Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 09:54:05 -0700 From: rineer@QUIXNET.NET (Kenneth Rineer) Subject: FACT PRESS RELEASE: Ben Avery Saga - Coming to a range near you! To: AZRKBA@asu.edu
Firearms Action Committee - Tucson P.O. Box 27321 Tucson, Arizona 85726 http://www.azfact.org
AUGUST 8, 2002
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Ken Rineer, President, (520) 404-5891 (cell phone), rineer@quixnet.net
Ben Avery Rumors Are Flying, Department is Denying:
The Truth Is . . .
The rumors are flying via email and newsgroups about the possibility of the Arizona Game and Fish Department selling of one of the top five shooting ranges in the country - Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
In a press release yesterday, the Director of Arizona Game and Fish, Duane Shroufe stated, "I can put the rumors to rest. No, we hav no offers and we are not considering selling the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Period."
Here is a quote from someone close to this issue who shall remain anonymous for their protection, "People are already coming knocking on our doors. Sell us Ben Avery. Sell us twenty acres. Sell us forty acres. We'll give you $99,000,000 for it."
Director Shroufe either is unaware that developers are knocking down the Commissions doors or he is lying.
Phoenix is expected to grow and be knockingon Ben Avery's boundaries within 5 years. It has been estimated that the land Ben Avery sits on could be worth $100,000 per acre by then. Since Ben Avery sits on 1650 pristine acres, it's worth could be $165,000,000 by that time. Now you see what this is all about. The same thing it is usually always about - MONEY.
The Commission sees dollar signs and a way to get out of the financial mess they are in. If they sell Ben Avery, they can build the new ranges they want to build with the profits.
The problem is, nobody wants a range in their backyard and hey, won't the next city just grow to the new location someday anyway?
Another problem is how far away will the range have to be to keep the NIMBY's from complaining?
Too far for most shooters to drive. Let's not forget the problem of hotels and restaurants to accommodate all the shooters who show up for the numerous events held at the range each year.
Sell Ben Avery?
Not if we have anything to do with it.
Word Count: 335