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Jerry Snipes passed on the opportunity to speak.
Neal Galloway said he bought his property so he could practice target shooting and he
said his neighbors shoot with him. He said they do not shoot on Sundays, and he built a berm
without being told to do so. He said he teaches children responsible marksmanship and in
order to do so, one must have a place to teach. He said responsible ownership is possible and
those who are responsible need to be encouraged to pass this education along to others. He
said this discussion is happening because of the minority of people in the County that abuse
their gun privileges. He said his policy is to shoot for 1.5 hours which seems reasonable. He
said the ordinance is not necessary, is burdensome and should be rejected.
Roger Moore said he is a 33 year Orange County resident and a retired Durham police
officer. He said he has to qualify once a year for his concealed to carry. He said he only
learned about this meeting this afternoon and the County should be more effective in its
communication. He said this ordinance is more of a government overreach into the property
rights of its residents. He said the lady that spoke earlier about her dangerous neighbor does
not have an issue of target practice. He said there are certain traditions and heritages and he
moved to Orange County for these attributes; but now Orange County has surpassed Durham
County in overreaching. He said the issue about using one meeting location is a good one, with
which he agrees. He suggested the new slogan for the County: “Orange County, where you’ll
be taxed for life”.
Joe Phelps said Hillsborough is the County seat and in other counties most meetings
would occur in that location. He said he does not like the proposed ordinance. He said he has
been in real estate for 30 years and no one has asked him to sell a home because of target
shooting occurring nearby. He said rather people seek to buy properties because they will be
able to shoot. He said on the January 21 st BOCC meeting agenda, there was a place for public
hearings, but noted the phrase “no additional comments accepted”. He said the entire process,
and exactly what is being decided upon, is confusing. He said the public is not being clearly
informed.
Catherine Taylor said when she looked at the proposed ordinance, she wondered if the
North Carolina Wildlife Commission had been consulted, especially where it conflicts with their
policies. She said if this is about regulating noise or commercial sites, then the ordinance
should be rewritten to reflect this. She said this should be reflective of other noise ordinances.
She noted as trees continue to be cut down, more noise will be heard. She said she does not
support the ordinance.
Polly Dornette said she is a shooter and she suggested that training opportunities would
be taken away with this ordinance. She said she is a concealed carry permit holder, and she
needs to train. She said they bought property in Orange County in order to have land on which
to practice. She said Wake County has a great indoor practice range, and perhaps Orange
County should provide that same amenity. She said the issue with the unruly neighbor is not a
practice range issue.
Riley Ruske said he a Vietnam veteran and a resident of Orange County. He and his
family understand firearms and feel they are obliged to defend the constitution. He said this
issue was poorly publicized and is an assault on the property and constitutional rights of
Orange County citizens. He said if the BOCC adopts this ordinance a lot of law-abiding citizens
will be turned into criminals. He said if this is done, the BOCC will have failed at upholding the
constitution.
Alan Mauer asked if there was a reason that prompted the creation of this ordinance.
Chair McKee said he will speak to this question after public comment.
Alan Mauer said he has lived here his entire life. He said this is not about hunting but
rather about the right to defend himself and to train to defend himself. He said the BOCC does
not get to pick what rights are upheld. He said this issue is about a lack of understanding of