As a member of the several National and New York State Pro-gun, Pro 2A., Pro-Bill of Rights, gun-clubs and other citizen’s groups -- I feel compelled to write about certain acts of government oppression, tyranny and distribution of false information to the public. What I’m relating to you is the reprint of a letter that was written by my late friend and 2nd Amendment supporter -- well known Orange County Sportsman Frank Reggero -- in 1997. This letter will tell a lot about what happens when underhanded and out-of-control public servants, and their cohorts, lie to the public.

I am also reprinting this so that we can all be more vigilant so that this can be prevented from ever happening again.

There will be other Orange County Executive races and also other races at many different levels of government. We can only hope that the NRA doesn’t get bad advice again by unreliable public servants, party bosses and NRA Consultants, and then react by sending out inaccurate information via the “orange alert cards” -- as they did here in 1997.

Naturally there is much more to this story/fiasco. I can only hope that this information can find its way back to the NRA. I’m not blaming the NRA - I’m blaming those self serving public servants who lie and use the NRA for their own personal gains. This is not to be misunderstood as an endorsement of any candidate for office or any public servant currently in office.

Sincerely,

Frank Carbone Jr.
Orange Co., NY -- Sportsman, NRA, SCOPE, NYSRPA Member and Outdoor Columnist

Dear Ms. Metaksa,                         

I am writing to you to determine why, after the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs (OCFSC) informed New York State NRA Rep. Chris McGraf that we would not endorse Joe Rampe for Orange County Executive, you sent out an Election Alert endorsing him. The reasons stated on the post card were: His widely known leadership in preserving hunting and fishing in Sterling Forest and that he will again provide solid leadership as the county deals with the Stewart Properties issue.

As the Sportsmen’s Representative from the OCFSC, closely involved with both the Sterling Forest and Stewart Properties issues, the first I have heard of Mr. Rampe’s involvement with Sterling was in your post card. If he has done anything, it is not as you said, widely known. However, we are well aware of Mr. Rampe’s position on the Stewart Properties, which in his own words are, that the property should return to the New Windsor tax roles for development.

Mr. McGraf stated to Thomas Jefferson, President of the OCFSC, he was being urged by State Senator William Larkin to have the NRA issue an endorsement for Joe Rampe. Apparently our opinion comes second to that of Senator Larkin.

Mr. Rampe’s opponent, Richard Baum, in both action and deed as the Minority Leader of the Orange County Legislature has proven himself to be a valuable friend in our efforts to save the Stewart Properties, it is felt the NRA endorsement for Mr. Rampe was intended as a tool to disrupt the sportsmen ranks. As proof of that, my phone has been ringing off the hook. The damage now done by this post card at this late date is irreparable and will not only hurt the sportsmen of Orange County by splitting our ranks, but will undoubtedly damage the reputation of the NRA-PVF as well.

Please copy your response in this matter to the OCFSC at the address above. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Frank Reggero

cc Thomas Jefferson, President OCFSC

                                                                                               

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