3/2/2010 5:59:00 AM
County Opts for Gun Control
Displeasure voiced over county's new weapons policy
Supervisors say they had no choice
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BUTCH MERIWETHER/Courtesy
Residents line up to retrieve their weapons after attending the Board of Supervisors meeting Monday. The Board instituted the new policy Monday, which requires everyone entering the building to check their weapons at the door or leave them in their vehicles. |
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BUTCH MERIWETHER/Courtesy
Golden Valley resident Luca Zanna has his finger on the trigger of the video camera as he holsters his gun after the Board of Supervisors’ meeting Monday. |
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KINGMAN - It wasn't the county's new policy prohibiting politicking on county property that had residents attending Monday's Board of Supervisors meeting upset. It was the new requirement that residents check their weapons at the door.
The Board wasted no time in addressing the issue Monday, calling an executive session to discuss the issue at 9 a.m. Once the regular meeting started at 9:30, Board Chairman Tom Sockwell moved the item from the end of the agenda to the beginning.
Twice during the discussion Sockwell had to bang the gavel and stop the audience from shouting out.
County Manager Ron Walker attempted to explain the changes before the discussion was opened to the public.
"The largest change today deals with the decorum in Board meetings," Walker said. "Arizona Open Meeting Law says that all of you, everyone who chooses to come, have a right to be heard and the right to observe the meeting, and under that same law it is up to the Board, to the chairman, how much public testimony they take on any particular item.
"Anyone who does not respect the Board or the chair or who has been asked to stop on a certain subject and does not do so will be asked to sit down or asked to leave, and if they choose to go beyond that, then law enforcement is free to enforce state laws relative to those issues."
Only four people, out of the more than 60 who attended the meeting, took the podium to speak against the new county policies. Each received a round of applause from the crowd after they finished speaking.
"I stand before this group in complete shame and disgust and disappointment," Golden Valley resident Mac McCarty said in a calm voice. "I don't blame Mr. Walker, personally, for what he did as the result of some individual with the audacity to attempt to carry a pitchfork into a public meeting."
On Feb. 16, resident Mervin Fried was arrested for trespassing after attempting to bring a pitchfork into the County Administration Building after a protest outside.
"This to me is foolish and absurd," McCarty said. "I'm very ashamed of that fact because for years I've visited and done my business in this place carrying a gun on my hip, which is my choice."
Supervisor Buster Johnson said when he took office more than 13 years ago, McCarty was arrested during a Board meeting for carrying a weapon into the building.
"My first meeting, we changed that back and allowed you to carry a weapon up until today," Johnson said. "I'm sorry to see it get to this situation, but times have changed and as much as I disagree with it, I think something is going to have to be done."
Golden Valley resident Susan Bayer reminded the Board and Walker of their oath of office to uphold the both the U.S. and Arizona constitutions.
"You signed this (referring to the oaths of office) to uphold the Constitution. No policy supersedes or can violate the Constitution or the state constitution," she said. "You swore that you would uphold this."
Passing these policies would violate both documents, she said.
"You should be ashamed," Bayer said. "We the people voted you in. We the people, our dollars paid for the land this building sits on. We the people pay the lease price of this building. And we the people also pay your salaries. And it is shameful that we the people will be recalling (you)."
"I don't know of any incidence of violence that has ever occurred in this building," said Golden Valley resident Alan DiCicco. "I'm well within my rights to carry a firearm. This is absolute nonsense and a violation of our rights."
Golden Valley resident Fredrick Williams asked if the county could pass such a law since it would contradict Arizona's Open Carry Law, which allows a person to carry a weapon as long as it is not concealed.
Deputy County Attorney Bill Ekstrom explained that Arizona Revised Statutes under 13-3102 did give the county the authority to prohibit weapons on the county campus.
"I'm totally to the point where I'm questioning where we are at in society," said Supervisor Gary Watson. "Why in the hell do we need to bring guns into a meeting? It's because it's your rights. But where is common sense? Where is respectability? Where has our obligation to meet, to discuss, to solve problems?
"On reflecting over the entire weekend, I don't want to adopt this policy. In my heart, I don't want to. On the other hand, I don't want to see anyone, any of our employees, any of the people in the audience or the people who just come to do business here hurt. We're here to do business. It upsets me. It is a reflection of our culture today. But we have to respect and make sure that our employees are never uncomfortable."
Johnson said when he looked at the paintings of the signing the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, he "was amazed to see in these paintings that none of our Founding Fathers were wearing weapons at the time," he said. He then made a motion to approve the new policies.
There are many people in Mohave County who work hard to bring new businesses into the county, said Sockwell.
"And I am one of those people. I don't understand how people can think for one minute, that industry, businesses, good, honest working people are going to come here when they see this kind of action," he said. "It just blows me away, folks."
He was interrupted and had to bang the gavel in order to silence people yelling for their rights.
"This whole thing could have been resolved and never started, had someone bothered to even check on the rules or the regulations that we have to follow," he said. "I'm absolutely disgusted with the whole darn mess and shame on you people for acting like this."
"Shame on you," several people called out, before Sockwell banged the gavel again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't cool it, I'll have you removed, right now," he said.
The Board then voted unanimously to approve the new policies.
"Mr. Chairman, this is exactly what we were trying to prevent," Walker started to say before he was interrupted by several people telling him and the Board to "find a new job."
The random shouted comments continued until Sockwell called for a recess and asked security to help clear some of the people out of the room. People left peaceably, with only a few more comments.
The new policies also include a prohibition on passing out any campaign flyers, petitions, signs, flags or placards in the building except for presentations to the Board.
The county has also instituted a dress code. Tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts or shirts with inappropriate language will not be allowed.
The polices went into effect Monday morning.
In November, Golden Valley resident Luca Zanna was asked to stop passing out flyers during a town hall held by Sen. John McCain at the county building. He protested after the town hall meeting, saying his First Amendment rights were infringed. At the time the county did not have a written policy on politicking on county property.
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Posted: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Article comment by:
We Can Recall Sockwell
Folks, the recall is really charged up, we are raising money and getting signatures! This county has been under the corrupt thumbs of this BOS for too long, and they have gone too far. We can now remove Sockwell from office. Help us do this.
Please go to RecallSockwell.com to help! We meet every week, we need your help, be part of history to clean up this county! RecallSockwell.com for info!
Posted: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Article comment by:
George Washington
Ica Rus Are you REALLY accusing Zanna and those who are trying to recall Sockwell of being "McVeighs"????? Really. In print...in front of the entire world you are saying these slanderous words? You are a dangerous person! Anyone who would say such a thing should be put in a place where they can be treated...
What a terrible thing to say! You just get worse and worse as the days go on. You are sick.
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Recall Sockwell
Starting this Saturday, March 20th-April 20th, from 8-12pm, there will be a signature drive on Saturdays at Golden Valley Veterans Park on N. Verde for those registered voters that wish to sign the recall petition to recall Mohave County Supervisor, Tom Sockwell, District 2. To be a valid signature you must bring your voter registration and driver license. For additional information as to the reason behind the recall, go to www.RecallSockwell.com
Registered Voter Volunteers needed.
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Recall Sockwell
Starting this Saturday, March 20th-April 20th, from 8-12pm, there will be a signature drive on Saturdays at Golden Valley Veterans Park on N. Verde for those registered voters that wish to sign the recall petition to recall Mohave County Supervisor, Tom Sockwell, District 2. To be a valid signature you must bring your voter registration and driver license. For additional information as to the reason behind the recall, go to www.RecallSockwell.com
Registered Voter Volunteers needed.
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Betsy Ross
To help with RecallSockwell go to www.RecallSockwell.com or e-mail MohaveFreedom@Yahoo.com
The cause is growing stronger every day, but we still need people to circulate petitions and we need donations.
Now is the time for change and we can do it
Posted: Monday, March 08, 2010
Article comment by:
Guns Have No Place in Meetings
Thank you, Mr Watson for your intelligent comments. I, for one, do not wish to attend a meeting where people I did not entrust to carry guns are armed. I believe the law enforcement officer should be armed but not others at public forums.
Posted: Monday, March 08, 2010
Article comment by:
Always a Good Laugh
I do like the fact that Ron Walker explained the ground rules clearly at the beginning of the meeting. It's about the only thing he has right lately. Hopefully he is on a roll.
Posted: Thursday, March 04, 2010
Article comment by:
History repeats always History repeats always
Hitler once said:
“The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subject races to possess arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing.”
In order to achieve this the Nazi party implemented a strict gun control policy in 1938. The laws stated that:
Citizens had to apply for permission to buy a firearm and submit to a back ground check
Nazis had the power to decide who got a gun and what kind of guns could be owned
Ammunition would be controlled by the government
Jews were not allowed to own firearms
All Jews and other unlicensed owners must turn in their weapons to the Nazis
With previous gun control policies creating national gun registries the Nazis knew who owned guns. Often even if you turned them in to be a law abiding citizen you were arrested on sight for breaking the law!
Does any of this sound familiar?
Posted: Thursday, March 04, 2010
Article comment by:
open meeting law dreamer
I read this article, I read most of the comments, I read the agenda, two big questions comes up.
WHEN DID THEY VOTE TO PASS THIS?
WAS IT ON THE AGENDA?
Can some one who was at the meeting answer these question?
Posted: Thursday, March 04, 2010
Article comment by:
Walker Lies Again
Mohave County Manager, Ron Walker lies again. He told Chanel 3 Phoenix that cameras do not video those testifying at BOS meetings. Talk a walk walker. We the people want you fired!
What does the Sheriff do? Nothing
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
Jeff Cummins
Spartacus,
Amen.....some great responses!
To EX Lawdog,
There should be no need for a citizen to inform law enforcement officers that they have their own concealed firearms. It is private property and should be just as private and personal as how much money my wife lets me keep in my wallet. )
I know this Constitution stuff really gets annoying to some people, but here goes again
Start with the Arizona Constitution and look under the Declaration of rights
"2. Political power purpose of government
Section 2. All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights."
Is that so hard to understand? I suppose I could find the Arizona Constitution in a 2nd grade format, but that is about as clear and concise as basic English can get people!
"Established to protect and maintain individual rights".
Now, IF Mervin was involved in some sort of criminal activity, it is hardly any reason to take away the individual rights of all the citizens in the world.
Keep section 2 in mind as we look at other sections
"5. Right of petition and of assembly
Section 5. The right of petition, and of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good, shall never be abridged."
Carrying a firearm or ten thousand firearms is not an act of war or evil. People can have 5000 firearms among 5000 people and still be in peace. People can protest at a government building with loud voices and still be in peace even while having firearms, and they can protest for the common good with firearms on themselves.
Other people were told they could not bring flags inside the building. They did not bring flags inside and nor were they arrested for anything at all. Why are they being denied their rights when they are guilty of nothing?
Who would claim that the USA is guilty of nuking Mexico just because the USA has nuclear weapons? It is absurd.
13. Equal privileges and immunities
Section 13. No law shall be enacted granting to any citizen, class of citizens, or corporation other than municipal, privileges or immunities which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens or corporations.
Are law enforcement (which are also citizens) immune from laws that prohibit weapons from entering buildings? They should not have any more immunity than any other citizen. Since when should police forces that we pay to PROTECT and serve become lords over the citizen? How is it that fellow citizens (law enforcment) now have more rights than the people that instituted them in the first place?
What are they now......our gods? They are not to be above the citizen.
They have no rights above the citizen and they need to start treating the citizen, whether poor or rich, as if all are equal under the law and all have basic rights that are to be VALUED and PROTECTED.
What do you all think....law enforcment officers have never ever gone whacko and used firearms in crimes?
Besides, if these check ins, security wands, and lock boxes, are to make the entire inner portion of the building so darn secure, why do we still need security and law enforcement officers in the building with firearms if everything is so secure? They have them because they know there is still a possibility that some person might breach all the security steps that are in place and a law enforcement officer MIGHT have to use it.
Unless every person can have there own personal law enforcement officer with them in every portion of the building, the people are still not secure!
Security is not found in lock boxes and nor is it found in individual officers.
It is nothing but insane and tyrannical corruption, and even the officers should side up with the citizens. Are they now taught not to hold any sincere value of our rights as citizens?
"26. Bearing arms
Section 26. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men."
It is really too bad that our elected sheriff does not step in and have his deputies remove all security officers from the building in an effort to protect the rights of the citizens to keep and bear arms under Constitutional law. You would think that we pay them enough taxes that they would be pleased to step in to serve and protect the rights of the citizens that pay them.
32. Constitutional provisions mandatory
Section 32. The provisions of this Constitution are mandatory, unless by express words they are declared to be otherwise.
I dont see where Section 26 declares anything other than "The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired"......
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
me me
Today I went to the County Building to early vote-----VOTE. A security guard searched my purse to VOTE.
There is something fundmentally wrong with having your purse searched to VOTE.
I am an American, a woman, and have been voting for over 50 years.
What has happened to Mohave County?
I blame the Board of Supervisors.
I will not vote for an incumbent in any election.
Not even if the incumbent seems to do a competent job.
Having your purse searched before voting is disgusting.
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
Wilton Guerrero
Ok..................................................
Well I am just going to be honest with the citizens of Kingman for a second. I wish you would all look at this situation in a broader way. It is because of all of YOU that this has come about. The Billy Bob's, Hank's and Luca's of the world its all of your fault to start with. Stop putting blame on everyone else. Its because of the gun toting red necks. I know you may all have problems reading this as well but I figured I would explain the situation.
On to Luca..................this entire mess is mainly because of him. Just because some guy likes to get his picture in the paper and hoot and holler we have these "non" story news stories.
Last, congrats people you have all brought this upon yourselves. Now you get to reap your own rewards.
The Billy Bob's of Kingman live on.
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
Shawn M
WOW... Larry The Cable Guy Huh??
Interesting... I have to agree with some of the comments & not with others. The whole redneck thing labeled to me is funny. I'm about as far from a redneck as one can be. I know how i look to people, i get asked often what kind of bike do i ride, what instrument do i play, i respond to the bike question, i ride a polaris atv to the tune of a chuckle. This does not bother me. I'm used to it,
i understand why people ask me these questions. Part of the problem is people judge a book by it's cover without even reading it, to each their own.
As far as carrying a weapon, i am all for it, those who realize that criminals do NOT follow the law are those most likely to commit a crime out of despiration. No work, low pay, dope addiction, whatever it may be, we have a right to protect ourself.
Others are correct when it comes down to police time to a potential crime in progress, when seconds & minutes count, life can be changed forever in the blink of an eye.
This can be seen in cases all over the country, look at the professor who flipped in Alabama, the guy who shot some students in Colorado.
If you are against the law abiding citizens protecting them self's that is your opinion, BUT i will not feel sorry for you if you are a victim of a crime when the police are not there for you.
AND YES i do carry concealed where the law permits me to do so.
About 12 years ago i pulled my weapon on a guy before i had my concealed permit, he had a track record of BEATING his woman in a drunken state pretty much daily, (she still had brusing from the last time) she finally was able to get out of the situation, but not far enough. I was visiting a friend who took me to meet her, upon this visit her ex had decided to pay a visit, she called the Phoenix Pd to protect her, meanwhile he decided since she wouldn't open the door he kicked it in, (handle lock, deadbolt & a chain didn't stop him) after 2 steps he saw the end of a gun barrel, he realized right then he was in trouble, (he had said oh s__t) he was smart enough to turn around and leave. Less than 10 seconds later the P.D. had him outside, the police asked who had the weapon, i was checked & cleared by the officer with the comment "GOOD JOB or GOOD CALL"
The location was 40th street & Loop 202, the police time from call to arrival was an easy 5 min. You want to bet on your life for 5 minutes or less? I won't.
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
ica rus
I wonder how many of you McMinutemen (combination of McViegh & minutemen) have made the "no-fly" list at the airports because of all your revolutionary/ overthrow the govt rhetoric?
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