Preemption violation: Hazle TWP park, (Hazleton/Harleigh, PA)

[Statkowski]

schr8er2000, you are to be commended for your contribution to the gun-owning community. Public speaking, especially if done for the first time or so, can be a daunting task. You said what needed to be said, and that's the important thing. Their solicitor will be looking into it? Good! And hopefully at next month's meeting they'll amend their ordinance and/or signs.

Again, to you and Pa. Patriot attending together, commendations are in order.

[lildobe]

At Greg's request, I captured PA Patriot's appearance on the local TV station there.

As soon as I can get it transcoded, I'll upload it for yunz all to watch.

Alright, it's up! Feel free to watch it here:

http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/v/PAFOA/Hazleton/

[Pa. Patriot]

At Greg's request, I captured PA Patriot's appearance on the local TV station there.

As soon as I can get it transcoded, I'll upload it for yunz all to watch.

Thanks, as usual, dobe! I'm sitting here waiting for my capture to complete

Also, I have audio of the meeting and the interview. The segment on the TV was only a portion of the interview (as usual). So I'll FTP that asap

[lildobe]

Thanks, as usual, dobe! I'm sitting here waiting for my capture to complete

Also, I have audio of the meeting and the interview. The segment on the TV was only a portion of the interview (as usual). So I'll FTP that asap

Just shoot me a PM when it's done and I'll add it to the album ASAP

[4XLT]

hey grilla, the camera man musta been short man he made ya look taller lol

[Pa. Patriot]

Thanks Dobe!

In addition to Dobe's copy
http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/v/PAFOA/Hazleton/

I also YouTubed the interview.
I past below to save dobe the precious badwidth


Also, here is the MP3 file of the complete interview that the new clip was taken from:
http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/v/PA..._hazl.mp3.html
paopencarry server: http://paopencarry.org/hazle_interview.mp3

[lildobe]

I also YouTubed the interview.
I past below to save dobe the precious badwidth

That wasn't necessary I have more bandwidth then I know what to do with ... Literally.

Also, here is the MP3 file of the complete interview that the new clip was taken from:
lildobe server: http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/d/15...3c5b6dc3cc9659

You linked to the thumbnail image

The correct link is:
http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/v/PA..._hazl.mp3.html

[andrewjs18]

great interview, Rich...I'll have to check the park rules near my apartment to see what they list..I'll take a peek at it tomorrow and try to capture a picture if my camera has enough light.

rep sent to you PA Patriot and schr8er2000

[Pa. Patriot]

The correct link is:
http://www.lildobe.net/gallery2/v/PA..._hazl.mp3.html

And that's why we have experts like you around

[gnbrotz]

http://www.standardspeaker.com/index...=7853&Itemid=2

Hazle Twp., gun advocate clash over policy
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
By MIA LIGHT
Staff Writer

When Paul Schroeder of Hazleton took the floor to address the Hazle Township Board of Supervisors on Monday evening, he had a gun holstered on his right hip.

Schroeder is a member of the Pennsylvania Firearms Owners Association. And he believes a section of the township community park rules and regulations that prohibits the possession of firearms in the park is in violation of state law.

Schroeder said his organization recently sought to rent facilities at the township’s community park to hold a picnic for its local members.

Along with the facility rental application, Schroeder said he received a copy of the park rules and regulations, which lists requirements such as adult supervision of children, vehicle speed limits, hours of park operation, and the prohibition of hunting and possession of firearms on park property.

Schroeder said he believes the firearms prohibition violates Title 18, Chapter 61, sub-chapter A (otherwise known as The Uniform Firearms Act), specifically subsection 6120, which states: "General rule: No county, municipality or township may in any matter regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by laws of this commonwealth."

Schroeder said that every aspect of the community park fit the needs and desires of his organization for their picnic — except for the firearms prohibition.

"We are not gun slingers," Schroeder said. "We are not trying to do the wild west thing. We are just looking to protect our families. We are a group of gun owners who wanted to use the park for a family outing," Schroeder said.

Supervisor Anthony "Midge" Matz asked Schroeder if he truly felt a need to carry a firearm in the community park.

"Yes, I do, sir," Schroeder said. "I carry 24/7 if possible. For peace of mind for my wife; for peace of mind for myself."

Matz said he is not opposed to a citizen’s right to bear arms, but feels it is neither necessary nor appropriate for anyone to carry a firearm in the community park.

"I would hate to see anyone out there (at the park) with a firearm. We just had our ‘Day at the Park’ (a community recreation event) on Saturday. There were thousands of people there and there were no incidents," Matz said.

Schroeder said that carrying a firearm for personal protection is like equipping a home with a fire extinguisher in case of fire and equipping a vehicle with air bags in case of crash.

"It’s not there to scare anybody. We’re not going to wave it around," Schroeder said.

Richard Banks of Fairview Township, a member of the firearms owners association who attended the meeting with Schroeder, provided the media with a written copy of his personal position on the park regulation.

He said the question of why someone would want to carry a firearm is not the issue. The issue, he said, is that the township is violating his right to bear arms

"The preemption statute is very important to Pennsylvanians who legally carry a firearm because it removes the problem of a traveling citizen running afoul of myriad local laws prohibiting where you can and cannot carry a firearm. In other words, licensed or otherwise legal carriers of firearms in Pennsylvania can carry everyplace not prohibited by state law," Banks stated.

Board chairman William Gallagher said that no member of the board is opposed to gun ownership.

"All three of us are gun owners," Gallagher said.

But the board also expressed confidence in the appropriateness of the firearm prohibition at the park.

"I wouldn’t feel comfortable being there (at the park) with people carrying firearms," Matz said.

The board agreed to have its solicitor research the legality of the park regulation and return with a recommendation next month.

Banks said the gun owners organization will follow board action on the issue.

"We look forward to following up next month for any updates," Banks stated.

mlight@standardspeaker.com