GRNC Alert 2-15-14: Lenoir Co Put on Notice Park Ban is Illegal

Another illegal parks ban WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

GRNC President, Paul Valone has responded to Lenoir County’s proposed ban within parks by documenting how their draft ordinance will violate State Law recently enacted through GRNC-backed bills:

“Specifically, the proposed ordinance claims a county’s right to regulate weapons, including concealed handguns carried with a permit issued under Article 54B of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, not only in county owned buildings and appurtenant premises, but also in county parks.

However, in its 2011-2012 Session, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 650 (S.L. 2011-268), which restricted the ability of local governments to prohibit the lawful carry of concealed handguns in parks to a limited number of “recreational facilities.” In 2013, the legislature passed House Bill 937 (S.L. 2013-369), which further narrowed the definition of recreational facilities.

The ordinance’s claim to power to regulate concealed handguns under § 153A-121 as “detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of its citizens” is fallacious for many reasons, but foremost: Although the ordinance correctly notes that § 14-409.40(f), our statewide firearms preemption law, exempts nine statutes under which local governments may still regulate firearms, it seems blissfully unaware that § 153A-121 is not one of the nine exempted statutes.“

Read the entire letter HERE, or by going to http://grnc.org/https://grnc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/LenoirCountyFOGletter.pdf

Lenoir County is now on notice that enacting their proposed illegal ban will result in litigation that they cannot win. It is in the best interest of all North Carolinians that municipalities obey state law, but in this case Lenoir County taxpayers stand the most to lose by the action of irresponsible municipal leaders.

Lenoir’s proposed ordinances were discovered by vigilant GRNC supporters and will be voted on during the Monday, February 17 commissioner’s meeting. GRNC supporters are encouraged to attend and speak to the issue if possible.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

• Email Commissioners. Tell them to obey state law.
• If you have not already done so, CALL Commissioners. Tell them to respect the rights of citizens and to obey state law.
• Plan to attend the Commissioners’ meeting this Monday, February 17, 4 pm in the Commissioners’ meeting room, Lenoir County Courthouse, 130 S. Queen St., Kinston, NC

• Help GRNC continue to defend your rights by joining and/or donating HERE or go to: http://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/contribute

Contact Information

Call commissioners:

Linda Rouse Sutton: 252-559-0291

Roland Best: 252-527-3566

Jackie Brown: 252-527-3566

Craig Hill: 252-527-8598

Reuben J. Davis: 252-526-8979

J. Mac Daughety: 252-527-5900

Eric Rouse: 252-523-3558

Email Lenoir commissioners using the cut-and-paste list of addresses below:

lindarousesutton@gmail.com; rolandbest@embarqmail.com; jmbrown626@suddenlink.net; wchill@suddenlink.net; daviswholesaletires@gmail.com; mdaughety@gmail.com; eric@ericrouse.com; rgriffin@eastlink.net

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: “Follow state law: don’t violate rights“

Lenoir County Commissioner:

As you are aware your proposed carry bans on county property that includes parks will violate state law.

Enacting these bans will bring expensive litigation that you cannot win.

There is no reason for you to attack the rights of citizens to bear arms. You can only disarm the law-abiding. Violent criminals in Lenoir County will carry regardless of bans.

Complying with state law is as easy as not enacting bans. I urge you to take this course.

Sincerely,

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