Assemblyman Ron Tocci: Keeping Sound Shore Families Safe From Guns

(July 24, 2002) Assemblyman Ron Tocci today reasserted his position as a gun control advocate in response to recent accusations made by his opponent.

"Once again, my opponent is making ridiculous accusations. I am an advocate of sensible gun control laws and stand by my record of supporting several important gun control measures that were opposed by the NRA. In the past, I opposed bills - not laws - which I believed were not comprehensive enough to protect our families and neighborhoods from gun violence and stood little chance of becoming law. After years of seeing these bills go nowhere, I was proud to join Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and my Democratic colleagues in sponsoring one of the most comprehensive gun control laws in the nation. Among its many important provisions, the law (Chapter 189 of 2000) banned assault weapons, cracked down on sales at gun shows, required weapon locking devices to protect children, and placed an age restriction of 21 on licenses.

I also recognize that there is much more that can be done to protect citizens from guns. This year, I voted in favor of several gun control bills such as: · A.5363-c the "Children`s Weapon Accident Prevention Act" which requires safe weapon storage in the home and requires the commissioner of education to formulate a weapons safety program for children.

· A.854 which establishes a procedure for the suspension and revocation of a license to carry and possess a firearm if a person carries loaded firearm on person in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if a person who is so charged refuses to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug levels in blood.

· A.9255 which creates restrictions on gun retailers to prevent gun sales to criminals.

· A.10688 which requires mandatory hands-on training for all new gun permit applicants in Westchester.

I understand the legislative process in Albany and the time and effort it takes to turn bills into sensible, effective laws. My opponent again is shamefully trying to deceive voters by distorting my legislative record. I believe that my fellow Democrats are astute enough to see through his ruse and know that I have always worked hard to protect them from gun violence."

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