|
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 27, 2017
<br />Chicago where they were used in crime. Mr. Lucas stated, They finally, at the end of the
<br />interview, admitted that they were stolen records. Mr. Lucas went on to explain that dealers at
<br />gun shows do not sell stolen weapons, and that any felon that even touches a gun at a gun show
<br />has committed another felony. He then echoed earlier comments regarding those affected by gun
<br />laws. He added that criminals with gun - related charges should not be able to plea bargain out of
<br />their full sentences. He concluded by urging the Council again to research FBI statistics on gun
<br />violence.
<br />Thomas Burnett, 18907 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN, stated that it was inappropriate for the
<br />Council to make a decision on the resolution this evening, given the fact that the text of the
<br />resolution was not readily available to the public. Mr. Burnett stated that the Council was not
<br />acting within their legal authority in trying to affect State law, and that they could be asked to be
<br />publicly censured. Mr. Burnett asked that the Council not adopt the resolution.
<br />Sharon Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, IN, echoed earlier comments, stating that she
<br />wants to have the right to have her gun to defend herself from "the kids that are driving down the
<br />straight and, yes, attacking and shooting at each other in car chases." Ms. Banicki stated that
<br />though the resolution might make the Council and its proponents feel good, it does not
<br />accomplish anything but waste resources.
<br />Councilmember Gavin Ferlic returned to the podium for a rebuttal. Councilmember Ferlic stated,
<br />Just wanted to clarify the language that is in the preamble of the resolution. Again, this just
<br />encourages legislators to consider a background check for all purchases, whether they be trade
<br />show, internet, or peer -to -peer purchases. It also tried to keep guns out of the hands of domestic
<br />abusers. Finally, this is a resolution and the resolution language, again, simply states, "We in
<br />South Bend invite our Indiana lawmakers and representatives to an honest dialogue about the
<br />responsible solutions to gun violence that are available to those who are willing to work together.
<br />We ask them to sit down with our South Bend officials, civic leaders, and survivors of gun
<br />violence, to see what they are willing to do to strengthen our gun laws and at the same time
<br />protect Second Amendment rights." That is the resolution that we are voting on tonight. Again,
<br />the strategy would be to pass similar laws throughout the State and get this down to the State
<br />level, and hopefully the State will give it consideration.
<br />Councilmember Dr. Varner —in reference to Mr. Wilfing's earlier statements —asked Interim
<br />Council Attorney Aladean DeRose if a resolution has any legal status.
<br />Ms. DeRose responded, A resolution is a legal document and it expresses the will of the Council.
<br />This particular document is directed, though to the legislature of the State, and it contains the
<br />communication from this body to the State as to what this body believes is an appropriate
<br />legislative action. It does not create that legislative action within the State.
<br />Councilmember Dr. Varner asked what the loophole was that had been referenced several times
<br />that evening.
<br />Dr. Ferlic responded that the loophole is that you can sell on the internet and you can sell person -
<br />to- person without submitting to a background check, which is a way for felons, domestic
<br />abusers, and the mentally ill to purchase a firearm. He stated, That's why twenty (20) states have
<br />universal background checks whenever you sell a gun. They have shown statistically that if you
<br />have these background checks, you can decrease crime. Dr. Ferlic stated that the key is in doing
<br />a background check for any and all firearm sales, even person -to- person. He stated that though
<br />crime as a whole cannot be eliminated, the hope is that through this sort of legislation fewer
<br />people will be killed or injured by firearms at the hands of abusers.
<br />Councilmember Dr. Varner asked, So, you're suggesting that you can buy a gun on the internet
<br />without —
<br />Dr. Ferlic interjected, There are unlicensed gun dealers out there. I can sell a gun to a domestic
<br />abuser, right? So, that's the problem. They tried it federally —a universal background check: it
<br />didn't work. So, states have taken it into their own hands to say they will have universal
<br />background checks. Is it going to solve everything? No. But is it going to help us as a society? I
<br />think so. I don't have any problems, Jesse, with responsible people going to Midwest Gun
<br />Exchange and getting a background check. I just don't want felons, domestic abusers, mentally
<br />26
<br />
|