Matt Driscoll speaks for Governor in Cortland
/ Jim Kenyon
Members of the Governor's cabinet, including former Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll, made appearances throughout the state Wednesday to promote the Governor's legislative agenda.
Prior to speaking before community leaders in Cortland, Driscoll defended the gun control measures against critics who claim it tramples the second amendment and was rushed through in the dark of the night with closed door negotiations.
"How many tragedies do we have to face before we as a state take action. I'm proud the Governor did just that," Driscoll told CNY Central's Jim Kenyon.
Driscoll also was asked to respond to the idea that the public was denied the opportunity to participate in the debate.
"I don't believe that's the case. I think there's been lots of opportunity for public discussion and debate. Go to any store, people are debating the issue of gun control," says Driscoll.
As a licensed firearms dealer, Tim Nelson supports some of the provisions of the NY Safe Act, such as background checks on the private sale of guns. But the owner of Intimidator Sports in Nedrow is upset with the way the law was pushed through Albany without public hearings and going through a committee process.
"I don't feel it was handled right. Where is it going to go from here, I don't know. I don't know what our options are but I certainly wish they'd reconsider it before they did it," says Nelson.
Nelson says he's still in the dark over exactly how the new york safe act will be enforced and how it would affect his business. For instance, he says few gun manufacturers make 7 round magazines and probably would not make them just for New York State. He points out that performing background checks for ammunition sales would take him at least 30 minutes. He says the state would allow gun dealers to add $10.00 to the price of ammunition for the extra time and paperwork.
The Wall Street Journal reports that gun advocates associated with the National Rifle Association are considering a lawsuit to challenge the NY Safe Act.
