Thea Digiammerino

Southbury Debates Banning Guns at Certain Public Locations

Southbury’s Board of Selectmen debated banning guns in town buildings, on town-owned property and at public events at a meeting Thursday.

In the end, it appears most of the selectmen were not favor of the ordinance and no action was taken.

The discussion at Pomperaug High School followed a lengthy and at times heated public hearing on the issue on November 2.

Supporters saw it as a commonsense response to events elsewhere, including the armed demonstrators at protests in Charlottesville, Virginia in August.

"It’s a first amendment issue and second amendment issue. I think we can find common ground," Mike Rosen, D- Southbury Selectman, said.

Opponents argue the measure is not needed here, and that it could make people more unsafe.

"Based on what I’ve seen in the news it’s clear that we cannot depend on our police to protect us against every threat," George Bertram, (R) Southbury Selectman, said.

Supporters also suggested allowing everyone in town to weigh in.

Advocates could look at pushing for a referendum.

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