Issue Position: Gun Rights

Issue Position

Today the gun laws already on the books are more than adequate. The piece that's missing across the board is mental health. Guns aren't the problem. People are. Threats need to be followed up on diligently using our existing resources and laws. I feel that I have experienced both sides of this issue first hand.

#1. I'm a victim of gun violence. My mother was murdered in 2010. My mother and I were very close and I cannot describe to you in a sentence what it feels like to lose your mother, and lose her in the way I did that day. I do believe in capital punishment (the death penalty), which after this experience I will likely never change my mind about. I can relate with the many families of victims in our country and understand the helplessness, anger, and sadness that surrounds a tragedy of any violence. Even after that I can still stand here and tell you that what happened to my mom is not a gun issue but a mental health issue.

#2. I own a gun store. I'm also a member of the NRA, a gun collector, and an avid sportsman. I believe VERY strongly in the 2nd amendment and even after what I've experienced my belief hasn't changed. For me it's simple, whether for sport or protection, guns are tools. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

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