BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
As gun violence continues to ravage communities and destroy families, Republicans in Washington, D. C. want to posture for the sake of their party and maintain their loyalty to the National Rifle Association.
Vice President Joe Biden has asked for “common sense” gun control laws, but the GOP has rejected that and all other proposals, saying any gun control law would be a violation of the second amendment.
Locally, law enforcement leaders and elected officials were asked how they felt about gun control.
County Commissioner Les Miller said the Commissioners have not had any discussions on local gun control.
“It’s not what local governments need to do, but more of what needs to be done on a state and national level.
“As a state senator, I introduced several bills asking for gun control, but nothing ever passed. I don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon, no matter how much gun violence escalates. It has become a political issue instead of a public safety issue.”
City Councilman Frank Reddick said he believes something needs to be done to impose some regulations to deny easy access to guns.
“The gun shows must be regulated closer, and we need tighter control of assault weapons. I also support background checks on anyone trying to purchase guns. I personally don’t see why any citizen would need an assault weapon.
“Realistically, however, we know the young people causing all of this violence aren’t getting their guns from gun shows. They are buying them off the street, or out of the trunk of someone’s car.”
Councilman Reddick said too many guns are falling into the hands of our young people, and if you have the resources, you can buy a gun anywhere at any time.
“There is a market out there. We have to reach that market. No one should be selling guns on the street. I think the gun shows have a negative impact, and some of the guns they market need to be taken away.
“We need to work harder in the community to address gun violence. There appears to be a lack of supervision in the homes where these young violent offenders come from.”
Speaking on behalf of Hillsborough County Sheriff, David Gee, Captain Chad Chronister said they think there needs to be better standards on the mental health portion of control.
“We haven’t taken a position for or against gun control. We’re in favor of mandated background checks, and the gun shows would be a part of that. We can improve gun control by better focusing on the mental health aspect.”
Police Chief Jane Castor didn’t address gun control directly, but on Thursday before the City Council, she did applaud the efforts of her gang squad in identifying area gangs, and targeting those responsible for the rash of gun violence that has left many citizens living in fear.
