By Misty Knisely

Flyer Staff Writer

Dan Derrick, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Hendricks County, is heading up a growing faction in the county. Emerging onto the scene in last year's election, the party continues to grow in numbers.

Derrick, a computer consultant, has worked to spread the word about the party and what it stands for. He recently sat down with the Hendricks County Flyer to discuss party activities.

Q. How is the Libertarian Party of Hendricks County preparing for the coming elections?

A. Preparations for the 2002 elections began immediately after the 2000 elections. I made a commitment to attend as many commissioner and council meetings as possible. I discuss many of the issues I learn about in those meeting with Libertarian members and anyone else who'll listen. In too many cases, people are dismayed to learn how their money is being spent and their lives are being controlled by the government. The Libertarians will continue to find people interested in running for the many offices open in 2002. As Libertarians, we will emphasize our core principles of personal freedom, individual responsibility and minimal government.

We firmly believe that as Hendricks County citizens learn about the political retreads offered each election, they'll look to the "good people with great ideas" offered by the Libertarian Party. Financially, we plan to raise over $8,000 to deliver our message in many new and interesting ways.

Q. How has the success of the last election affected the party?

A. Considering how late the Libertarians were to enter the 2000 election, we were energized by voter response. We will spend the next year exploring how Libertarian principles can work in Hendricks County. Here's just one example: County officials believe they should use tax money to gamble on the success of a steel mill (Qualitech) in the county. As we all know, the company failed. What most people do not know is that that fiscal disaster will cost the county taxpayers over $2 million a year for the next 13 years. Libertarians believe that the government has no legitimate reason to risk taxpayers' money.

Q. Is the party growing in size in the county?

A. While every organization likes to have more dues-paying members, I've been amazed at how effective we have been. The number of Libertarian Party members won't make a big difference in November 2002. The number of voters who like our "return to basics" approach to government will make the real difference (when they vote for us).

Q. What about in the state, the nation?

A. I've also had the opportunity to work with the Libertarian Party of Indiana as their research director. After working with a room full of Libertarians, I would put a committed Libertarian up against 10 "Republocrats" anytime. We have clearly expressed principles that make a tremendous difference when making and implementing decisions.

Q. Where would someone interested in the party go to find more information?

A. I am convinced that an active Hendricks County will be created by people who know what the "@" character means in daily communication. Please write me at LPHC, P.O. Box 721, Brownsburg 46112, e-mail derrick@in.net or visit our county website at www.lphc.org.

Q. What does it mean to be a Libertarian?

A. When we say "Libertarian" with the capitol "L," we are talking about being a member of the Libertarian Party. Anyone who wants to join pays $25. How much fun they want to get out of membership is up to them. I would also add that being an active member provides a great chance to learn more about how the political system works (and doesn't) and meet some very passionate, articulate people in the community. We can always use a few hundred more members in Hendricks County. When elections are held in November 2002, we hope a lot of people realize they are (small "l") libertarians and vote accordingly. If you believe in personal freedom, individual responsibility and keeping government small, you are a libertarian.

Q. You lost the bout for county commissioner last November. Do you plan to run again?

A. As it happens, my family moved to District 1 recently, which would allow me to run for commissioner again. I think I could work well with the current commissioners, Steve (Ostermeier) and Linda (Palmer). But final decisions won't be made until our Libertarian County Convention in April. We do intend to make all our announcements before the primary in May. That may help some people skip the primary since they'll already know who to vote for in the general election.

Q. You have raised concerns with county commissioners regarding the technology staff at the county. What is your biggest concern with the department?

A. Oh no, you don't want to get me started on this one. I'll try to be brief. I've been in the computer business for almost 20 years. In addition to my master's degree, I'm a Microsoft MCSE (which was tougher than getting my MA). I know of what I speak. I have spent hundreds of hours researching Hendricks County's computer system. Over $500,000 was spent in 2000 alone for a computer system that is based on 1980s technology. The county's only independent programmer made over $100,000 last year alone to maintain the Cobol programs.

Ask the auditor how many reports must be hand-compiled from four or five computer printouts. The county has been assessed penalties by the IRS because the data provided by the computer system is wrong. When changes are required to fix errors on programs created in the 1980s, the minimal bill is $2,500. Oh, yes. Did I mention that the programmer made over $100,000 last year?

I studied one vendor's invoices for over $400,000 in 2000. When asked for documentation on the work invoiced, the computer department responded that they don't keep track of it.

And ask the county prosecutor about an investigation into some self-approved cash invoices for "used computer parts."

Q. In your opinion, what is the biggest problem facing Hendricks County?

A. Two themes come out frequently during meetings and discussions. The first is that Hendricks County has grown too fast. The 2000 census shows that Hendricks is the second fastest growing county in Indiana. I believe in most cases "too fast" means that people are inconvenienced by the new structures, additional traffic congestion, and new faces everywhere. While I do believe that traffic planning has lagged behind actual development, the new planning and zoning ordinances should address this development problem.

The second problem comes from the attitude held by long-time residents of Hendricks County: The value of a person's opinion is based on how long they have lived in the county. Every time you are asked how long you have lived in Hendricks County, you are dealing with this attitude. Anyone with less than 20 years is considered a newcomer. The ultimate trump is "I was born and raised in Hendricks County." A previous commissioner publicly complained about a letter from a woman who had "only been in the county two years."

Like it or not, growth happens. This growth is a measure of success because people are interested in moving into this county. Unfortunately, our political system is mostly based on people who are life-long residents. We need "new" people now to accurately reflect the residential diversity in Hendricks County.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add?

A. Many people wanted to express support for the United States of America after the tragedy on 9/11. Some gave blood. Some made donations of food and clothing. Many made monetary contributions. I would like to suggest that another great show of support would be to attend government meetings, learn how decisions are made, and express your opinion when provided the opportunity. And above all, demonstrate your American freedom: Vote.

misty.knisely@flyergroup.com