Police Panel Trying To Fix

Something Not Broke

To the Editor:

Let me start by saying I have the utmost respect for Chief Kehoe and Paul Mangiafico. They do a great job for us. They appear, however, to be over the line with a request for ordinance reform on target practice on private property in Newtown.

First, I would like to know how many complaints have been received in the last ten years. They say numerous. What is the actual number? Second, how many citizens (less suicide) have been injured by gunshots in ten years? Third, how much property damage? How many arrests?

If the town approves private shooting ranges on private property, what liability does the town assume? Will the several thousand Newtown law abiding gun owners be forced to join gun ranges and have to pay to exercise their Second Amendment rights?

They suggest adaptation of the Wilton ordinance that permits no shooting of any kind, including air rifles. Even with town-sanctioned private shooting ranges, an errant shot can travel some distance. No sanction will prevent that. The extreme lack of injuries, property damage, and arrests is testament to the overall responsibility of Newtown gun owners. Stop jumping up and down on responsible gun owners’ rights, your expertise is needed elsewhere. In the meantime, I will continue to teach my son responsible gun safety on my own property.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas L. Catalina

59 Butterfield Road, Newtown   June 11, 2012