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http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/10/15/news/hz_standspeak.20081015.a.pg5.hz15_hazletwp_s1.2016144_loc.txt
http://tinyurl.com/3zxdzy
Gun rights group will picnic in peace
BY MIA LIGHT
STAFF WRITER
Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:18 AM EDT
Members of the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association attended Tuesday's regular meeting of the Hazle Township Board of Supervisors prepared to push for their right to openly carry guns at the township community park.
No push was required.
William Gallagher, supervisors chairman, told the group's spokesman that the township never tried to stop the group from picnicking in the park, and so the township's conversation on the topic is over.
Association member Paul Schroeder of Hazleton read from a two-page statement that listed case law, legislation and questions directed to the board.
He asked if the park rule that prohibits firearms is mandated by an ordinance. Solicitor Charles Pedri said it is not.
"The park rules were in place when the township took ownership of the park in 1964. They were never changed and they were never enacted by ordinance," Pedri said.
Before Schroeder resumed reading his prepared statement, Gallagher asked, "Were you ever stopped from using the park?"
Schroeder answered, "No."
"Were you ever denied permission to rent a park pavilion?" Gallagher asked.
"No," Schroeder said.
"Well then what else are you looking for? That's the end of this conversation," Gallagher said.
Schroeder asked if the park rule prohibiting firearms would be abolished. Pedri said it would not.
"The rules are there. No. They will not be changed," he said.
Schroeder and other members of the group have been attending Hazle Township public meetings since July when member Greg Rotz of Chambersburg decided against renting a park pavilion for an organizational picnic because of a park rule that prohibits firearms in the park. The pavilion rental application requires the renter to agree to abide by park rules.
The association members said the park rule is a violation of a Pennsylvania law that states that a county, municipality or township cannot regulate ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms or ammunition when legally carried or transported.
Pennsylvania law allows anyone who is not prohibited by law from owning firearms to openly carry a handgun in plain sight, with no license required. There are a few exceptions to that law.
Assistant township solicitor Dave Pedri defended the park rule, arguing that the facility is protected under another law that prohibits possession of weapons on school property.
The park is used year-round by the local school district and by child day care centers for educational and recreational purposes.
"There is no ordinance to enforce from a municipal perspective. They're looking for an issue and there is no issue," Pedri said.
Standing outside Hazle Township Commons after the meeting adjourned, Schroeder said, "Finally, we got our way. We educated the public. We educated the supervisors."
mlight@standardspeaker.com
http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/10/15/news/hz_standspeak.20081015.a.pg5.hz15_hazletwp_s1.2016144_loc.txt
http://tinyurl.com/3zxdzy
Gun rights group will picnic in peace
BY MIA LIGHT
STAFF WRITER
Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:18 AM EDT
Members of the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association attended Tuesday's regular meeting of the Hazle Township Board of Supervisors prepared to push for their right to openly carry guns at the township community park.
No push was required.
William Gallagher, supervisors chairman, told the group's spokesman that the township never tried to stop the group from picnicking in the park, and so the township's conversation on the topic is over.
Association member Paul Schroeder of Hazleton read from a two-page statement that listed case law, legislation and questions directed to the board.
He asked if the park rule that prohibits firearms is mandated by an ordinance. Solicitor Charles Pedri said it is not.
"The park rules were in place when the township took ownership of the park in 1964. They were never changed and they were never enacted by ordinance," Pedri said.
Before Schroeder resumed reading his prepared statement, Gallagher asked, "Were you ever stopped from using the park?"
Schroeder answered, "No."
"Were you ever denied permission to rent a park pavilion?" Gallagher asked.
"No," Schroeder said.
"Well then what else are you looking for? That's the end of this conversation," Gallagher said.
Schroeder asked if the park rule prohibiting firearms would be abolished. Pedri said it would not.
"The rules are there. No. They will not be changed," he said.
Schroeder and other members of the group have been attending Hazle Township public meetings since July when member Greg Rotz of Chambersburg decided against renting a park pavilion for an organizational picnic because of a park rule that prohibits firearms in the park. The pavilion rental application requires the renter to agree to abide by park rules.
The association members said the park rule is a violation of a Pennsylvania law that states that a county, municipality or township cannot regulate ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms or ammunition when legally carried or transported.
Pennsylvania law allows anyone who is not prohibited by law from owning firearms to openly carry a handgun in plain sight, with no license required. There are a few exceptions to that law.
Assistant township solicitor Dave Pedri defended the park rule, arguing that the facility is protected under another law that prohibits possession of weapons on school property.
The park is used year-round by the local school district and by child day care centers for educational and recreational purposes.
"There is no ordinance to enforce from a municipal perspective. They're looking for an issue and there is no issue," Pedri said.
Standing outside Hazle Township Commons after the meeting adjourned, Schroeder said, "Finally, we got our way. We educated the public. We educated the supervisors."
mlight@standardspeaker.com
