“CONDEMNED” — Journal News Excoriated by Rockland Officials
The Journal News editorial board and publisher Janet Hasson were
condemned today by law enforcement, a bipartisan group of legislators,
County Clerk Paul Piperato and the five major political parties of
Rockland County, for their publication of an interactive map exposing
the addresses of gun owners on the website www.lohud.com.
Piperato said, “This is no way to sell newspapers. I want to demand
The Journal News get that map and that list off their website.”
Piperato is also president of the New York State Association of
County Clerks. He said the clerks of all 62 counties in New York support
legislation restricting publication of gun permit registration. He also
noted, “I’ve received hundreds of calls from people worried about their
safety. The Journal News is trying to relate this information to the
Newtown [shootings]. I don’t see the relationship.”
Those gathered indicated support for the state law prohibiting the
publication of such information and advertised a new initiative
forthcoming whereby gun owners will have the opportunity to pick up free
trigger locks for their guns at a to-be-determined county office
building.
In nearby Putnam County, Clerk Dennis Sant has refused the request by
The Journal News to release the public records of pistol permit holder,
citing public safety concerns. State Senator Greg Ball has been pushing
a Senate bill to restrict access to permit information and there is a
similar bill in the state Assembly.
The group of lawmakers and officials present at the Rockland County
press conference were brought together by Rockland Legislator and Deputy
Minority Leader Frank Sparaco. Those present included Sheriff Louis
Falco, Spring Valley Police Chief Paul Modica, Clarkstown Police Chief
Michael Sullivan, County Legislators Ilan Schoenberger, Aron Weider and
Tony Earl, Clerk Piperato, and the committee leaders of the Republican,
Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Conservative Parties.
Conservative Party Executive Committee member Paul Murray said on
behalf of Chairman Ed Lettre, “I find it deplorable and we condemn what
the Journal News has done.”
Rockland County Democratic Chairwoman Kristen Stavisky said as a
Democrat she is supportive of stronger gun control but noted, ”I
understand this is a different issue.”
