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UT: Help stop anti-gun bureaucrats!

Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
edited December 2001 in General Discussion
UT: Help stop anti-gun bureaucrats!Sarah Thompson, M.D. 12.08.01
As as result of YOUR efforts, and those of Utah Gun Owners Alliance, we are FINALLY making some progress in reining in anti-gun bureaucrats and their illegal gun bans.As we told you earlier this week, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff issued a formal opinion stating that Gov. Leavitt's gun ban for state employees is illegal, and Gov. Leavitt is rescinding this rule. (We expect that he will try to find some other way to ban guns legally though.) Shurtleff also said that the University of Utah's gun ban is illegal, although the University has so far refused to change its illegal rule.Now the Administrative Rules Committee of the Utah legislature has announced that they will consider the various administrative rules that affect gun rights. This meeting will be held THIS TUESDAY, Dec. 11, at 9 AM in Room 305 at the State Capitol.The Administrative Rules committee is made up of members of both the House and the Senate. The committee studies administrative rules, and can recommend that the legislature "sunset" or repeal various rules. Often, just the threat that the legislature will repeal a rule is enough to get the agency in question to "voluntarily" withdraw the offensive rule. In other words, the committee cannot repeal a rule itself, but its opinion carries a lot of clout.Issues that are currently on the list for consideration include:Firearms rules for child care centers Gov. Leavitt's gun ban for state employees Dept. of Human Services firearms rules for foster parents Gun bans at mental health facilities Gun bans at youth correction facilities Bans on self-defense firearms for hunters and in game preserves. This includes a long list of rules that prohibit all firearms on game preserves unless you have a hunting permit, prohibitions on the possession of a self defense firearm for those who hunt with muzzleloaders or bows, spotlighters, and those engaging in animal pursuits. Gun bans at the POST AcademyUTGOA has also requested that the following issues be considered: The University of Utah and University Hospital gun bans Gun bans by public school districts Ban on guns at hotels and other lodging establishments Ban on guns on busesWHAT YOU MUST DO!1. If at all possible, plan to attend the meeting. Our legislators need to SEE for themselves that gun owners care about abuses by anti-gun bureaucrats.This is especially important if you are one of the people affected by these rules. In other words, if you're a public school teacher who would like to carry a firearm, or if you're a student or employee at the University or University Hospital, or if you're a bow hunter who would like to carry a pistol for self defense while hunting, etc., you need to attend this hearing.If you would like to speak at the meeting, prepare your comments in advance. Remember you probably will be given only 1-2 minutes to speak.Please dress and behave appropriately! This means business or business casual attire - no jeans, t-shirts, camo, baseball caps, etc. No cheers, booing, applause, signs, or "disruptions" are permitted in committee hearings. It is up to YOU to demonstrate to legislators that gun owners are responsible, civilized people who can be trusted with firearms.2. CALL the members of the committee between now and Tuesday, preferably over the weekend. This is especially important if your own Representative and/or Senator is on the committee, since they're much more willing to listen to constituents who can vote them in or out of office.Let them know that: a. You expect them to ATTEND the meeting and to actively support your gun rights b. You insist that the gun bans at the U., University Hospital and public schools be discussed at THIS meeting, unless they have some other plan for solving the problem c. You expect them to end ALL gun bans by administrative agencies. This include bans for state employees, bans at the U. and University Hospital, and bans on the possession of self defense firearms in game preserves and for hunters. d. If legislation is required to deal with some of these bans, you would like their personal commitment that they will sponsor the necessary legislation in 2002.Remind them that it is THEIR job as legislators to set firearms laws, not the job of unelected bureaucrats who are not accountable to anyone. It is especially offensive that these bureaucrats are "thumbing their noses" at the legislature by knowingly and willfully enforcing illegal policies. The legislature should not allow itself to be insulted and demeaned in this way.This is also extremely unjust. As ordinary citizens, we know that WE have to obey the laws that the legislature passes - whether or not we like them or agree with them. If we don't, we expect that we'll be punished for breaking the law.But the bureaucrats think they're above the law. They've been openly flouting the laws the legislature passed for six years now - ever since the concealed carry law was passed in 1995! By allowing these agencies to continue to openly break the law, the legislature is encouraging and supporting disrespect for law. This is unacceptable. You might even suggest that state agencies that can't or won't follow laws should have their budgets cut until they stop being scofflaws.Remember to be POLITE and do NOT threaten legislators! You are asking them to do something for you, and you're much more likely to be successful if you're friendly and polite. You should certainly be clear, firm and assertive, but don't be rude and obnoxious, and don't threaten!Contact information for committee members: (Area code 801 unless noted) Sen. Howard Stephenson, Co-Chair, 576-1022 (H), 972-8814 (W) Rep. David Ure, Co-Chair, 435-783-4650 (H/Fax), 435-783-2487 (W) Sen. Mike Dmitrich, 435-637-0426 (H/Fax) Sen. Mike Waddoups, 967-0225 (H), 355-1136 (W) Sen. President Al Mansell, 942-6019 (H), 567-4000 (W), 567-4151 (F) Sen. Ed Mayne, 968-7756 (H), 972-2771 (W), 972-9344 (F) Speaker Marty Stephens,731-5346 (H), 538-1930 (W), 538-1908 (F) Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire, 266-1862 (H) Rep. John Swallow, 572-8201 (H) Rep. James Gowans, 435-882-2120 (H)Remember that Marty Stephens is planning to run for governor and will need YOUR support to win, so make sure you call him.John Swallow is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. If you WILL BE in the 2nd district next year (See make sure you call him!It is also important to call the committee chairs since they control what happens at the hearing.All of them claim to be friendly to gun rights, but need some encouragement to do the right thing.With YOUR help, we can stop state agencies from abusing gun owners. It's up to you. Please plan to attend this hearing and to call as many committee members as possible.Thanks!Copyright 2001, Utah Gun Owners Alliance, Inc. and Sarah Thompson PO Box 1185 Sandy, UT 84091 801-566-1625 http://www.utgoa.org Director@utgoa.orgUT: Help stop anti-gun bureaucrats!Sarah Thompson, M.D. 12.08.01
As as result of YOUR efforts, and those of Utah Gun Owners Alliance, we are FINALLY making some progress in reining in anti-gun bureaucrats and their illegal gun bans.As we told you earlier this week, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff issued a formal opinion stating that Gov. Leavitt's gun ban for state employees is illegal, and Gov. Leavitt is rescinding this rule. (We expect that he will try to find some other way to ban guns legally though.) Shurtleff also said that the University of Utah's gun ban is illegal, although the University has so far refused to change its illegal rule.Now the Administrative Rules Committee of the Utah legislature has announced that they will consider the various administrative rules that affect gun rights. This meeting will be held THIS TUESDAY, Dec. 11, at 9 AM in Room 305 at the State Capitol.The Administrative Rules committee is made up of members of both the House and the Senate. The committee studies administrative rules, and can recommend that the legislature "sunset" or repeal various rules. Often, just the threat that the legislature will repeal a rule is enough to get the agency in question to "voluntarily" withdraw the offensive rule. In other words, the committee cannot repeal a rule itself, but its opinion carries a lot of clout.Issues that are currently on the list for consideration include:Firearms rules for child care centers Gov. Leavitt's gun ban for state employees Dept. of Human Services firearms rules for foster parents Gun bans at mental health facilities Gun bans at youth correction facilities Bans on self-defense firearms for hunters and in game preserves. This includes a long list of rules that prohibit all firearms on game preserves unless you have a hunting permit, prohibitions on the possession of a self defense firearm for those who hunt with muzzleloaders or bows, spotlighters, and those engaging in animal pursuits. Gun bans at the POST AcademyUTGOA has also requested that the following issues be considered: The University of Utah and University Hospital gun bans Gun bans by public school districts Ban on guns at hotels and other lodging establishments Ban on guns on busesWHAT YOU MUST DO!1. If at all possible, plan to attend the meeting. Our legislators need to SEE for themselves that gun owners care about abuses by anti-gun bureaucrats.This is especially important if you are one of the people affected by these rules. In other words, if you're a public school teacher who would like to carry a firearm, or if you're a student or employee at the University or University Hospital, or if you're a bow hunter who would like to carry a pistol for self defense while hunting, etc., you need to attend this hearing.If you would like to speak at the meeting, prepare your comments in advance. Remember you probably will be given only 1-2 minutes to speak.Please dress and behave appropriately! This means business or business casual attire - no jeans, t-shirts, camo, baseball caps, etc. No cheers, booing, applause, signs, or "disruptions" are permitted in committee hearings. It is up to YOU to demonstrate to legislators that gun owners are responsible, civilized people who can be trusted with firearms.2. CALL the members of the committee between now and Tuesday, preferably over the weekend. This is especially important if your own Representative and/or Senator is on the committee, since they're much more willing to listen to constituents who can vote them in or out of office.Let them know that: a. You expect them to ATTEND the meeting and to actively support your gun rights b. You insist that the gun bans at the U., University Hospital and public schools be discussed at THIS meeting, unless they have some other plan for solving the problem c. You expect them to end ALL gun bans by administrative agencies. This include bans for state employees, bans at the U. and University Hospital, and bans on the possession of self defense firearms in game preserves and for hunters. d. If legislation is required to deal with some of these bans, you would like their personal commitment that they will sponsor the necessary legislation in 2002.Remind them that it is THEIR job as legislators to set firearms laws, not the job of unelected bureaucrats who are not accountable to anyone. It is especially offensive that these bureaucrats are "thumbing their noses" at the legislature by knowingly and willfully enforcing illegal policies. The legislature should not allow itself to be insulted and demeaned in this way.This is also extremely unjust. As ordinary citizens, we know that WE have to obey the laws that the legislature passes - whether or not we like them or agree with them. If we don't, we expect that we'll be punished for breaking the law.But the bureaucrats think they're above the law. They've been openly flouting the laws the legislature passed for six years now - ever since the concealed carry law was passed in 1995! By allowing these agencies to continue to openly break the law, the legislature is encouraging and supporting disrespect for law. This is unacceptable. You might even suggest that state agencies that can't or won't follow laws should have their budgets cut until they stop being scofflaws.Remember to be POLITE and do NOT threaten legislators! You are asking them to do something for you, and you're much more likely to be successful if you're friendly and polite. You should certainly be clear, firm and assertive, but don't be rude and obnoxious, and don't threaten!Contact information for committee members: (Area code 801 unless noted) Sen. Howard Stephenson, Co-Chair, 576-1022 (H), 972-8814 (W) Rep. David Ure, Co-Chair, 435-783-4650 (H/Fax), 435-783-2487 (W) Sen. Mike Dmitrich, 435-637-0426 (H/Fax) Sen. Mike Waddoups, 967-0225 (H), 355-1136 (W) Sen. President Al Mansell, 942-6019 (H), 567-4000 (W), 567-4151 (F) Sen. Ed Mayne, 968-7756 (H), 972-2771 (W), 972-9344 (F) Speaker Marty Stephens,731-5346 (H), 538-1930 (W), 538-1908 (F) Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire, 266-1862 (H) Rep. John Swallow, 572-8201 (H) Rep. James Gowans, 435-882-2120 (H)Remember that Marty Stephens is planning to run for governor and will need YOUR support to win, so make sure you call him.John Swallow is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. If you WILL BE in the 2nd district next year (See make sure you call him!It is also important to call the committee chairs since they control what happens at the hearing.All of them claim to be friendly to gun rights, but need some encouragement to do the right thing.With YOUR help, we can stop state agencies from abusing gun owners. It's up to you. Please plan to attend this hearing and to call as many committee members as possible.Thanks!Copyright 2001, Utah Gun Owners Alliance, Inc. and Sarah Thompson PO Box 1185 Sandy, UT 84091 801-566-1625 http://www.utgoa.org Director@utgoa.org http://www.sierratimes.com/archive/files/dec/08/arut120801.htm
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