A discussion about pending firearms legislation in the Arizona State Legislature led to a disagreement between Vice Mayor Henry Leger and Mayor Linda Kavanagh at the Feb. 18 Town Council meeting.

During a discussion related to the legislative bulletin issued by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Leger brought up two firearms related items moving through the legislature.

Senate Bill 1257, sponsored by Senator John Kavanagh, husband of the mayor, would require government buildings to allow concealed carry weapons permit holders to carry weapons into the building.

The bill provides for cities and towns to prohibit weapons only if they install metal detectors and employ security guards.

Leger said the cost of installing metal detectors and hiring security guards is cost prohibitive for the town.

Leger said, according to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the cost is $80,000 to $130,000 per door, per year.

Mayor Kavanagh stated that the cost is nothing if you allow concealed carry permit holders to enter the buildings.

She said that the concealed carry addition to the law that was not passed last session makes it much more acceptable. She also supported the bill in its previous form that did not require the concealed carry permit.

“This only allows the permit holders in the building,” Kavanagh said. “They must take a course in firearms proficiency and safety education.

“(The permit) required fingerprinting and background check.”

She noted that it is not a lifetime permit, it must be renewed periodically.

“This will allow the law-abiding citizens to carry weapons in the building,” Kavanagh said.

Councilman Cecil Yates did not think the council should take up the issue.

“This is not local,” Yates said.

“We need to concern ourselves with streets and infrastructure.”

“I disagree, this is a local concern,” Leger said.

“I talk to a lot of people who tell me they do not want their kids sitting in the library with an armed individual, trained or not.”

Leger moved for council to ask staff to write a letter opposing the bill. His motion died for the lack of a second.

Councilman Dennis Brown said he has mixed emotions on the issue. He said he supports the idea that someone might be on hand to intervene should something happen.

The League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposes the bill due to the cost for those who want to keep weapons out of public buildings.