This is more like it.

 

 

 

February 4, 2013

 

 

 

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx:

 

This is in response to your recent communication to our 9^th District Legislative Office in opposition to the enactment of any new gun control laws. As we share a unified office, our Delegation always strives to work cooperatively on behalf of our constituents living in Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic counties.

 

In reviewing your correspondence, we understand that while you are saddened by the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, you feel the imposition of yet further restrictions on lawful and responsible firearms owners is misguided. In support of this argument, you point out that violent crimes with firearms have declined since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004. Therefore, rather than expanding gun control laws, instead you are proposing that mental health care be strengthened and that the quality of data supporting the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NIC) be improved to help enforce gun laws already on the books.

 

Please know that our Delegation respects the Second Amendment rights of gun owners with the strong understanding that this is an important issue to a significant segment of our constituency, including you. Our Delegation actively solicits input from our constituents so that we may more effectively represent your interests. Therefore, we truly appreciate the opportunity to understand your position on the gun control issue, which has come to the legislative forefront at the both federal and state level.

 

It is important to note that any legislation enacted at the federal level would supersede state law. As you may be aware, On January 16, 2013, President Obama released the Administration’s gun violence control plan, entitled “Now Is The Time.” Key aspects of the plan include background checks, banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, making schools safer, and increasing access to mental health services.

 

As the President’s plan may guide or influence firearm proposals that are considered by Congress, we strongly urge you to contact your federal representatives so that they have the opportunity to understand your viewpoint before taking action on any legislation. Contact information for your federal representatives can be accessed online at the following the link: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies.shtml.

 

With that said, please be advised that numerous bills have been introduced in the State Legislature dealing with firearms, with topics ranging from requiring a mental health screening prior to purchasing a gun, to prohibiting the sale of ammunition over the Internet or by telephone, to declaring violence a public health crisis and recommending an expansion of mental health programs, to requiring school buildings to be equipped with emergency light and panic alarm linked to local law enforcement. Our Delegation is in the process of identifying and reviewing all measures that have been introduced pertaining to firearms in preparation for potential Committee consideration.

 

Please be advised that we have updated our constituent files to reflect your opposition to the enactment of any new gun control laws. As always, we greatly appreciate when individuals, such as you, inform us of those matters they wish addressed by their public officials. It continues to be a privilege and honor to represent the constituents of the 9^th Legislative District. We look forward to maintaining an open dialogue with you so that we may more effectively represent your interests in our capacity as public servants.

CJC/BER/DCG/js/sc

 

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Nice letter but it says NOTHING on their stance or how they would vote!