Drizzt
January 28, 2003, 04:10 PM
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
January 28, 2003, Tuesday, BC cycle
7:33 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 260 words
HEADLINE: El Paso County OKs concealed guns in parks
DATELINE: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.
BODY:
People with concealed-weapons permits can now carry their guns into county parks.
El Paso County commissioners voted 5-0 Monday to immediately repeal part of a 1996 ban on firearms, alcohol, glass containers, open fires and fireworks in county parks. Commissioner Tom Huffman said the ban on firearms never should have been passed.
"I don't think this body had the right to do what it did when it created a more restrictive resolution," Huffman said.
Sherrie Teter was among those who asked the commissioners to eliminate the ban.
"If I can't carry a gun where I need to carry a gun, I don't go to the parks," Teter said.
County resident Flora Holmes argued against the change, saying guns in park are potentially dangerous because some parks are adjacent to schools.
County Attorney Mike Lucas said the new rule applies to county parks within Colorado Springs city limits even though the city prohibits carrying a gun in a park.
About 4,000 people in El Paso County have permits to carry concealed weapons, Sheriff Terry Maketa said.
State law gives wide discretion to local authorities in granting the permits. Most law enforcement officials issue few permits, requiring applicants to show they need a gun and not granting permits to people who live outside their jurisdiction.
A few sheriffs and police chiefs, however, have angered their colleagues by issuing permits to anyone who wants one.
A bill moving through the Legislature would set statewide standards for concealed weapons permits, pre-empting local control.
January 28, 2003, Tuesday, BC cycle
7:33 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 260 words
HEADLINE: El Paso County OKs concealed guns in parks
DATELINE: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.
BODY:
People with concealed-weapons permits can now carry their guns into county parks.
El Paso County commissioners voted 5-0 Monday to immediately repeal part of a 1996 ban on firearms, alcohol, glass containers, open fires and fireworks in county parks. Commissioner Tom Huffman said the ban on firearms never should have been passed.
"I don't think this body had the right to do what it did when it created a more restrictive resolution," Huffman said.
Sherrie Teter was among those who asked the commissioners to eliminate the ban.
"If I can't carry a gun where I need to carry a gun, I don't go to the parks," Teter said.
County resident Flora Holmes argued against the change, saying guns in park are potentially dangerous because some parks are adjacent to schools.
County Attorney Mike Lucas said the new rule applies to county parks within Colorado Springs city limits even though the city prohibits carrying a gun in a park.
About 4,000 people in El Paso County have permits to carry concealed weapons, Sheriff Terry Maketa said.
State law gives wide discretion to local authorities in granting the permits. Most law enforcement officials issue few permits, requiring applicants to show they need a gun and not granting permits to people who live outside their jurisdiction.
A few sheriffs and police chiefs, however, have angered their colleagues by issuing permits to anyone who wants one.
A bill moving through the Legislature would set statewide standards for concealed weapons permits, pre-empting local control.
