Thursday, July 16, 2009

Council Holds Discussion On Handgun Ban

   Members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council held a discussion Thursday regarding whether to prohibit the carrying of firearms inside city parks, in opposition to a recently approved state law allowing such.

   The council had been slated to vote on a resolution during their bi-monthly business meeting July 9, “to prohibit handguns in public municipal parks, natural areas, historic parks, nature trails, campgrounds, forests, greenways, waterways, or other similar public places.” When they arrived at that point on the agenda, however, Mayor Keith Durham requested that the matter be tabled pending further discussion.

   The resolution was drafted in response to a new state law that allows those possessing a handgun permit to carry weapons inside state parks, as well as in local parks if not expressly prohibited by local governments.

   Thursday’s discussion was held during a council work session. Durham pointed out that the council has two options:  1. Allow state law to govern where individuals may go armed, or  2. “Opt out” of the new law by passing a resolution that outlines exactly where going armed is prohibited within the confines of the City of Lawrenceburg.

    A few citizens voiced opinions regarding the matter, including former Lawrenceburg Police Chief Louis Fite and Chief Deputy Terry Beecham with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. Most residents who addressed the board were in favor of allowing handguns to be carried inside parks.

   The council had requested that Beecham address the issue due to the fact that he teaches the firearm safety course required to become permitted to carry a handgun. Beecham explained the process required to obtain a handgun carry permit as well as the training required for each applicant. When questioned, he pointed out that carrying a handgun in a location where firearms are prohibited is only a misdemeanor offense with few consequences, “unless it is used in the commission of a crime.”

   Council members pointed out that some entities that utilize local parks, such as the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA), have already given notice that they will not utilize any facility that allows handguns to be carried. This, they explained, could translate into a financial loss for the city since some state level events are held at sports fields located inside Bobby Brewer Memorial Park.

   Durham allayed any fears here, however, by pointing out that the new state law will not apply to the Brewer Park area due to the fact that the park property belongs to the local school system. The carrying of weapons, he explained, is strictly prohibited on any school property.

   Beecham expressed some concerns also regarding the mixing of competitive sports and firearms. He stated, “It would concern me at sporting events…tempers flare and if two parents get into it and handguns are available, something bad’s fixin’ to happen…”

   Councilman Robin Williams added, “To me it just makes sense, if kids are around you just don’t want firearms around.”

   While the resolution remains tabled at the current time, members of the council may opt to vote on the issue during an upcoming business meeting.

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