SCOPE of Orleans County backs Fred Seeman for Clarendon town supervisor

Editor:

This letter serves as a follow-up to our previous correspondence regarding the Town of Clarendon Supervisor candidates.

Shortly after the publication of write-in candidate Kathy Harnischfeger’s letter, we contacted both candidates to provide them with a questionnaire and information about our public meeting.

Candidate Kathy Harnischfeger did not return a completed questionnaire or attend our meeting. However, I did have an opportunity to speak with her on her porch and discuss Second Amendment issues.

Candidate Fred Seeman completed the questionnaire and attended our meeting. His responses were reviewed, and additional questions were asked and answered during the discussion, allowing our membership to gain a clearer understanding of his positions.

I also attended the Oct. 16 question-and-answer session at the Clarendon Town Hall.

When a candidate states, “I am a moderate Democrat who believes in the Second Amendment,” that position should be supported by a clear record, specific answers, and a willingness to defend the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) established important constitutional principles governing the Second Amendment. In Heller, the Court affirmed an individual right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. In Bruen, the Court established that firearm regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

The protection of arms in common use for lawful purposes is a fundamental part of the Court’s Second Amendment jurisprudence. Government restrictions cannot simply be justified by asserting that they promote public safety; they must withstand the applicable constitutional analysis. The precise legal outcome depends on the regulation and the relevant precedents.

Supporting bans and infringements on firearms protected by the Second Amendment is not consistent with an uncompromising commitment to that constitutional right. Candidates who claim to support the Second Amendment should be prepared to explain how their positions on firearm restrictions align with these Supreme Court decisions.

Public officials swear an oath to support the U.S. Constitution. That oath carries a responsibility to respect constitutional limits on government authority, including those established by the Second Amendment.

Accordingly, the candidates’ stated positions and willingness to uphold their constitutional obligations were given significant weight in our membership’s assessment.

Following a review of the available information, the candidates’ questionnaire responses, participation in our meeting, and extensive membership deliberations, S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County assigned the following ratings:

Fred Seeman: B

Kathy Harnischfeger: F−

These ratings reflect our membership’s assessment of the candidates based on the information and engagement available to us. The difference in participation was a factor in our ability to evaluate their respective positions.

These ratings do not constitute an endorsement of either candidate. They represent S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County’s assessment of the candidates’ demonstrated positions and engagement on Second Amendment issues only.

S.C.O.P.E. represents a diverse community of members and gun owners throughout Orleans County, including individuals, families, sportsmen’s clubs, and businesses that supply the equipment and materials necessary for lawful firearm ownership and the exercise of our constitutional rights.

S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County remains committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with elected officials, candidates, and other public servants throughout Orleans County. We believe that open discussion, accountability, and a clear understanding of constitutional principles are essential to protecting the rights of our citizens.

We invite the public to attend our monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion, New York.

Please note that regular monthly meetings are not held in December or January. Our meetings are open to the public, and we welcome constructive discussion with anyone interested in the Second Amendment and the constitutional rights of New Yorkers.

With respect and commitment to our constitutional principles,

Mark Allen

Chairman, Orleans County S.C.O.P.E.