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To the Editor:
Albany County residents must stand up for their civil rights. They can by attending the Albany County Legislature meeting on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. (arrive at 6 p.m. to sign up to speak during the public comment period).
Fifty counties around the state have passed or are in the process of passing resolutions opposing the NY SAFE Act. Attend this meeting to demand that Albany County also stand up in defense of its constituents’ rights.
The town of Berne will address this issue on March 13, thanks to Board member Bonnie Conklin.
Please attend these meetings to let our elected representatives know where you stand. Sheriff Craig Apple stated that “people should not be concerned about the lawful gun owner,” and that is who the NY SAFE Act is targeting.
Sheriff Apple has spoken out against the seven-round magazine limit and the new, broader definition of a so-called “assault weapon.” His opposition is backed up by the New York Sheriffs’ Association as well as sheriffs’ associations all over the country.
In 2011, only five homicides were committed by rifles. Statistics show that the vast majority of homicides are committed with illegal handguns, and the NY SAFE Act does not address this problem at all.
Stand up now and be heard!
Tom Cavanagh
Berne
Editor’s note: Semi-automatic handguns with one “military characteristic” may be considered assault weapons and subject to a ban under the SAFE Act. Pistol permits will have to be recertified with the State Police every five years
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