Contact Your City Commissioners Today!
As previously reported, the Havelock Board of Commissioners has been considering passage of an unnecessarily restrictive ordinance to address the Local Park Carry provisions of House Bill 650. Their vote on November 28th resulted in passage of this ordinance by a 3 to 2 vote. Due to amendments, however, the Board must vote again on the ordinance at their December 12th meeting. It is imperative that you attend and make your opposition known to the board.
As you might recall, HB 650 removes the absolute authority of local governments when it comes to deciding if Right-to-Carry (RTC) permit holders may lawfully carry their firearms into parks under the control of these local governments. This new law, which went into effect on December 1, allows local authorities to impose some restrictions on carrying in certain parks by permittees, although it does not mandate these permissible restrictions. The ordinance currently being considered by Commissioners will unnecessarily prohibit the lawful concealed carry of firearms in parks with recreational facilities. Areas where citizens will be deprived of their right to self-defense include athletic fields and playgrounds. State law, however, still allows for lawfully concealed handguns to be stored in locked vehicles at these locations.
It is imperative that the Havelock Board of Commissioners hears your opposition to this proposed ordinance! Contact city commissioners today and tell them their decision to ignore your right to self-defense based on an arbitrary definition is unacceptable, and this ordinance should be amended to allow lawful concealed carry in ALL Parks- including ones with recreational facilities. Plan to attend the Board of Commissioners meeting at the City Hall Auditorium located at 1 Governmental Avenue in Havelock, beginning at 7:00PM on Monday, December 12. Make use of the time allotted at the beginning of the meeting for individuals to speak on any issue to express your opinion.
You can find contact information for the Havelock Board of Commissioners clicking here.