Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WJAC) -- Blair County Commissioner Bruce Erb proposed a resolution Tuesday, supporting Second Amendment rights in Blair County. He said it's intended to send a message to state lawmakers.
The resolution faces opposition from both sides of the debate.
One Blair County commissioner is proposing a resolution regarding gun laws. The commissioners heard concerns from the public Tuesday, ahead of a vote. (WJAC)
“People have come to me with concerns that the state would pass or create laws that would restrict their ownership of firearms and the use of them,” Erb said. “There was a request that we provide an ordinance to address that.”
Instead of an ordinance, Erb proposed the resolution stating the county's support for Second Amendment rights. Some attending Tuesday’s commission meeting requested the county be sterner.
“Please show some spine and do the right thing and pass a real sanctuary law,” said one attendee.
But Erb said passing an ordinance could lead to legal issues that could cost taxpayers. He said gun laws are governed at a state and federal level.
“The county has no authority over it. This is simply a statement of what we feel about this particular issue.”
Commissioner Laura Burke said she received multiple letters from residents opposing the resolution, some saying red flag laws and other measures are necessary.
Burke said most expressed concern that the commissioners are wasting time and money.
“It’s more in the nature of, ‘This is not something county government needs to get involved in. We feel that this is something for the state legislature or the federal government,’” Burke said.
Burke shared a letter from an Altoona Area High School employee saying the resolution is poorly timed, as the community is still grieving the loss of a 15-year-old student killed in a shooting last week.
“I can’t imagine being in that situation and having the leaders of my local government then passing something like this,” Burke said.
Erb said he's not concerned any legislation infringing upon the Second Amendment will be passed, but he still wants to get Blair County's message to Harrisburg.
“We want to encourage them to be vigilant in terms of any legislation that would come out and infringe upon Second Amendment rights,” Erb said.
The resolution comes to a vote next week. Burke wants more input from the community.
“The word is going to get out that we need everyone’s perspective on it,” she said.
Commissioner Amy Webster expressed her support for the resolution, saying it's a step in the right direction.
Burke said she expects to hear from more residents before next week's vote.
https://wjactv.com/news/local/blair-county-commissioner-proposes-second-amendment-resolution