Author: Michael Sweeney
We prefer decentralized approaches to environmental issues, empowering local communities and private initiatives to address conservation and sustainability based on local needs and preferences.
We support market mechanisms such as pollution pricing and tradable permits, encouraging innovation and efficiency in environmental conservation without government mandates.
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Calls on Governor DeWine to Respect Voter Choice and Appoint Don Kissick to U.S. Senate Seat
This decision would not only respect Ohio’s democratic process but would also strengthen the foundation of a government that truly serves its people.
NOV 07, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Calls on Governor DeWine to Respect Voter Choice and Appoint Don Kissick to U.S. Senate Seat
Columbus, Ohio – The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio is urging Governor Mike DeWine to uphold the integrity of Ohio’s democratic process by appointing Don Kissick to the vacant U.S. Senate seat. With Ohioans increasingly frustrated by political maneuvering and a lack of representation for genuine voter preferences, this appointment would honor the choice of Ohio voters and demonstrate true commitment to fair governance.
Don Kissick, a steadfast advocate for individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and smaller government, embodies the principles Ohio voters value. His dedication to liberty and his unwavering respect for the Constitution align with the priorities of many Ohioans who seek real, accountable representation. By appointing Kissick, Governor DeWine has a unique opportunity to show bipartisan respect for all Ohio constituents, including the growing number of voters who identify with neither major party but who are increasingly turning to Libertarian solutions.
While Ohio’s political landscape often feels dominated by two parties, Ohio voters have shown strong support for third-party voices, which add important perspectives to government decisions. Kissick’s appointment would serve as a meaningful gesture to restore trust in state leadership by validating the choices Ohioans make at the polls. The Franklin County Libertarian Party stands firm in its belief that true representation in government should reflect the diversity of voter perspectives, especially those who feel unheard in the current system.
The Franklin County Libertarian Party encourages Governor DeWine to act fairly and rationally by acknowledging the value of all Ohio voters and appointing Don Kissick. This decision would not only respect Ohio’s democratic process but would also strengthen the foundation of a government that truly serves its people.
Contact:
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio
Email: info@fclpo.org
Website: www.fclpo.org
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Run for Local Office!
Have you considered running for public office, but find yourself intimidated by all the rules and process?
We can help! We have experienced past candidates, and current elected officials, that can train, explain and help you through every step in the process!
If you ran for office before, consider running again, your odds actually go up on the second try!
2025 Primary Election Schedule
Primary Election Day ………………………………………………………………….. May 6, 2025
Filing Deadline (90 days)…………………………………………………. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Deadline for Write-In Candidates (72 days)* ………….. 4:00 p.m., February 24, 2025
Registration Closes (30 days)* ………………………………………………. 9:00 p.m., April 7, 2025
Absentee Opens …………………………………………………………………………………. April 8, 2025
Independent Filing Deadline (Hilliard and Reynoldsburg) …………. 4:00 p.m., May 5, 2025
* In some instances, the statutory deadline falls on a day when the offices of the Secretary of State and boards of elections are closed. In those instances, the deadlines are extended, pursuant to R.C. 1.14, to the next succeeding day when the appropriate office is open for regular business hours. The preceding dates reflect the extended deadline.
FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of Judicial FDS, Notice of Judicial Candidate Seminars,
Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Special Form 3-I (Franklin County)
Signature Requirement…………………………………………………………………Min. 50 – Max. 150
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025 Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $80.00 ($50.00 petition fee and $30.00 OEC fee) Offices to be elected:
Judge, full term commencing 1-1-2026 …………………………………………………… Jodi Thomas
Judge, full term commencing 1-2-2026 ……………………………………………… Jessica D’Varga
Judge, full term commencing 1-3-2026 ………………………………………………..James E. Green
Nominated by petition – these offices do not appear on the primary ballot.
CITY OF COLUMBUS
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt Petition: Special Columbus – Single; Columbus City Council
Signature Requirement (City Attorney, City Auditor) ……………….. Min. 1,000 – No Max.c
Signature Requirement (City Council) ……………………………………….. Min. 250 – No Max.c
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices ……………………………………………………………………………………. City Attorney (Klein)
…………………………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Kilgore)
………………………………………………………………………………………. Council District 1 (Wyche)
………………………………………………………………………………………. Council District 3 (Dorans)
………………………………………………………………………………………… Council District 4 (Remy)
………………………………………………………………………………………… Council District 7 (Favor)
Non-Partisan ballot. If no more than two candidates are certified for a contest, then no primary election will be held.
Additional Requirements:
Petitions shall contain the names and addresses of five registered electors of the City of Columbus designated in advance by the candidate as a nominating committee (committee members may reside anywhere in the city). Signers of city council petitions must be registered in the district.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form 2-V- Board of Education Primary (single candidate)
Petition: Board of Education Special (several candidates)
Signature Requirement……………………………………………………………….Min. 300 – Max. 900
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $30.00 ($10.00 petition fee and $20.00 OEC fee)
Board Member …………………………. Three Seats (six to be nominated) (Cole, Reyes, Vera)
Non-Partisan Primary Election only if there are more than twice the number of candidates as open seats. Columbus City School District candidates are required to file a financial disclosure statement.
CITY OF HILLIARD
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt Petition: Form 2-I
Signature Requirement
Major Party ……………………………………………………………………..Min. 50 – Max. 150
Minor Party ……………………………………………………………………….Min. 25 – Max. 75
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats (Carrier, Cottone, Hale, Teater)
Partisan Primary – In the event the number of candidates from a political party is less than or equal to the number of positions to be filled in the next General Election, then no primary election need be held.
City of Hilliard – INDEPENDENTS:
Petition: Form 3-N
Signature Requirement …………………………………………………………… Min. 156 – Max. 468*
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………………… 4:00 p.m., May 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee) Additional requirements per charter – No group petitions and signers of petitions are restricted to the number of offices to be voted on. Nominating Committee not required.
CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt Petition: Form 2-I
Signature Requirement
Major Party …………………. Min. 50 – Max. 150 (Ward Council Min. 25 – Max. 75)
Minor Party …………………… Min. 25 – Max. 75 (Ward Council Min. 13 – Max. 39)
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices …………………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Cicak)
……………………………………………………………………………………. Three Council-at-Large seats (Baker, Cotner, Johnson)
Partisan Primary – If the number of candidates from a political party is less than or equal to the number of positions to be filled in the next General Election, then no primary election need be held.
City of Reynoldsburg – INDEPENDENTS:
Petition: Form 3-N
Signature Requirement…………… (City Attorney, Council-at-Large) Min. 127 – Max. 381*
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………………… 4:00 p.m., May 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
* Signatures required for independent candidates in the Hilliard and Reynoldsburg municipal elections are based on 1% of the total votes for governor at the 2022 General Election.
CITY OF WHITEHALL
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: “Special – Whitehall”
Signature Requirement………………………………………………………………… Min. 30 – No Maxc
…………………………………………………………………… Ward Council Seats: Min. 15 – No Maxc
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices ………………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Quincel) ………………………………………………………………………………………….. City Council Ward Seats
(Ward 1-Dixon, Ward 2-Heck, Ward 3-Smith, Ward 4-Brown)
Non-Partisan Primary – If the number of persons filing such declaration does not exceed twice the number of offices available for nomination, then no primary election shall be held for such office. Nominating Committee not required.
VILLAGE OF BRICE charter
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form Brice Special
Signature Requirement………………………………………………………………… Min. 10 – Max. 30c
Filing Deadline……………………………………………………………….. 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2025
Filing Fee (cash or check) ………………….. $30.00 ($10.00 petition fee and $20.00 OEC fee)
Offices ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats
Non-Partisan Primary – If the number of persons filing such declaration does not exceed twice the number of offices available for nomination, then no primary election shall be held for such office. Petitions shall contain the names and addresses of five registered electors of the Village of Brice designated in advance by the candidate as a nominating committee.
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
We encourage first-timers to run for local offices in odd-numbered years. You must file a declaration of candidacy with the Franklin County Board of Elections, with completed petitions containing the number of signatures required for the office you are seeking.
Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down! Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).
Check out Election and Candidate Resources.
We can help you. Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.
Candidate and Campaign Training
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
Why run for office? Local elections are important. They affect the community and can bring about real change. Running for local roles, such as city council or school board, is a great starting point. These positions allow individuals to gain experience and learn about the political process. It is possible to build a path to bigger offices, such as state representative, state senator, or even federal positions, by starting small.
At the training, attendees will learn the basics of running for office. Topics will include the process for getting on the ballot, creating a plan for 1 or 2 year campaigns, reaching out to voters and applying Libertarian principles to public policy. Experienced speakers will share their knowledge and answer questions. It is a chance to connect with others who share a passion for making a difference in the community.
Candidate and Campaign Training
Tuesday, November 12, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Franklinton Library Meeting Room
1061 W Town St, Columbus
Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down!
Check out what elected offices are open in Franklin County for 2025.
FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT
Judge, full term commencing 1-1-2026 ………………………………… Jodi Thomas
Judge, full term commencing 1-2-2026 ………………………………… Jessica D’Varga
Judge, full term commencing 1-3-2026 …………………………………..James E. Green
CITY OF COLUMBUS
Offices …………………………………………………………………. City Attorney (Klein)
…………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Kilgore)
……………………………………………………………………………. Council District 1 (Wyche)
……………………………………………………………………………. Council District 3 (Dorans)
…………………………………………………………………………… Council District 4 (Remy)
…………………………………………………………………………… Council District 7 (Favor)
BOARD OF EDUCATION – COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board Member ………………. Three Seats (six to be nominated) (Cole, Reyes, Vera)
CITY OF HILLIARD
Offices …………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats
CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG
Offices …………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Cicak)
…………………………………………………………………………. Three Council-at-Large seats
CITY OF WHITEHALL
Offices ……………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Quincel)
….. City Council Ward Seats (Ward 1-Dixon, Ward 2-Heck, Ward 3-Smith, Ward 4-Brown)
VILLAGE OF BRICE charter
Offices ……………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats
Check out Election and Candidate Resources.
Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).
Recommended resources:
How to Win a Local Election Paperback
by Lawrence Grey
Politics Is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change Hardcover
by Eitan Hersh
Guerilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business Paperback
by Jay Conrad Levinson
Candidate and Campaign Training
Tuesday, November 12, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Franklinton Library Meeting Room
1061 W Town St, Columbus
Meet the Candidate – Eric Terford
October 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Meet the Candidate – Eric Terford
Thu Oct 3rd, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
91 Flavors Bistro
5186 East Main Street Whitehall, 43213
Eric Terford, candidate for Ohio’s District 2 Representative, invites the community to a “Meet the Candidate” event to discuss his vision for a more socially conscious, fiscally responsible government. As a machinist by trade, Eric brings a pragmatic, hands-on approach to problem-solving—something he believes is sorely needed in the legislative process.
Eric Terford is a strong advocate for individual rights and believes that government should serve the people without overreach. His platform focuses on minimizing unnecessary government intervention while promoting policies that foster personal freedom and social responsibility. Terford envisions a government that operates within its means, ensures fiscal responsibility, and prioritizes smart, efficient solutions for Ohio’s future.
The event will provide voters the opportunity to learn more about Eric’s platform, ask questions, and share their concerns. Eric Terford is committed to representing the interests of all District 2 residents, and this gathering offers a chance to connect with voters on key issues affecting the community.
Event Details: Meet the Candidate – Eric Terford for Ohio District 2 Representative
Date: October 3rd
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: 91 Flavors Bistro
5186 East Main Street Whitehall, 43213
Too Big to Fix: Let’s break up the education monopoly in Columbus
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently released their annual Ohio School Report Cards, now using “stars” instead of letter grades.
Columbus City School District was awarded 2 out of 5 stars. In 2019 CCSD got an overall D.
This has been the long term pattern, only interrupted by spurts of grade inflation and scoring fraud.
(Even changing from letters to stars cannot hide the many challenges the district faces.)
Despite being fully funded from a fresh levy and an annual budget of approximately $1.35 billion dollars, Columbus City School District struggles with low academic achievement, resource imbalances between schools, and ineffective administration. Even after spending over $17,500 per student CCSD has high student absenteeism, significant teacher turnover, and uneven implementation of educational programs that exacerbate these challenges. Bureaucratic inefficiencies prevent necessary reforms, hindering efforts to address the district’s diverse student needs. Furthermore, inequitable distribution of resources and outdated facilities continue to impact the learning environment, despite the financial resources available.
Breaking up Columbus City Schools District into four or five smaller districts presents several benefits, particularly in terms of governance, accountability, equity, and student outcomes. It can make schools better, improve how students learn, and help communities feel more connected to their local schools.
First of all, smaller districts are easier to manage. Right now, Columbus City Schools is very big, with over 46,000 students. When a district is so large, it can be difficult for the leaders to give attention to each school. By breaking the district into smaller parts, school boards can focus on the specific needs of each area. This means schools can get more help to solve their own problems quickly. Parents and teachers can also work more closely with local school leaders because they are more accessible. Allowing more localized governance ensures that decision-making is better aligned with the specific needs and priorities of individual communities.
With fewer schools to manage smaller districts can be more fair. In a big district like Columbus City Schools, some schools might have more resources, like newer facilities or better materials, while others don’t. *cough* Columbus Alternative High School *cough* When the district is split into smaller parts, each district will have its own budget. This allows leaders to make sure every school gets what it needs. This can also help students who are struggling with challenges like poverty or language barriers. Smaller districts can pay closer attention to these issues and provide better support.
Smaller districts can have an easier time encouraging excellence and competition. Without even realizing it, many times hard working teachers and staff can become discouraged when seemingly distant schools or teachers are rewarded or acknowledged for performing well. This is compounded when problems outside of their control contribute to a sense of futility. Smaller districts allow problems to be seen in local context, and success to be celebrated by the people who made it happen, not some central office distant from the effort.
While the city of Columbus can be intimidating with sprawl, our urban roadways allow swift travel from one side to the other. Rural school districts easily handle long bus rides to schools many miles from home, while urban students are bussed to the closest schools without any choice. With 4 or 5 smaller districts in the same area, families would be able to choose where to send their children, even across district lines. This would encourage smaller districts to do better to attract students and families. This means they will try to improve their programs, test scores, and school environment. When one district tries something new and it works, other districts might copy the idea, leading to more improvements for everyone. For example, one district might focus on science and technology, while another focuses on career and technical education. This variety helps meet the different needs of students.
Students, teachers, and administrators in smaller districts can also build closer relationships. In big districts, students and teachers often feel disconnected from the people making decisions. Smaller districts can make it easier for teachers and students to know each other and for students to get the support they need. This sense of community can make students feel more motivated and engaged in their schoolwork. It can also help reduce dropout rates because students feel more connected to their schools.
Teachers and staff will also benefit from working in smaller districts. Teachers can feel overwhelmed in a big district, especially if they don’t feel heard by the administration. Smaller districts can provide more opportunities for teachers to participate in professional development, collaborate with other teachers, and get the help they need to succeed in their classrooms. This can make teaching more enjoyable and improve the quality of education students receive.
Breaking up the district can also improve student performance. Smaller districts can focus more closely on improving test scores, graduation rates, and attendance. Students may get more personalized attention, and schools can try different approaches to help students succeed.
Another advantage is that smaller districts can operate more efficiently. Large school districts often have layers of bureaucracy that slow down decision-making. Smaller districts can respond faster to problems, such as fixing buildings or adjusting curriculum, because they have fewer people involved in the process. This can save money and allow more funds to go directly into the classroom rather than administrative costs.
Finally, breaking up the district can strengthen community ties. When schools serve smaller areas, parents and community members feel more connected to them. This can lead to more people getting involved in school activities, such as parent-teacher organizations, volunteer opportunities, and even school board meetings. A strong sense of community makes schools better places for students to learn and grow.
Although there are challenges to breaking up Columbus City Schools, such as figuring out how to fairly divide funding, and how parents would choose which school to send their children, the potential benefits make it an idea worth considering. We can give our hard working teachers and staff the breathing room they need to live up to the high expectations they place on themselves. By creating smaller districts, school leaders can focus on the unique needs of their communities, improve resources for all students, and help create schools where students, teachers, and parents feel more connected and engaged.
As long as Columbus City Schools are all lumped together the accomplishments of individual schools and teachers will be overshadowed by the challenges of the whole.
Resource: Ohio School Report Cards https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/043802
Source: CCS faces backlash over school consolidation despite recent levy win
https://www.myfox28columbus.com/news/local/columbus-city-schools-ohio-ccs-faces-backlash-over-building-consolidation-despite-november-2023-election-levy-win-school-funding-money-property-taxes-revenue
Govt schools in Ohio create a harmful monopoly by limiting educational choices and controlling funding, restricting competition and innovation. This reduces parents’ options for better alternatives, leading to inefficiency, unequal resource distribution, and lower overall educational quality.
Breaking up this monopoly is crucial to maximizing Ohio education and innovation.
Franklin County Libertarian Party to Host Candidate Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio
9/12/2024
Franklin County Libertarian Party to Host Candidate Forum
Columbus, OH – The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio (FCLPO) will host the Franklin County Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 17th, from 6pm to 8pm at the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Driving Park Branch in Meeting Room 3, located at 1422 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205. This event offers a candid discussion on opportunities, challenges, and policies impacting all Franklin County residents.
All candidates and elected officials are invited to participate in this forum, which encourages open dialogue on key local issues such as public safety, education, economic development, and community services. Candidates will have the opportunity to present their ideas and engage directly with residents on the most pressing concerns affecting the county.
The forum fosters an inclusive, nonpartisan environment where candidates from all political backgrounds can share their perspectives, offering transparency and accountability to the voters. Franklin County residents are encouraged to attend and hear firsthand from those running for office.
The Franklin County Candidate Forum is free and open to the public. For more information and event updates, please visit the FCLPO.org website or follow their social media channels.
All Franklin County candidates and elected are invited and welcome.
Candidates confirmed to attend:
Drake Lundstrom – Candidate for Franklin County Treasurer
John Rutan – Candidate for Franklin County Prosecutor
Brandy Seymour – Candidate for Ohio House District 9
Eric Terford – Candidate for Ohio House District 2
Event Details:
What: Franklin County Candidate Forum
When: Thursday, October 17th, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library: Driving Park Branch, Meeting Room 3
1422 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Contact:
Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio
Email: info@fclpo.org
Website: fclpo.org
For media inquiries, please contact Ken Holpp, Communications Director, info@fclpo.org
Campaign Training and Planning
September 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Franklin County Libertarians Offer Campaign Training for November Election and Beyond
Franklin County Libertarians are excited to announce a comprehensive campaign training program designed to equip candidates, volunteers, and supporters with the skills needed for success in the upcoming November election and future races. The training will cover essential aspects of campaign planning, including strategy development, voter outreach, fundraising, and digital engagement. By participating, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to run effective, grassroots campaigns that reflect Libertarian values. This initiative underscores the party’s commitment to empowering individuals to take active roles in the political process. For more information, visit Franklin County Libertarians’ website.
Contact: Franklin County Libertarians
Email: info@fclp.org
Website: www.fclpo.org
September 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join Franklin County Libertarians to cover campaign training and planning for the November election and beyond.
Whetstone Library
3909 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
We encourage first-timers to run for local offices in odd-numbered years. You must file a declaration of candidacy with the Franklin County Board of Elections, with completed petitions containing the number of signatures required for the office you are seeking.
Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down! Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).
Check out Election and Candidate Resources.
Recommended resources:
How to Win a Local Election Paperback
by Lawrence Grey
Politics Is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change Hardcover
by Eitan Hersh
Guerilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business Paperback
by Jay Conrad Levinson