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Health and Public Safety Committee February 21,2001 Page 4 not result in the City being safer as proposed by the City's Deputy Attorney. He urged the Council to listen to the people. Mr. Grummell cited several recent incidents in Massachusetts, Illinois and San Francisco where individuals were killed because no one had a firearm to defend themselves. He urged the Council not to take away the right to defend himself and others. He noted that the problems with guns in South Bend involve drug dealers and gang members. Mr. Grummell stated that there are over one (1) million people in the State of Indiana who have valid permits to carry a firearm which is the largest number for any state in the Union. He noted that when former Gary Mayor Hatcher's anti- gun law was thrown out that crime went down in Gary. He concluded that the proposed ordinance is bogus on its face. Mr. Bodnar stated that he would be open to amendments to the proposed ordinance. Dr. Varner noted that Mrs. Clark was sincere with regard to her concerns. He stated that perhaps there should have been a"Bill of Responsibility"as well as a Bill of Rights. Council Member Ujdak thanked everyone for their input and for coming to the meeting. He noted that the Committee would continue discussion on it next Monday, February 26th. He again reiterated his concern with regard to enforcement and the lack of a clear agreement between the City and the County. Council Member Ujdak stated that he understands the intent of the bill, however absent an agreement with the County he does not see it as being practical or enforceable. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Ujdak adjourned the Committee meeting at 4:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Andrew Ujdak, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF:kmf