Delaware board blasts gun permit plan
By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau
DELHI The Delaware County Board of Supervisors took a stand against Gov. George Pataki's plan to increase fees for pistol permit holders and gun dealers.
The governor wants pistol owners, who now hold permanent pistol licenses, to renew their licenses every five years and pay a $100 fee or more, if they own multiple guns.
According to a resolution passed unanimously by the board Wednesday, "the imposition of such changes would greatly increase fees paid for licenses and the vast majority of current pistol permit holders are honest, law-abiding taxpaying citizens.
"The imposition of such fees would be a burden to the permit holders of the County of Delaware and would Advertisement
lead to an infringement of the rights of individuals guaranteed under the Second Amendment.
"Increased fees and regulations should not be considered at a time when government should be considering cost saving measures rather than increasing taxes."
Middletown Supervisor Len Utter said, "I'm disappointed in our governor. I'm not sure if this is a measure to get more money or not, but deep down, I think it's part of a movement creeping through this country to take away our rights under the Second Amendment. I believe that they want to take our guns away from us."
Masonville Supervisor John F. Thomas said he doesn't possess a pistol permit, but he owns a collection of rifles and shotguns.
"I don't understand why people with a pistol permit have to pay a fee for their other guns when people without out a pistol permit don't have to," Thomas said. "It's nothing but a money grab."
Meredith Supervisor Frank Bachler said, "The governor missed the boat. This could lead to other groups down the road trying to take away our Second Amendment rights."
Harpersfield Supervisor James Eisel said, "I hope our legislators take a real hard look at this. What are they going to do if people don't renew their pistol permits go house to house to take our guns?"
In other business, the board authorized Clark Engineering and Surveying of New Lebanon to provide engineering services for the design, permitting and development of bid documents for the construction of a sixth cell at the Delaware County landfill in Walton.
The board authorized the county Department of Public Works to spend an amount not to exceed $48,110.
Patricia Breakey can be reached at (607) 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
