lawrenceburgnow.com
lawrenceburgnow.com
 

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Council Prohibits Guns In Two City Parks

   In opposition to a recently approved state law, members of the Lawrenceburg City Council have taken action that will prohibit the carrying of handguns inside two city parks.

   The new state law allowing those possessing a handgun carry permit to carry their side arms inside public parks, etc., is scheduled to take effect in September. If they are so inclined, however, local governments have the option of passing opposing legislation.

   The Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council had been scheduled to vote on a resolution during their July 9 session, “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 matter was then discussed at length during a work session later in the month.

   During the council’s bi-monthly business meeting Thursday members voted to revisit the resolution. Further discussion lead council members to “tweak” the resolution, disallowing the carrying of handguns only inside Rotary Park and Bobby Brewer Memorial Park. Council members said they felt handguns should not be allowed in these particular parks due to the fact that children participate in organized sports and activities there. Those who are certified to do so, however, will be allowed to carry handguns inside the remainder of the city’s park system.

   Councilman Robin Williams stated his opinion that, “If the state and federal government would quit meddling with everything, we wouldn’t be in this position down here.”

   Mayor Keith Durham agreed, saying, “I feel that it was a cop out on the part of the state and was pushed down on us.”

   The resolution gained unanimous approval during a roll call vote.

 

.

Love Scent