In the past the Hudson Valley hosted a number of good gun shows. For a variety of reasons, over the years, the quality went down and shows became fewer and farther between.
One of the better ones was the Westchester show at the County Center. Andy Spano banned them from there when he was County Executive. Rob Astorino allowed them back after he was elected. Some complaints about the sale of militaria put them back on hold.
Now they’re back again with one set for January 21 & 22. Predictably some folks are trying to stir up trouble:
“The chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators vowed there will be a showdown on Jan. 9 over whether a gun and knife show can take place at the County Center in White Plains … “I support the Second Amendment, but it doesn’t have to be at the County Center,” BOL Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Democrat from Somers, said on Tuesday …”
The County Center is a good place due to it’s location, ample parking and proximity to Metro North.
What’s Kaplowitz’s real beef?
“… Kaplowitz accused Astorino of quietly lifting his ban on gun shows to allow the Jan. 21-22 firearms show at the County Center “in a play for Upstate support” — assuming Astorino attempts a second bid for governor. “It doesn’t play well in Westchester County,” Kaplowitz told Daily Voice …”
Pure politics. He wants to undermine a second gubernatorial bid by Astorino.
If gun shows weren’t popular in Westchester, the promoter would not have them there. They’re not a charity, they want to make money.
“… More than 3,600 people have signed this petition calling for a ban on Westchester gun shows …”
Who cares? As has been proven before, this is all the activism the antis are able to generate. They cannot get people to vote based upon the issue.
“… As a counter proposal to an outright ban, the Republican caucus is instead proposing a law that would establish gun show procedures. The bill, which would follow a model established by state Attorney General Eric T. Schiederman, would make residents “feel more secure” about gun shows by having strict requirements, the GOP caucus said in a joint statement. “We can take an important step in Westchester that will preserve the Constitutional protections of citizens while assuring the public that a proven successful procedure for the event is in place,” Republican Majority Leader John Testa said in the statement …”
Good move by Astorino and Testa (who is an NRA member) calling the antis on their BS. Bonus for working Schneiderman’s proposal into the mix as it undermines Democrats on the county board. Republicans in Albany can learn from this.
That always was the best gun show I remember (before the “safe act”). I plan to go if nothing else, to see what it will look like now. But what concerns me way more Jacob, is anticipation of an all out vendetta against us in the legislature this year as part of the scumbags collective temper tantrum over the election. Maybe bad enough to either cause the repubs to back down like “safe act”, or to break the coalition.
I don’t think that’s a concern right now. For abortion, maybe, but not guns.
I’m somewhat surprised at what is being called Schneiderman’s “rules”, surprised that they aren’t particularly draconian and make sense given state law. In reading the linked article on them, the biggest deviation from gun shows I have attended here in Texas involve the NICS checks. We don’t require an NICS check on private sales so there is no need for tracking firearms in, or out, of the show to ensure an NICS check has been made. Private sales make up no more than about 1% of firearms sold at a show and the dealers can be relied on to conduct the NICS check (and there is always the probable undercover presence of ATFE Special Agents). Firearms brought in are zip-tied to make sure they are not loaded and can’t be loaded or functioned. Law enforcement (usually moonlighting) in uniform are present, and sales on premises but outside the building are prohibited and the ban enforced.