After yesterday’s prolonged debate on gun control legislation, Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R-Big Flats) expressed frustration at the return to Albany’s rushed backroom, late night deals and a lack of transparency in the way the legislature does the people’s business.

“In honor of all victims of violence, we must approach this problem with patience and good faith. Disregarding the 72-hour aging requirement for legislation and working in secret late at night does not help anyone,” said Friend.

“This legislation, as it stands currently, would not have stopped the violent attacks in Newtown, Connecticut or Webster, New York. This bill will, however, punish law-abiding citizens who value their Second Amendment rights, while doing little to address the real problem. For these reasons, I voted no.”