Gun Ownership? Gun Registration? Gun Free Zones?
CCTA’s vetting committee asked 15 successful candidates for public office the same questions. It is interesting to note the answers given by these candidates to a question that CCTA members feel very strongly about.
What is your opinion on gun ownership, registration, and gun free zones?
Congressman Walter Jones
Citizens of this country who follow the laws and the Constitution should not be prevented from owning a gun. The idea of gun free zones may be something for local people to discuss, but not at the state or federal level.
NC Superior Court Judge 3B, Josh Willey
That’s something I don’t think the code of judicial conduct permits me to comment on. I do see that the Constitution says gun ownership shall not be infringed.
The 2nd Amendment covers it.
NC Court of Appeals Judge, Phil Berger
The 2nd Amendment is very clear about gun ownership. I am a gun owner. I have a concealed carry permit. I cannot discuss the issue of gun registration because that issue could potentially come before me in court, and if I discuss it now, I could not hear the case if it came before me later. Gun free zones invite violence and should be eliminated. Law abiding citizens who have not committed a felony should be allowed to carry.
I believe in the right to own guns. There are times that you should own a weapon. There has to be consequences for action. I believe in gun free zones; such as schools, day cares, and places documented to have gun activity that has caused death, like Kinston.
Craven County Board of Education, District 3, Carr Ipoch
Citizens have a God given right to bear arms. I am against high capacity magazines and automatic weapons without proper government oversight. Registration is not a problem with me. As for gun free zones, especially at schools, there are pros and cons to both ways. I am well aware that the school as a gun free zones is a soft target. However, I am not ready to arm the teachers. If school resources allow, there should be a School Resource Officer who is an armed law enforcement officer, and each school should have a well laid out security program.
Craven County Board of Education, District 7, Sarah Benischek