The Town Council revisited the issue of allowing guns in public buildings on March 3. It was two weeks after an effort by Vice Mayor Henry Leger to have council voice opposition to the State Legislature and Governor Doug Ducey to SB 1257.

On Feb. 18, Leger’s motion died for lack of a second. However, Councilman Alan Magazine, who was absent Feb. 18, brought the item to the council again. Magazine’s motion was defeated on a 3-3 deadlock (Councilman Dennis Brown was absent), but it provided the opportunity for additional discussion, including input from the public, and MCSO Capt. Dave Letourneau.

“It is clear we all want gun safety,” Magazine said.

“Whatever the disagreement, and I don’t question concealed carry, I question the logic that more guns equals more protection.”

Magazine noted that most mass shootings take place with semi-automatic weapons and he questions the effectiveness of a single person with a handgun resisting.

He also pointed out that two more recent shootings, one by an Uber driver and the San Bernardino incident in December, were carried out by so-called “law abiding citizens.” In both instances, Magazine said, there was no criminal history or any mental health red flags.

“If this does pass (the legislature) I would consider doing what the law provides for,” Magazine said.

The law would allow communities to ban concealed carry weapons from public buildings if those buildings are equipped with metal detectors and armed security personnel.

The cost of those provisions is where Leger had his greatest objection to the law.

Resident Richard Davidson told the council he was very happy they were taking a second look.

“There are just too many guns, and too often presented in society as problem solvers,” Davidson said.

“Children look to us for example and see weapons as a solution of last resort.”

Mayor Linda Kavanagh reminded the council that the proposed law only allows those with concealed carry permits to have them in public buildings and there is a significant list of exemptions including courts, schools, police stations and jails, public transportation and college campuses.

“I want the right to protect myself,” Kavanagh said. “I don’t want to be afraid.”

SB 1257 is sponsored by Kavanagh’s husband, Senator John Kavanagh.

Councilman Cecil Yates tied the issue to the recent armed robbery at the Verizon store in Fountain Hills. Yates asked Letourneau if he knew the store’s policy regarding weapons. The store prohibits weapons on the premises.

“I don’t understand people that believe a sign or a policy is going to stop someone from coming in with a gun,” Yates said.

“Neither side has a good argument on how to address this,” Letourneau added. “It is a societal issue, we don’t have the answers.”

Leger said he reasserted his position from the earlier discussion. Besides the cost he does not want weapons where children might be such as libraries or parks.

“There is also the continued erosion of local authority,” Leger said.

“This is not one size fits all. This is not an assault on the Second Amendment, it’s just a common sense discussion.”

Councilwoman Cassie Hansen joined Leger and Magazine in support of formally opposing the bill. Kavanagh and Yates were joined by Councilman Nick DePorter in supporting the bill.