From: wkyc.com
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=74175
Scott Newell
Created: 9/10/2007 6:35:25 PM
Updated:9/10/2007 7:12:54 PM
CLEVELAND -- Mayor Frank Jackson has called for the Ohio General Assembly to pass a law banning anyone under the age of 21 from possessing a firearm.
The mayor's plea comes during a rash of violence which has left more than 50 young people dead from gunfire in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County this year.
The Mayor says the state's recently passed conceal carry law leaves local police powerless to go after some of those young adults toting guns.
"Right now, if a young person was walking down any Ohio street brandishing an assault weapon, the police could not arrest him for that," said Mayor Jackson. "This legislation will give the police another tool to do their job and give our citizens a stronger sense of security."
This is the second time the City of Cleveland has taken issue with the state over gun control issues. Passed in March, House Bill 347, which allows for concealed carry of weapons with proper permitting, stripped municipalities of their right to create and enforce gun control laws within their communities, according to Mayor Jackson.
The city has challenged that law, saying H.B. 347 violates Cleveland's rights as a home rule municipality. Mayor Jackson says the city can't wait for that lawsuit to make its way through the court system.
"To deny us the opportunity to fulfill our duty and right to protect our citizens is unconscionable," the mayor said.
Jackson said in Cleveland from 2004-2006, more than 70 percent of those arrested for crimes involving firearms were under the age of 28.
Some people in Slavic Village, where a 12-year-old was recently killed in the crossfire of a gun battle, agree with the mayor's plan to make it illegal for those 21 and under to possess a firearm.
"It's a great idea,", said Virgil Woloszyn, who lives with his 89-year-old mother near the spot where the recent murder occurred. "No kid should be able to have any kind of gun at any time."
"There's a whole lot of things that need to be changed," said another resident, Dave Thompson. "I agree with Frank Jackson."
Mayor Jackson acknowledged that the new law will be a tough sell in the state legislature.
"We have a saying on the street," Jackson said, "A scared man will get you killed, which means I can't be afraid of these challenges. We have to move ahead. We have no choice in this matter."
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=74175