Town of Nassau resolution opposing the NY SAFE act

At the Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Nassau, held on June 13, 2013, the following resolution was presented to the Town Board:

Resolution of the Town Board of the Town of Nassau

New York State Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (SAFE Act) of 2013

Resolution No. 48

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Nassau supports the protection of the rights afforded citizens under the United State Constitution and wishes to affirm support for the Second Amendment that protects the “right to keep and bear arms”; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Nassau recognizes that citizens across Rensselaer County are concerned about the escalation of gun violence in our country; and

WHEREAS, on January 15, 2013, the New York State Legislature passed a gun regulation law known as the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013, also known as the SAFE Act; and

WHEREAS, this law was passed on a “Message of Necessity”, bypassing the three-day waiting period for consideration of State legislation and preventing public debate on its content and provisions; and

WHEREAS, the public continues to learn of problems and concerns that are being brought to light subsequent to the passage of the law, including but not limited to issues relating to the safe forms of firearms for recreation, hunting and shooting, failure to appropriately exempt law enforcement officials and lack of enforcement of existing laws; and

WHEREAS, Rensselaer County’s Clerk, Frank Merola has sealed all gun permit holders information because this law also includes unfunded State mandates that cause increased paperwork, personnel time and services for county governments;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Nassau calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to perform an immediate comprehensive review and reconsideration of the provisions of the SAFE Act, to include in this review opportunities for public input and debate and to make the necessary changes to ensure that this Act protects the people of the State of New York while ensuring the legitimate rights of gun owners; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby commends Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola for his opposition to unfunded mandates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board directs the Town Clerk to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senator Kathy Marchione, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola and the Rensselaer County Legislature.

Upon motion made by Supervisor Fleming, and seconded by Councilperson Goebel, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by a majority of the members of the Town Board of the Town of Nassau at its Regular Meeting held on June 13, 2013, by roll call vote as follows:

Ronald Sears, Councilmember      No_______     Yes________ Absent/Abstain X

Lani Rafferty, Councilmember      No_______     Yes X Absent/Abstain________

Jonathan Goebel, Councilmember No_______     Yes X Absent/Abstain________

Donald Carpentier, Councilmember No_______     Yes X Absent/Abstain________

David Fleming, Supervisor          No_______     Yes X Absent/Abstain________

Date of Adoption June 13, 2013

Certification of Clerk:

Signature _________________________________ Printed Name: Sandra L. Rings

Title: Town Clerk

Passed unanimously