Free Dominion Political Party

11/04/2015

2015 General Election
Philadelphia Council
RESULTS

The results from the 2015 Philadelphia General Election are officially in and tabulated by the City Commissioners Office as of Tuesday evening, November 3rd
http://www.phillyelectionresults.com/Citywide_Election_Results.html

The Category of Council District 8 is recorded as follows

1) Michael Galganski, Free Dominion Party> 829 votes at 3.09%
2) Cindy Bass, Democratic Party> 26033 at 96.89%
3) Write-in> 8 votes at 0.03%

When analyzing the statistics, a few surprising conclusions can be interpreted

I. Our District 8 race competed comparably equal with a number of Republican tallies. For example and for Justice of the Supreme Court, the 3 challenging candidates docked in at 4.65, 3.27 and 3.29% respectively
II. Among other Independent tallies which averaged 0.77% [7.01 total per 9 entries], our new Party showed signs of success at a + 2.32% differential
III. As a formidable Democratic incumbent contestant also, Ms. Bass scored the highest total of registered votes among Philadelphia’s 10 Council Districts

When further reporting the Public Count of 253,831 at just 25.51%, one could speculate about why the voting population is not only largely absent, but also why Independent candidates haven’t excelled amidst the apparent void. Naturally the rationale can vary widely between individuals from simple indifference to impractical disability, however and perhaps as a testament to our current governmental model where a majority of civic responsibilities are delegated to elected representatives, it would be easy to assume that many citizens are politically content.

When noting other surveys however where voter dissatisfaction is at record-highs
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/voter-dissatisfaction-congress-near-record-high
and if seeking a dignified resolution to deeply persistent issues, I would venture that the keys to success for newer Parties can be found in leadership who can broadly convey an inspiring message while influencing modern philosophy.

To that end and despite a sizable defeat, I do believe that placing Free Dominion amongst the electoral process proffers a significant contribution for those seeking a more practical means of exercising their conscience among the civic body, hence coining Dignitarianism. While future campaigns within the Party are unknown, I would like to deeply thank everyone who participated and encouraged our efforts, particularly our staff [inc. Monica Wright, Leah Wright, Derrick Dunaway and Nanette Wilkins], friends and neighbors for a wonderfully memorable and personally rewarding experience.

Finally, commendation must be given to Ms. Bass’ political accomplishment (as I similarly made in a call to her office), whereas I trust that our Councilmember will operate with the highest public good in mind, and hopefully our civic apparatus will move in the direction of conscionable choice.

Michael Galganski
Chairperson

[Image: http://www.meyersound.com/products/lcs_series/constellation/voicelift.htm]

11/03/2015

General Election 2015
Campaign Platform
IF IN OFFICE

With the excitement of Philadelphia's General Election coming up this November 3rd, I thought to encapsulate our Campaign's positions regarding multiple issues facing District 8 and beyond. Although various candidates and members associated with the Free Dominion Party are similarly free to focus on those concerns that they believe to be most relevant, the following are points which I intend to achieve accordingly

I
Government

i. I am calling for the creation of a Virtual Compact, where adult individuals can officially choose to become a Citizen and formally join civil society. Among the associated benefits are the establishment of municipal Trusts, where citizens can choose to endow and/or freely receive from whichever public chapter they believe has subsequent value
https://freedominionpoliticalparty.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/towards-enacting-a-virtual-compact

ii. I am calling for graduated Term-limits, where Councilmanic office should be held for a maximum of 4 electoral cycles. I am additionally calling for reserving a 3rd Party appointment within Councilmanic delegation when a qualified candidate seeks political office

II
Economics

I am calling for the restoration of open currency Standards, where citizens can freely exchange durable articles (ie. gold and silver) as a means of dissolving price sufflation. Correspondingly, this would entail local-city leadership challenging federal and state policies concerning autonomous prerogative
www.michaelgalganski.com/ #!platform/c1flq

III
Philosophy

I am calling for the codification of ethical principles by which a citizenry and government may conscientiously operate, as a refined Bill of Rights. Practically this would necessitate registering Amendments to the City Charter which explicitly state that an individual's principled agency shall not be violated, and that each individual has the right to withdraw from abuse
www.michaelgalganski.com/ #!platform/c1flq

Although no one knows the future with absolute certainty, I do believe that Dignitarian ideals provide the most sound resolution to common problems faced within our governmental apparatus and acculturated republic. With the good fortune of ample talent and dedicated individuals further addressing important issues within our local communities, may the best candidates win.

Michael Galganski, Chairperson

[Image: http://sodahead.com/fun/do-you-shake-hands-with-someone-new-always-usually-sometimes-never/question-1704575]

10/24/2015

CAMPAIGN OPEN HOUSE
Alma Mater
Sunday 10/25

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Free Dominion's 1st Campaign Open House held on Sunday 10/25 @ 2p at Alma Mater at 7165 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19119
http://almamaterphiladelphia.com

Please likewise be introduced to Mr. Derrick Dunaway as Campaign Treasurer, Ms. Nanette Wilkins as Campaign Chair, Ms. Leah Wright as Phiadelphia Council 5 Candidate and Ms. Monica Wright as Party Secretary.

Despite politics often having an argumentive nature, socializing can also bring out the best in people, so come on down as we'd love to make your friendly acquaintance!

Michael Galganski
Party Chair
Philadelphia Council Candidate
District 8 2015

7165 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19119

10/10/2015

UPDATE > MEDIA APPEARANCE

Though accepting a late invitation, tune into the Armond James Show tomorrow 10/10 8-10am on Evolve Radio 24-7
http://evolveradio247.com
with additional hosts John Adams and James Williams, where we'll be talking about all things political that relate to Philadelphia's 8th Councilmanic District and beyond!

Both James and Williams ran for office this past 2015 Republican Primary
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2014/05/15/main_line_times/news/doc5374e2bb4cc67101187175.txt
http://friendsofjameswilliams.com
while Evolve Radio 24/7 is a local online resource for music, entertainment and discussion of social topics.

Michael Galganski
Party Chair

09/21/2015

THE GOOD EARTH AND GOOD WILL

The role of RCOs, or Registered Community Organizations within civic life can be very important, as demonstrated by Philadelphia’s West Central Germantown Neighborhood Association
http://www.phila.gov/CityPlanning/projectreviews/RCO%20Related/List_of_RCOs.pdf

Headed in part by Luke and Marjorie Russell, WCGN has similarly undertaken efforts to restore the grandeur of SEPTA’s Tulpehocken station with an accompanying orchard comprised of fruit trees, berried shrubs and other ecologically sound plant-life (for a glimpse of how the station appeared in its earlier history, see WCGN’s home page banner)
http://wcgnonline.org

Setting up a roster of volunteers also, I enjoyed participating the other weekend by watering various flora and vegetation with my peers, especially amidst recent drought conditions.

When likewise deliberating the virtue of choice and though voluntary contribution certainly has its merits, Dignitarian philosophy also understands the reality of due compensation for individuals, particularly when considering the value of governmental functions.

Thus I believe that Municipal Trusts can ably address and support assorted projects within the public domain, while citizens can enjoy the dignity of endowing whichever chapter has practical application, and with much more immediate effect
https://freedominionpoliticalparty.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/41

When additionally countering the criticism that individual choice per citizenry would engender administrative chaos, I wholly believe that the role of principled leadership and advocates of just causes should remain intact within a structured apparatus, while the mechanics of official stewardship can still successfully function without unethical taxation or a lack of direct allocation.

Given our recent news where ballot signatures have been legally validated as a Council Candidate for this Fall’s General election, I am excited to continue making the case for lawfully recognizing conscientious agency within the upcoming months.

Michael Galganski
Free Dominion Party Chair

[Image: although we did a spin of “American Gothic”
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/6565
with hose in hand and Luke’s trusty dog by his side, my camera-phone didn’t take so interim, I re-visited Tulpehocken station and met Jeremy and David, doing the grounds justice]

09/02/2015

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Ballot Status

It is with great excitement and pride alongside participating residents that we are able to publicly announce the confirmed status of Party Chair, Michael Galganski as a Philadelphia Council Candidate for the November 2015 General Election!

By word of Tim Dowling who serves as Supervisor at the County Board of Elections, Nomination Papers for candidates are first received with a minimum of required signatures (in our case, 970 above the specified 750). Outside of legal challenges traditionally by incumbents or associates, documents are then formally accepted and registered prima facie
http://www.philadelphiavotes.com

Despite a setback when losing fellow Free Dominion member and political candidate, Ms. Leah Wright who was challenged accordingly, thanks again to all who graciously helped (including a long-overdue to Monica Wright), and look for updates and events on how to achieve our goals of civil choice (ex. citizens directing tax dollars) with conscionable dignity (ex. freedom from prejudgmental mandates) in District 8, and beyond!

[Image: http://time.com/tag/time-section-business/page/36]

08/31/2015

POLITICAL LOWBALL
2015 Philadelphia General Election

It is with disappointment that Free Dominion must announce the withdrawal of our District 5 Council Candidate, Ms. Leah Wright from the November race
http://elections.mytimetovote.com/dates/pennsylvania.html

Ms. Wright was called to appear in the City Commissioners Hearing Room on 8/14, regarding the signature requirement of her Nomination Papers to be a candidate accordingly
http://www.philadelphiavotes.com/en/candidates-a-campaigns/nominating-petitions

It was thus discovered that Leah's birthday (25 being the minimum age requirement) falls 1 month after certification of the Fall General Election results, rather than qualifying her status as valid before official inauguration on 1/4/16
http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/consolidation-task-force/2014-01-09-philadelphiacharter.aspx

While acknowledging the responsibility of a candidate to understand legal terms and despite any miscalculation by Leah's campaign, we are very proud of her commitment and spirit. We also anticipate a bright future for Leah when pursuing originative politics.

It is worth noting that the circumstance surrounding Ms. Wright's legal challenge however, was rather odd.

Firstly Ms. Wright was formally summoned by a young man named Melvin Woodall, who allegedly lived in a Strawberry Mansion senior center
http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia/Sartain-Apartments/94627

According to our report in court from Ms. Monica Wright (Free Dominion Secretary and family relation to Leah), Mr. Woodall retained a vacant expression and denied testifying any point as advised by his lawyer, Charles Gibbs
http://greenlegalteam.com/about

When further inquiring about the apparent discrepancy between Woodall's age and presumed residence, his attorney claimed to have confused the information with a civil polling place
http://www.patransparency.org/index.php/blog/polling-place-list-for-11-5-13-election

Additional coincidence drew qualms though when Woodall's mistaken address was the same as a family relation to the Wrights, who was recently evicted after marrying his long-time girlfriend and then coming into conflict with public housing policy
http://www.pha.phila.gov/media/94912/acop_05-17-13.pdf

In a final distasteful display, the plaintiff's legal team hi-fived one another after the judge's ruling overturned the freshwoman candidate's eligibility for the 2015 ballot.

While extra details of the case remain unknown, it is our eventual estimation that Woodall was paid through channels of the incumbent, Council President Darrell Clarke, and the element of intimidation unfortunately does not seem remote (increasingly so if the 6 attending security agents is unusual in court)
http://phlcouncil.com/council-members/councilman-president-l-clarke-5th-district

If having a personal grievance from the entire incident, it is subsequently this: seated opposition is not at fault when challenging fledgling contenders on technical grounds, but at least have the courtesy and fortitude to present oneself, rather than paying supposed political operatives with public funds (stolen through taxation), who in turn bankroll attorneys to argue their case
http://citypaper.net/Meet-the-lawyer-for-high-powered-in-trouble-Philly-politicians

In sum and despite such outcome, the cause of free dominion shall continue undaunted whereas political history shows, it is far too easy to aim below the belt.

Michael Galganski
Party Chairperson

08/06/2015

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
2015 Council Election
Philadelphia Backyard Chickens

As part of this year’s Election cycle, Philadelphia Backyard Chickens has asked declared candidates for Philadelphia Council to participate within an Endorsement questionnaire intending to address various issues related to the urban homestead community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/321078164597392

Thus by past request from Community Outreach Coordinator Maureen Breen, I have responded to the organization's inquiry accordingly

1. Can you please share your position on legalizing backyard chickens in Philadelphia, bringing sustainable food to homeowners and aligning Philadelphia with over 80% of the largest U.S. cities?

2. Would you consider introducing or supporting a bill to legalize backyard chickens in Philadelphia?

{Thank you for writing regarding this most interesting political issue}

Initially being less familiar with current municipal policy (although I am a pet parrot owner), I conducted some research and discovered that keeping poultry as farm livestock is indeed generally prohibited within Philadelphia City limits [Bill 040566] https://phila.legistar.com/View.ashx? M=F&ID=2195234&GUID=D6CB2064-C7E6-4445-A691-C18B369A20C7

Being affiliated with the Free Dominion Party and its associated Dignitarian ideology, my position is in subsequent contrast (and may be distinguished from other Candidates) by several points

i) First I believe that Citizens should have the prerogative to exercise the management of their private property, as well as owning non-lethal animals such as chickens

ii) Further operating under the assumption where holding an appropriate amount of small livestock (to surrounding conditions) poses no immediate hazard to the public and that ordinary Citizens are capable of properly managing such husbandry, I am open to mitigating the current ordinance

iii) It should be mentioned however that if neighboring Citizens complain of undue noise, odor, waste, pests or other nuisance, civil Standards are in place so as to correctly maintain public health and safety, and the offending party can be litigated accordingly.

Finally on a philosophical note and despite having read several personal stories which claim that "micro-farming" might be an impractical venture within the confines of an urban society http://www.chow.com/food-news/104627/the-dark-side-of-backyard-chickens I refuse to prejudge our residents as incapable of exercising sufficient responsibility or to restrict the benefits of their conscientious efforts.

-Being further associated with Weavers Way Co-op, additional information about the Philadelphia Backyard Chickens can be found here
http://www.weaversway.coop

Michael Galganski
2015 Candidate
District 8

[Image: http://www.weaversway.coop/articles/help-legalize-city-chickens]

08/05/2015

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET AND..

August 3rd, 2015 was a proud moment in Free Dominion history as the Party's 1st 2 candidates, Michael Galganski in District 8 and Leah Wright in District 5, filed their Nomination Papers at the Philadelphia Board of Elections
http://www.philadelphiavotes.com

As mentioned prior, the occasion is also significant because it is the 1st time since the City's modern Charter where 2 '3rd Party' Council candidates are simultaneously contending Democratic/Republican established politics
https://facebook.com/FreeDominionPoliticalParty

Although word has yet to be determined by the City Commissioners on whether our petitions with 750+ signatures will be accepted for the General election on November 3rd, keep an eye out for our "Dignitarians" to tackle the issues with a fresh Platform!
https://freedominionpoliticalparty.wordpress.com
www.michaelgalganski.com

05/07/2015

Here's to an expanding movement and political momentum
http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/04/15/we-should-get-to-decide-how-the-government-spends-our-taxes/
MG
Party Chairperson

The case for letting taxpayers choose whether their money goes to schools or the police or Medicaid.

05/02/2015

PETITION TIME!
[or Nomination Papers, to be specific]

As outlined by the City Commissioner within the Philadelphia Board of Elections
http://www.philadelphiavotes.com
March 11th became the 1st day for independent Candidates in the 2015 General Election to petition for signatures towards getting on the November ballot!

Despite an initial delay releasing forms, I'm excited to have gotten the word out wherein addition to standing at various corners around the City (like Chelten/Germantown Avenues, Broad/Erie or Germantown/Highland), here's a photo with Christopher Kingsberry, whom I met at Mount Airy Day 2015
[photo]
http://www.mtairyday.org

Stipulations for independent Candidates seeking public office thus include filing “Nomination Papers”, or registered votes of confidence by citizen electors within the district that a candidate seeks to represent.

Fortunately the demands aren't too high, where 2% of the previous election's vote tally qualifies for admission (statistically here in District 8, that equals 750 signatures from the last Council-at-Large election cycle)
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/010_running_for_office/12709/political_body_nomination_papers/572625

Fortunately also, independent candidates have until August 3rd to gather signatures so if you didn't get a chance to join the Free Dominion Party, signers of my Papers can become a political party in their own right under the Election Code when achieving a sufficient percentage.

Although registration is limited to citizens within the district, all voters--regardless of their party affiliation--are eligible to sign and I hope to see you out on the streets with my pen in hand!

Michael Galganski
Free Dominion Party Chair