Update on proposed Westchester fees

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From WCFOA:

SUBJECT: Westchester BOL meeting of September 30, 2024

Dozens of gun owners took the time to attend the September 30, 2024 Westchester County Board of Legislators meeting, regarding the proposed clearly excessive fee increases for pistol licenses and services.

Many valid and constructive suggestions and comments were made by those in attendance. Many more were waiting to comment on the County’s WebEx electronic platform, but unfortunately it was not operating.

In view of the turnout and comments, the Board delayed any vote on the proposal and held it over to the Monday, October 7, 2024 meeting. At that time we hope that the proposal will be re-committed to the Legislation Committee for revision, and that gun owners will have input on any decisions.

Thanks to all who took the time to attend, and also those who tried to attend electronically, to affect the outcome of this proposal. Hopefully we will achieve a more fair and reasonable outcome for Westchester’s gun owners.

We will advise on the progress of the issue.

Here is a video of yesterday’s meeting. Jump to the 43 minute mark.

No Constitutional violation

On: By: admin

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said 2A advocates need to be involved with elections at all levels.

Here’s the latest reason:

“New York’s ban on body armor does not violate an individual’s constitutional right to bear arms because no such right exists, according to the attorney representing Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley. The unusual legal argument by Deputy County Attorney Robert Shoemaker was part of Doorley’s answer to a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of New York’s ban on the public sale and purchase of body armor. “There was and will be no Constitutional violation in enforcing the statute because the phrase ‘bear arms’ is a 1791-era idiom referring to military or militia service,” Shoemaker wrote. “Plaintiffs have failed to plead their involvement in a militia.” …”

Outrageous.

“… Doorley, through a spokesperson, declined comment on Shoemaker’s argument and referred questions to the county law department. A county spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages …”

There’s nothing they can say.

“… Shoemaker is an enrolled Democrat …”

I’m shocked.

“… Doorley has been a Republican since 2015 ­ she had been enrolled as a Democrat but switched parties during her bid for a second term in office. Their respective positions on gun rights was not immediately known …”

We know what their position is.

“… Doorley has previously supported pro-Second Amendment candidates for office, including the 2022 gubernatorial contender Lee Zeldin, a Republican who has an A-rating for gun rights support from the National Rifle Association. She was initially offered the role of campaign co-chair before being advised against doing so by the District Attorney’s Association of the State of New York …”

Dodged that bullet.

Newsbits

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Friday’s Newsbits:

Elections:

Jurisprudence:

Legislation:

Politics:

Notice of public hearing on firearms fees

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Public Notices

09/25/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LOCAL LAW INTRO No. 2024 – 386

Resolution No.145 – 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the County Board of Legislators on September 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., in its Legislative Chambers, 8th Floor, Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York on a proposed LOCAL LAW entitled, • A LOCAL LAW to amend the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 527 relating to fees charged for a license to carry a pistol or revolver, purchase or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle, and amend or renew such license.”

The County Board will permit in-person access to the meeting and will allow participation in the public hearing both in-person and through WebEx. To register to speak via the Board’s WebEx online teleconferencing system, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/3zq1Pky; Event number: 2431 385 4690; Event password: PublicHearing (no space). Or by calling 1-844-621-3956, access code: 2431 385 4690; Registration to speak in-person shall be available before the meeting starting at 6:15 pm. Speakers will be called in the order of registration, alternating between in-person and Webex registrations. Comments may also be submitted in writing by emailing: BOLPublicHearingComments@westchesterlegislators.com or mailing them to the Clerk of the Board of Legislators, 148 Martine Ave., 8th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Written comments must be received by September 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm.

MALIKA VANDERBERG
CLERK OF THE COUNTY
BOARD OF LEGISLATORS
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK

Dated: September 20, 2024
White Plains, New York
10597433

Newsbits

On: By: admin

Wednesday’s Newsbits:

Election:

Jurisprudence:

Legislation:

Politics:

Yvette Valdés Smith running on gun control platform

On: By: admin

The Poughkeepise Journal reports on the SD-39 race between incumbent Rob Rolison and challenger Yvette Valdés Smith:

“… Her campaign includes pledges to … passing gun safety legislation …”

Her campaign website contains this:

Yvette’s Pledge to Our Families … A Stronger Hudson Valley by: … Passing gun safety legislation to keep communities safe

And says she was endorsed by Giffords.

The choice is clear: Support Rob for re-election.

Proposed Carmel zoning plan

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The Carmel Town Council is considering a zoning master plan that includes heavy restrictions on fish and game clubs. The draft is not available online – you have to show up in person. Putnam Co. Fish & Game sent the following notice:

Public Hearing – Proposed Carmel Zoning Code Change Affecting Rod & Gun Clubs and ranges.

Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7pm at Carmel Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, NY.

Get there early! We need to pack town hall to prevent losing our ranges!

The Town of Carmel recently updated the draft zoning code.The proposed zoning code creates a category “rod and gun club” that would apply to PCFGA., Willow Wood, etc. Many of the rod and gun club restrictions are arbitrary, unreasonable and harmful.

Although the updated code says the rod and gun club provisions will apply to new clubs, it doesn’t explicitly exempt existing clubs. We want the Town Board to leave the current zoning alone or at least add the explicit exemption of existing clubs.

Councilman Erik Bottcher thinks he’s helping

On: By: admin

New bill introduced to the Clown Council, INT 1016-2024, Requires dealers in firearms, rifles, and shotguns to display a warning sign where the firearms, rifles, or shotguns are displayed or where they are transferred to the purchaser.

From the bill text:

A notice stating: “A firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, homicide, death during domestic disputes, and unintentional deaths to children, household members, and others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or depression, call the Mobile Crisis Team at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.” Such notice shall be at least 8 inches by 11 inches and printed in no less than 36-point font, and shall be unobstructed in its entirety.

The sponsor is very pleased with himself for coming up with this “new” idea:

The obvious goal is to scare would-be gun owners into not exorcising their 2A rights. It won’t work because the fact that guns are dangerous is their main selling point. Clownsticks like Bottcher refuse to accept this.