In the last week, Fountain Hills experienced two episodes of gun violence physically impacting 14 people. The psychological impact on the rest of the town is also profound.

Last Thursday, I proposed a law be passed here that loaded guns be prohibited in moving vehicles. Any verified instance should incur a hefty fine and be attached to the person’s license and registration; just as we do with open bottles of liquor.

Many Fountain Hills residents own guns “for self-protection.” In light of last week’s assaults, some may be tempted to carry loaded weapons under their seats. The danger to the public would increase exponentially. I shudder to think what would have happened last week if anyone had tried to discharge their weapons toward the offenders in their moving cars.

A driver could be cited or simply given a warning, thereby creating a record to review before future concerning behavior. Yes, a criminal intent on evading the law could probably do so, but it would add to the consequences should he be discovered in any wrong-doing.

State law preempts local laws, but absent a specific law to the contrary, we may be within our rights to have such a law on the books. If not, I believe our town should pass a resolution expressing the desirability of the state enacting such a law. I believe that the town council not only has an obligation to manage our town, but also to speak up for and defend its citizens’ desire for a safer, saner town.

I also compared this issue to the town’s consternation over transgenders in bathrooms because, in both cases, wolves may indeed “hide in sheep’s clothing.” In both cases a few laws, some signs and a Smartphone can go a long way to keep the wretched wolves at bay.