New York Gun Laws

Commentary Written by Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine    Monday, 04 May 2009 06:52 Last week, the Assembly passed a series of anti-gun bills which many of my colleagues in that house and even some in the Senate believe will reduce gun violence. However, this legislation goes too far and would have little, if any, effect on gun violence. Rather these bills would just put new and onerous restrictions on law abiding gun owners and sportsmen.
I voted against these bills when I served in the Assembly and I continue to oppose them. I’m a strong believer in second-amendment rights, as both a gun owner and a sportsman. We can never lose sight of the fact that in Upstate, especially here in Central and Northern New York, guns are part of our way of life.
We can all agree that gun violence and crimes involving guns damage our society. However, placing new and burdensome restrictions on law abiding citizens will not reduce crime. We need tough sentences for offenders, not new restrictions or back door taxes on those of us who obey the laws.
Registered gun owners are generally not joining gangs and gang members typically do not register their guns or follow the existing laws in the first place.
In the Senate, I’m working to help my colleagues recognize the importance of protecting the rights of sportsmen and all gun owners. I have also reached out to sportsmen and gun-rights advocates to include them. I want to make sure that if a case can be made for legislation to protect our communities, we make sure this legislation is sensible and effective, not an infringement on the rights of our many responsible gun owners.
With that said, it is worth noting that the spring turkey hunting season runs throughout this month. I want to wish everyone a safe and successful season. It’s a sport that is growing in popularity here in Central and Northern New York. It’s also a sport that involves a lot of youth hunters, getting up early to enjoy the hunt.

I have also heard a number of positive reports on fishing throughout the region’s many rivers and lakes in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties this year. With the nice spring weather, a lot of people are getting out on the water with their families to enjoy the sunshine and some spring time fishing. This region has so much to offer for the outdoor enthusiast, whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, or cycling.
Responsible management of our resources provides us with an asset both for all of us who live here to enjoy and as an attraction for tourists. It is important that we as New Yorkers continue to be good stewards of our environment.

District Attorney Candidate Unveils Gun Platform

Michael Appleton Richard M. Aborn is running for Manhattan district attorney.

Richard M. Aborn, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Manhattan district attorney, has recently gained some momentum. He has received endorsements from a former police commissioner, William J. Bratton, and from several elected officials, and on Monday, he released his first detailed policy paper, a five-point plan for combating gun violence in Manhattan.

The plan calls for a regional interdiction approach to gun trafficking; more gun buyback programs and a program in which parents could give the police permission to search homes for guns; a requirement that pistols sold in New York include micro-stamping technology; a five-year renewal process for handgun permits; and support for a national gun-control strategy.

Mr. Aborn will face several rivals in the September primary, notably Cyrus R. Vance Jr., a former prosecutor and a son of a former secretary of state, and Leslie Crocker Snyder, a former judge and prosecutor. Mr. Vance appears to have the support of the current district attorney, Robert M. Morgenthau, who is retiring after holding the position since 1975, and whose support could be of critical importance. Mr. Vance also has collected the endorsements of Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and of former Mayor David N. Dinkins.

Last week, Mr. Aborn announced the endorsements of Assemblyman Jonathan Bing and Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick, both of Manhattan, and of State Senator Eric Adams, of Brooklyn. Mr. Bratton, police commissioner during the early years of the Giuliani administration, is widely credited with helping to bring down the rate of violent crime.

Ms. Snyder has announced endorsements from Emily’s List, which supports women seeking elected office, and from the Detectives’ Endowment Association.