Wayne County Members SCOPE Meeting August 8, 2020
All COVID recommendations were observed at the Marion Legion. The meeting was called to order at 7pm by the Vice Chairman. The secretary’s minutes were not available. The treasurer reported a balance forward of $ 2531.61 as of July 31, 2020.
The Chairman reported on the election of Tom Reynolds to the position of President of SCOPE and other state officers elected at the SBOD meeting held July 25. Tom Reynolds met with Tom King, President of NYSR&P and agreed that the upcoming elections in November should override all other issues. President Tom Reynolds also met with a state Senator to discuss upcoming elections.
In light of recent national events, Pennsylvania counties have been overwhelmed by concealed carry permit requests. In New Hampshire, Governor Chris Sununu has vetoed proposed “red flag” gun confiscation. In New York, Attorney General Letitia James has brought suit against the NRA.
The Supreme Court of the State of New York ruled in favor of a Rockland County petitioner. It overruled a judge’s decision that “enjoined the petitioner from applying for an unrestricted pistol permit for one year” concluding “…the licensing agent was without authority to bar the petitioner from reapplying for an unrestricted pistol permit for one year “. (see "Briefings" on the Home page for more details)
It was announced that a “Candidates Night” will be held the evening of our September 9 meeting. Candidates from the two major parties will be invited to attend. The WCS Committee will question the candidates and rate each on a scale of A to F based upon their answers. The law prescribes that as a 501C4 nonprofit organization we are unable to endorse candidates but are allowed to rate them.
NRA representative Scott Buisch reported on Letitia James’ recent efforts to target the NRA. No criminal charges have been brought against the organization and no Grand Jury has been convened despite the Attorney General’s allegations. Mr. Buisch contends the intention, rather, is to embarrass the NRA as a political opponent and to dry up the NRA’s ability to financially support pro-Second Amendment candidates. The Chairman proposed a chapter donation of $300 to the NRA and it was passed by the members present.
Dan Olsen reported on topics related to the upcoming November 3rd elections. He discussed Early Voting policies and procedures as outlined by the Wayne County Board of Elections.
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow reported on the response he received to his recent mailer outlining his rejection of various anti-gun measures proposed in Albany. He noted that the Democrat majority appears single-mindedly opposed to Constitutional safeguards regarding gun ownership. He recommended legal gun owners support like-minded candidates via letters to the Editor, campaign involvement, and voting. Greater activism by conservative gun owners will be necessary to preserve gun rights in NY.
County Clerk Mike Jankowski followed up with a discussion about gun permit numbers in Wayne County. Despite surges in other counties and states, new permit requests and addendums to permits have remained fairly consistent when compared with other years. He reminded everyone about the importance of completing the 2020 census, since population density is used to draw political boundaries for local, state, and federal elections. Federal funding for Medicare, education, transportation access, and business development is also determined by census data.
Wayne County Supervisors’ Chair Ken Miller reported on county efforts to ensure necessary voting place decorum given the coronavirus pandemic. He reiterated Assemblyman Manktelow’s recommendation that members actively support candidates who advocate for gun rights and encourage gun owners to vote.
Mike Jankowski won the 50-50 raffle and donated his winnings to the NRA.
The meeting was closed at 8:15.
NOTE: The next members meeting will be September 9 at 7 pm at the Marion Legion. Our "Candidates Night" will be the major portion of the agenda. This is your opportunity to meet several candidates running for elected office in November and listen to their answers to our questions and yours. We expect everyone who attends will leave better educated on gun rights and gun control issues. Join us and prepare yourself to vote intelligently on November 3rd.
