County commissioner are all left wings nuts and support gun bans. One commissioner doesn't even know the difference between an exit and a entrance.
Last edited:
PSA - Wake Co. Range to close to public 1/15/20
- Thread starter Miss Lily
- Start date
- Replies 319
- Views 14,830
Justin Case
Well-Known Member
Seems a Freedom of Information Act request should be made to Wake County Sherriff office on all contracts, budgets, and emails regarding the operations at the WCFETC to see what the heck is going on.
https://www.wral.com/county-manager-expresses-frustration-over-wake-sheriff-s-spending/18689825/
I found this in the 2020 WC budget, page 111:
Office of the Sheriff Fees and Charges The Sheriff 's Office receives payments for serving civil process papers, executing criminal warrants, pistol and concealed weapon permit fees, firing range usage fees, and providing investigative reports. Other fees collected by the Sheriff include jail fees from the federal government for housing detainees awaiting trial in federal court, and jail fees from the State Department of Corrections for housing sentenced state inmates. The Sheriff 's Office also charges Services Fees for the serving of civil papers. In total, all of the general Sheriff revenues are budgeted at $5.53 million, a projected increase of 11.0 percent from the prior year. Projected increases in Federal Inmate fees for housing Federal inmates and Phone System Commissions for collect phone calls made from the Wake County Detention Center are largest drivers of the increase in fees and charges.
https://www.wral.com/county-manager-expresses-frustration-over-wake-sheriff-s-spending/18689825/
I found this in the 2020 WC budget, page 111:
Office of the Sheriff Fees and Charges The Sheriff 's Office receives payments for serving civil process papers, executing criminal warrants, pistol and concealed weapon permit fees, firing range usage fees, and providing investigative reports. Other fees collected by the Sheriff include jail fees from the federal government for housing detainees awaiting trial in federal court, and jail fees from the State Department of Corrections for housing sentenced state inmates. The Sheriff 's Office also charges Services Fees for the serving of civil papers. In total, all of the general Sheriff revenues are budgeted at $5.53 million, a projected increase of 11.0 percent from the prior year. Projected increases in Federal Inmate fees for housing Federal inmates and Phone System Commissions for collect phone calls made from the Wake County Detention Center are largest drivers of the increase in fees and charges.
Last edited:
RSM, the civilian contractor that runs the range , has donated their time and material to make minor Range improvements and repairs over the years at no cost to the county. Also I have seen volunteer instructors help out with educational programs which keeps the cost low for the public. The county and WCSO run an austere range to keep the costs affordable to the public. RSM provides top notch firearms professionals to run the range safely with great customer service. Let’s keep the range open as it was built as a resource to the taxpayers as well as law enforcement. Otherwise, if the public cannot use it, let’s reduce the tax dollars to subsidize it and the WCSO shall charge other LE agencies the appropriate rates to support the range operations.
Here's the letter I just sent to all the Commissioners. Please feel free to cut and paste and send to your own commissioners.
To [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Commissioners, I live in Cary and am Mrs. Evans' constituent. I am writing because I understand that Sheriff Baker has terminated the contract with Range Safety Management (RSM) and plans to close the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center (FETC) to public access on January 15, 2020, citing financial reasons.
I was in the county in the late 1980's when the County Commission proposed an ordinance to force most hunters and recreational shooters to shoot from elevated positions. This was in response to an incident where a citizen was injured by a stray bullet from a recreational shooter. After a very vocal shooting community objected, a compromise was formed where the county would build a facility for indoor shooting in exchange for the ordinance.
This facility has been open to the public for around twenty years now and has a stellar safety record. The range is used nearly every evening for individual training, classes and matches, and is so popular that I often have to wait for an available shooting lane.
This facility provides a safe place where bullets cannot leave the facility. It provides training in firearms safety. One of the most popular classes is taught by women for women who want to learn to protect themselves from attack and domestic abuse. Closing this facility will result in:
I have been reading in the paper several scandals of questionable financial, contract, and personnel actions by this Sheriff. His budget increased by 5% this year and I read that it's going up another 10%, and yet, he doesn't have the money to run a facility that's been running under the other sheriff for twenty years? His response to his alleged mismanagement is to make his citizens do without a very popular recreational and safety oriented facility?
I am asking the Commission to look into reversing this decision and provide some oversight into a Sheriff that increasingly seems unfit for the position.
To [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Commissioners, I live in Cary and am Mrs. Evans' constituent. I am writing because I understand that Sheriff Baker has terminated the contract with Range Safety Management (RSM) and plans to close the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center (FETC) to public access on January 15, 2020, citing financial reasons.
I was in the county in the late 1980's when the County Commission proposed an ordinance to force most hunters and recreational shooters to shoot from elevated positions. This was in response to an incident where a citizen was injured by a stray bullet from a recreational shooter. After a very vocal shooting community objected, a compromise was formed where the county would build a facility for indoor shooting in exchange for the ordinance.
This facility has been open to the public for around twenty years now and has a stellar safety record. The range is used nearly every evening for individual training, classes and matches, and is so popular that I often have to wait for an available shooting lane.
This facility provides a safe place where bullets cannot leave the facility. It provides training in firearms safety. One of the most popular classes is taught by women for women who want to learn to protect themselves from attack and domestic abuse. Closing this facility will result in:
- Citizens going back to the days of backyard and ad hoc shooting ranges that are less safe and more noisy for persons nearby;
- More citizens using firearms without proper training on firearm safety and safe storage from children;
- More difficult for women and the elderly to become proficient enough to protect themselves and their children from harm;
- Breaking a covenant that this Commission made to the citizens of this county to provide a safe facility for recreational firearms use.
I have been reading in the paper several scandals of questionable financial, contract, and personnel actions by this Sheriff. His budget increased by 5% this year and I read that it's going up another 10%, and yet, he doesn't have the money to run a facility that's been running under the other sheriff for twenty years? His response to his alleged mismanagement is to make his citizens do without a very popular recreational and safety oriented facility?
I am asking the Commission to look into reversing this decision and provide some oversight into a Sheriff that increasingly seems unfit for the position.
Last edited:
Now here’s a real crazy idea ... in the article King Baker said they need more training space ... so if the King gets his wish they will do one of a couple things ... 1st possibility - add on to he existing facility at the expense of the taxpayers ... 2nd possibility - sell that facility and build a brand new one somewhere else for a HUGE chunk of taxpayers money but get a little capital from the sale of the old facility or 3rd and truly idiotic possibility they demo the current facility and build a new bigger facility on the current property for really HUGE chunk. The only possible win for citizens would be the 2nd like you said sell it to a private entity who’d operate it as a public range ... the 1st and 3rd leave citizens SOL. Honestly, if I were a betting man ... I’d say in the end the King won’t get everything he wants but he will get something ... I say the 1st possibility is his best chance and not open to citizen so he gets his “the public doesn’t need access” agenda still.
Here are your commissioners: http://www.wakegov.com/commissioners/Pages/default.aspx
Here’s how to find your district: http://maps.wakegov.com/elections/districts/
Here’s how to find your district: http://maps.wakegov.com/elections/districts/
Justin Case
Well-Known Member
Also found this gem on page 461 of the 2020 WC budget:
Seems Sheriff Baker wants to spend a$1ooK study during 2020, (while kicking out fee-paying public,) to find justification to taking complete control and spending more money in the future build out of his War Games center.
Sheriff Simunition Training Facility The FY 2020 - 2026 Public Safety CIP includes preliminary study funding for a Simunition Training Facility for the Wake County Sheriff ’s Office. The Sheriff ’s Office has requested the construction of a training facility that will allow their employees to conduct real life training in a simulated live ammunition environment that would include configurable interiors for various scenario training. Funding included for FY 2020 will be utilized for studying the feasibility of locating a simunition training facility on the current Wake County Firearms Training Center site.
Program Summary: Sheriff Simunition Training Facility FY 2020 Transfers From General Fund $100,000
Program Summary: Sheriff Simunition Training Facility FY 2020 Transfers From General Fund $100,000
Seems Sheriff Baker wants to spend a$1ooK study during 2020, (while kicking out fee-paying public,) to find justification to taking complete control and spending more money in the future build out of his War Games center.
Last edited:
I received a note from one commissioner, Jessica Holmes, almost immediately, that they are looking for a resolution.
After reading the WRAL article, I'm thinking this might be a "Washington Monument" play. You know, when they want more money, the Feds say if they don't raise taxes, they will have to sell the Washington Monument. Remember when Obama closed all the National Parks at the height of tourist season? Schools play this game all the time. They say, "Without this increase, we're going to have to cancel high school football", and the parents then call and demand that their taxes be raised. What the schools really mean is, "We won't be able to send anyone to the National Principals Conference in Las Vegas".
So the Sheriff says he'll cancel the most popular part of his budget that will cause the most pain to the most constituents. They complain, Baker gets his money, and now all his Lieutenants are riding around in $80,000 Tahoes.
After reading the WRAL article, I'm thinking this might be a "Washington Monument" play. You know, when they want more money, the Feds say if they don't raise taxes, they will have to sell the Washington Monument. Remember when Obama closed all the National Parks at the height of tourist season? Schools play this game all the time. They say, "Without this increase, we're going to have to cancel high school football", and the parents then call and demand that their taxes be raised. What the schools really mean is, "We won't be able to send anyone to the National Principals Conference in Las Vegas".
So the Sheriff says he'll cancel the most popular part of his budget that will cause the most pain to the most constituents. They complain, Baker gets his money, and now all his Lieutenants are riding around in $80,000 Tahoes.
Last edited:
That was an excellent letter! Thanks for sharing, along with the names and e-mail addresses of the commissioners.
Following your example, I drafted and sent my own letter based on yours.
Wake County CFF members - I highly encourage you to write the commission and to show up any the next Commissioners meeting to voice your disapproval.
********************************************
Dear Commissioners,
I live in New Hill and own property in Mr. Calabria's district. I am writing because I have recently learned that Sheriff Baker has terminated the contract with Range Safety Management (RSM) and plans to close the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center (FETC) to public access on January 15, 2020, citing financial reasons.
This comes as quite a surprise, considering our current national discussion about firearms safety. FETC is an excellent local resource to the citizens of Wake County; offering firearms instruction and practice in a safe, convenient and affordable environment.
As I'm sure that we all can agree, mishandling a firearm can result in deadly consequences. With any piece of equipment, a fundamental understanding of operation, and the learning and practice of safe handling results in improved safety for all.
Over the last decade there has been a tremendous increase in the number of citizens of North Carolina acquiring and using firearms. Today, almost one in twenty adult NC Citizens have a concealed carry permit, and that percentage is increasing every year. Many of these citizens are not only new firearms owners; they are also people who have not necessarily grown up around firearms and thus don't have an extensive familiarity in safe handling practices. They benefit greatly from the use of this facility and the available training.
FETC has been open to the public for approximately twenty years and has an excellent safety record. There was an incident recently where someone hurt themselves, but surprisingly it is not mentioned in those stories that the individual was an off duty Sheriff's deputy.
For several years I personally have participated in many of the matches offered at FETC, and have found them to be an excellent way to safely practice with some of my firearms. One thing that has pleased me greatly has been a steady increase in the ethnic and gender diversity of my fellow competitors. Any opportunities for people from different backgrounds and genders to come together and enjoy a common interest will only help to further advance better relations amongst us all.
Additionally, for many women the availability of a firearm can make the difference between life and death in situations of domestic abuse. Having an affordable, convenient place to learn and practice safe handling of their firearm is a tremendous benefit.
Wake County has no other facility, public or private, that matches the FETC's breadth of classes nor competitive and educational matches. There is no other facility that offers a 100 yard range, which is essential for practicing with some of the most popular sporting rifles. Although private ranges exist in Wake County, they are far more expensive and in some instances have multi-year waiting lists. This means that many firearms owners will forego the opportunity to develop their firearm safe handling skills due to financial or location availability constraints.
I am asking the Commission to look into reversing this decision and continue to make this facility available to the general public. This can only help to improve safe firearms handling practices, which benefits us all.
Respectfully submitted,
Surprisingly, I received a response to my mail above within 15 minutes of sending it. I'm pasting it below:
Good evening,
The Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center was built by Wake County Government for the citizens we serve - by providing a safe place for target shooting, and for local law enforcement personnel to maintain their skills.
Wake County leadership was notified today of Sheriff Baker’s decision to terminate the contract of the Center's current vendor. The Sheriff has the authority to do so.
The Sheriff’s news release states that the decision was based on the vendor’s “lack of profitability and a review that fees and funds collected by RSM were not accounted for accurately.”
As part of the 2018 revenue collection and reconciliation audit of all County sites, this location had some findings about timely deposits and reconciliations - but they were not significant.
In addition, for the past decade, user fees at the center have not fully funded its operational costs. Because the Center serves both County law enforcement officers and residents, it is not surprising that there is not a full cost recovery.
The news release also states that “The Sheriff’s Office met with County staff who also agreed with the decision, after reviewing what amounted to a lack of financial stability, resulting in the sheriff’s office subsidizing the private company’s sustainability, for the past seven years.”
However, County staff was not involved in the decision-making process about canceling the contract or closing the facility to the public.
It’s important to note that the County owns the facility, and the Sheriff’s Office operates it. Based on this joint partnership, it’s reasonable to assume that we would reach an agreement on a decision of this magnitude together before making an announcement. That was not the case today.
Greg Ford, Chairman
Wake County Board of Commissioners
Good evening,
The Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center was built by Wake County Government for the citizens we serve - by providing a safe place for target shooting, and for local law enforcement personnel to maintain their skills.
Wake County leadership was notified today of Sheriff Baker’s decision to terminate the contract of the Center's current vendor. The Sheriff has the authority to do so.
The Sheriff’s news release states that the decision was based on the vendor’s “lack of profitability and a review that fees and funds collected by RSM were not accounted for accurately.”
As part of the 2018 revenue collection and reconciliation audit of all County sites, this location had some findings about timely deposits and reconciliations - but they were not significant.
In addition, for the past decade, user fees at the center have not fully funded its operational costs. Because the Center serves both County law enforcement officers and residents, it is not surprising that there is not a full cost recovery.
The news release also states that “The Sheriff’s Office met with County staff who also agreed with the decision, after reviewing what amounted to a lack of financial stability, resulting in the sheriff’s office subsidizing the private company’s sustainability, for the past seven years.”
However, County staff was not involved in the decision-making process about canceling the contract or closing the facility to the public.
It’s important to note that the County owns the facility, and the Sheriff’s Office operates it. Based on this joint partnership, it’s reasonable to assume that we would reach an agreement on a decision of this magnitude together before making an announcement. That was not the case today.
Greg Ford, Chairman
Wake County Board of Commissioners
Very good letters. Hope they help. I dont believe the commissioners care about the range nor the people who shoot there. The only reason they might get their panties in a wad, is because of power overreach by the King.
I received the same email from Chairman Ford. He actually sounds supportive, and is probably miffed that Lord Baker made such a decision without the Commissioners' input. I think it's significant that he pointed out that the County owns the facility, Baker just runs it. Baker has been the source of much negative attention in his first year. That does not make them look good and threatens their 7-0 Democrat lock on the Commission.
You know, one or two guys standing outside the facility passing out flyers to every customer entering the facility and encouraging them to contact their Commissioner would probably be very effective. We'd only have to do it Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If I made up a flyer and set up a Sign-Up Genius page where you could sign up for a shift, how many of you would be willing to pull a two hour shift?
Before we did this, we should contact Range Safety Management and see what they think of the idea, and get their input.
Before we did this, we should contact Range Safety Management and see what they think of the idea, and get their input.
Last edited:
Wake Co sheriff dept operates it only from the standpoint of hiring a contractor to operate it. Big Donnie let the existing contract I believe. Supposedly a big article on today's N&O. I dont read that paper as I have no bird cages that need lining.
A search of the Register of Deeds website for Wake County shows the land and building are owned by Wake County. We'd have to go back into history some and dig into how much real power the Sheriff's Office has over the range. If the range was built by Wake County, as the Sheriff's Office site says, "...for citizens to provide a safe place for target shooting. This facility allows local law enforcement personnel to maintain their skills. Additionally, marksmanship and hunting are increasingly popular sports in Wake County, and citizens now have a safe and enjoyable place in which to practice," then perhaps the Sheriff really doesn't have the power to close the facility to the public. Perhaps he does, at this point I don't really know.
The holidays will make this more complicated but this Moore County resident (WCFETC member) would be more than happy to pass out flyers
I live down the street from the range and I should be able to pass flyers out for a few hours on Sunday. Let me confirm with the wife first, though.
Last edited:
Here was my email to my commissioner (Greg Ford). I received the same response as Scsmith42 did, which I'm hopeful about since it at least seems to indicate the county is not happy with this decision being made without their input.
******************************************************************
Dear Mr. Commissioner,
I am writing you to convey my dissatisfaction with the Wake County Sheriff's Office in their recent decision to close the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center to the public.
As a participant in the precision pistol league matches, I make regular use of this range to practice marksmanship in a safe and well-managed environment. I was dismayed to learn that Sheriff Baker has chosen to end public access to the range, with cost cutting as the justification. This caused me to look into the county's budgets and what mention, if any, is made of this facility.
First, let me point out that the center's website explicitly states it "was built by Wake County for citizens to provide a safe place for target shooting." It opened 19 years ago and the citizens paid $3.3 million to build the facility for this purpose[0].
In fiscal years 2016[1] and 2017[2] the Sheriff's dept proudly listed the number of hours of range time sold to the public under "Major Accomplishments". These were 11,390 and 11,321 respectively. Given that the center is open to the public only 20 hours per week[3], that would appear to be an average of over 10 lanes in public use per hour the range is available. Additionally, factor in the value of the many training courses and leagues held at the range (66 training courses held in 2016 alone - more than 5 per month).
Shooters pay fees to use the range and to take training classes. This revenue source does not need to be profitable to be worthwhile, because everyone in the county benefits from it regardless of whether they use the facility. Civilian firearms ownership and interest in self-defense is rising, not declining. The number of concealed carry permits issued in Wake county nearly doubled from FY 2016 to FY 2018[4]. I believe everyone would prefer that these permit holders be well-trained in safety, skilled in marksmanship, and knowledgeable of the law.
This year, Sheriff Baker was accused of mismanaging the ~100 million budget for his department[5]. In his response[6] to these allegations, he claims the firing range is "not being best utilized to its maximum capacity" and that "the majority of usage comes from law enforcement". Usage numbers are not mentioned. He goes on to recommend "marketing to other law enforcement agencies and limit public usage", along with requesting a slew of equipment upgrades and a simunitions range. In the Wake County budget for FY 2020, $100,000 has been allocated "for studying the feasibility of locating a simunition training facility on the current Wake County Firearms Training Center site."
It seems to me that the Sheriff's department wants to take a facility built by the public for shared use and convert it to a law enforcement resource, not out of some necessity from rising costs, but to make room for their significant upcoming spending on expensive new features for their own private use.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that in your future interactions with other commissioners and the WCSO, you will relay the concerns of myself and others in our district who value the availability of this facility to the citizenry who funded its creation and ongoing operation.
Sources:
[0] https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/154485/
[1] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy16/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted%209.30.15%2010AM%20FINAL.pdf
Page 319/534
[2] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy17/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted-0830-3-Final.pdf
Page 329/542 (page number in footer is 325)
[3] http://www.wakegov.com/sheriff/services/firingrange/Pages/About-the-center.aspx
3 hours on 3 weekdays, plus 6 on Saturdays, plus 5 on Sundays, equals 20 hours per week, times 52 weeks equals 1,040 hours per year
[4] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/fy20/Documents/FY20%20Adopted%20Budget%20Book.pdf
Page 333 lists 11,846 concealed carry permits processed FY2018
http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy18/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted-Final.pdf
Page 327 lists 6,400 concealed carry permits processed FY2016
[5] https://abc11.com/memos-blast-new-wake-county-sheriffs-handling-of-budget-personnel/5609250/
[6] https://abc11.com/society/wake-co-sheriff-responds-to-allegations-of-budget-mismanagement/5734541/
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6569230/WCSO-RESPONSE-INFORMATION-12-4-19.pdf
Page 52/173
******************************************************************
Dear Mr. Commissioner,
I am writing you to convey my dissatisfaction with the Wake County Sheriff's Office in their recent decision to close the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center to the public.
As a participant in the precision pistol league matches, I make regular use of this range to practice marksmanship in a safe and well-managed environment. I was dismayed to learn that Sheriff Baker has chosen to end public access to the range, with cost cutting as the justification. This caused me to look into the county's budgets and what mention, if any, is made of this facility.
First, let me point out that the center's website explicitly states it "was built by Wake County for citizens to provide a safe place for target shooting." It opened 19 years ago and the citizens paid $3.3 million to build the facility for this purpose[0].
In fiscal years 2016[1] and 2017[2] the Sheriff's dept proudly listed the number of hours of range time sold to the public under "Major Accomplishments". These were 11,390 and 11,321 respectively. Given that the center is open to the public only 20 hours per week[3], that would appear to be an average of over 10 lanes in public use per hour the range is available. Additionally, factor in the value of the many training courses and leagues held at the range (66 training courses held in 2016 alone - more than 5 per month).
Shooters pay fees to use the range and to take training classes. This revenue source does not need to be profitable to be worthwhile, because everyone in the county benefits from it regardless of whether they use the facility. Civilian firearms ownership and interest in self-defense is rising, not declining. The number of concealed carry permits issued in Wake county nearly doubled from FY 2016 to FY 2018[4]. I believe everyone would prefer that these permit holders be well-trained in safety, skilled in marksmanship, and knowledgeable of the law.
This year, Sheriff Baker was accused of mismanaging the ~100 million budget for his department[5]. In his response[6] to these allegations, he claims the firing range is "not being best utilized to its maximum capacity" and that "the majority of usage comes from law enforcement". Usage numbers are not mentioned. He goes on to recommend "marketing to other law enforcement agencies and limit public usage", along with requesting a slew of equipment upgrades and a simunitions range. In the Wake County budget for FY 2020, $100,000 has been allocated "for studying the feasibility of locating a simunition training facility on the current Wake County Firearms Training Center site."
It seems to me that the Sheriff's department wants to take a facility built by the public for shared use and convert it to a law enforcement resource, not out of some necessity from rising costs, but to make room for their significant upcoming spending on expensive new features for their own private use.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that in your future interactions with other commissioners and the WCSO, you will relay the concerns of myself and others in our district who value the availability of this facility to the citizenry who funded its creation and ongoing operation.
Sources:
[0] https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/154485/
[1] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy16/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted%209.30.15%2010AM%20FINAL.pdf
Page 319/534
[2] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy17/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted-0830-3-Final.pdf
Page 329/542 (page number in footer is 325)
[3] http://www.wakegov.com/sheriff/services/firingrange/Pages/About-the-center.aspx
3 hours on 3 weekdays, plus 6 on Saturdays, plus 5 on Sundays, equals 20 hours per week, times 52 weeks equals 1,040 hours per year
[4] http://www.wakegov.com/budget/fy20/Documents/FY20%20Adopted%20Budget%20Book.pdf
Page 333 lists 11,846 concealed carry permits processed FY2018
http://www.wakegov.com/budget/past/fy18/Documents/Wake%20County%20-%20Adopted-Final.pdf
Page 327 lists 6,400 concealed carry permits processed FY2016
[5] https://abc11.com/memos-blast-new-wake-county-sheriffs-handling-of-budget-personnel/5609250/
[6] https://abc11.com/society/wake-co-sheriff-responds-to-allegations-of-budget-mismanagement/5734541/
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6569230/WCSO-RESPONSE-INFORMATION-12-4-19.pdf
Page 52/173
Last edited:
Go see officials in person. The sheriff too. And get your family and friends to go on their own time. Face to face encounters make a difference. You still have time, its not too late.
^^^^^^Outstanding letter^^^^^^^. All the letters posted have been great. I'm working on mine but you guys set a high bar.
Thank you! Feel free to use any of it.
NC has been trending blue for the last 10+ years. Wake County is easily one of the bluest counties in the state and continues to trend blue quickly. Quite a huge difference since I moved here in 2003, too many liberals moving here and supporting the same garbage policies they wanted to leave.
Jessica is from a rural area in Pender County. I went to high school with her and though it's been years since I've seen her I remember her as being very intelligent and reasonable.
UNC may have changed her but I'd like to hope that she will look at the facts you guys are presenting to her before jumping to a decision.
@peelewoodworking that was some pretty awesome stuff. I think the most important point you mentioned is that the Sheriff felt that the FETC should be "marketing to other law enforcement agencies and limit public usage". That right there tells you what he wants. More cops in, the public out. It's not about money.
I'm sure they are...but unless they get a 100 yard rifle range indoors, they are not replacing the primary (to me) draw of this site. Don't get me wrong - I like all the other activities- and was looking to expand my involvement there, now that my elder care responsibilities have sadly lessened.
Agreed, the FETC is unique in offering 50 and 100 yard lanes in a convenient location, and with inexpensive availability to all. I plan on signing up for the Durham County Wildlife Club first thing in February and taking the qualification course for use of their 50 yard pistol and 100 yard rimfire range, but that has an expensive and somewhat time consuming barrier to entry, and they do not have the land to support centerfire rifle shooting. Triangle Shooting Academy has had on their website since they opened that they want to add 100 yard lanes, but I have never heard any more about that and fully expect it's just a pipe dream they have since abandoned.
Plus FETC has the various leagues for competition, which TSA currently lacks.
ThomasC.
Well-Known Member
I have corrected and edited my posts. In all fairness, what I reported was the “story” at the Monday night BE league and the specific comment was that it was an OFF DUTY WC Deputy. Obviously incorrect, but I did report what was said and several folks heard the same thing....
It looks like the local media is trying to help the Sheriff by sweeping this away quickly. The WRAL story we've been linking to is no longer on any of their pages (you have to paste the link from here), and I can't find it anywhere on WTVD (channel 11) 's web site.
fieldgrade
waiting...
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
At least the N&O article on this issue interviews different sources, including Mark V. and range management, and quotes them making the case for keeping it open.
WRAL's article did nothing but quote the Sheriff's statement, and also has a worse headline (makes it seem like the range went broke vs. just being cut to save money in the department's overall budget).
WRAL's article did nothing but quote the Sheriff's statement, and also has a worse headline (makes it seem like the range went broke vs. just being cut to save money in the department's overall budget).
I'm pro LE like most of you on this site, however, does the WCSO NEED a Simunition Training Facility? I believe the most recently adopted Wake County Budget approved something like $55 million to build one at Wake Tech? Right now we're on defense with respect to the closing (to the public) of the WCFETC. Would be great if a concerned citizen group other than us went after the WCSO to object to this proposed new facility considering one already exists (or is being built) at Wake Tech.
There's even a $100,000 in WCSO budget to study the feasibility for simunition. Maybe I'm being ignorant, but that sounds like a fat contract for somebody. It's hard to believe WCSO wanted to close the FETC to save tax payer money.
The Sheriff has been blowing money and handing out favors like a US Senator. Fiscal responsibility has nothing to do with this. As is typical of Dems his economic intelligence is lacking and naturally the press won’t call him out on it.