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Congressional candidates, lawmakers and law enforcement expected to attend April 19 SAFE Act forum in Gouverneur

Posted 4/9/14

GOUVERNEUR -- At least three congressional candidates, two state Assemblymen and law enforcement officials are expected to attend a SAFE Act forum on April 19. The meeting will be held from noon to 2 …

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Congressional candidates, lawmakers and law enforcement expected to attend April 19 SAFE Act forum in Gouverneur

Posted

GOUVERNEUR -- At least three congressional candidates, two state Assemblymen and law enforcement officials are expected to attend a SAFE Act forum on April 19.

The meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the VFW, 100 West Main St. Organizers emphasize it is to be an open, non-partisan discussion, and everyone is welcome.

The SAFE Act includes many provisions including banning possession of “high-capacity magazines” to 10 rounds, requiring ammunition dealers to do background checks as well as all gun sales, bans the internet sale of assault weapons, broads the definition of an “assault weapon” and created a registry for assault weapons.

Proponents of the SAFE Act say it is intended to stop criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from buying a gun by requiring universal background checks on gun purchases, increasing penalties for people who use illegal guns, mandates life in prison without parole for anyone who murders a first responder and imposes the toughest assault weapons ban in the country. According to a statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo, the law preserves the rights of hunters, sportsmen, and law-abiding gun owners. 

But opponnents say this new law unconstitutionally inhibits people's right to keep and use their guns and to buy and sell a variety of firearms.

The law was passed by the New York State Legislature on January 15, 2013, and was signed into law by Gov. Cuomo on the same day.

Organizers  are calling the forum an educational event, and say that  the gathering will address issues concerning the controversial legislation and how it affects New York State, citizens, law enforcement and businesses.

Candidates from the North Country's 21st Congressional District expected to join include Elise Stefanik, Matt Doheny, and Joe Gilbert. Democrat Aaron Woolf has told organizers he might have another event he must attend.

Republican businessman John Byrne and Lisbon farmer Russ Finley, both of whom have announced they will challenge Democrat Addie Russell for the 116th Assembly District seat, intend to be there.

Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush and Marc Butler are scheduled to attend as well.

Political candidates will be given a platform to speak at the end of the forum on the SAFE Act and issues related to it, and brieg stastements on their candidacy.

Law enforcement representatives include St. Lawrence County Undersheriff Scott Bonno, a New York State Trooper rep and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli.

Others expected to attend include second amendment and civil liberties activist and Assembly candidate Karen Bisso,  Lawrence Kring of NYS ECON, who will address sportsman club concerns, and Al Belardinelli of Sea of Visual Protest.

Rounding out speakers will be Stephen Aldstadt and Mike Mastrogiovanni of the Shooters Committee on Political Education (SCOPE NY), a New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) rep and Joe Russell, owner of Hilltop Gun Shop.

Melody Burns, popular Albany talk show host, will serve as master of ceremonies.

There will be a cannonade fire at noon commemorating the April 19, 1775 “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in Lexington, Mass.

Any candidates not contacted are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact 212-6002 or 771-1374.