Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc., P.O. Box 513, Newington, VA 22122 • 804-639-0600


Dear Mayor Starnes,

I am enclosing a letter from your Assistant City Manager, Mr. LLoyd, stating that Radford plans on disobeying Virginia law!

Statewide preemption laws passed last year, and in effect since last July 1, exempt concealed handgun permit holders from all local grandfathered gun laws - including Radford's ban on guns in its parks. Radford currently has a sign saying "No firearms" in its Wildwood Park. That sign should mention the exemption for permit holders, but it doesn't.

Effective in just 2 months, ALL grandfathered ordinances dealing with firearms will be completely invalid. Thus, the "No firearms" wording needs to be removed from the signs by that date and the police told of the change. Hopefully the police are already aware of the permit holder exemption in parks right now.

I am including my original letter that I wrote to Radford's parks director last month, the response from Mr. Lloyd, and a picture of the offending sign. I have faxed both my letter and Mr. Lloyd's letter to the Radford City Attorney, Ms. Kirby.

Mr. Lloyd misstates Virginia law in his letter. He stated that guns are not allowed where there is alcohol present. Not true - only CONCEALED handguns are banned in restaurants and clubs that serve alcohol, open carry is legal wherever alcohol is served. But it is a moot point as alcohol isn't allowed in Radford's parks anyway, something that Mr. Lloyd seems to be unaware of. Mr. Lloyd also said that guns are banned in public buildings and in large public gatherings. No such state or federal law exists. Also, Mr. Lloyd says that VCDL wants the signs taken down. That is not what was asked of Radford. Radford was asked to FIX the wording dealing with firearms on the signs. With the law changing in such a short time, the best solution would be to remove the "No firearms" wording completely or to put "No shooting" in its place.

If you will take a minute to read my attached letter, you will see it was polite, factual, and non-threatening. I was hoping that the situation could be remedied quickly and civilly. Sadly, Mr. Lloyd didn't respond in kind. In fact, he wrote, "...one could conclude that your claim is founded on a complaint that DID NOT OCCUR...the same can be said about the picture you CLAIM to have in your possession." Emphasis is mine. I don't appreciate being call a liar or untrustworthy.

I hope that Mr. Lloyd was not truly speaking for Radford with his letter and that Radford will comply with Virginia law. I look forward to your response Mayor Starnes.



Sincerely,
Philip Van Cleave
President
Virginia Citizens Defense League


Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc., P.O. Box 513, Newington, VA 22122 • 804-639-0600