(TX) Denton County Politician Wants To Get Rid Of Gun Ordinance

[Drizzt]

The Dallas Morning News

April 13, 2003, Sunday SECOND EDITION

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 1Q

LENGTH: 647 words

HEADLINE: Candidates putting emphasis on commercial development

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: LESLEY TLLEZ

DATELINE: HIGHLAND VILLAGE

BODY:
Highland Village City Council candidate Greg Lirette says if he's elected he'll work for the removal of a city ordinance that forbids guns in public buildings.

Like the other three candidates running for council in Highland Village, Mr. Lirette is emphasizing commercial development as a primary concern. But the political newcomer says reviewing ordinances is also important.

"There are many ordinances in Highland Village that are too restrictive, and that would include firearms ordinances," said Mr. Lirette, 29, an escalation engineer and a gun instructor with the National Rifle Association.

He faces Brian Fiorenza for the Place 3 council spot. Mr. Fiorenza, a 44-year-old mortgage broker and partner in a real estate firm, has been involved in Highland Village government for several years.
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This is where it has to start. We talk about making sure our national candidates respect our rights, but we need to make sure the local politicians are on our side before we will truly have the chance to ensure freedom on a national level.

 

[Azrael256]

In a place like Denton county, that will certainly help his campaign. I wish I still lived there so I could vote for him.

 

[Greybeard]

Yep, Greg and his wife are good folks. Met in the Army - where SHE was an armorer.

If the State Legislature does not clean up the problem with 30.06 signs in the next few weeks, maybe Greg can - at least in his little suburb.

 

[Greybeard]

Greg works for Microsoft and is quite the computer wizzard. His web sites: http://www.lirette.net (election issues) and www.dfwgunsafety.com. He's spent a lot of time over at Glock Talk, but been too busy with election for that lately ...

 

[Standing Wolf]

...if he's elected he'll work for the removal of a city ordinance that forbids guns in public buildings.

I see no reason lawfully owned and carried firearms should be prohibited anywhere.

 

[glirette]

Thanks all for the support!

 

[El Tejon]

Grey, bring the rest of the class up to speed. Is Tejas getting rid of those .30-'06 signs?!?!

 

[TexasVet]

Hey, Greg!

It's good to see a Texas pro gun politician on here. Bring your friends!

 

[Greybeard]

Quote: Grey, bring the rest of the class up to speed. Is Tejas getting rid of those .30-'06 signs?!?!

30.06 signs have been posted by some cities on entrances to PUBLIC owned buildings (such as city hall where Greg lives). There are arguements going on in Austin these days that was not the intent of the law - that the 30.06 sign was for PRIVATE property owners. There have been bills proposed in both the House and Senate to hopefully fix the problem. This is TSRA's "flagship legislation" for this session, but it is getting major opposition from the likes of Texas Municipal League.

ahenry has been posting some pertinent poop in "State Legislative" forum here at THR. It is definitely "crunch time" for Legislature in Austin these days, but I've not had an update from there in at least a week. Clarification of 30.06-related law, if passed, would go into effect Sept. 1. And would force the cities to take 'em down.

We DO have many of the right people in place in Austin to get it done, but it IS going to be a battle. Last I heard, the bill in the Senate had just got ambushed with an amendment. Similar bill in House (H.B. 878) sponsored by Suzanna Hupp and many others was still on track last I heard, but more hostiles anticipated along the way ... If not done already, a real good time right now for Texans to contact reps and see where they stand on the issue.

 

[glirette]

Today is the last day of regular early voting, Monday and Tuesday early voting continues but with extended voting hours. I am taking Monday and Tuesday off work to do what needs to be done to get the vote out and talk with people.

Next Saturday is Election Day.

Highland Village is in the 75077 zip code, currently we have 480 active CHL holders in that zip code, but we share the zip code with Lewisville. I called the USPS and they confirmed that Highland Village has most of the zip code.

If you live in or near the Denton area, or even better if you are in Highland Village or Flower Mound I ask for your support. Only Highland Village voters may vote in our City Council election but it is critical that these people get to the polls. Please let them know about me and they can contact me at 214-552-6700 with questions, concerns, or feedback.

If anyone is in the DFW area or is willing to drive to DFW I would love to have your support in person on May 3rd (election day). The biggest issue in the election is not going to be guns but I can assure you that me getting on city council will have a positive impact on the local gun rights movement.

If you are not able to come out on May 3rd but wish to assist prior to that please let me know. I have yard signs that need homes and would love to have your help and support!

Perhaps you cannot assist in person at all but you have suggestions for me, I will take those as well. My email is [email protected].

Thanks again for your support.

Greg Lirette
[email protected]

 

[Greybeard]

Looks at I've got good mailing addresses on at least 40 of 'em to hit with a little "motivation" come Monday ... Go Greg!

 

[glirette]

Below is a letter that will be published in a small local paper in a couple days. If you know anyone in Flower Mound, Lewisville, or Highland Village TX please let them know I am out here. I am sure they know people in Highland Village or if they are in Highland Village they can vote themselves.

If any of you in the DFW area can assist Friday night with signs or on Saturday at the poll I would love to have you.

Also I have 2 brochures

click here for main brochure

click for for gun handout

My name is Greg Lirette and I’m pleased to share some thoughts with you. I am a candidate for Highland Village City Council Place 3 and encourage you to vote on May 3rd regardless of who you vote for please do get out and vote, it is our civic duty to do so.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1995, I began my career in the computer industry. For the past six years I have been with Microsoft where I work as an escalation engineer. I'm an active NRA certified firearms instructor. My family moved to Highland Village in 1998, my wife Aimme and I have been married for 10 years and have an 8 year old daughter; we are expecting a baby girl in August.

One of the cities greatest assets is the wonderful parks, over the years I only see our parks becoming even more beautiful and continue to meet the needs of the citizens.


I think critically about problems, it is very important to me to consider all viewpoints. I believe in soliciting feedback from interested parties and that communication is of the utmost importance, our city web site can be an excellent communication tool.

We must do everything possible to not raise taxes whether it is property or sales tax. These are tough economic times and we must do more to stimulate the economy. Ideally we should lower property taxes, we as a city need to be attractive to new business and increase our economic revenue. Currently well over 90% of the city revenue is from property taxes. Our basic services such as police and fire are sure to increase and to support this we need funding. Highland Village needs an open for business sign and be open to discussion with new developers.

I am not for big government or over regulation and refuse to give up basic human rights which are protected by the Constitution of the United States.


Thank You,

Greg Lirette