Town of Benton resolution opposing the NY SAFE act

RESOLUTION NO. 13-18

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE PROCESS FOR ENACTMENT OF THE NEW YORK SECURE AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2013

WHEREAS, the enactment of the NY SAFE Act on January 15, 2013 by the NYS Legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo, although having several good points including increased criminal penalties and mental health requirements has provoked significant controversy over both the process by which it was enacted and having certain provisions contained within being viewed by many citizens that this Legislation has infringed upon their rights guaranteed to them under the second Amendment of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Governor Cuomo has proposed spending $36 million dollars in his 2013-2014 Executive budget for the implementation of the NY SAFE Act at a time when New York State taxpayers seek tax relief, as fiscal burdens being placed on local county governments for required state services costs are unsustainable, and

WHEREAS, each and every bill that comes before the New York State Legislature before any enactment deserves a fair and open discussion that supports the people’s right to know and access to information which incorporates all points of view in order to ensure that all citizens are heard and that the Legislation has its intended purpose, and in this case benefits the people of the State of New York in reducing gun violence, and

WHEREAS, it is apparent to reasonable people that this thirty-nine page bill was hastily processed, and was adopted after minimal public discussion that contains definitions and exemption flaws, as well as possible unfunded mandates on county governmental agencies; and that the legislature and Governor did not properly seek out and consider public input to the standard that we do locally for consideration of any local laws;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Benton Town Board wishes to express its concern that the normal due process for such acts was inconsistent, and any future legislation which addresses the fringes of a constitutional freedom regarding the ownership of types of guns and the sale of ammunition in the State of New York be conducted only after an open debate pursuant to which the public is allowed to participate in hearings or otherwise, and express their points of view, and that proper and applicable amendments to this act be enacted and further

RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of this Board to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Thomas O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Minority Leader Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb, Inter-County, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Thomas Reed, and to the NYS Association of Towns