Cook County Gun Ban...............................

Gun idea would hurt Cabela's

Cook County government is currently considering anti-business regulations that will shift the tax burden from consumers to businesses and residents and put some Cook County businesses at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring counties.

The Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to express its dissatisfaction and opposition to the proposed county ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of firearms at a location 15 miles or less from any other federally licensed firearm dealer.

The proposal further prohibits retail sale of firearms within one mile of any school, church, place of worship, nursing home, homeless shelter, public housing, or military installation. The net effect would be to ban the sale of guns within Cook County.

The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the village of Hoffman Estates worked tirelessly to put together a significant economic package to entice Cabela's, a worldwide outfitter and federally licensed firearm dealer to locate in Hoffman Estates in northwestern Cook County.

This proposed ordinance would cause significant economic harm not only to Cabela's, but also to the village of Hoffman Estates, which estimates a local sales tax impact of $1.8 million annually from total sales and Cook County itself, which would receive approximately $675,000 in sales tax revenue.

The ordinances are anti-Cook County and create a competitive advantage for businesses located just across the county border.

As representatives of the business community, the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to strongly oppose any legislation which serves to weaken Cook County businesses when compared to those competing businesses in neighboring counties.

Jill Blodgett

Executive Director, Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce

Anti-gun proposals harass law abiding

Commissioners William Beavers and Larry Suffredin have proposed two ordinances for Cook County. Here is a synopsis, since the newspapers certainly don't want you to know this.

Ban all gun stores within 15 miles of each other even if the other store is in another county or within a mile of any church, school, home for the aged or any public park. Result: All gun shops have to close, including the new Cabela's in Hoffman Estates.

Register all guns in the county, with a fee attached. Also, every handgun must have a load indicator to be registered. That means all handguns up to now have to be turned in to the sheriff because they just don't have such a feature.

You will not be allowed to have ammo in your home or possession if you do not have a registered gun of the same caliber. No .22s if you don't own and register a .22 gun.
When transporting your gun in a vehicle, it must be broken down in an inoperable condition. Have fun putting your gun back together at the range or cornfield. Don't lose any parts.

If you haven't called your commissioner by now, I suggest you do, telling them to oppose such ridiculous ordinances. Not one of the papers will tell you the truth and the newscasters will definitely use sugar language to cover up the true facts.

If you don't want the crime Chicago has because of gun control, you had better act now. Suffredin is now running for state's attorney in the primary. I'm sure you can also tell him how you feel when you cast your ballot.

This is nothing but harassment of the law abiding.

Don Bekeleski

Elk Grove Village

Illinois / Great Lakes Region Special Alert Update

Cook County, Ill., Gun Stores and Sportsmen in Danger;

NSSF Urges All to Contact Commissioners

Cook County (Ill.) Commissioners Larry Suffredin and William Beavers, who just weeks ago introduced three ordinances that would shut down all gun stores in Cook County, including the recently opened Cabela's sporting goods store in Hoffman Estates -- a store whose customer base extends into Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan -- are showing no signs of letting up in their anti-industry/anti-gun crusade. In fact, Commissioner Suffredin, who is in a heated campaign for Cook County States Attorney, is touting his endorsement from the Brady Campaign and the promise of shutting down law-abiding firearms retailers.

If the proposed ordinances pass, it will adversely affect the entire community. Several hundred jobs will be lost affecting thousands of family members in the Chicago area, millions in tax revenue for the county and state will disappear and, of course, the second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens will be suppressed.

The Ordinances

The Deadly Weapon Dealers Ordinance, a proposal by Suffredin, would prohibit federally licensed firearms dealers from operating within 10 miles of one another and would ban all gun shows in the county. Further restrictions on where firearms retailers would be allowed to operate are predicated on proximity to schools and parks. Commissioner Suffredin was recently quoted as saying, "As a home rule unit, Cook County has the legal right to regulate where these establishments [gun stores] are allowed to operate. Chuck's Gun Shop is within one mile of a school which will not be allowed once this ordinance passes."

Also introduced as part of this anti-gun package of laws is the Safe Streets and Weapons Registration Ordinance, introduced by Beavers. This ordinance would require the registration of all firearms and firearms owners in Cook County. Closer examination of the proposed ordinance reveals an even more diabolical gun-control scheme -- as written, the ordinance would actually ban firearms in the county including any handgun without a loaded chamber indicator. Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits transporting a firearm in a vehicle unless the gun is completely disassembled into a "nonfunctioning state." This includes rifles that have already been sighted-in and revolvers that cannot be simply "broken down" into a nonfunctioning state.

No set date has been given for when these anti-gun proposals will be brought up for consideration. It is imperative that you ACT NOW! Please contact the Cook County Board of Commissioners immediately and urge them to OPPOSE these firearms-banning ordinances.

NSSF Bullet Points 01-21-08

CABELA'S FIGHTS BACK AGAINST COOK COUNTY ORDINANCES . . . Citing the risk to jobs, families and tax revenue, Cabela's has joined the effort to stop the anti-industry and anti-gun ordinances proposed by members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The proposed ordinances would ban the sale of firearms, certain accessories and ammunition. If enacted, these bans would threaten to put Cabela's and other retailers out of business. To learn more about the Cook County bans, visit NSSF's online Legislative Action Center.

From Cabela’s Hoffman Estates Webpage

http://www.cabhoffmanestates.com/

The Issue

Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners have proposed ordinances banning the sale of firearms, certain accessories and ammunition. If enacted, these bans proposed by Commissioners Larry Suffredin and William M. Beavers would, in effect, threaten to put Cabela's and other retailers out of business. This ban would not only negatively affect businesses that sell firearms and related items in the Chicagoland area, but also, and more importantly, outdoor and gun enthusiasts who wish to purchase these types of products

What’s at Risk

The Hoffman Estates Cabela's alone employs more than 300 people, of which two-thirds are Cook County residents. The future of these employees would be uncertain if the proposed ordinances pass. These employees command nearly $4 million in wages - and an additional $1 million in employee benefits - that the local economy would lose out on. Also at risk is the tax revenue generated annually by our Hoffman Estates store: $675,000 to Cook County; $1.8 million to Hoffman Estates; more than $3 million to the state of Illinois. Educationally, the community, including school groups, and other organizations, would lose out on the highly important natural history exhibits, tours and learning opportunities currently available at the Hoffman Estates Cabela's

What can you do?

• Contact your County Commissioner from the list below and ask them to oppose the Suffredin/Beavers ordinances.

Jerry Butler 312-603-6391
Robert Steele 312-603-3019
Joseph Moreno 312-603-5443
Forrest Claypool 312-603-6380
Earlean Collins 312-603-4566
Peter N. Silvestri 312-603-4393
Deborah Sims 312-603-6381
Roberto Maldonado 312-603-6386
Joan Patrick Murphy 312-603-4216
Elizabeth Gorman 312-603-4215
Gregg Goslin 312-603-4932
Tim Schneider 312-603-6388
Mike Quigley 312-603-4209
William Beavers 312-603-2065
Larry Suffredin 312-603-6383
John Daley 312-603-4400
Anthony Peraica 312-603-6384


• If you do not know who your Commissioner is, please use the links below to find your commissioner and their individual contact information.

Cook County Commissioners

http://www.co.cook.il.us/commissioners.htm

Cook County: Find Your District

http://www.voterinfonet.com/

City of Chicago: Find Your District

http://www.chicagoelections.com/voterinfo.php

Visit the Hoffman Estates Cabela's and sign the petition opposing the Suffredin/Beavers ordinances.

Forward this Web site to your friends and anyone you think should be informed of this issue.

Educate yourself on this issue by reading the board meeting notes:

http://www.cookctyclerk.com/upload/syno_pdf_743.PDF

Local gun shop opens fire on Suffredin

Cabela's takes aim at proposal to restrict gun sellers
BY MEGHAN STREIT
Times Correspondent
Date posted online: Monday, January 21, 2008

The Illinois State Rifle Association and Cabela's Inc., a hunting, camping and fishing merchandise retail chain, are teaming up to prevent the passage of two Cook County ordinances that they say would put unfair restrictions on gun sellers.

In a news release issued shortly after Commissioner Larry Suffredin introduced a gun control ordinance last month, the Illinois State Rifle Association said Cabela's superstore in Hoffman Estates would be forced to close if the measure is approved.

"Cabela's Hoffman Estates store employs hundreds of Cook County residents and brings in millions of sales tax dollars for the county," association Executive Director Richard Pearson said in the statement. "If Cabela's cannot sell firearms, then there is no Cabela's. If there is no Cabela's, then those retail dollars flee to DuPage, Kane or Will counties."

Suffredin's proposal would prohibit gun shops from operating within one mile of a school or park, or within 10 miles of another gun shop. It also would make gun shows illegal in Cook County.

Suffredin, who is running for Cook County state's attorney, admits his ordinance would force "the majority" of Cook County gun shops to close their doors -- but he says the law is necessary to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.

"The reason we need this (ordinance) is because Chicago banned gun shops and gun shops moved to the suburbs, and we were in a position where we knew these guns were flooding our area," Suffredin said. "All we have to do is make this more difficult, we have to try to stop the flow of guns."

In a statement on the company's Web site, Hoffman Estates' Cabela's says passage of the ordinance would put its 300 employees out of work, and would cause Illinois to forfeit $3 million in sales tax revenue that is generated by the shop.

"The cash-strapped Cook County treasury really can't afford such a huge hit just because Larry Suffredin doesn't like people who own guns," said Pearson, who called the measure "an election year stunt."

Suffredin said Cabela's claims about loss of jobs and state revenue are "just not true."

Another gun control ordinance introduced by Commissioner William Beavers calls for the registration of all firearms in Cook County, and prohibits people already in possession of an unregistered gun to register it after passage of the proposed ordinance.

The association and Cabela's have asked their members and customers to contact commissioners to express opposition to both proposals.

Suffredin said he has the support of six commissioners, and he will call for a vote on his measure as soon as he has the nine votes needed for passage.

Proposed Firearms Ordinances in Cook County, Ill.,
to Affect Sportsmen in Great Lakes Region

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association of the firearms industry -- is encouraging all sportsmen, hunters and firearms enthusiasts to contact the Cook County Board of Commissioners and urge them to oppose a string of county ordinances that if passed would result in a shutdown of firearms dealers and a ban on guns. The move by NSSF follows the introduction of three proposed ordinances by County Commissioners Larry Suffredin and William Beavers that would shut down all gun stores in Cook County, including the recently opened Cabela's in Hoffman Estates -- a store whose customer base extends into Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

"As if gun control laws in the Land of Lincoln weren't draconian enough, it now appears select Cook County commissioners are attempting to systematically evict every law-abiding firearms retailer in the county, a move which would impact not only Illinois residents, but the thousands of out-of-state customers who travel to retailers like Cabela's in Hoffman Estates" said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. "It is imperative that firearms owners and enthusiasts act now to stop these gun-ban proposals before it's too late."

The "Deadly Weapon Dealers Ordinance," a proposal by Commissioner Suffredin, would prohibit federally licensed firearms dealers from operating within 10 miles of one another and would ban all gun shows in the county. Further restrictions on where firearms retailers would be allowed to operate are predicated on proximity to schools and parks. Commissioner Suffredin was recently quoted as saying, "As a home rule unit, Cook County has the legal right to regulate where these establishments [gun stores] are allowed to operate. Chuck's Gun Shop is within one mile of a school which will not be allowed once this ordinance passes."

Also introduced as part of this anti-gun package of laws is the "Safe Streets and Weapons Registration Ordinance," introduced by Commissioner Beavers. This ordinance would require the registration of all firearms and firearms owners in Cook County. Closer examination of the proposed ordinance reveals an even more diabolical gun-control scheme -- as written, the ordinance would actually ban firearms in the county including any handgun without a loaded chamber indicator. Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits transporting a firearm in a vehicle unless the gun is completely disassembled into a "nonfunctioning state." This includes rifles that have already been sighted-in and revolvers that cannot be simply "broken down" into a nonfunctioning state.

Though no set date has been given for when these anti-gun proposals will be brought up for consideration, communications from NSSF, including a legislative alert released last month, make clear that firearms owners and sportsmen would be wise to act immediately by voicing their strong opposition to these proposals to the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

ISRA-PVF Alert for Cook County:

WARNING COOK COUNTY HUNTERS, SPORTSMEN, GUN OWNERS

The most sweeping gun control laws in the nation will soon be voted on by the Cook County Board. Here is what they will do:

CLOSE ALL COOK COUNTY GUN SHOPS - Under the ordinance, no gun shop could operate within 1 mile of a school, church, nursing home, or park, and no two shops could be within 15 miles of each other.

BOTTOM LINE: All gun shops in Cook County would be ordered to close just after New Years Day.

BAN MOST GUN OWNERSHIP - Under the ordinance, all Cook County residents would have to register their guns with the Cook County Sheriff . Now read this very carefully: You could only register guns that are currently registered. If you live in unincorporated Cook County, or in towns that do not currently require registration, then you could not register any guns under the new law and you’d have to surrender your guns to the Sheriff.

BOTTOM LINE: Only residents of Chicago and a handful of suburbs would be allowed to keep any guns. The majority of Cook County residents would be forced to surrender their guns to the Sheriff.

IMMEDIATE BAN ON HANDGUNS - Under the ordinance, the only handguns that would be allowed in Cook County would be firearms with a “load indicator.” Therefore, all revolvers would be banned as would most semiautomatic pistols. Also, other language in the ordinance would ban semiautomatic shotguns and rifles.

NULLIFY LOCAL GUN ORDINANCES - Under the ordinance, home rule authority over firearms would be eliminated with the County Board being in full control of fi rearm regulations.

BOTTOM LINE: You cannot hide from this ordinance no matter where you live in Cook County.

WHO IS BEHIND THIS GUN GRAB?

Larry Suffredin, Cook County Commissioner, 13th District, is behind these Commissioner foolish ordinances. To put it very bluntly - Suffredin hates people who own guns. He has made gun control his life’s work. He is on the board of the Illinois chapter of Handgun Control and is an antigun lobbyist in Springfield. Suffredin does not believe that anyone should be able to own a gun. Suffredin does not believe that hunting is a valid reason to own a gun - any gun. If you’re a target shooter, Suffredin wants to force you to take up a new hobby. Suffredin does not believe that you have the right to defend your home or family with a gun - he thinks you should call the police and roll the dice to see whether they get there in time. As far as Larry Suffredin is concerned, if you or your family are raped, robbed or murdered, that’s just your tough luck. Larry Suffredin is an enemy of every principle upon which our great nation was founded.

IF YOU THINK LARRY SUFFREDIN IS TOO BAD TO BE TRUE

GUESS AGAIN - HE WANTS TO BE YOUR STATE’S ATTORNEY

As far as Larry Suffredin is concerned, the only difference between you and a drug-dealing gang-banger is that you haven’t been arrested - yet. Suffredin is running for State’s Attorney for Cook County. His biggest campaign promise is to use “creative” ways to “get guns off the streets.” You can bet that, if elected, he’ll use the power of his office to harass every gun owner he can get his hands on. He’ll send cops to your door, hound you at work, and bring lawsuits against every gun dealer in Illinois. Larry Suffredin will not rest until every gun in America is melted down in the furnace of tyranny.

There are 3 ways you can help save your guns:

1) Call Larry Suffredin at (312 )603-6383 and tell him that you are a law-abiding gun owner and you object to his trampling your constitutional rights.

2) Call your Cook County Commissioner at (312) 603-5500 and tell him or her to vote against all county gun control schemes.

3) Vote AGAINST Larry Suffredin in the State’s Attorney primary February 5, 2008.

CCRKBA CONDEMNS COOK COUNTY, IL GUN PROPOSALS, URGES MEMBERS TO ACT NOW

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is encouraging members and supporters throughout Illinois and in neighboring Michigan and Indiana to flood the Cook County, Illinois Board of Commissioners with phone calls and mail opposing proposed ordinances that would effectively put firearms dealers out of business and ban guns in the county.

Behind this draconian attempt are anti-gun Commissioners Larry Suffredin and William Beavers. Suffredin’s “Deadly Weapon Dealers” ordinance would ban gun shows in the county and prevent licensed firearms dealers from operating within ten miles of each other. The proposed “Safe Streets and Weapons Registration” ordinance would require registration of all guns and gun owners in the county, and ban handguns that do not have loaded chamber indicators.

“These proposals are outrageous,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “Larry Suffredin and William Beavers are trying to legislate social bigotry against Cook County gun owners, many of whom are minorities. This is the same mentality that created apartheid in South Africa and condoned racism in the Deep South 50 years ago. It is despicable and inexcusable.”“Suffredin is a board member of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, an extremist anti-gun-rights group,” noted CCRKBA Executive Director Mark A. Taff, “and he wants to become State’s Attorney for Cook County.

Considering his extreme attitude toward firearms owners, instead of running for higher office, he should be thrown out of the one he now occupies. Cook County residents must not allow this man to force his personal prejudices on every citizen in the county through adoption of these ordinances.”

Gun owners can contact Suffredin by calling his office at (312) 603-2067, or by sending him an e-mail at: lsuffredin@cookcountygov.com.

Beavers may be contacted at (312) 603-6383.

“We’re joining with our friends at the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Illinois State Rifle Association and National Rifle Association to show the Cook County Commission that gun owners are voters and they have rights,” Gottlieb noted.

“The era is long past when demagogues like Suffredin can tell members of any social group that ‘your kind isn’t welcome here’.”