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Michigan News articles on Open carry
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cabman1
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 Posted: Fri Jun 26th, 2009 01:21 pm
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http://www.wilx.com/home/misc/49085476.html

Picnic With A Bang Save Email Print

Posted: 8:18 AM Jun 25, 2009
Last Updated: 8:18 AM Jun 25, 2009
Reporter: AP
A | A | A
Gun advocates have a bang-up idea for a picnic in Traverse City.

A group called Michigan Open Carry Inc. plans to host a gun-toting picnic at Sunset Park on Saturday.

It's part of the nonprofit's ongoing effort to promote the legal, open carry of firearms and the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Picnic attendees will walk around with pistols in hip holsters in a public park.

Not everyone is thrilled with the idea.

Virgilene Warren lives a few blocks from the park. She tells the Traverse City Record-Eagle she finds the picnic to be "a little disturbing."

Last edited on Fri Jun 26th, 2009 01:24 pm by cabman1

T Vance
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 Posted: Mon Jul 20th, 2009 04:51 am
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Last edited on Tue Jul 21st, 2009 03:04 pm by T Vance

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 Posted: Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 10:59 pm
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http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/20253681/detail.html

Pistol-Packing Picnic In Oakland CountyPicnic To Raise Awareness About Right To Carry Arms Without PermitPOSTED: Sunday, August 2, 2009UPDATED: 7:32 am EDT August 2, 2009



AP

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Organizers of a gathering in a Detroit suburb want picnickers to bring a dish to share and carry a handgun in plain view.The Sunday afternoon picnic at Seymour Lake Park in Oxford Township, about 30 miles north-northwest of Detroit, is to raise awareness of a Michigan law allowing registered gun owners to openly carry handguns without a special permit.Alcohol and shooting won't be allowed at the potluck.Members of Michigan Open Carry, said the gathering is a regular family picnic, the only difference is the people there will be armed.

Generaldet
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 Posted: Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 12:49 pm
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Articles from the Oxford Leader and the Oakland Press about the Oxford picnic.



http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230321.113121_Pistolpacking_picnic_to_promote_open_carry_right.html

http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230319.113121_Ordinances_on_gun_possession_unenforceable.html

http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230333.113121_My_Way.html


http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/07/30/news/local_news/doc4a7163282429c651394091.txt

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/08/03/news/local_news/doc4a76accceaf15965289153.txt

warlockmatized
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 Posted: Wed Aug 5th, 2009 09:15 pm
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Generaldet wrote: Articles from the Oxford Leader and the Oakland Press about the Oxford picnic.



http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230321.113121_Pistolpacking_picnic_to_promote_open_carry_right.html

http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230319.113121_Ordinances_on_gun_possession_unenforceable.html

http://www.oxfordleader.com/Articles-i-2009-07-15-230333.113121_My_Way.html


http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/07/30/news/local_news/doc4a7163282429c651394091.txt

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/08/03/news/local_news/doc4a76accceaf15965289153.txt

Last edited on Wed Aug 5th, 2009 10:08 pm by warlockmatized

Generaldet
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 Posted: Sun Aug 16th, 2009 03:41 pm
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http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/08/13/news/srv0000006105015.txt


http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/08/14/news/srv0000006114137.txt

fbuckner
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 Posted: Tue Nov 10th, 2009 12:18 am
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I really wish i could have been there saturday. Alas we had a class and I had to be there. Jason aka MiCPL told me i missed some really great info. I need to make the next one and have some good fellowship.

Last edited on Tue Nov 10th, 2009 12:19 am by fbuckner

James_Liv_Co
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 Posted: Tue Nov 17th, 2009 11:21 am
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From Livingston County Press Argus- front page today:

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20091117/NEWS01/911170308/1002/NLETTER01/Group-aims-to-spread-word-on-gun-rights?source=nletter-news


Group aims to spread word on gun


By Lisa Roose-Church • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • November 17, 2009



A Melvindale man, who openly carried a gun into Fairlane Mall in Dearborn while shopping for socks, was stopped at gunpoint by police after leaving a parking space.
An Ohio man was ordered at gunpoint to lie on the ground in July after someone called 911 to report that he was walking down the street with a handgun, which was holstered. One of the responding officers told him, "You cannot just walk down the street with a weapon."The Constitution says otherwise.
"If one chooses to carry a weapon in Michigan, one can do so without a license," Brian Jeffs, president of Michigan Open Carry Inc., said. "There's no law that says it's illegal."
Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse agreed, saying, "You're granted the right through the Constitution."
Michigan Open Carry, a nonprofit organization that promotes the lawful carrying of a handgun, recently participated in a luncheon sponsored by the Christian motorcycle club In God We Trust M/C in the hopes of educating the public about openly carrying handguns. It's a movement that has grown nationwide since 2004, Jeffs said.
However, there are numerous incidents — some of which have led to lawsuits — in which police officers and the general public misunderstand or just plain don't know about the right to carry a weapon openly.
Any law-abiding citizen of Michigan who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry that firearm in a holster in all places not explicitly exempt by law without a concealed pistol license. Those exempt places — where weapons cannot be carried — include banks, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day-care centers, hospitals and establishments under the Liquor Control Act, which would include bars and stores that sell alcohol.
A person may not, however, brandish the weapon. A Michigan attorney general opinion from 2002 states that to brandish is to "waive or flourish menacingly" or "to display ostentatiously." A person also may not openly carry a weapon in a vehicle unless that individual has a concealed pistol license.

(Article continues for two more pages: http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20091117/NEWS01/911170308/1002/NLETTER01/Group-aims-to-spread-word-on-gun-rights?source=nletter-news )



Last edited on Tue Nov 17th, 2009 11:22 am by James_Liv_Co

MichRRConductor
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 Posted: Mon Feb 1st, 2010 03:27 am
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Debate over carrying weapons in public


January 31, 2010 10:50 AM

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The debate over carrying weapons in public.  It's raged on for years with passionate voices both for and against the right to carry. 
It's been on the books for decades but a group of West Michigan residents were out in force Saturday afternoon raising awareness of the state's open carry law.
"You know they are thinking man with a gun - bad man with a gun," said Joel Fulton
Joel Fulton is co-owner of Southside Sportsman Club in Battle Creek. And he freely carries his gun by his side.  He's just one of nearly tens of thousands of Michigan residents who are taking advantage of the state's open carry law
A law that allows residents to openly carry firearms in public.  Although the law has been on the books for years more or less the general public hasn't embraced it.  That's where this group of citizens come int.
Most if not all these members are of south West Michigan open carry.  On Saturday they walked through the streets of Battle Creek with their guns in full display but this pulbic display was not meant to make people uneasy.
They say it's the exact opposite.  Still though from time to time.  The state's open carry laws do make some nervous. 
"You know police may get involved. Someone will call 9-1-1 and say there is a guy with a gun here," said Fulton.
And if that happen these folks routinely work with law enforcement on open law education and as part of that education piece many of these folks travel the state informing both police and citizens of the open carry law.


http://www.wwmt.com/articles/newschannel-1372007-battle-public.html

Last edited on Mon Feb 1st, 2010 03:28 am by MichRRConductor

lil_freak_66
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 Posted: Wed Feb 3rd, 2010 10:21 pm
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LANSING -- Quite the scene developed outside Ponderosa Steakhouse in South Lansing this past Saturday afternoon.

About seven men walked into the restaurant, packing guns -- open for all to see in holsters on their hips. A short while later, Lansing Police showed up to show the men out.


A verbal argument between the gun carriers and officers ensued, caught on camera by a bystander (the video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzPTi8heUTQ).

"The open carriers were of course not happy, because they were minding their own business, doing a lawful activity," said Tyler Hilliker, a gun rights supporter who was at Ponderosa on Saturday.

Under Michigan law, people with legally registered handguns can openly carry them in public. The men who walked into Ponderosa, in fact, were members of the Michigan Open Carry. They were holding a meeting to discuss precisely that right.

Only thing is, private property owners can refuse them.

"My analogy would be: If you come to my home, that's private property. I can decide who I want and my home and who not," said Teresa Szymanski, captain of the Lansing Police Department's South Precinct.

Officials from Michigan Open Carry say the owner of Ponderosa greed to let them hold a meeting at the restaurant. But he says he didn't expect the meeting to be held on a busy Saturday -- and certainly didn't expect the men to bring more than handguns.

"At first, we looked the other way on the handguns," said owner Dennis Holleran. "And then some gentleman shows up with an assault rifle, and that was just too far over the top."

That's when an assistant manager decided to call police. The open carriers say about 10 officers arrived on the scene and began harrassing them.

But LPD say no one was arrested and notes they're now working cooperatively with Open Carry to ensure this doesn't happen again.

"I think the taxpayers of Lansing want us to respond to gun calls. But at the same time, we need to be aware of individual rights"

Generaldet
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 Posted: Thu Mar 4th, 2010 02:26 am
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Oakland post article.

http://oaklandpostonline.com/2010/03/02/uncategorized/letter-to-the-editor-an-argument-for-campus-carry/

Michigander
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 Posted: Thu Mar 4th, 2010 04:02 pm
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Here is that article, in case they delete it as they often do after a time.


Letter to the editor: An argument for campus carry Published March 2, 2010
Written By John Roshek | Published By Katie Wolf
Comments Print This Email This Tweet This Delicious Digg This
I would like to bring to light another side of the Michigan House Bill 5474 that would allow students to lawfully carry guns on campus in order to protect themselves.
As this discussion heats up you will hear many myths and tall tales from anti-gun lobbyists. I want to set the record straight in regards to some of these myths.
Myth: “That’s what the police are for, you can’t allow students to carry guns. Think about the children!”
Fact: Police are minutes away when seconds count! Police seldom prevent crime; they merely react to it. Also, the Supreme Court has ruled that the police have no duty to protect citizens. This responsibility falls on the individual.
Myth: Drinking on campus will create an environment for gun violence.
Fact: Concealed Pistol License holders are among the most law abiding segments of society and take their rights seriously. There is no evidence to support “drunken gun fights” on campus.
Myth: Crime will increase as a result of the guns.
Fact: 15 states currently allow carry on campus and there have been no statistics to support this myth. In fact none of these schools have had any reports of gun violence including threat or suicide. Studies show that CPL holders are five times less likely to commit a crime than non-CPL holders.
There is an option currently available to students giving them the ability to protect themselves at school. Open carry of a handgun is legal for those possessing a concealed pistol license in Michigan’s pistol free zones, or as I like to call them, criminal empowerment zones. The law clearly states that a person can not carry a concealed weapon in Michigan’s pistol free zones, but the law does not prohibit from openly carrying.
All of the arguments for gun control are born of fear and conjecture not based in facts.
We preach to our youth and to our students that they are the future, “the best and brightest,” but we take away their fundamental right as an American citizen and as a Michigan resident to keep and bear arms. The only message that we are sending is, “we don’t trust you and we will pick and choose what is best for you.”
Fundamentally isn’t that the same thing that our government does to us, making us all furious that they are slowly taking away our rights?
I urge the Senate to support this bill. When faced with the facts there is no data to support the claim that lawful gun owners create more violence. Perhaps tragedies like Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois could have been avoided, or at the very least the casualties could have been severely limited if there was a law allowing students or staff members to carry a gun for self defense.
The facts are that pistol free zones are commonly referred to as criminal empowerment zones for a reason. They take away the ability for citizens to protect themselves. While it is crucial for everyone to have this fundamental right, I worry most about those taking night classes walking to their cars or to the class room. We hear of more incidents of muggings and assaults on college campuses, most recently at Oakland Community College.
Again I urge you to support and embrace all legislation that supports the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. Base your decision in facts and not the fear and conjecture of anti gun supporters.
Thank you
John Roshek
President, Michigan Open Carry, Inc
Editor’s note: Above is a letter that Roshek had planned to present to the Oakland University Senate in January, but was unable to because he is not a  member of the OU community in the sense that he is not a student, member of the faculty or staff. Roshek instead addressed the board of trustees on March 3. In speaking with editors at The Oakland Post, Roshek said he wanted to make sure the OU community had another viewpoint on the bill other than that of the official stand of OU. The Post is not suggesting students should openly carry weapons on campus. It is not allowed on this campus and there could be legal or other disciplinary actions.

Generaldet
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 Posted: Fri Mar 5th, 2010 01:50 pm
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Here is the article from the voice on the Macomb Twp. meeting.
http://www.voicenews.com/articles/2010/03/04/news/doc4b8ec9f811729513834054.txt

Gun rights group lobbies Macomb Township board

By Nicole Tuttle, Voice Reporter
Gun rights supporters are calling on Macomb Township to reconsider a local law banning guns in parks and other public places.

On Feb. 24 supporters and members of Michigan Open Carry Inc., a firearms-rights group, requested that the township board re-examine ordinances which they said violated state laws. John Roshek, the president of Michigan Open Carry, said that the matter related to last summer, when the group held a picnic in the township.

"I would like to just put it on the record that the city did go back on its word from the August edition of The Macomb Daily when they went on the record stating that they would right away investigate the ordinance and become aligned with state firearm laws," Roshek said. "To this point they have not done that. I have sent a couple of follow up e-mails as far as repealing the illegal ordinance and basically have gotten nowhere. And to my knowledge that ordinance is still on the books."

Macomb Township Supervisor Mark Grabow denied receiving follow-up e-mails from the group but said that the picnic took place without incident. He added the township consulted the Macomb County Sheriff's Department on the issue but that the repeal process would take time. He also said that the ordinance would not be enforced although it remained on the books.

"My concern for the township is however, that leaving the illegal ordinance on the books and willfully knowing about it could be considered an act of malfeasance and willfully misleading the public because there it is still on the books," Roshek said. "So that anyone that did not know better would see the ordinance and assume that this is something that is legal and enforceable when in fact it is not."

Grabow said that the township would take the matter under consideration and bring it back to the board at a later date.

Last edited on Fri Mar 5th, 2010 01:52 pm by Generaldet

Generaldet
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 Posted: Tue Mar 9th, 2010 01:12 pm
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Here is the 3/8/10 Macomb Daily article.
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/03/08/news/srv0000007771527.txt#blogcomments

By Mitch Hotts, Macomb Daily Staff Writer
Open Carry members sport weapons in plain view, raising eyebrows at council meetings




Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 310 pounds, John Roshek hardly looks like someone who couldn't defend himself — even if he didn't have a Glock handgun holstered around his waist in plain view.

But size isn't always a factor when it comes to self-defense, according to Roshek, president of Michigan Open Carry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to

the legal rights to carry handguns.

"If I was robbed at gunpoint, my physical size isn't going to matter," said Roshek, 30, an Oxford resident who works for a financial firm in Sterling Heights.

"I carry a firearm openly not just because it's my right to protect myself and my family, but also because if I don't exercise my rights, I may lose them."

Michigan Open Carry leaders have been attending city council and township board meetings throughout Macomb County in recent months working with elected officials to update old laws on the books regulating firearms possession.

Under state law, people over 18 who do not have a felony record may carry a gun openly, properly holstered, except in certain gun-free zones such as churches, day care centers, banks and courts. They are not required to secure permits.

But members of the Eastpointe City Council expressed concern after the group spoke at a council meeting last month.

Council members said their concerns were not with Michigan Open Carry, but the example that may be set for people coming into City Hall distraught over foreclosures, tax increases or high water bills.

Councilman Bill Sweeney said he personally doesn't see the necessity of carrying a gun in the open.

"To me, they're being a little flashy and showy, but that's their right," he said. "My concern is it may open the door to people who didn't know there was a law on the books allowing open carrying and may not be as responsible."

Council members said residents who normally attend the Eastpointe sessions seemed unnerved sitting next to people with guns in plain view.

"That's exactly what they want — to get everyone talking about them," said Eastpointe Police Chief Michael Lauretti. "They know the law and they know they have the legal right to do what they're doing."

Under a revision in state law dating back to 1990, no unit of local government can have gun laws on the books that are stricter than state law, according to Open Carry members.

As a result, a number of local communities were forced to revise their local laws relating to carrying guns in public. Discharging a handgun in a city park is still unlawful.

Open Carry members said they've had cooperation from elected officials in Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Warren in addressing the antiquated ordinances.

The move comes at a time when pro-gun forces have decided to test state laws regarding open carry.

For example, Starbucks, the Seattle-based coffee chain, recently announced it would allow customers to wear their gun holsters in the shops.

That has raised criticism from gun control advocates such as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which has started a petition drive requesting Starbucks "offer espresso shots not gunshots," according to a USA Today report.

Open Carry members in Michigan theorize showing their weapons may also deter crime.

"To me, the gun is a tool for safety just like a seat belt in your car," said Scott Webb, 31, landscaper from Clinton Township who serves as a coordinator for the organization.

"Criminals are lazy, looking for quick scores and easy targets. You may not plan to get into an accident but you buckle your seat belt. You may not plan to get robbed, but I'm ready to defend myself if that happens."

In Eastpointe's case, there are sections under the disorderly conduct ordinance relating to transportation of weapons that are not in compliance with state law and need to be updated.

Councilwoman Veronica Klinefelt said if the local laws are unconstitutional, they should be changed as requested by Open Carry.

"What I'd like to know is what our rights are as a city, what can be restricted," she said. "You can't bring a cell phone into federal court, you can't bring a gun in the courtroom. Some of our council members would like to ban guns from City Hall as well."

Eastpointe's law department said there's not much local officials can do.

"The remedy for change is our Michigan legislators," said City Attorney Robert Ihrie.

Generaldet
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 Posted: Tue Mar 9th, 2010 01:13 pm
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Regular Photo Size Fox 2 news story 3/8/10http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/group-educating-people-on-open-carry-law

Group Educating People on Open Carry LawUpdated: Monday, 08 Mar 2010, 11:19 PM EST
Published : Monday, 08 Mar 2010, 11:16 PM EST
ANDREA ISOM
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - Gun activists are fighting for their right to bear arms out in the open for everyone to see. Some cities have passed or are looking to pass laws making it illegal to cary a gun openly, but Michigan law says it's okay.
FOX 2's Andrea Isom has more on the debate and one group's mission to educate.
------
Michigan Open Carry is hosting a seminar so you can learn all there is to know about the Open Carry Law. Click here to find out when and where.

Last edited on Tue Mar 9th, 2010 01:14 pm by Generaldet

Generaldet
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 Posted: Tue Mar 16th, 2010 09:20 pm
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This is the article form an interview with the Sun Times News in Stockbridge, MI. They do not have an online paper but the reporter sent a copy of the article.

3/16/10

In the wake of dwindling law enforcement presence throughout the county and a corresponding rise in crime, many people are opting for personal protection, whether it be firearms in the home, or holstered on their hip. In Ingham County alone, concealed handgun permit applications rose significantly in 2009, prompting county commissioners to lift a hiring freeze and hire additional staff to deal with the mounting paperwork. Ingham County Commissioner Randy Schafer is not surprised by the trend. “As a direct result of cuts to the Sheriff’s Office, people are scared; they want to protect their families and their property,” said Schafer.

   Locally, law enforcement officials are fielding questions and concerns from residents about their rights under the law to protect themselves and their property in the rural areas of the county. “People call every day with questions and concerns,” said Detective Brian Valentine of the ICSO.

   Recently in the Lansing area, three men walked into the Ponderosa Restaurant carrying holstered handguns in plain view, causing a panic with customers and staff alike. However, under current Michigan law, these men were not breaking the law. Exercising your right to carry a holstered weapon in plain view in the State of Michigan is getting more attention as more residents are arming themselves.

   John Roshek, president of Michigan Open Carry is quick to point out that there are some restrictions that apply to the open carry law. “It must be a licensed handgun, and the person carrying must be legally able to own a handgun.” Carrying a weapon on private property is subject to the owners or managers approval. “If the manager of a store asks you to leave, you have to comply,” stated Roshek. Carrying in a bank, church, courthouse and any place that holds a liquor license is off limits. Michigan Open Carry, Inc. boasts 87 members state wide and rapidly growing. The organization promotes and educates the public and law enforcement about open carry in Michigan. They also hope to desensitize the public to openly carried firearms. Roshek also encourages people to obtain a concealed weapons permit before they openly carry a handgun. 

   Early releases from state and county prison facilities are also raising concerns for citizens across the state. “You’re going to release these people early and expect them to find jobs in a state that has one of the worst jobless rates in the nation,” said Roshek. “What do you think they’re going to do for money?” he said.





Generaldet
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 Posted: Wed Mar 17th, 2010 11:58 pm
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The Voice news article    3/17/10





By Nicole Tuttle
Voice Reporter
In response to requests from members and supporters of Michigan Open Carry Inc., the Macomb Township Board of Trustees voted to repeal and amend ordinances regarding firearms transportation and possession on March 10.

The board voted to entirely repeal Chapter 12, Section 12-339 regulating the transportation and possession of firearms, and to revise Chapter 12.5-19 (a). The revised Chapter 12.5-19 (a) will now read, "No person shall bring onto park property or have in his/her possession on park property any explosive, dynamite cap, fireworks, air gun, pellet gun, spring gun, slingshot, cross bow, bow and arrow, trapping device, incendiary bomb or material, smoke or stink bomb, tear gas or other disabling chemical or agent, acid or toxic substance, or flammable liquid."

"These are the two sections that were discussed at the last meeting by the gentlemen from the Michigan Open Carry," said Macomb Township Clerk Michel Koehs.

Koehs said that the changes were made while working with legal council.

A true copy of the ordinance or summary is set to be published in the Macomb Daily within 15 days after adoption, and take effect 30 days after publication.

Scott Webb, a Clinton Township resident who is the Southeastern regional coordinator for Michigan Open Carry Inc. and spoke at the board's Feb. 24 meeting in favor of the ordinance changes, said he was pleased with the changes but felt it had taken a long time for them to be made.

"A lot of it has to do with the media coverage as of late in the cities," Webb said.

Michigan Open Carry Inc. leaders have been attending city council and township board meetings throughout Macomb County in recent months, working with elected officials to update old laws on the books regulating firearms possession.

Webb said that the group plans to continue to educate the public.

"Education and promotion is on our group," Webb said. "It is not the township's responsibility."

On Feb. 24, supporters and members of Michigan Open Carry Inc., a firearms-rights group, requested that the township board re-examine ordinances which they said violated state laws. On Feb. 24 John Roshek, the president of Michigan Open Carry Inc, said during the township meeting that the city had not yet changed the ordinances to become aligned with state firearm laws, although the issue had first been brought to their attention last summer. Last summer there was some confusion regarding township ordinances and state law when Michigan Open Carry Inc. planned to host a picnic in Macomb Township, but Roshek brought to the attention of local officials a Michigan law which pre-empts local government ordinances. 

Macomb Township's attorney, Lawrence Dloski, said that other changes affecting firearms laws could soon arise from the Supreme Court.

"I only inform the board that the Unites States Supreme Court has a case right now under consideration out of the city of Chicago regarding the regulation of handguns and weapons on municipal property," Dloski said. "So the Supreme Court will issue a decision on that probably in the next three months or four months. That may shed some clarity on the situation."


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