To the editor:

Do the citizens of Brunswick believe a town-enacted ordinance should trump every other person’s right to live a peaceful life?

The town of Brunswick issues permits in the rural area allowing unlimited firing from sunup to sundown.

We are now entering the firing season, and my ability to enjoy the weekend’s beautiful weather was shattered by the rapid firing of large caliber rifles, semi-automatic weapons and everything in between; three hours on Saturday and hour and a half on Sunday afternoon.

The noise pollution is a detriment not only to our lives, but also to the wildlife we try to foster in the rural areas of town.

My other concern is, I can think of no reason an ordinary citizen needs to learn to fire a semi-automatic weapon. They are designed to kill people.

I believe the Town Council originally enacted the firing range permit ordinance to solve a problem. However, the ordinance is now the problem, as anyone with a permit can shoot as long as they wish at any time they wish. As neighbors, we have no recourse with the police.

I am not anti-gun nor antifiring range permit as I also hold a permit.

Please support me by asking town councilors to establish limits for firing ranges and to minimize the time and length firing is allowed.

For the past two years, we have talked to the chief of police, spoken to police officers, my son has spoken to our councilor, gone before the council twice and had meetings with David Watson and other permit holders to no avail.

I have lived most of my nearly 81 years here, paid my taxes, which was often very difficult, and kept my farm rural and undeveloped.

I would rather not live out my days feeling like I’m living in a war zone.

Susan Laskey,
Brunswick

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