Anderson County Commission committee nixes move to ban guns from parks

[Guest unreconstructed1]

CLINTON - A move to ban those with handgun permits from toting those weapons in Anderson County parks failed to win a recommendation from a County Commission committee.

After lengthy discussion Monday, legislative committee members voted 5-2 against opting out of the new state law that goes into effect Sept. 1.

Anderson County Commission committee nixes move to ban guns from parks Knoxville News Sentinel

I didn't see this anywhere, but if this is a repost, sorry

[Guest m&pc9]

CLINTON - A move to ban those with handgun permits from toting those weapons in Anderson County parks failed to win a recommendation from a County Commission committee.

After lengthy discussion Monday, legislative committee members voted 5-2 against opting out of the new state law that goes into effect Sept. 1.

That law allows licensed handgun carry permit holders to bring their weapons into parks. It also permits local governments to opt out of the legislation and ban handguns in local parks.

Sheriff Paul White spoke in support of the new state law, saying opting out of it would be unenforceable and he's never encountered problems from those with permits to carry handguns.

Voting to opt out of the law were Commissioners Harry "Whitey" Hitchcock and Scott Gillenwaters.

Voting against were Murrel Albright, Robin Biloski, David L. Bolling, Chuck Fritts, Doug Haun and Robert McKamey.

The resolution prohibiting handgun permit holders from carrying weapons in county parks could still go before the full County Commission next month.

More details as they develop online and in Wednesday's News Sentinel.

Sheriff Paul White for Governor. I will vote for him.

[Guest BigJ45]

I was there and no one showed up to say keep guns out of parks. The lengthy discussion was mostly one sided.

[Guest bkelm18]

If only Oak Ridge were like minded.

[Guest Jackleg]

I live in Knoxville, but I went to the Oak Ridge council meeting. Partly because I wanted to know some of what to expect for when it would eventually be discussed in Knoxville.

I couldn't believe the anti-gun emotion from some of the council members.

During the discussion, every sane, logical, factual thing said only supported allowing HCP holders to carry in parks, but when the time came to vote, it was like all logic flew out the window.

I have a feeling the fix was in before the meeting. The mayor is a loose canon, who has a big ego.

[Guest dotsun]

Damn I wish I'd known about this, I'd have gone with ya. It's good to know the sheriff is on our side.