(VA) Stronger Gun Ban Proposed for Local Parks

Drizzt · April 18, 2002, 01:21 PM

Stronger Gun Ban Proposed for Local Parks

Two Northern Virginia park authorities are proposing to ban firearms from hundreds of local parks and recreation centers.

Current regulations already prohibit park visitors from possessing a firearm unless it's dismantled or contained within a closed case. The revised rule being considered by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority states that "no person," other than a law enforcement officer shall possess a firearm or ammunition in a park.

Violators would face up to a 250 dollar fine and immediate ejection from the park or recreation center.

The proposal is expected to face tough opposition from the National Rifle Association and could violate a new measure signed into law that strips local governments of the power to adopt rules banning firearms from local government buildings.

LonWilson · April 18, 2002, 01:28 PM

**** on Fairfax!!!

Don't they understand that they are creations of the state?

**Mike Irwin** · April 18, 2002, 01:44 PM

I'm getting REALLY sick of butting heads with my county supervisor over this and similar firearms related issues.

He's a decent individual, except when it comes to being such a ninny about firearms.

**Mike Irwin** · April 18, 2002, 01:46 PM

Drizzt,

Where did you come up with that information? I just assumed it came from the Washington (Com)Post, but I can't find it there.

Drizzt · April 18, 2002, 02:49 PM

Sorry, the report was found here .

glock glockler · April 18, 2002, 03:27 PM

What's going on with Virginia? I've always had a deep affinity for the state, which was no doubt connected to it's emphasis on freedom, but it seems to be turning left.

First, that socialist idiot Mark Warner was elected as gov. I heard he actually had zero experience in public office before the election. And next we have things like this.

Oy Vey, I think the rebel spirit needs returning.

GSB · April 18, 2002, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Two Northern Virginia park authorities are proposing to ban firearms from hundreds of local parks

Good, that'll show those darn criminals. Once those muggers and rapists realize that carrying a gun in a park is illegal... oh, wait, nevermind.

LonWilson · April 18, 2002, 04:28 PM

Quote:

First, that socialist idiot Mark Warner was elected as gov. I heard he actually had zero experience in public office before the election. And next we have things like this.

Warner actually signed the bill prohibiting them from doing this. In fact, Warner phoned the Alexandria mayor to tell her that he was signing it.

**Mike Irwin** · April 18, 2002, 05:09 PM

Hum... Considering that I carry a gun every time I go to the dog park, which is located in a county park...

I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon.

Drizzt · April 23, 2002, 02:50 PM

Gun ban proposal called a mistake

By SAM HANANEL
Journal staff writer

Nothing stirs a good debate in Virginia like a proposal to limit the right to bear arms.

More than 30 county residents attended a public hearing at Fairfax High School on Monday night to comment on a plan to ban firearms from hundreds of local parks and recreation centers in Northern Virginia.

Board members from the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority - the agencies considering the ban - sat silently as speakers presented their views. The park authorities are in the process of revising their rules and regulations for the first time in more than 20 years.

Current regulations already prohibit park visitors from possessing a firearm unless it is dismantled or contained within a closed case. The revised rules would prohibit anyone other than a law enforcement officer from possessing a firearm or ammunition in a park.

All but a handful of those speaking on Monday said the proposed ban is a big mistake.

Several opponents criticized the park agencies for ignoring a new Virginia law that prohibits local governments from adopting rules banning firearms on government property. Park officials say the law doesn't apply to them because they are not municipalities.

``To say that you're above the law, to say that you're above the rules that [localities] are [under] is untenable," said George Pettit of Fairfax County. ``And we hope the courts say so, too."

Others accused the agencies of wasting taxpayer money on a proposal they believe is doomed to fail in the courts.

``You are circumventing the state Legislature, the courts and the governor," said Daniel Paulson, also of Fairfax County. ``You seem to be rubbing their faces in manure by ignoring them."

Like more than a dozen of the speakers who oppose the ban, Bill Lawry of Woodbridge wore an orange card in his shirt pocket that read, ``Guns Save Lives." Lawry told park officials that guns offer their owners protection from violent crime.

``Please don't turn our parks into hunting grounds for human predators," he said.

``I want to be able to defend myself in Fairfax County parks," said Chris Chubb, of Falls Church.

Rudy Digiacinto of Fairfax County called the proposal ``the height of hypocrisy," noting that the regional park authority operates a shooting center at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.

The new regulations would exempt the shooting center, as well as managed deer hunts, and hunters who take disassembled weapons through a park to access the Potomac River.

A handful of county residents favoring a firearms ban said the new regulations would ensure the safety of families using the parks.

Terry Hartnett of Burke, president of the Northern Virginia chapter of the Million Mom March, said current park rules don't prevent children from opening an adult's purse or gym bag to access a gun.

``Simply put, it is just common sense that we should not allow weapons where our families and our children play," Hartnett said.

Jim Atwood of Springfield identified himself as a gun owner who supports the right to bear arms, but said he believes that right should not apply in public parks.

``My guns do not belong where people are jogging or picnicking or exercising, or where children are playing," he said.
``Parks need to be free of weapons that kill."

Besides handguns, shotguns and rifles, the regulations also would prohibit patrons from carrying pellet, BB or paintball guns. Anyone violating the rule would face a fine of up to $250 and immediate ejection from a park or recreation center. Violators also could be prevented from using park property or services in the future.

The boards of the two park authorities, which operate more than 400 parks and recreation centers on over 30,000 acres in Northern Virginia, are expected to vote on the revised regulations in June.

http://cold.jrnl.com/cfdocs/new/ffx/...fx&section=fp#

labgrade · April 23, 2002, 04:15 PM

"Terry Hartnett of Burke, president of the Northern Virginia chapter of the Million Mom March, said current park rules don't prevent children from opening an adult's purse or gym bag to access a gun."

Well, there's a rule we could probably agree on: No child shall open a bag/purse unless it's yours. (What an idiot.)

"Jim Atwood of Springfield identified himself as a gun owner who supports the right to bear arms, but said he believes that right should not apply in public parks."

Hey Sunny Jim! (knocks head like "McFly!) .... Hell. Nevermind. Y'all know what I'm gonna say anyway ...

croyance · April 23, 2002, 07:43 PM

Well, at least muggers, rapists, and murderers won't be hurriedly assembling guns before commiting a crime.
Doesn't a fanny pack constitute a closed case?

**Mike Irwin** · April 23, 2002, 07:52 PM

Yeah, but current park rules, and laws in general, prevent me from slapping the **** out of a kid who in my stuff and shouldn't be.

Go figure.

April 18, 2002, 01:21 PM	#1
Drizzt Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Going Out of My Head at a Rapid Pace..... Posts: 2,511	(VA) Stronger Gun Ban Proposed for Local Parks Stronger Gun Ban Proposed for Local Parks Two Northern Virginia park authorities are proposing to ban firearms from hundreds of local parks and recreation centers. Current regulations already prohibit park visitors from possessing a firearm unless it's dismantled or contained within a closed case. The revised rule being considered by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority states that "no person," other than a law enforcement officer shall possess a firearm or ammunition in a park. Violators would face up to a 250 dollar fine and immediate ejection from the park or recreation center. The proposal is expected to face tough opposition from the National Rifle Association and could violate a new measure signed into law that strips local governments of the power to adopt rules banning firearms from local government buildings. __________________ "That a free citizen should have to go before a committee, hat in hand, and pray for permission to bear arms - fantastic! Arm your daughter, sir, and pay no attention to petty bureaucrats." Robert Heinlein - Red Planet

April 18, 2002, 01:44 PM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 21,782	I'm getting REALLY sick of butting heads with my county supervisor over this and similar firearms related issues. He's a decent individual, except when it comes to being such a ninny about firearms. __________________ Coworkers. A convenient source of food in a post apocalyptic world.

April 18, 2002, 01:46 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 21,782	Drizzt, Where did you come up with that information? I just assumed it came from the Washington (Com)Post, but I can't find it there. __________________ Coworkers. A convenient source of food in a post apocalyptic world.

April 18, 2002, 02:49 PM	#5
Drizzt Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Going Out of My Head at a Rapid Pace..... Posts: 2,511	Sorry, the report was found here . __________________ "That a free citizen should have to go before a committee, hat in hand, and pray for permission to bear arms - fantastic! Arm your daughter, sir, and pay no attention to petty bureaucrats." Robert Heinlein - Red Planet

April 18, 2002, 05:09 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 21,782	Hum... Considering that I carry a gun every time I go to the dog park, which is located in a county park... I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon. __________________ Coworkers. A convenient source of food in a post apocalyptic world.

April 18, 2002, 01:28 PM	#2
LonWilson Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2002 Location: Aloha, Oregon Posts: 759	**** on Fairfax!!! Don't they understand that they are creations of the state?

April 18, 2002, 03:27 PM	#6
glock glockler Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2000 Location: Portsmouth, NH, USA Posts: 908	What's going on with Virginia? I've always had a deep affinity for the state, which was no doubt connected to it's emphasis on freedom, but it seems to be turning left. First, that socialist idiot Mark Warner was elected as gov. I heard he actually had zero experience in public office before the election. And next we have things like this. Oy Vey, I think the rebel spirit needs returning.

April 23, 2002, 02:50 PM	#10
Drizzt Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Going Out of My Head at a Rapid Pace..... Posts: 2,511	Gun ban proposal called a mistake By SAM HANANEL Journal staff writer Nothing stirs a good debate in Virginia like a proposal to limit the right to bear arms. More than 30 county residents attended a public hearing at Fairfax High School on Monday night to comment on a plan to ban firearms from hundreds of local parks and recreation centers in Northern Virginia. Board members from the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority - the agencies considering the ban - sat silently as speakers presented their views. The park authorities are in the process of revising their rules and regulations for the first time in more than 20 years. Current regulations already prohibit park visitors from possessing a firearm unless it is dismantled or contained within a closed case. The revised rules would prohibit anyone other than a law enforcement officer from possessing a firearm or ammunition in a park. All but a handful of those speaking on Monday said the proposed ban is a big mistake. Several opponents criticized the park agencies for ignoring a new Virginia law that prohibits local governments from adopting rules banning firearms on government property. Park officials say the law doesn't apply to them because they are not municipalities. ``To say that you're above the law, to say that you're above the rules that [localities] are [under] is untenable," said George Pettit of Fairfax County. ``And we hope the courts say so, too." Others accused the agencies of wasting taxpayer money on a proposal they believe is doomed to fail in the courts. ``You are circumventing the state Legislature, the courts and the governor," said Daniel Paulson, also of Fairfax County. ``You seem to be rubbing their faces in manure by ignoring them." Like more than a dozen of the speakers who oppose the ban, Bill Lawry of Woodbridge wore an orange card in his shirt pocket that read, ``Guns Save Lives." Lawry told park officials that guns offer their owners protection from violent crime. ``Please don't turn our parks into hunting grounds for human predators," he said. ``I want to be able to defend myself in Fairfax County parks," said Chris Chubb, of Falls Church. Rudy Digiacinto of Fairfax County called the proposal ``the height of hypocrisy," noting that the regional park authority operates a shooting center at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. The new regulations would exempt the shooting center, as well as managed deer hunts, and hunters who take disassembled weapons through a park to access the Potomac River. A handful of county residents favoring a firearms ban said the new regulations would ensure the safety of families using the parks. Terry Hartnett of Burke, president of the Northern Virginia chapter of the Million Mom March, said current park rules don't prevent children from opening an adult's purse or gym bag to access a gun. ``Simply put, it is just common sense that we should not allow weapons where our families and our children play," Hartnett said. Jim Atwood of Springfield identified himself as a gun owner who supports the right to bear arms, but said he believes that right should not apply in public parks. ``My guns do not belong where people are jogging or picnicking or exercising, or where children are playing," he said. ``Parks need to be free of weapons that kill." Besides handguns, shotguns and rifles, the regulations also would prohibit patrons from carrying pellet, BB or paintball guns. Anyone violating the rule would face a fine of up to $250 and immediate ejection from a park or recreation center. Violators also could be prevented from using park property or services in the future. The boards of the two park authorities, which operate more than 400 parks and recreation centers on over 30,000 acres in Northern Virginia, are expected to vote on the revised regulations in June. http://cold.jrnl.com/cfdocs/new/ffx/...fx&section=fp# __________________ "That a free citizen should have to go before a committee, hat in hand, and pray for permission to bear arms - fantastic! Arm your daughter, sir, and pay no attention to petty bureaucrats." Robert Heinlein - Red Planet

April 23, 2002, 04:15 PM	#11
labgrade Senior Member Emeritus Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,356	"Terry Hartnett of Burke, president of the Northern Virginia chapter of the Million Mom March, said current park rules don't prevent children from opening an adult's purse or gym bag to access a gun." Well, there's a rule we could probably agree on: No child shall open a bag/purse unless it's yours. (What an idiot.) "Jim Atwood of Springfield identified himself as a gun owner who supports the right to bear arms, but said he believes that right should not apply in public parks." Hey Sunny Jim! (knocks head like "McFly!) .... Hell. Nevermind. Y'all know what I'm gonna say anyway ...

April 23, 2002, 07:43 PM	#12
croyance Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2001 Posts: 3,604	Well, at least muggers, rapists, and murderers won't be hurriedly assembling guns before commiting a crime. Doesn't a fanny pack constitute a closed case?

April 23, 2002, 07:52 PM	#13
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 21,782	Yeah, but current park rules, and laws in general, prevent me from slapping the **** out of a kid who in my stuff and shouldn't be. Go figure. __________________ Coworkers. A convenient source of food in a post apocalyptic world.