Trending
As reported in the Thursday edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Lycoming County Sheriff Eric Spiegel and his office are collaborating with a company to offer an online application process for licenses to carry firearms.
We commend and thank Sheriff Spiegel for his commitment to our constitutional rights and easing the process for men and women to exercise those rights.
"By partnering with Permitium LLC, this new application process allows applications to be submitted anytime day or night, holidays or weekends," Spiegel notes, according to the article. "The online process will also allow us the ability to reduce the amount of time an individual would spend inside the courthouse. We are aware that some individuals may not have access to a computer nor are able to apply online. Again, we will continue to offer the conventional, hand written paper application process for anyone who would not choose to use the online process."
The addition of an online option does not weaken the oversight of background checks and the licensing process continues to ensure an important right is exercised responsibly.
There are real concerns that regulatory oversight can be abused and made into a hindrance to discourage men and woman from exercising their liberties.
We respect that our county sheriff and deputy sheriffs understand that licensing to carry is not about creating new hurdles, obstacles or headaches for men and women pursuing their right to keep and bear arms -- a recognition that in some places, unfortunately, is lacking.
We are reassured by the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office that Lycoming County is not a place where this oversight is abused.