Libertarian Party’s Vernon to Challenge Rep. Beilenson

John R. Vernon, the Libertarian Party candidate in the 23rd Congressional District, opened his campaign Friday at a news conference where he called for measures to eliminate the federal budget deficit and give voters the ability to veto congressional actions.

He also began airing radio advertisements Friday.

Vernon, 48, of Van Nuys, owns a catering business and is the Libertarian Party chairman of the San Fernando Valley region. He ran for lieutenant governor of California in 1982, winning 108,775 votes, or 1.5% of the total.

Vernon, who hopes to raise $25,000 for further radio advertising, supports the proposed balanced budget amendment, reduced spending for defense of Western Europe and Japan and a federal system of voter referendums such as exists in California. He is also proposing a “rescission amendment” to allow voters to rescind any act of Congress by a majority vote.

“We’re talking about people being able to control their own lives,” he said. The incumbent in the district, 12-year veteran Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Tarzana), is seeking reelection.