Minutes 03-01-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 authority to regulate concealed carry in parks? I suggest you consider revising tonight's motion to include yourselves or risk GRNC filing costly litigation to compel compliance with state law. As a group, I suppose you'll say you support the 2nd Amendment and don't want to take away anyone's rights. Show us good faith, and table this bad, unenforceable, "feel good, but do nothing", expensive, and time consuming "study recommendation" before you. Instead, deal with a more serious problem in Orange County. State Law regarding firearms possession has changed twice in the last 3 years...and your existing Orange County ordinance in the matter has not. Orange County is not compliant with State Law. "Firearms Prohibited" signage and language at Orange County parks, for example, need to be taken down. GRNC can and will sue the County if necessary to see the County comply with State law. Ask the Mayor of Asheville. This year we saw to it out State Preemption Statue was toughened to allow for our recovery of the cost to successfully litigate such matters. Rather than persist in an adversarial relationship with your citizens, I suggest you follow the examples of Pitt, Person and Wilkes counties who all just repealed such firearms restrictions in county facilities and parks, choosing to trust their citizens instead of useless "magic signs". While you're at it, Commissioners, demonstrate to your Orange County residents and visitors you really do support rights, freedoms and trust citizens by repealing your knee jerk, 20 year old prohibition on lawful firearms in all other County facilities and buildings as well. Counties across this State, including Alamance, Ashe, Cherokee, Cabarrus, Forsyth, Rowan and Union have all done so in the prior year. Today, nearly 500,000 North Carolina concealed carry permit holders have proven themselves safe, sane, and sober in their conduct...including, now, Parks, places that charge admission, places that serve alcohol, and school parking lots. Asked your, or any, Sheriff about the backlog of new applicants awaiting their concealed carry permits for the very first time. We all vote....and we "Remember in November". Commissioners, table this unnecessary study today, and instead take necessary action to comply with State Law. Show support for responsible gun rights in Orange County instead of irrational suppression of the same. Thank you. Jack Hunnell said he owns a small business off of St. Mary's Road, and lives close by. He said the agenda item has to do with firearms safety, noise violation, and the protection of 2nd Amendment rights. He said he would like to see the name of the committee reflect all of these concerns. He said he would like to understand the balance of the committee, how many members, and how they are appointed. He said he is not opposed to a Commissioner being a part of the group. He said is interested in being on the committee. Chair McKee said there is an application to participate and instructed Mr. Hunnell to speak to the Clerk. Ashley Desena seconded the remarks of the previous speakers. She said she is in agreement with the new composition of the committee, but she hopes that all members would be residents and others could be technical staff. She said she thought there were not enough regular residents involved in these types of discussions. She expressed concern about having law enforcement writing laws. She said she hoped that the committee is widely publicized in the community. She agreed that changing the committee's name is a good idea. Manford Stanfield said he strongly opposed the committee and its purpose, and existing laws are sufficient. Sara Conti said she and her husband are residents of Orange County, and have been living in the shadow of a shooting range for several years, and it is terrifying. She said she