Nevada Firearms Coalition Progress ?

[varminter22]

No. NVFAC elected to become a 501(c)4 which allows us to be political - and donations to a 501(c)4 are not tax deductible.

If NVFAC were a 501(c)3, donations would be tax deductible, but then NVFAC could not perform substantial lobbying, campaigning, nor endorsing.

As NVFAC progresses, it can set up a (c)3 for a special need, such as a youth program and donations would be tax deductible. But for right now, NVFAC believed it best to sacrifice tax deductibility for being able to be active in the election process and legislature.

 

[DON`T TREAD ON ME]

I do not see how a letter from Tom Collins to someone who has nothing to do with registration, is a benchmark to judge the NVFAC at all. The reality is the Collins letter has to be looked at in the light of the fact that it is campaign season. When I contacted his office about 8 months ago, he was "in the dark" about all of this registration stuff and wanted to concentrate on the economy and unemployment.

If Tom Collins wanted to end handgun registration in Clark County he would talk with the other Commissioners let them know that it is importanmt and start making it a priority. And when he gets registration to the top of the stack, bring it to vote. He has had nothing but air and opportunity, I say vote him out.

 

[CowboyKen]

No. NVFAC elected to become a 501(c)4 which allows us to be political - and donations to a 501(c)4 are not tax deductible.

If NVFAC were a 501(c)3, donations would be tax deductible, but then NVFAC could not perform substantial lobbying, campaigning, nor endorsing.

As NVFAC progresses, it can set up a (c)3 for a special need, such as a youth program and donations would be tax deductible. But for right now, NVFAC believed it best to sacrifice tax deductibility for being able to be active in the election process and legislature.

Larry,

Thanks for the knowledgeable and informative answer.

I understand that NVFAC has only been around a short time. I have reviewed their web-site and I still have a couple of questions. Their is nothing, that I saw, on the site about the organizations finances, or how they plan to spend the money they raise. Are their financial statements and/or tax returns available?

Is there a detailed financial plan or budget? Do they have paid officers/employees? How much (what percentage) of the funding is being spent on administrative expenses compared to the organization's "social welfare" goals?

Ken

 

[DVC]

Varminter, if you think it's "bashing" to give the facts of the NRA's abysmal civil-rights record, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your support for them.

Wikipedia is not reliable source -- anyone can say anything there.

As far as NVFAC, if you guys get anything moving in a direction that they should go, I will help push. Until then, I will give my support to groups which are actually getting things done NOW.

 

[SoLasVegas]

I do not see how a letter from Tom Collins to someone who has nothing to do with registration, is a benchmark to judge the NVFAC at all. The reality is the Collins letter has to be looked at in the light of the fact that it is campaign season. When I contacted his office about 8 months ago, he was "in the dark" about all of this registration stuff and wanted to concentrate on the economy and unemployment.

If Tom Collins wanted to end handgun registration in Clark County he would talk with the other Commissioners let them know that it is importanmt and start making it a priority. And when he gets registration to the top of the stack, bring it to vote. He has had nothing but air and opportunity, I say vote him out.

His competition on the "R" side, Ruth Johnson, might not be much better. I know she has responded to the NFC gun rights questionnaire, and I am hoping to see that response soon, but I also sent her a few questions of my own. Her response:

Thank you for your email. Please see my answers listed below. Let me know if you have any further questions. I have returned a questionnaire for the Nevada Firearms Coalition which I believe can be found at www.nvfac.org. Although I grew up in a family that always had guns, my views on guns and safety issues are probably influenced somewhat by my twelve years on the school board where the emphasis was on keeping students safe and alive which put me in a position of responsibility to look at both sides of gun issues.

1. Do you believe the US Constitution and the Nevada Constitution guarantee the right of an individual to keep and bear arms?
Yes

2. Do you believe that registration of firearms at any level of government is an infringement of the right to keep and bear arms?
Personally, no. However, I see your point.

3. Do you support a repeal of Clark County Ordinances requiring registration of handguns?
Undecided. I would need to review both sides of the issue.

4. Do you support allowing legal concealed and legal open carrying of firearms in County parks and public buildings?
Undecided. If a courthouse (for example) is considered a public building, then I would want to make sure the safety of everyone, including gun bearing citizens are protected.

5. Are you a firearms owner?
No, but I grew up with firearms and went hunting with my family and participated in target shooting.

6. Do you currently have a concealed carry permit valid in Nevada?
No

7. Do you believe that a right to defend oneself and one's property and one's family is an inherent right of all people?
Yes

8. Do you support the right of law-abiding citizens to openly carry firearms which they are able to legally possess, with or without a permit?
I support the rights of citizens within the current restrictions of the law.

Some of her responses seem favorable, but most are not. The last one is especially troubling -- it seems to be political-speak for "I don't want to change anything".

 

[wrightme]

As far as NVFAC, if you guys get anything moving in a direction that they should go, I will help push. Until then, I will give my support to groups which are actually getting things done NOW.

So, which organization that is getting things done NOW are you supporting for Nevada?

NVFAC stated what they got moving in a direction. Do you agree with the items they have begun working on or not? Is complete state preemption not a good direction? How about repeal of Clark Co registration? Do you disagree with working towards those goals?

 

[Vegassteve]

My response to the thread at NVFAC, that I just posted.



I am ready to jump on a committee. Where is the leadership though? Why have the chairs not reached out to members asking for help?

And why is one person, Don doing all the work he states is being done? There are a board members and chairs are none of these people doing anything?

And I will chime in ONE MORE TIME, we have a state law. Other counties,cities and the state have fallen in line. I do not look forward to opening a door and try to fix what we already fixed. How about the southern committee get to work and meet county and city officials about one thing, pick park carry lets say. The law is clear that these old laws can not stand.

 

[Vegassteve]

I do not see how a letter from Tom Collins to someone who has nothing to do with registration, is a benchmark to judge the NVFAC at all. The reality is the Collins letter has to be looked at in the light of the fact that it is campaign season. When I contacted his office about 8 months ago, he was "in the dark" about all of this registration stuff and wanted to concentrate on the economy and unemployment.

If Tom Collins wanted to end handgun registration in Clark County he would talk with the other Commissioners let them know that it is importanmt and start making it a priority. And when he gets registration to the top of the stack, bring it to vote. He has had nothing but air and opportunity, I say vote him out.

Collins acts like he is with us but I have my doubts. When I contacted his office about park carry they didnt step in and help but rather just passed my info on to the county. I asked Collins to look into it. I had already done my own work and was asking for his help.

 

[Rollbar]

I am ready to jump on a committee. Where is the leadership though? Why have the chairs not reached out to members asking for help?

And why is one person, Don doing all the work he states is being done? There are a board members and chairs are none of these people doing anything?

Here is your contact info:

http://www.nvfac.org/divisions-and-board-of-directors.html


Divisions & Board of Directors

The Nevada Firearms Coalition is a membership organization lead by a Board of Directors. They meet three times a year as a board. All board meetings are open to the membership. Once a year there will be an annual meeting of the membership. Any person who is a member in good standing may assist a division and its director with accomplishing its responsibilities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Don Turner, President
Bob Irwin, First Vice President
Randy Mackie, Vice President Legislative Division
Megan Ferrante, Secretary
Joe. O. Luby III, Treasurer
Larry Rhodes, Northwest Area Director
Clyde Drake, Northeast Area Director
Terry Farr, Southern Area Director
J.M. White, Competitive Division Director
Greg Ferrante, Communications Division Director
David Famiglietti, Range & Retail Division Director
Matt Supnick, Education & Training Division Director
Gordon Warren, Conservation Division Director

DIVISIONS

The following are divisions of the NVFAC. Please contact the respective division director for information regarding the division and also if you wish to volunteer to assist that division with its' responsibilities.

AREA DIVISIONS

Area Directors from three areas of the State – North West, North East and South: shall coordinate Coalition support and activities with organizations, individuals and conservation/shooting groups in their area. Area Directors may form committees within their division responsibilities as necessary to carry out the responsibilities of their division upon Board approval.

NORTH WEST AREA DIVISION

The North West Division shall cover the counties of Washoe, Humboldt, Pershing, Churchill, Storey, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral and Esmeralda Counties.

NORTH EAST AREA DIVISION

The North East Division shall cover the counties of Elko, Lander, Eureka, and White Pine Counties

SOUTHERN AREA DIVISION

The Southern Division shall cover the counties of Nye, Lincoln and Clark Counties

COMPETITIVE DIVISION

The Competitive Division shall be responsible for all registered competitions and tournaments in Nevada which are sanctioned by the Coalition and/or by other organizations bodies who have an agreement with the Coalition or are Coalition members. Through its Competitive division the Coalition may conduct championships or it may authorize and arrange for a member organization to conduct a championship in accordance with the Coalition's established procedures for conducting championships. The Competitive Division is responsible to plan, arrange for or conduct the annual State Championship and any other Coalition authorized and sponsored competitions for different disciplines. This provision shall include any and all sponsorship and/or support authorized by the Coalition of teams and/or individuals to represent the State at international, national, regional or other major competitions.

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

The Communications Division shall be responsible for the Coalition web page, online monthly newsletters, membership communications, issue updates, marketing and advertising for the Coalition and its activities. This Division will work closely with the Secretary in coordinating its responsibilities.

RANGE & RETAIL BUSINESS DIVISION

The Range & Retail Division shall be responsible for coordinating with shooting ranges and those involved in shooting related retail operations to further the goals of the Coalition. This Division may provide input and recommendations to member ranges and retailers for state of the art improvements and enhancements to their ranges and operations.

EDUCATION/TRAINING DIVISION

The Education & Training Division shall be responsible for development, management, sponsorship and/or presentation and for coordination of Coalition sponsored education and training programs including youth, women, self-defense, law enforcement, conservation and competition.

CONSERVATION DIVISION

The Conservation Division shall be responsible for monitoring conservation activities and providing information to members regarding conservation activities and concerns.

LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

The Vice President for Legislative Affairs: shall oversee the Legislative Division. There will also be estabalished a separate PAC Division (named the Nevada Firearms Coalition Political Action Committee NVFCPAC) functioning as a separate corporation to participate in legislative actions and political fund raising. The Vice President will keep the president and Board informed of activities. May appoint members to assist with this function: may be registered to lobby for the NVFCPAC.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is a standing committee. The Treasurer of the Coalition shall be the chairman; the committee shall be composed of at least three (3) but not more than five (5) of the best qualified and available members, and shall be appointed by the Board. The committee shall review and monitor the accounts, methods and financial statue of the Coalition. It shall take recommendations to the Board on investments, asset acquisition and disposition, and financial plans and reports necessary to assist the Board in the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Coalition.

 

[Vegassteve]

Here is your contact info:

Thanks I knew all of that.
I have in the past and again today sent emails asking what I can do. My point was that if help was needed no one, not one person has come forward to say something like this.. Our committee is in need of x# of people for this or we need people to send letters etc.

There has been no leadership to us the members. Even after members asking.

 

[DON`T TREAD ON ME]

At the risk of being attacked I too must agree with Steve, I have had some contact with the legislative Dept. and limited input, however it seems miniscule, It feels like my ability to contribute to the cause is limited to whatever output gets authorized by the board.

Another issue is that Larry is a good choice for legislative stuff and he is experienced but I do not know of the people down here that have made any inroads into actual rights excluding Tim F TBG myself and a handful of others, but I do not think any of the aforementioned people were soliceted for their contribution when NVFAC was originated. Leaving the southern end of the State with the most work legislatively and the least recources to accomplish the work. (my opinion) I wanted to get a steering commitee together Down here to beat back registration, about the same time that NVFAC started. I still believe that for or five dedicated people meeting once a week, and pushing the issue can accomplish alot.

 

[varminter22]

I do not see how a letter from Tom Collins to someone who has nothing to do with registration, is a benchmark to judge the NVFAC at all. The reality is the Collins letter has to be looked at in the light of the fact that it is campaign season. When I contacted his office about 8 months ago, he was "in the dark" about all of this registration stuff and wanted to concentrate on the economy and unemployment.

If Tom Collins wanted to end handgun registration in Clark County he would talk with the other Commissioners let them know that it is importanmt and start making it a priority. And when he gets registration to the top of the stack, bring it to vote. He has had nothing but air and opportunity, I say vote him out.

It is simply a part of a multi-pronged strategy.

Would you not agree that getting answers favorable to our cause would help to convince the other commissioners?

 

[varminter22]

Larry,

Thanks for the knowledgeable and informative answer.

I understand that NVFAC has only been around a short time. I have reviewed their web-site and I still have a couple of questions. Their is nothing, that I saw, on the site about the organizations finances, or how they plan to spend the money they raise. Are their financial statements and/or tax returns available?

Is there a detailed financial plan or budget? Do they have paid officers/employees? How much (what percentage) of the funding is being spent on administrative expenses compared to the organization's "social welfare" goals?

Ken

I think that question would best to directed to NVFAC.

Plenty of contact info on the website.

Thanks, Ken.

 

[varminter22]

Varminter, if you think it's "bashing" to give the facts of the NRA's abysmal civil-rights record, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your support for them.

Wikipedia is not reliable source -- anyone can say anything there.

As far as NVFAC, if you guys get anything moving in a direction that they should go, I will help push. Until then, I will give my support to groups which are actually getting things done NOW.

I don't know what to tell ya, DVC. No matter what I (or anyone else here) say, you'll continue to "bash."

Has the NRA made mistakes in the past? Yeah, I've said that many times. Has the NRA also had many successes? You bet they have.

Wikipedia - yeah, I agree. So, why not search all web sites. You'll still come up with views from both sides and find plenty of NRA successes.

I believe NVFAC is moving in the right direction. And we need members and help.

Being mere mortals, we may never meet your criteria - especially since you appear to want mountains moved in a few short months.

In the meantime, I hope we can all work together toward common goals.

 

[varminter22]

My response to the thread at NVFAC, that I just posted.

I am ready to jump on a committee. Where is the leadership though? Why have the chairs not reached out to members asking for help?

And why is one person, Don doing all the work he states is being done? There are a board members and chairs are none of these people doing anything?

And I will chime in ONE MORE TIME, we have a state law. Other counties,cities and the state have fallen in line. I do not look forward to opening a door and try to fix what we already fixed. How about the southern committee get to work and meet county and city officials about one thing, pick park carry lets say. The law is clear that these old laws can not stand.

Please do, Steve! Contact info on the NVFAC site.

I am searching for help in the northwest. Am sure the other area directors are too.

Everyone is encouraged to contact them and get involved.

I've asked a couple of posters from up this way; no word yet. I think it best to conduct such business via the NVFAC forum or in person and phone/email.

For example, I would love to have committee(s) to, among other things, host an NVFAC presence at the next major gun show(s) in Reno and all cities/towns in all northwestern area counties: Washoe, Humboldt, Pershing, Churchill, Storey, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, and Esmeralda.

I believe you are referring to state preemption - as amended by SB-92, 2007. And I agree. I don't understand what you mean by "opening a door and try to fix what we already fixed." NVFAC is definitely onboard with "one law for all of Nevada." Please email me??

 

[DVC]

So, which organization that is getting things done NOW are you supporting for Nevada?

The Second Amendment Foundation.

NVFAC stated what they got moving in a direction. Do you agree with the items they have begun working on or not? Is complete state preemption not a good direction? How about repeal of Clark Co registration? Do you disagree with working towards those goals?

I agree that these are the right direction. When I see progress beyond board meetings and discussion, I will happily grab a rope and help pull.

 

[DVC]

How about listing the three which you consider their greatest successes?

I don't expect to see mountains being moved "in a few short months," but don't you think that if you are going to claim to be making progress in your plans to move them, you should be able to show a shovel or two . . ?

 

[DVC]

For example, I would love to have committee(s) to, among other things, host an NVFAC presence at the next major gun show(s)

You might think more about hosting a rally in each end of the state, invite political candidates to come speak and see if you can generate some enthusiasm that way.

The thing that you have to worry about is that after your rally, people will be expecting progress from the leadership, so have some kind of plan to offer and be ready to start moving on it.

 

[wrightme]

The Second Amendment Foundation.

What are they working on in Nevada?

 

[CowboyKen]

You might think more about hosting a rally in each end of the state, invite political candidates to come speak and see if you can generate some enthusiasm that way.
...

Didn't we do this, was it back in July at Stoney's? Big crowd, speakers, much goina-do, not much has happened since that any of us can see.

Larry, We all know the work that you do and we appreciate it. But it seems the rest of these folks haven't shown much so far. I truly hope that my concerns are unwarranted and that this group, given some time, will exceed expectations. However,

I think that question would best to directed to NVFAC.

Plenty of contact info on the website.

Thanks, Ken.

Larry,

This is lame.

I thought you were on the BoD. Why wouldn't this organization put some (if not all) of this information on its web-site? Some of this is required, by law, to be publicly available (the 1024 and 990s for instance). Are the books up to date?

Ken