Mayor Sees Future...

And Yucky Guns That MIGHT Be A Problem...

Mayor seeks stricter gun law

Amyx wants jail time for carrying firearms near bars

"When it comes to bringing guns near downtown bars, there should be no more slaps on the wrist, Mayor Mike Amyx says.

Instead, just the slamming of a jail cell door.

“I think the penalty needs to be pretty stiff,” Amyx said.

Currently, the city has an ordinance that makes it illegal to possess a firearm within 200 feet of a drinking establishment unless the person has a state-issued concealed carry permit. But the city law doesn’t include a mandatory jail sentence. Instead, it gives the municipal court judge the latitude of sentencing a person from zero to 365 days in jail.

At Tuesday night’s City Commission meeting, Amyx unexpectedly brought up the idea of stiffening the penalties. Amyx said he wanted commissioners to consider rewriting the ordinance to impose mandatory jail sentences of at least 30 days for a first-time offender, 90 days for a second-time offender, and at least 180 days for people convicted two or more times. In addition, there would be a mandatory fine ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Amyx’s suggestion didn’t spark any conversation at Tuesday night’s meeting because it was not part of the commission’s agenda. But on Thursday it was drawing some favorable opinions from members of the bar industry.

“I think it shows that the city wants to get out ahead of any future problems,” said Phil Bradley, executive director of the Lawrence-based Kansas Licensed Beverage Association, which represents several bars in the city. “I think this is an excellent step, and the city should consider it vigorously.”

Ah yes, the maybe it could be a problem so we better ban all Constitutional rights until the coast is clear, solution so favored by liberals the country over. Blissninny's are sure of one thing and one thing only; YOU can't be trusted to act like a responsible adult. This isn't a law for those who would use a weapon to rob or harm an innocent person. This isn't a law to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals. This is a law that says you cannot walk within 200' of a bar if you're carrying a firearm.

BECAUSE? All together now...YOU CAN'T BE TRUSTED.