LaSalle County to vote on carrying guns
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By CATHERINE HOPKINS
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
Posted Aug 15, 2008 @ 12:50 AM
LASALLE —
LaSalle County Board members voted unanimously Thursday to put a referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot asking voters if they support the right to carry concealed firearms.
The resolution was passed 25-0, with board Chairman Jerry Hicks abstaining. Robert Jakupcak, Ronald Dittmer and Thomas Ganiere were absent.
"All comments made on the referendum were pretty much favorable," said board member Randy Freeman. "The only concern the sheriff (Tom Templeton) brought up was making sure it referenced House Bill 1304 to have state police doing the issuing, testing and background checks if it's passed."
The County Board's sheriff and rules committee recently passed a unanimous resolution to put a referendum on the ballot. During Thursday's full board meeting, State's Attorney Brian Towne said while he'd like to remain neutral on the referendum, he thinks it will have to go through several amendments before it's finally enacted.
Earlier this year, Freeman said committee members notified Springfield officials that they were not in favor of increased gun control laws.
Those opposed to legislation allowing the right to carry concealed firearms say it would lead to increased violence. Supporters say concealed carry laws allow innocent civilians to level the playing field against gun-toting criminals.
"We just voted to put the issue to the people and let the public have its say," said Freeman.
Catherine Hopkins can be reached at 686-3041 or
[email protected].
