Health & Fitness
NH Senator Sanborn to Oppose Purchase of Concord BearCat
Senator Sanborn stands with citizens opposed to Concord's purchase of BearCat vehicle.
NH State Senator Sanborn (R) is expected to stand with other NH residents on Monday at a press conference in Concord in opposition to the city's purchase of the "BearCat".
The name "BearCat" is an acronym for "Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck." Controversy arose when it was discovered that in applying for grant money with which Concord's police department would make the purchase, Concord's Police Chief Duval cited the need for the vehicle due to 'daily challenges' from 'FSP members, sovereign citizens' and other well organized groups. Many people found his claims, which he has since retracted, to be incorrect and offensive.
In a statement to this writer, Senator Sanborn said "As a Concord taxpayer, business owner and New Hampshire resident, I believe in our traditional New Hampshire values of personal responsibility, personal freedom and common sense. While the world is certainly more complicated today, I can not fathom the need for any small New Hampshire community to arm itself with an armored motorized vehicle who's main purpose is to kill masses of people. Understanding the attractiveness of "free money" is wrought with perils, I hope the City Council of Concord recognizes that our local police departments are designed to serve and protect, not enforce through intimidation."
The press conference will be held in front of City Council Chambers, 41 Green Street Concord, on Monday August 26th at 3:45 PM after which a petition of signatures of Concord residents will be presented to the Council. The petition states "We, the undersigned residents of Concord, New Hampshire, hereby petition the City Council to reject the acceptance of the Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck. We do not support burdening the taxpayers of Concord with the costs of maintaining and operating such a vehicle, nor adding $258,024.00 to the national debt by accepting paramilitary equipment that the citizens of Concord do not need and cannot afford."
Opponents who are Concord residents may sign the online petition here: http://www.NoMoreBEARCATS.com
The petition will be presented to the Concord City Council by 17-year Concord resident and former 7-year police officer Pam Ean.
Direct link to petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-more-bearcats/
