RESOLUTION #44 2013
SUPPORT OF SECOND AMENDMENT
Supervisor Engert stated that the Councilmen and he have received several comments from residents regarding the NY SAFE Act and how it infringes on our rights. He read a letter from Councilman Wayner for the record, which stated (in part) that the actions of Governor Cuomo “to promote and sign into law the ill conceived and misnamed NYS SAFE Act, in direct contradiction to the United Stated Constitution, is all the impetus required for me to oppose his irresponsible actions”. The letter further stated “for us to stand by silently and allow this or any government to trample underfoot our Constitutional rights would be in direct contradiction to the very spirit and purpose of their sacrifices” (our servicemen and women) and urged the Board to adopt the proposed resolution requesting repeal of this unconstitutional and dangerous law.
On a motion of Councilman Dewart, seconded by Councilman Alt, the following resolution was ADOPTED
Ayes 4 Engert, Alt, Jansen, Dewart
Nays 0
WHEREAS, the right of the people to keep and bear arms is guaranteed as an individual right under the second amendment to the United States Constitution and under the Constitution of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, the right of the people to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people of the Town of Somerset, New York, and
WHEREAS, the people of the Town of Somerset, New York derive economic benefit from all safe forms of firearms recreation, hunting, and shooting conducted within Somerset using all types of firearms allowable under the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Somerset Town Board being elected to represent the people of Somerset and being duly sworn by their Oath of Office to uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate being elected by the people of the State of New York and being duly sworn by their Oath of Office to uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, legislation hastily passed by the New York Assembly and Senate and signed into law by Governor Cuomo without public hearings, infringes on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and would ban the possession and use of firearms now employed by individual citizens of the Town of Somerset for defense of life, liberty and property and would ban the possession and use of firearms now employed for safe forms of firearms recreation, hunting and shooting conducted within the Town of Somerset, New York, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Somerset Town Board believes there are many other less intrusive means available other than rash, confusing and inarticulately drafted firearms laws that would effectively control, manage and reduce violence in our society such as mental health reforms, antibullying programs for schools, enforcement of existing firearms laws to the fullest extent possible and proper psychological counseling for those in need or who request it.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Town of Somerset Town Board does call upon our NYS Legislature to repeal the NY SAFE ACT and further hereby oppose the enactment of any legislation that would infringe upon the Right of the People to keep and bear arms and consider such laws to be unconstitutional, unnecessary and beyond lawful legislative authority granted to our State representatives, as there is no documented correlation between gun control measures and crime reduction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Chris Collins, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator George Maziarz and Assemblywoman Jane Corwin.