Guns in parks issue comes up for new vote in Williamson Co.

[Guest italia]

Guns in parks issue comes up for new vote in Williamson Co. | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

FRANKLIN — A resolution that would permanently prohibit handguns in parks used by schools is slated to come before county commissioners next month.

Members of the county’s Property Committee, which includes six of the county’s 24 commissioners, got a look at the resolution Wednesday. Four committee members didn’t like it and voted against it.

“I don’t think a person’s right to protect themselves should end at the park,†said Commissioner Jason Para, who voted against the resolution.

Last July, commissioners approved a resolution prohibiting guns in all county-owned parks, natural areas, greenways and historic sites, after a state law doing the same thing was dropped. Commissioners put a “sunset clause†in the resolution, so it would expire at midnight May 31.

County Attorney Bobby Cook said that if the new resolution doesn’t pass the county would yield to state law, which allows residents with handgun carry permits to bring guns into parks.

“The Attorney General said that at the time schools are using an athletic field, guns are prohibited,†Cook told the committee. “If you don’t pass anything schools can use athletic fields, but you can’t bring a gun to the field. Whether that includes the stadium, bleachers or the dugout is unclear.â€

Commissioners Mary Brockman and Arlene Cooke, who are not on the Property Committee, have sponsored the new resolution.

“Accidents happen,†Brockman said. “Williamson County has a responsibility to families that depend on these parks for recreation. I just don’t have as much faith in people who want to bring handguns onto parks property.â€

“A permit holder has to make that decision everywhere they go,†said John Hancock, chairman of the committee.

Commissioners Mary Mills and Judy Hayes voted in favor of the ban on guns in parks. Mills said guns and children just don’t mix.

“Children don’t need to be anywhere where anyone is carrying a gun,†Mills said.

[analog_kidd]

“Accidents happen,” Brockman said. “Williamson County has a responsibility to families that depend on these parks for recreation. I just don’t have as much faith in people who want to bring handguns onto parks property.”

Why, exactly, is that? Is it because leagal carriers of handguns have such a bad record of carelessness?

[Worriedman]

“Children don’t need to be anywhere where anyone is carrying a gun,†Mills said.

Let's be sure we grab the kids and run anytime LEO are in the vicinity, those evil guns have a bad habit of going off all by themselves.

That should teach our children something!

[daddyo]

The county commission votes on this resolution June 14 at the Williamson County Complex in Franklin. I have written each member of the commission and given them my thoughts on the matter. I have been asked by one of my commissioners to attend the meeting and speak during the citizen's portion. I don't know if I will speak or not but I will attend the meeting.

If I do decide to speak I would appreciate some help from some of you in compiling my remarks.

[Mike.357]

“Children don’t need to be anywhere where anyone is carrying a gun,” Mills said.

gotta love the "it's for the children" argument. Can any anti gun people ever argue using fact and not their blind emotions?

[southernasylum]

I wrote to the Parks and Rec commissioners asking them to allow park carry. If you are a Williamson County resident I urge you to do the same. You can use the following link:

Williamson County, TN - Official Site

[Guest Jamie]

Accidents happen

Yep... and occasional result in children.

Children don’t need to be anywhere where anyone is carrying a gun

Then kindly start keeping them out of public places... preferably behind locked doors.

A permit holder has to make that decision everywhere they go

Yes. Now leave the decision on where to carry to us, and you go find something useful to do with your time. Preferably something that you actually know something about.

J.

[StPatrick]

gotta love the "it's for the children" argument. Can any anti gun people ever argue using fact and not their blind emotions?

She needs to qualify that statement, and then I might agree. All she needs to say is "children don't need to be anywhere where someone is illegally or irresponsibly carrying a gun" and I'm with her.

Folks emotionally go for the "if it only saves one child..." argument blindly. What if a parent saves their own child through lawful and justified use of force?

[Guest TnRebel]

“Children don’t need to be anywhere where anyone is carrying a gun,†Mills said.

Tell that to the kids at VT and Columbine.

[Guest 270win]

Arlington, Lakeland, Millington, Bartlett, and Collierville decided to follow state law as far as the parks and there are no problems here. I know Arlington and Collierville both have big baseball fields...I don't know if schools use them...but it hasn't been a problem for the towns to decide as far as the 'school function' deal....just have to stay away if you see a school function going on.

[southernasylum]

So since it is past May 31st does that mean we can now carry in WC parks?

Again, if you live in Williamson County please contace the Councilmen and ask them to allow park carry.

Williamson County, TN - Official Site

[Guest drv2fst]

Bee stings and peanut butter are very bad for some kids. Maybe we should keep those out of parks and schools too.

Accidents happen at swimming pools. We should definitely keep those away from all parks and schools.

Then we should consider those evil swing sets and slides.

[daddyo]

Bee stings and peanut butter are very bad for some kids. Maybe we should keep those out of parks and schools too.

Accidents happen at swimming pools. We should definitely keep those away from all parks and schools.

Then we should consider those evil swing sets and slides.

Not to mention pencils, chairs, and other objects that can be used as weapons. After all, it's all about "the children", right?

[Harold]

I live in williamson county and have contacted my district reps. I will try and be there as well on the 14th.

[Guest Bridges88]

Has any one heard how the vote went tonight in Williamson County on the guns in Parks deal .

[daddyo]

Ban passed, 19-5.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100614/WILLIAMSON01/100614085/Williamson+County+imposes+permanent+ban+on+guns+in+parks

Wonder if we can opt out of paying taxes to pay for county parks?

[lowbud]

this ability to opt out is really starting to piss me off. I like the idea of opting out of taxes. Total BS!

[Guest Bridges88]

:poop:I don't understand how some of these Councilmens or Councilwomens are thinking !!! Whey much be thinking out there Butt !!!!!!!! :screwy:

[daddyo]

The ban is only permanent until such time as the incumbent Commissioners are replaced by those who support our right to keep and bear arms.

[Guest Bridges88]

I hope so !!!! This is just wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Again, It's we the people not we the Commissioners !!!

[daddyo]

this ability to opt out is really starting to piss me off. I like the idea of opting out of taxes. Total BS!

I'm starting to hold the TN legislature more liable than I am the County Commission. Had they not included the opt out it would not be an issue.

[Guest ScottD]

I personally will no longer spend a dime @ any business in Williamson county. I just don't feel safe in that county.

[Kenstaroni]

I grew up in Williamson County...you have to remember that the town used to consist of good ole' folks but over the past 15 years has been invaded by snobby rich people who worry more about whether or not thier 2 million dollar house is on par with thier neighbors than they do about the 2nd amendment. They think..."oh nothing bad can happen here" because it's a beautiful town with nice restaurants and malls, etc. When you don't have to worry about money I guess you can spend your time stripping away your citizen's gun rights.

It was not too long ago that some kids from Brentwood shot at police and were breaking into houses. While I was in highschool a buddy of mine was throwing a party while his parents were out of town. Everyone's having a good time one minute, and the next thing you know 4 guys bust into the house with guns...I wasn't there thank goodness, but it just goes to show that just because your town is one of the richest in the nation doesn't mean crime stops at the next town and doesn't come into yours. The gun toting hood kids were from East Nashville and made the trip into Brentwood without any trouble.

I guess all the criminals know they have free reign at all Williamson county parks now.

I have a family member who is on the Brentwood city comission. They have spoken to the Brentwood police on many occassions. The police department has said that there is a lot of crime in the city, it's just that many people don't see it. A lot of it is domestic fighting between couples, but there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.

I'm glad I moved away after high school....every time I go to Brentwood I get a disgusted feeling in my chest driving by all the mansions. What used to be a beautiful area with good hardworking middle class people is now a town full of filthy rich folks.

Before you say..."oh not everyone is that way"...I agree, but I spent the first 18 years of my life there and I've seen the transformation in the town and it's people first hand.

Edited June 16, 2010 by Kenstaroni

[Guest Bridges88]

I agree with you Kenstaroni..I live in Maury County, but I played around and worked in Williamson county years ago .So I know what you mean !!!