. The Board controls and
manages all affairs, properties, and funds of the party consistent with these Bylaws. No member
may cast more than one vote.
Section 4 – Appeals Committee
The Appeals Committee shall consist of three (3) LPFC Voting Members, elected by the
membership at the Annual Election. This Committee is the final body of appeal for Bylaw
interpretations. Members may not serve simultaneously on the Board of Directors.
Section 5 – Suspension of an Officer or Director
Officers and Directors may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Board for failure to fulfill
their duties or for cause. The position is declared vacant unless appealed to the Appeals
Committee within ten (10) days.
Section 6 – Appeals from a Suspended Officer or Director
Upon appeal, the Appeals Committee must provide ten (10) days’ notice for a hearing (unless
agreed otherwise). The Committee shall rule within three (3) days after the hearing to either
uphold or overturn the suspension. If no ruling is made, the suspension stands.
Section 7 – Vacancies of Office
Vacancies may be filled by nomination and majority vote at a Regular Meeting. Appointees
serve for the remainder of the term. The membership may choose to leave certain positions
vacant until the term expires.
Section 8 – Qualifications
All Officers, Directors, and Appeals Committee Members must be Voting Members in good
standing. If they lose this status, they lose voting privileges until restored. No member may hold
more than one LPFC office simultaneously, except for Secretary and Treasurer, who collectively
have one vote. LPFC must maintain at least a Chair and Treasurer; other positions may remain
vacant.
Section 1 – Regular Meetings
LPFC shall hold at least one (1) Regular Meeting each [Quarter/Month] at a time and place
determined by the Chair and communicated to the Secretary, who shall notify members at least
seven (7) days in advance. Quorum is a majority of the Board of Directors, excluding vacant
positions.
Section 2 – Annual Election
LPFC shall hold its Annual Election during the [Quarter/Month] Regular Meeting to elect
Officers, Directors-at-Large, Appeals Committee Members, and vote on any proposed
amendments to the Bylaws.
Candidates for local office shall be nominated and approved by a majority vote of Voting
Members present at a meeting.
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern all procedural matters not covered by
these Bylaws.
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all Voting Members present at the
Annual Meeting. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least ten
(10) days before the meeting.
