Jonesborough parks Closed, for now
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:07 pmJonesborough, Tenn.—The town of Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to opt out of the state’s controversial guns in park legislation this morning.
Mayor Kelly Wolfe said he was conflicted because he has a concealed carry permit, and understands the desire to protect yourself and your family. However, he acknowledged the safe community they live in. In a unanimous vote among the mayor and his board of aldermen, guns are banned from parks in the town.
Most parks in Jonesborough are small, or sports fields, and officials decided it was better to err on the side of caution when it comes to guns around children.
They took the advice of the town’s lawyer to add a sunshine provision, so that they can come back and decide if they want to keep their decision within a year.
Community and NRA members were at the meeting to show their concern for the ban. They think that if the system of allowing guns in parks has not been a problem so far, why should the town worry now?
“They’re talking about a weapons ban?“ says Eric Anderson. “It’s like saying that sky is falling. O.K., protect the children? With what? Someone grabs a child out of a park, and a mother is supposed to fight off somebody?“
By banning guns in parks, the town will need to put up signs at each park entrance, telling people of the change.
The state law that allows guns in parks will go into effect September 1.
Mayor Kelly Wolfe said he was conflicted because he has a concealed carry permit, and understands the desire to protect yourself and your family. However, he acknowledged the safe community they live in. In a unanimous vote among the mayor and his board of aldermen, guns are banned from parks in the town.
Most parks in Jonesborough are small, or sports fields, and officials decided it was better to err on the side of caution when it comes to guns around children.
They took the advice of the town’s lawyer to add a sunshine provision, so that they can come back and decide if they want to keep their decision within a year.
Community and NRA members were at the meeting to show their concern for the ban. They think that if the system of allowing guns in parks has not been a problem so far, why should the town worry now?
“They’re talking about a weapons ban?“ says Eric Anderson. “It’s like saying that sky is falling. O.K., protect the children? With what? Someone grabs a child out of a park, and a mother is supposed to fight off somebody?“
By banning guns in parks, the town will need to put up signs at each park entrance, telling people of the change.
The state law that allows guns in parks will go into effect September 1.