FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEN ISLAND, NY, August 5, 2011 – The Staten Island Libertarian Party (SILP) held its second annual convention last Thursday evening, August 4th, at Canlon’s Restaurant on North Railroad Avenue.
Outgoing chairman Edward Stehlin presided over the event and election of officers. Mr. Stehlin is stepping aside to focus on select constitutional projects. He will remain active within the party and serve in an advisory capacity to the executive committee.
The SILP membership cast voice votes for the 2011-2012 Board of Directors, electing Dave Narby, Chairman (Silver Lake); Danny Panzella, First Vice Chairman (Manor Heights); Richard Bier, Second Vice Chairman (Travis); Anthony Librera, Secretary (Bay Terrace); and Thomas C. Hancock, Treasurer (Eltingville). Director of Media Relations, Robert DeSio (Westerleigh), was unanimously re-elected to retain his post on the executive committee.
“I’m humbled and honored to be the new chair of the Staten Island Libertarian Party,” said Mr. Narby.  “We have made great strides in the very short time since our inception, the most notable being three 2010 ballot candidates and tripling party membership. Yet there is much, much more to do, both as a party, and as a people.”
Asked about the current political climate and continuing economic woes, Mr. Narby remains optimistic. “I sincerely feel that great change is in the works for our nation, our state, our county and borough,” he said. “I am confident that we will play a significant role in advancing the cause of Liberty, and returning to honest, Constitutional government, with sound money and finances.”
In attendance were 40 residents, including members from other metro area civic and political groups. Among the guests was Ron Moore, Chairman of the Manhattan Libertarian Party, and Mark Axinn, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of New York, who addressed the convention on the rapid growth of libertarianism in the Empire State.
Also on hand was local liberty activist Tina Downer, who delivered a presentation on the 2012 presidential campaign of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), a longtime favorite in libertarian circles. Ms. Downer is the organizer for Staten Island 4 Ron Paul 2012.
In addition, the party’s newly-minted secretary, Mr. Librera, spoke about his new campus initiative with the Young Americans for Liberty at the College of Staten Island. Many Staten Islanders and South Brooklynites will remember him from the spirited campaign he ran in the 2010 midterm election for state assembly (AD-63).

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