Resolution passed unanimously March 12th.
Councilman Orbaker presented the following Resolution and moved its adoption. It was seconded by Councilman Bixby.
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution second amendment, as well as New York State Civil Rights Law, guarantee our citizens the right to keep and bear arms; and
WHEREAS, the people of the Town of Williamson derive economic and environmental benefits from all safe forms of recreation involving firearms, including hunting and target shooting; and
WHEREAS, this legislation creates an environment in our area and across the state which is hostile to gun manufactures and those who sell and service firearms; and
WHEREAS, requiring law-abiding gun owners to verify ownership of certain types of firearms every five years, in addition to registering them on their permits, which now also must be renewed every five years, does not increase the safety of the public and is an unnecessarily burdensome to the residents of the Town of Williamson and New York State; and
WHEREAS, NY SAFE ACT fails to offer any meaningful solutions to gun violence and places increased burdens on our law abiding citizens; and
WHEREAS, the manner in which this legislation was brought forward for vote in the State Legislature is deeply disturbing to the Williamson Town Board asking for a vote in only 22 minutes rather than following the Legislatures own 3 day rule and not allowing any testimony from a variety of knowledgeable people;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Williamson Town Board add its voice in opposition along with the Wayne County Legislative Board and a number of Wayne County towns to the NY SAFE Act (Chapter1 of the Laws of 2013), and request the repeal of any legislation, including the sections within the NY SAFE ACT which infringe upon the right of the people to keep and bear arms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Williamson Town Board strongly encourages members of the New York State Legislature to hold public hearings to address the issue of gun violence in a way that will produce meaningful results; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Williamson Town Board opposes the imposition of any fees on New York State gun owners to finance the new provisions of the SAFE Act and any costs associated with the implementation of the SAFE Act must be borne by the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Town of Williamson certify and communicate this resolution to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo; US Senator Charles Schumer of New York; US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; US Congressman Daniel Maffei of New York, representing the 24th District; New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio, representing the 54th District; New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, representing 65th District; and New York State Assemblyman Robert Oaks, representing 130th District.
Roll call vote on the Resolution was as follows:
AYES: Supervisor James D. Hoffman
Councilman Gary Orbaker
Councilman Anthony Verno
Councilman Michael Bixby
Councilman Thomas D. Watson
NAYES: None
The Resolution was declared adopted.