[Lnc-business] It’s almost over, my thank you’s

[Alex Merced (LNC Vice Chair)]

Regardless what happens, these next 10 or so days ends my time as Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. There’s many moments I’ve been proud spending time with many of you in awe of your hard work, determination, and achievement. There have been times where I made choices that with hindsight would’ve been different, and I’ve taken them to heart and have become wiser. With the good and the bad, I’ve made every choice considering every single one of you with care, respect and duty.

That same care I express for every single one of my fellow LNC members who’ve allowed me to see every vote from many angles and considerations which have helped me grow as a leader and as a party member.

Thank you to Nicholas Sarwark who has taught me about not just running a meeting with grace and calm, but the heavy heart one must carry when making consequential decision and how to carry that burden with grace even when the reward is sometimes just punishment. I know right now you may feel that was unappreciated, but I appreciated that about you quite a bit and a lot more.

Thank you to Caryn Ann Harlos for always being an unabashed voice for the core of party values particularly when it was most challenging to do so. Even when we disagreed you always had a persuasive case drenched in the utmost love for this party.

Thank you Tim Hagen for being one the calmest people in room always ready to catch important details we may have missed. I always enjoyed chatting with you at meetings and your kind nature.

Thank You Alicia Mattson for also passionately fighting for what you felt was in the best interest of the party and also constantly bringing thoughtful and persuasive arguments. The interplay between you a Caryn Ann always made sure every angle was explored which I appreciated and also helped me learn a lot parliamentary procedures in the process.

Thank You Joe Bishop-Henchman for being one of most professional and thoughtful people I’ve ever met. When tough decisions had to be made you were always at the center making sure things were done smart with the long game in mind, you truly are an asset.

Thank You Josh Smith, for your never ending pit of passion. Even in days when I was dismayed I could always look to your never dimming fire to reignite mine.

Thank Richard Longstreth, like Joe you have always been a key player in thinking through then long term trajectory of the party and am always thankful of detail and thoughtfulness you brought to the committee.

Thank John Phillips, you are dear friend and always someone I could talk to. Your willingness to cut through arcane pits we’d find ourselves in and straight to the reality of situation provided much needed grounding at several point.

Thank you Elizabeth Van Horn, when I first joined the LNC as the region 8 alternate you were the first person to help me figure out this new journey I was on and how to survive. Your kindness at every point has been a gift.

Thank You Whitney Bilyeu, you are amazing at making sure no consideration goes unconsidered. At almost every major vote you were able identify something of great importance that had not yet come up and that acute sense is a great asset.

Thank You Sam Goldstein, you were always someone who could just give it to me straight and give me a clear view of things. Always keeping a focus on costs and liabilities your role in a lot of big commitments was pivotal to making better choices.

Thank You Steven Nekhalia, your friendship and thoughtful and processional contributions to the committee make it clear to me why you are and deserve to be in leadership Nationally and in your State. You always focused on the right decision regardless the politics.

Thank You Dr. James Lark, you have been so kind and encouraging these last few years. You really helped gain my confidence in the role at times I’ve been overwhelmed and I always was found your style and grace a model to admire and follow.

Thank You Justin O’Donnel, just all around one of my favorite people who knows how to have fun and be super focused on what needs to be done. I started briefly as your alternate and have always looked to you as a model of the friendly but focused leader I’d like to be.

Thank You Bill Redpath, it’s hard not to draw inspiration from a legend as yourself. You certainly have moved mountains to enable the party to enjoy the ballot access it has today and like Dr. Lark always showed friendly grace and wit at meetings I hope one day I can achieve.

Thank You Jeff Hewitt, you more than anyone really helped me feel at home among titans in the party. You always looked at our greatest challenges as our greatest opportunities to overcome which is such an amazing quality. Thank you for being a friend and always making me feel like I was part of the group.

Thank you alternates and newer members, I would love to give you all individual thank yous as many of you have become close friends and strong leaders in this party. You all have never been shy to aid in the difficult decisions that had to be made and I care for you all.

It’s been an honor to be a part of this body, and maybe one day I’ll get to do so again but I didn’t want to end this term without telling you all how much I appreciate you.

Also to the staff of the LP, you are amazing and are the heart of all we do and I thank you for your work and friendship over the years.

Alex Merced
Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee/LP