Knox City Council to Meet July 27th. Urgent!

[Oh Shoot]

The latest at:

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/handgun-carry-self-defense/24853-knox-city-council-meet-july-27th-urgent.html#post329909

Postponed to Aug 25th for vote, public "workshop" on Aug. 20.

Mods, can we get these two threads merged, probably best to this forum here?

- OS

[Fallguy]

The latest at:

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/handgun-carry-self-defense/24853-knox-city-council-meet-july-27th-urgent.html#post329909

Postponed to Aug 25th for vote, public "workshop" on Aug. 20.

Mods, can we get these two threads merged, probably best to this forum here?

- OS

Done

[Glenn]

I just got back from the city council meeting. While I am not hopeful that we can beat this, we sure have to try. We need to pack the workshop on the 20th and the vote on the 25th. It sounds like at least a few councilman are open minded on this. We need to email and call even though Councilwoman Pelot said please don't send me any more emails. After the delay was announced and everyone left, several people were interviewed by channel 6.

Glenn

[Glenn]

Got non-committal responses from Barbara Pelot, Marilyn Roddy, and Joe Bailey. My specific councilman, Robert Booker, is only one who doesn't list email. Tried calling him, no answer and no answering machine, great.

However, Joe Hultquist sent a very lucid and favorable response:

"It's good to hear from you. I'm pretty much in agreement with you. I

encourage you to come to the City Council meeting tonight if you can, even if you don't intend to speak. It is very important for there to be a good "head count" so that Council members can see for themselves that there are a lot of people who understand this issue and don't want such an (apparently) unnecessary restriction. I also encourage you to try to get others you know to attend in support of your position."

I called Cindy Mitchell, the City Recorder, to see about getting on the speakers list, but she said it was full. Matter of fact, only allowing 3 on each side for this particular meeting. She thought that the matter might not even be heard this evening, but postponed, and that probably even if heard, an actual vote would be postponed.

So, that being, I've decided not to attend this evening. You can see City Council live on channel 12 on Comcast, starting at 7, so I'll see what's up. I will definitely attend the next meeting (and I'll kick myself if the matter actually gets decided tonight.).

All indications are that it's likely to be another really messy decision, with some parks, or parts of parks, being off limits due to ball fields or schools, or something or other. Bound to be a convoluted camel (a horse designed by committee).

I am SO disappointed in the TN Legislature for their wimpy edition of this statute. A state law should be just that, a law that is the same state wide.

- OS

I got the exact same response from Hultquist, but it at least seems like he is open.

Glenn

[macville]

Okay, this just got more interesting. Here is an email I just got from Mayor Haslam's office (which incidentally, I have been VERY impressed that his office keeps emailing me to keep me informed about what's happening with this issue)

------

Mr. Rogers,

I am writing to keep you in the loop regarding the guns in parks issue. When I last corresponded with you Knoxville City Council had postponed a vote on exercising the "opt out" provisions of the law passed during the last legislative session. This provision allowed those with legal permits to carry in city parks. The resolution addressing this matter was scheduled for a vote at the August 25th City Council meeting and a workshop was set for August 20th.

However, in reviewing the law and related documents the City Council Attorney and the City Law Director have concluded that the city ordinance that outlaws firearms would remain in effect regardless of any council action because the provisions of the newly enacted state law "shall not affect the validity of any ordinance or resolution lawfully enacted prior to April 8, 1986." The Knoxville city ordinance outlawing firearms in parks was passed well before that date.

A Council workshop is scheduled for August 20th at 5PM to hear from citizens and to discuss this matter. Thank you for your support of the second amendment and your interest in the guns and parks issue in Knoxville. I am committed to upholding our second amendment rights.

-------------

So now, we have to convince the City Counsel to drop the old law and to allow the new law. I am correct in saying that this law is only for the city and not the county, correct?

Matthew

[macville]

Okay, so here's the latest news. They have canceled the meeting on the 20th where they were to hear arguments from both sides. Why? Because as it stands right now, there was a grandfathered law that says you already can't carry. However, there is also some good news. If on the 25th they do not op-out of the parks law, then only the local law applies. So yes, you will not be able to carry, but it's not a state law where you could lose your permit if you carried. In fact, all it is a $50 fine. Yep. $50--cheaper than running a red light.

There is hope right now that they will not pass the the op-out and also that they will strike down the other old law. I believe Knoxville is the key to getting other cities to stop opting out (well, besides having the house next session just rewrite the law so they can not op-out.)

Matthew