The Chenango County Judge's seat is up for grabs. I'm excited, are you? There has not been a good contest like this around these parts in so long, I can't remember the last one. The big concern for sportsmen and sportswomen is that the next judge will be the issuing authority for pistol permits (as well as Family Court and Surrogate Judge).
I invited all three candidates to sit with me for an interview and respond to questions that were devised by the Federated Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County. Ms. DiStefano, Mr. McBride and Mr. Revoir, all responded and I sat with each one for an hour and a half discussing their thoughts on the Second Amendment, pistol licensing in New York State and their background in law. The following are their answers in brief, as documenting their entire interview would be needlessly extensive (and take up the whole paper). Also, there is no rational or subliminal message here as to how I listed their names in their responses. It just happens that it follows when each responded to my invitation, coincidentally it is also in alphabetical order.
And hey, ladies first, right gentlemen?

How old are you?
DiStefano: 41.
McBride: 53.
Revoir: 46.
How many years have you resided in Chenango County?
DiStefano: 15.
McBride: 22.
Revoir: 40.
How many years have you been practicing law?
DiStefano: 11.
McBride: 28.
Revoir: 21.
Describe your philosophy of the Second Amendment?
DiStefano: I am pro-gun, and believe in the Second Amendment.
McBride: I support all of the Constitution.
Revoir: I support the second Amendment.
Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s rulings as to individuals rights to "keep and bear arms"?
DiStefano: Yes, I firmly agree.
McBride: I will follow the Supreme Courts rulings.
Revoir: It is fundamental to all American rights.
Are you familiar with Penal Code, section 400 and the relationship between the County Sheriff's Department and the Issuing Officer, and where ones' duties begin and end in the permitting process?
DiStefano: Yes, I believe in judicial restraint and will be fair and impartial.
McBride: I am familiar with it and know the concerns of the community. I have no problem issuing permits to those qualified.
Revoir: Yes, I understand the distinction and the duties of each office.
Are you currently a gun owner?
DiStefano: I do not own a gun, but they are present in my household (husband owns the guns). I enjoy shooting skeet.
McBride: Yes.
Revoir: No.
Have you owned a gun in the past?
DiStefano: No.
McBride: N/A.
Revoir: No.
Your reason for gun ownership?
DiStefano: N/A.
McBride: Personal protection.
Revoir: N/A.
If you possess a carry permit, have you had to take any of the courses mandated by Judge Sullivan?
DiStefano: No.
McBride: No.
Revoir: No.
There are "X" number of courses that are currently mandated for a carry permit. Are you aware of these?
DiStefano: Yes.
McBride: Yes.
Revoir: Yes.
These mandated courses run the gamut in fees and education, from free with only three hours classroom training to $250 with one day of classroom training and one day of hands-on target shooting. Are you okay with these courses, or would you set new standard that future carry permittees should meet?
DiStefano: The lack of uniformity and consistency is something to be addressed.
McBride: I will keep an open mind going in reviewing this.
Revoir: I have no preconceived notion of the system being regulated more.
Are you in favor of a law that would allow pistol permit applicants a temporary carry permit to shoot at and attend one of these courses prior to being granted a permanent permit?
DiStefano: Absolutely
McBride: Safety is an important part of the process. It’s a good idea to make sure pistols are in good hands.
Revoir: Makes sense to me
Do you belong to any clubs, organizations or other groups that promotes, protects or prevents gun ownership?
DiStefano: None.
McBride: Lost Pond Club, Oxford.
Revoir: Lost Pond Club, Oxford.
Are you familiar with the judicial restrictions, and the cases: O'Connor v. Scarpino, and O'Brien v. Keegan?
DiStefano: Yes.
McBride: Yes.
Revoir: Yes, I am not happy with the rulings but we are stuck with it.
Do you see any changes to the issuing system currently in use here in Chenango County?
DiStefano: No.
McBride: I make no promises or pledges.
Revoir: I have no intention of overhauling it.
How do you see the county paying for a new pistol permit computer system?
DiStefano: Possibly user-based would be fair to taxpayers.
McBride: This is not a judicial question.
Revoir: Meet with representatives and discuss the options.
Should changes to the current system arise, would you be amenable to including in your consultation, the Federated Sportsman's Clubs of Chenango County before making a permanent decision?
Distefano: Absolutely.
McBride: I will listen to all parties.
Revoir: Absolutely.
How does one contribute to your campaign?
DiStefano: DiStefano, 2012, 15 Maple St. Norwich, NY 13815.
McBride: Friends of Joe McBride, PO Box 696, Norwich, NY 13815.
Revoir: Coalition to elect Frank Revoir, Jr., 10 Elm St. Norwich, NY 13815.

I would like to thank all three candidates for allowing me the time to meet with them. I think it was quite a good learning experience for us all and I appreciate their candor in their responses. While the bulk of the Chenango County Judge's caseload is in family court, I hope this short question and answer format gives concerned voters some insight into what the candidates thoughts are toward handgun ownership.
So, now with a little more information on the candidates’ views, I urge you the voter to seek out more information from these candidates to make your educated decision on who you will vote for. But no matter what you do on Sept. 13 or Nov. 6th, get out and vote, it’s a right and a privilege as an American!