Celebrating 60 Years of SCOPE  by Senator Pam Helming

Representing Livingston, Ontario and Wayne Counties and the Monroe County towns of Chili, Mendon, Riga, Rush, and Wheatland

There was something truly special about SCOPE’s 60th Anniversary Banquet. You could feel the pride in the room and the unshakable commitment to freedom. For six decades, this organization has stood on the front lines defending the Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers.

It was a privilege to welcome hundreds of incredible patriots to the 54th Senate District, including President John Elwood, Chairman of the Board John Prendergast, Treasurer Tom Reynolds, and Secretary Gary Zielinski. Their leadership, along with your membership in SCOPE, continues to inspire all who value liberty.

That evening, as I stood at the podium, I saw a room packed with people who love this country. People who are proud to be Americans. And it was not lost on me that the event was held at the Palmyra VFW, an active post dedicated to our area veterans and their families.  By supporting our VFW, you were also supporting our Veterans.  As the State Senator for this area, and a member of a military family, I want you to know that meant a great deal to many of us.  

Next year, our nation will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our founders gave us the framework that made the United States the greatest nation in history. Preserving that legacy is both our right and our duty.

Here in New York, our freedoms are under constant attack.  The majority party in Albany is attempting to control everything; from how we can heat our homes and prepare our food, to what type of vehicles and school buses we can drive, to how we can protect and defend our families.  It's up to all of us to push back on these misguided policies.  The best way to do this is by voting.  Whether it's voting in local elections this year or statewide elections next year, we have to let our family and friends know the importance of choosing representatives with the values that closely align with our own.  The consequences of not showing up at the polls can be dire.... just look at the situation in NYC. 

At the end of the evening, I left the banquet knowing that SCOPE members will continue to rise to the challenge. That each and every one of you will continue your work to preserve and protect our freedoms. For that, I am hopeful and forever grateful.