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| What is going on in Albany |
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| Release Date: 8/11/2005 |
| Authored by: Howard O. Cushing Jr. |
Everyone should be aware of what is going on in Albany/NYC. Sheldon Silver and the Democratic Assembly is suing DEC because they refuse to provide a list of all New Yorkers who have bought hunting licenses. The NYS Conservation Council is working with DEC to block the Assembly demands. Why does Silver want this list? If you look at the list of legislation the Assembly considered this past session, it gives you a pretty good idea ... raise the legal hunting age to 18, ban all semi-auto guns, ban the so-called canned hunts, ban hunting contests, and the list goes on. Form your own opinion.... Bill Sr.
Brief history: As I notified you before, the Senate and Assembly have attempted to get the names and addresses of (specifically at this point) hunting license buyers. Please remember that this used to be available to them before the automated license system by obtaining the list of deer management (DMU) permits. We have opposed this in the past, and it is my understanding that this would not happen under the new automated system. DEC and the Council have objected to the list being given out, and at this point the Senate has backed off, but not the Assembly.
Subsequently, a lengthy document has been filed in Albany to force (by law) the DEC to release the list. DEC and the Council have objected. The Assembly has decided to pursue this, and we are now at the point where we must file an affidavit stating our opposition and why. It is my understanding that the Attorney General (whose job it is) does not want to represent DEC, so a deal to have an independent counsel has been worked out. The attorney is in New York, and I have been in contact with him. We have sent a copy of our by-laws and other information on the Council so he can better understand our function and who we represent. At this point, if we file an affidavit with the lawyer in opposition to giving out any license buyer information, it will not cost us anything (except I may have to travel to Manhattan), and it will give the case more strength.
We need the Council Board and officers to reaffirm our opposition to giving out license buyer information. It has been difficult to set up a Board meeting, so I am requesting through this communication approval of the following motion:
The New York State Conservation Council, Inc. Board of Directors is in opposition to giving out any information on license buyers to any government body or to any person or persons, business or corporation, whereby that said information could become public.
We need your approval by Wednesday, August 10, at 10 p.m., since there is only a short time to file the affidavit. You could include any reasoning why you oppose this, as well. If you have any questions, please contact me by phone at 518/674-2961 or email the Council office.
Howard O. Cushing, Jr.
President
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