HomeMy WebLinkAbout44 JonesOctober 24, 2019
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JEFFERSON COUNTY DCD
The Honorable Kate Dean, Chair
The Honorable Greg Brotherton, Commissioner
The Honorable David Sullivan, Commissioner
Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County (ieffboccCd)co.iefferson.wa.us )
Via Electronic Communication
Subject: Resolution Calling for the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to adopt Clear
Regulations for a New Commercial Gun Range Ordinance for Jefferson County
Dear Commissioners Brotherton, Dean and Sullivan:
The members of the Jefferson County Democrats unanimously passed the attached resolution at our
regular membership meeting on October 17, 2019.
Thank you for your service and your kind attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
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Patricia Jones, Secretary
Jefferson County Democrats
Cc: Jefferson County Planning Commission
Attachment: Resolution Calling for the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to adopt
Clear Regulations for a New Commercial Gun Range Ordinance for Jefferson County
JEFFERSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS
P.O. Box 85 - Port Townsend, WA 98368 • 360-379-5655 www.jeffcodemocrats.com
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A Resolution Calling for the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to adopt Clear
Regulations for a New Commercial Gun Range Ordinance for Jefferson County
Whereas Jefferson County is a vibrant rural county with an economy of farms, forest, fish and recreation;
Whereas the Jefferson County Democrats' and the Washington State Democrats' platforms recognize gun
violence is a public health crisis causing injury and death; and cities, counties, and the state can enforce
stringent gun laws that include:
• limits on assault weapons and ammunition owned by individuals,
• working for a ban on assault style weapons and high capacity magazines,
• and call for conceal carry permits from other jurisdictions be recognized only if the permit is regulated
with equal or greater gun safety laws;
Whereas Jefferson County Democrats respect the individual right to bear arms enumerated in the
Constitutions of the State of Washington and the United States;
Whereas the Washington State Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) has instructed Jefferson
County to bring its commercial shooting facility ordinances into compliance with the Growth Management Act;
Whereas RCW 9.41.300 of the state of Washington allows local government to enact ordinances that restrict
the discharge of firearms in any portion of their respective jurisdictions where there is a reasonable likelihood
that humans, domestic animals, or property will be jeopardized;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Jefferson County Democrats urge the Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners (BOCC) to:
■ Abide by the decision of the Growth Management Hearings Board;
• Abandon the expense of an appeal to Superior Court of the GMHB's decision;
■ Request, as necessary, more time to work with the Community and the Planning Commission in
facilitated community meetings to scope legal and enforceable regulations;
• Include county wide citizen involvement in the development process;
• Develop a new ordinance(s) which conforms with the individual right to bear arms;
• Define clearly what constitutes a commercial shooting facility;
• Conform the ordinances to all applicable Washington state and federal laws and include requirements
for a full SEPA review;
• Require an operating permit;
• Place clear and concise "bright line" limits on the location, size, intensity and operating hours of
commercial shooting facilities; and
• Include enforcement provisions and adequate safety measures.
Be it further resolved that, following approval by the membership, the Chair of Jefferson County Democrats
present this resolution to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners in open public session at the
first available opportunity.
Signed this 17th day of October 2019.
Submitted by Marty Gilmore, Chair, of the Jefferson County Democrats on behalf of the Executive Board and
members of the Jefferson County Democrats. (sailingpizzas&yahoo.com; 360-301-3111).
Contact information for the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
ieffbocc(&,co. iefferson .wa. us
Mailing Address: -
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360-385-9100 / Fax: 360-385-9382