Tuniewicz Blasts LNC, Rescinds Bequest

LNC loses two-thirds of a million dollars. Message sent to the public LNC-Business list disappears.

We are in receipt of an email from Regional Representative Mark Tuniewicz. We have confirmed from Mr. Tuniewicz that the email is authentic.

The email was transmitted to the public LNC–Business list, but contrary to normal processes has not appeared there. Mr. Tuniewicz advises us that he has no explanation for this omission.

The email follows

Subject: [lnc-business] Notice of recission
To: Todd Hagopian <treasurer@lp.org>
Cc: <lnc-business@lp.org>, LNC Board <lncboard@lp.org>

Mr. Todd Hagopian, Treasurer
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
Via email

Dear Todd,

As you may be aware, during my time as national Treasurer/CFO of the Libertarian National Committee, Inc. I established what is now known as the “Legacy Libertarian” program. This program has encouraged LP members to remember the Party in their wills or similar charitable giving plans, and as you are aware the LP continues to receive and benefit from these bequests to this day. It’s been a great, ongoing success over the last 23 years.

Back in 2000 at our national convention in Anaheim, CA, we kicked off the program at our fundraising banquet, and I seeded it with my own low six-figure commitment. As you might expect, that deposit has grown substantially over the last couple decades, roughly in line with the S&P 500 index, to about $650,000. There have been many chairs and LNC’s since then, but I’ve never felt any need to change my original commitment from 2000. My thinking has always been that leaders and areas of emphasis may change, but “my financial commitment is to the Party.” That is, until now.

It is customary for me to undertake a review of my personal estate and financial planning at the end of each calendar year. As a result of that review, it is with profound disappointment that I write to inform you of my decision to rescind the bequest in question.

I gave this matter a great deal of thought, considering my long history (since 1994) of commitment to the Party’s goals and ideals. However, recent events have forced me to re-evaluate my confidence in the LNC, Inc’s ability to continue to work effectively for liberty. Suffice to say, many of the Committee’s leaders (and, the Executive Committee’s) actions this term have eroded my trust in the organization’s ability to steward the Party’s future effectively going forward. From my perspective the national LP has been damaged/corrupted organizationally in a way from which it may never recover.

This decision is not taken lightly, and I’ve not made any similar changes to commitments made to other organizations which continue to be highly successful & effective (such as https://fee.org/ or https://ij.org/ ). Simply put, I cannot reconcile giving substantial financial support to an organization that I no longer believe can fulfill its intended purpose.

To formally implement this decision, I have instructed my attorneys here in South Dakota to amend my estate plans, ensuring that the bequest earmarked for the LNC, Inc. is rescinded effective January 1, 2024 and re-apportioned to the two organizations I mentioned. Please update your records accordingly. (And anticipating the question, I will continue my service on the LNC as part of my commitment to the 9 state chairs who elected me.)

I’ve cc’d the full Committee, as well as our public list, to ensure there is no miscommunication or “spin” about what I have done, my reasons for it, and to guarantee full transparency in this matter–something I feel has been in short supply this term. I encourage others who have made similar LP bequests to maintain them, based on your own decision-making process.

I would be remiss not to express my profound gratitude to the countless dedicated individuals within the LP who continue to work tirelessly for the causes we hold dear. My disappointment lies solely with the leadership at the helm. I sincerely hope that the Party can find a path forward that restores the trust and unity necessary for its continued success.

With best wishes,
Mark Tuniewicz
Sioux Falls, SD

Life Member, Libertarian Party
member, Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
5-time public officeholder
former board member of 5 different state affiliates
former chair, LPNH