Libertarian Party Vice Presidential candidate Art Olivier joined 15 fellow Libertarian candidates at a press conference at the Hyatt on Capital Square yesterday to discuss the party’s philosophies and sign a nine-point pledge.Olivier stopped in Columbus in an effort to increase recognition for the Libertarian Party and stress its stance on reducing the size of government. “Once we get the name recognition out there and everybody realizes that the Libertarian Party will reduce the size of the government, which two-thirds of the American people want, you’re going to see a strong movement toward the Libertarian Party,” Olivier said.Olivier further stressed the importance of “bringing the government back to the people.””At the national level what (presidential candidate) Harry Browne and I want to do is drastically reduce the size of the federal government,” Olivier said. “We want to make the federal government so small that it doesn’t need an income tax.” The Libertarian Party’s plan of reducing the size of the federal government would be implemented by limiting the government’s powers to those which are specifically outlined by Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Article One delegates the powers of Congress, which include maintaining a military, printing currency and regulation of trade.”By restricting the activities of the federal government to only what’s authorized in Article One of the Constitution we could completely fund the federal government with the tariffs and excise taxes that we’re collecting today,” Olivier said.The Libertarian platform seeks to support alternative methods of funding education, give the public the option of having their money put into Social Security or invested in private investments, decriminalize marijuana possession and end jail time for “victimless crimes,” increase personal freedom on the roadways, eliminate state income taxes, increase wages for every worker, reduce signature requirements to be a recognized political party, remove partisan considerations when establishing congressional districts, require voter approval for tax increases and end corporate welfare.Olivier joined Ohio Libertarian candidates in signing a nine-point Ohio pledge based on the platform which he called “a message of freedom, opportunity and prosperity for all Ohioans.”Olivier said the signing the pledge would “let the people of Ohio know there is only one party that is going to reduce the size of the government.”Olivier and fellow Ohio Libertarian candidates addressed the importance of young voters’ support. Olivier said youth are contributing a great deal to the campaign.Ben Wills, Libertarian candidate for the 93rd District Ohio House seat, attributes increased amount of support from young voters to their independent-minded attitudes.”The Libertarian Party appeals to young people because I think our young people are a lot more independent and free thinking,” Wills said. “They don’t want to be controlled.”Olivier congratulated the Ohio Libertarian Party on its growth and commitment to giving the party more name recognition. In 1996, Ohio had three Libertarian candidates on the ballot. This year, there are 70 Libertarians running for office in Ohio.Ralph Mullinger, an Ohio House candidate in the 4th District, said the increase in state candidates is because the Libertarians are recognized as a party on the ballot this year, making it much easier to run for office under the Libertarian banner.”I’m really impressed by the Libertarian party of Ohio,” Olivier said. “It’s become a very professional organization and with an organization like this the Libertarian party will not be ignored.”Olivier said the Libertarian party is the third largest party in the nation with over 1,400 candidates and 300 current office holders across the country.