Pinehurst Repeals Concealed Weapon Ban
The entrance of the Village Arboretum in Pinehurst
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Admitting it overreached the first time around, the Pinehurst Village Council voted Tuesday to repeal an ordinance that prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons in public parks and on the greenway trails.
“The council is not afraid to say it made a mistake,” Mayor Nancy Fiorillo said.
The unanimous vote came less than a month after the council voted for the orignal prohibition. The switch came after input from residents.
“Our inboxes have been flooded,” Fiorillo said.
Several residents spoke on the issue Tuesday morning. All favored abolishing the ordinance.
Resident Bill Huber cautioned the council that the issue could earn plenty of press and ultimately become political.
“If this gets enough press it is going to be an election issue,” Huber said.
He encouraged the council to “be careful and don’t shoot yourself in the foot.”
Prior to the discussion with the public, each council member said they erred when voting for the ordinance on July 24.
“It is one of the few votes I wish I had back because it punishes citizens,” council member Mark Parson said.
“I wish I had thought about it and done a little better homework,” fellow council member Doug Lapins said. “I don’t see where this (ordinance) does a thing for us as a village.”
Police Chief Earl Phipps said there had been no incidences in the village, and also said that enforcing a ban on concealed weapons on the greenway trails would be very difficult.
“Our parks are very safe," Phipps said.
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wagner said he contacted Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Moore County, and only Aberdeen was even looking at the issue, and it was in the early stages.
“If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Huber said.
Rich Foster said there are areas on the greenway trails that are isolated and where someone might be accosted by “thugs,” and would be much safer if they were allowed to carry a concealed weapon.
Resident Jerry Montgomery voiced concerns to the council about the process and the lack of public information and involvement.
“How did it get to be brought before the council, and how did it get to be such a slam dunk?” he asked.
He proposed that residents — on both sides of the issue — should have been given an opportunity to speak on the matter before a decision was made.
Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey @thepilot.com.
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Comments
cooldaddy 9 months ago
Very good government to admit and proceed. Thank you. People who cannot change their mind, don't have one. Well done.
fatboy 9 months ago
It was the right thing to do. At least they admitted their mistake.
Courseaire 9 months ago
It's too bad they made such a bonehead decision in the first place, but what do you expect from politians - flip flop'n away.
TarHeelBoy 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Hmm. Concealed weapons on children's playgrounds? Can't we keep the guns away from the swing sets?
NewspaperReader 8 months, 4 weeks ago
TarHeelBoy, what reason do you have to be concerned about it?
FightFireWithFire 8 months, 4 weeks ago
My bet is that most of the "soccer mommies" that are not working and are spending the day at the playground/park with their children are not packing heat. So don't sweat it, there, TarHeelBoy, you might be the one I need to be concerned about.
ImaginaryManInTheSky 8 months, 4 weeks ago
I don't know how we've made it this long without having guns at the Pinehurst parks. Why is it the people that want guns always want so many of them. Maybe next we can start handing out guns as you enter the park that way everyone knows the other is packing.
NewspaperReader 8 months, 4 weeks ago
ImaginaryManInTheSky, all people want is for it to be legal for responsible citizens to carry concealed weapons where there is no perpetual security presence.
TarHeelBoy 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Can't we all just leave the guns at home? I worry more about the accidents than the odd crazy person.
JimRussell44 8 months, 4 weeks ago
FightFireWithFire, according to my source, you are putting the "mommies" at great risk with your comments. By announcing that the Moms are probably not packing, you are sending signals to the criminal element that they would be easy targets...at least that's what skylinefirepest tells me.
Speaking of skyline, this story is great news for you. Now that you can CC, you have no reason to be afraid to visit Pinehurst. Should any of those retirees snap and go rouge on you, you can pull out your weapon and "plink" them.
MikeNC 8 months, 4 weeks ago
I'll bet some would be surprised on just how many soccer moms and trail joggers and walkers are in fact packing and doing so legally and are well trained and qualified. They just don't get on here and talk smack...they will protect their kids & self however and put the legal and ultimate smack down on any clown who tries the unthinkable. I'm glad to have them out there armed. Those 'soccer moms' are not just packing in the parks either...wherever they go; just the way concealed carry is suppose to work (other than in No Gun Zones) It keeps things safer for all of us...Mike
clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago
" MikeNC - I'll bet some would be surprised on just how many soccer moms and trail joggers and walkers are in fact packing"
What a crazy statement............... Do you have any verifiable data or do you just frisk every soccer mom and walker ?
As usual - you make little sense!
cheers!
smoochielarue 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Why not let guns on planes and in schools too. Heck lets go back to the days of the old west.
clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago
" wdd101st - The more good citizens that "pack", the better the chances that criminals will not want to assault anyone. There is always that chance they may pick the wrong victim."
The reality and unfortunate aspect is that "their" gun will have already been "pulled" while yours sits in it's holster!
I have no real problem with carrying a concealed weapon while on a trip or when you will be alone, but in parks, little league games, soccer fields - it doesn't make any sense at all to me!
FightFireWithFire 8 months, 4 weeks ago
"FightFireWithFire, according to my source, you are putting the "mommies" at great risk with your comments. By announcing that the Moms are probably not packing, you are sending signals to the criminal element that they would be easy targets...at least that's what skylinefirepest tells me."
Well, a couple of days ago the VOP just announced to every thug around that NO ONE would have had a gun, so I guess you can take that whatever way you'd like. Believe me, more people are unarmed that the general public realizes. I would love to see more women armed, but the truth is, they aren't. Don't kid yourselves into believing it, either. By the way, I will be more than happy to see more of the soccer moms in my classes, but the truth of the matter is I see more of the women who aren't in that "classification", if you will.
clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago
" I see more of the women who aren't in that "classification", if you will."
I wonder just what that means.................
AbdominalDohMan 8 months, 4 weeks ago
ImaginaryManInTheSky 20 hours, 52 minutes ago I don't know how we've made it this long without having guns at the Pinehurst parks. Why is it the people that want guns always want so many of them. Maybe next we can start handing out guns as you enter the park that way everyone knows the other is packing.
How do you know this? It is called concealed for a reason.
clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago
"Well, a couple of days ago the VOP just announced to every thug around that NO ONE would have had a gun"
Whew.......... I am surprised there weren't dozens of robberies, muggings, and rapes during that period of time. Thankfully the criminals don't read the Pilot!
Sometimes the posts make so little sense I can't tell whether or not posters are really serious or simply pulling legs.
skylinefirepest 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Hey Jim, long time no hear. I don't know as I would worry about some little old man going rouge on me as I don't swing that way...but if one went rogue then I could plink his walker out from under him and leave him for the police!! And Clarabelle, you aren't likely to hear much of anything "criminal" out of Pinehurst...they don't exactly advertise what goes on over there that might be considered bad for the image.
blue1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
hey whens the last time we had a gun incident at the park or anywhere in pinehurst??? the state rests your honor...Find something better to do with your life that complain about politicians
blue1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Oh and I doubt our criminal underworld is scoping out comments on thepilot.com
Medic1210 8 months, 4 weeks ago
TarHeelBoy, feel free to leave your firearm at home. Just know there are law abiding citizens around you every day, peaceably carrying firearms for personal protection in more places than a park. What I don't understand is why everyone automatically talks about children and playgrounds, when the ban affected much more than that. There are areas of the greenway trails that would be prime location for a mugger or rapist to pick an unsuspecting victim from. I applaud the local government for actually realizing the error of their ways, and wasting no time correcting it. I only wish other cities who have enacted similar bans would do the same.
Medic1210 8 months, 4 weeks ago
clarabelle, do you really believe that the only times you would ever possibly need to carry a firearm would be on trips or when you're alone? Really? And what is it about soccer games or parks that would make an otherwise sane, law abiding citizen somehow more likely to become a criminal and start shooting? So we can be trusted when we're travelling, or when we're alone, but put us in a crowd, and somehow we become dangerous? Now it's you not making sense. I carry all the time, because I have no crystal ball that tells me when some criminal may attack. And as for your comment regarding "Their gun will already be pulled while yours is still in its holster" it's obvious you have no desire to actually read about how many law abiding citizens use their weapons to prevent crime on a daily basis. Google it. There are more stories than I could possibly link here. How is it they were able to use their weapon when the bad guys always get the drop on you first?
rudy2donline 8 months, 4 weeks ago
I'm glad the Village Council reversed themselves on this ridiculous ban. What I want now is for the CC group to form and announce a Benevolent Society of Armed Park Joggers. So that all the bad guys in the area know they are real they should adopt a uniform, like shorts with cargo pockets in summer and vests with underarm holsters in winter. That way, all the "soccer moms" will know who is protecting them.
alladat1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
The NYPD just shot a guy at the Empire State Bldg. Nice job by the "POLICE" - it wasn't some CC guy because it never is some CC guy. I hear they found 5 or 6 more guys with guns hiding under cars but let them go once they showed their NRA cards.
Medic1210 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Alladat1, of course you never hear about some CC guy stopping a mass shooting, because mass shootings happen in gun free zones, where CC guys cannot legally carry. Your comment in and of itself proves you have no clue about NYC, or you would know that they do not allow concealed carry by anybody but a select priviledged few. The Theater in Aurora Colorado had a specific policy banning lawful carry inside the building, which prevented your CC guy from having a means of stopping the attack. How about Virginia Tech? Yep, another gun free zone, so yeah, no CC guy was able to do anything there either. The list goes on and on, but the fact is, these crazed gunmen want one thing... a high body count. Where else to get one of these than a place where you know nobody will be there to shoot back? A gun free zone of course. They only stop the law abiding citizens from carrying, because the criminals and crazies don't care about the law. It's called common sense alladat1. Look into it.
Medic1210 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Alladat1, I just noticed your comment regarding the guys found near their cars with guns, let go after showing their NRA cards... Making up nonsense to try and prove your case does just the opposite. Try sticking with facts please.
alladat1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Medic - thank's for the info - you truly are a loyal DOD (Defender of Death).
alladat1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
It's all big talk unless you can back it up. CC guys would be like George Costanza pushing kids and old lady's aside while yelling fire.
alladat1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
I didn't say they were near cars - I said they were hiding under them.
skylinefirepest 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Alladat...bs as usual. Check just a little bit about cc permitholders stopping criminals around the country. Happens all the time and is well documented, though not by the major media as a good guy stopping a crime is not near the news that a bad guy shooting someone is.
fugitiveguy 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Where were all the anti CC commenters on Chief Galloways piece? Missing in action. No facts, just rhetoric and talking points. Its like debating with a 12yr old. Its an exercise in futility. Quite sure they are part of the hope and change contingent.
Medic1210 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Alladat1, your blatant lie about 6 CCW carriers hiding under cars proves you have no desire to discuss the issue with any degree of truth. What you don't get, is your desire to unarm law abiding citizens means you are a DOD as you call it. No criminal is ever going to follow gun laws, so the only folks that would ever disarm under government order are the law abiding gun owners. This of course means the only ones that will have guns at that point would be the criminals, and they'd have no reason to fear one of their victims would shoot back. As for concealed carriers preventing crimes, I guess you and clarabell both forgot about the recent Internet cafe armed robbery that was stopped by a Concealed Carrier. Just like you both have apparently forgotten about the Pine Lake massacre just 10 miles up the road. Oh yeah, guess what? Pine Lake is also a gun free zone. They have a nice sign right on the front door preventing guns. Worked real well a few years ago, didn't it? But I realize that talking with folks like you is a waste of time, because you have absolutely no desire to see the issue from any other angle. Just keep your head buried in the sand.
fugitiveguy 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Medic1210-you are spot on however your efforts are a waste of time on posters such as alladat1. If a situation occurred this afternoon in which he/she or a family member were successfully defended by a CC holder from a murderous gunman or knife wielding psycho and they still wouldn't be swayed. Instead they would just dissapear from the boards. It all boils down to common sense and there in lies the problem. "when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns" its a very old phrase, some might say trite but it is in fact very true. "Loud pipes save lives", now I have to admit I think that one is a bunch of carp.
alladat1 8 months, 4 weeks ago
"Your comment in and of itself proves you have no clue about NYC, or you would know that they do not allow concealed carry by anybody but a select priviledged few." So you think that NYC has given no thought to the problems associated with everyone carrying guns. It's NYC not Carthage. How would you like to be a NYC cop who pulls up on a shootout free-for-all and tries to sort things out without killing the wrong person.
fugitiveguy 8 months, 4 weeks ago
"How would you like to be a NYC cop who pulls up on a shootout free-for-all and tries to sort things out without killing the wrong person."
Where and when has such a situation occurred, "a shoot out free for all" involving CC holders. Maybe it has, I haven't heard of it. I have to believe the anti gun crowd would have had a field day with it. It seems just like more fiction to me. Did you read Chief Galloways piece of a few days ago? Any thoughts?
JD 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Meanwhile in Chicago 13 shot and killed in 30 minutes. I think we can fix gun violence by going back to muskets.
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
Not sure what your point is JD, how many of those 13 were shot by a "legal" gun owner? My guess is none of them which would boost the argument for concealed carry not support those against it.
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
"Police killed the suspect and at least nine others were wounded, some possibly by police gunfire, city officials said."
God bless the NYC police - but even these highly trained individuals in a crazy situation like this can't guarantee the safety of bystanders.
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
"God bless the NYC police - but even these highly trained individuals in a crazy situation like this can't guarantee the safety of bystanders."
I suppose that is true, however big city government agencies like police and fire long ago abandoned their hiring based on qualifications and instead fill quotas based on race and sex. When you have to fill quotas it goes without saying standards have to be lowered. May have no relevance in this situation but then again it might. Also, my guess is a large percentage of LEO's have never fired their weapon in a life and death situation.
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
fugitiveguy - I suppose that is true, however big city government agencies like police and fire long "ago abandoned their hiring based on qualifications and instead fill quotas based on race and sex."
I imagine EACH of these police officers have received a hundred times the training the average gun toter has had.
When you have no real argument ............. you simply say anything - even if it makes no sense!
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
"I imagine EACH of these police officers have received a hundred times the training the average gun toter has had."
Perhaps. I keep waiting for one of the anti gun activists to provide us with a link of the "shooting gallery" they fantasize about involving a cc permit holder. Still waiting....
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
"When you have no real argument ............. you simply say anything - even if it makes no sense!"
Once again, clarabelle leads by example in being the first to post a Pilot blogger mission statement.
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
fugitiveguy - AHHHHHHHHHH SHADDUP already - geez!
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
darn, just when we were starting to get along
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
actually - I feel kind of sorry for you........... lil buddy :)
fugitiveguy 8 months, 3 weeks ago
"actually - I feel kind of sorry for you........... lil buddy :)"
don't waste it on me, life is good, great time to be a conservative, and of course, I am not you.
skylinefirepest 8 months, 3 weeks ago
Clarabelle..."a hundred times the training"...not necessarily true as a significant number of your gun carrying citizens have military, police, or other specialized training. And a great number of your ccp carriers shoot quite often.
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
fugitiveguy - "don't waste it on me, life is good, great time to be a conservative, and of course, I am not you. "
Wow - did you happen to take your meds lately? That....... was actually creative". Are you sure your wife didn't help with that one?
clarabelle 8 months, 3 weeks ago
skylinefirepest - I am certain that's true........... but I will bet that the majority of gun toters have much much less training than the average LEO.
Besides - the accuracy isn't what really concerns me, its the lack of experience in being involved in a situation that has gun play.
Again - I carry on trips - especially when I ride.......... I still don't see any reason to carry at soccer games, wal-mart, etc where the need to use it rarely exists.
skylinefirepest 8 months, 3 weeks ago
Rarely exists...therein lies the problem with your way of thinking. Pinelake has only happened once, Aurora theater only happened once, Virginia Tech only happened once...get the picture here Clarabelle? You just intend to be unprepared when it does happen to you, aren't you?? I always use the example of fire insurance...most everybody has it, agreed? But if you ask those who do have it they will tell you that they don't really expect to have a fire...but they have insurance anyway. By the way, I do appreciate the reasonable comment without the name calling.
Medic1210 8 months, 3 weeks ago
Clarabelle, the average police officer gets trained one time, and then has to qualify once a year. That's it. Only specialty groups like swat receive more. Many police officers are not gun enthusiasts, and do not practice regularly. Many only shoot during their qualification. Many CHP holders that actually carry on a regular basis also shoot on a somewhat regular basis. More than once a year.