Though their personal histories with guns differ, all Southeast Valley say they’re following the federal conversation closely, offering starting-point suggestions in the meantime rather than definitive solutions.
Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny has never been a member of the National Rifle Association.
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, a former NRA member and a gun owner for most of his life, took safety classes from the NRA as a youngster and later put his children through the same program.
Gilbert Mayor John Lewis, who is not a member of the NRA, said he prefers to wait and weigh in on specific legislation rather than sign on to efforts like the mayors’ initiative or other groups.
Last year, for example, Lewis said he opposed a bill that would have allowed guns on university campuses and used his connections at the state level to voice his opinion.
Smith said he believes there must be some way to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and has said he is open to the idea of closing background-check loopholes. He says there should be stern punishments for what he called poor stewardship with guns, such as allowing them to fall into the hands of children.
Tibshraeny said he believes in Second Amendment rights, “but I also believe in making sure our citizens can live a full and productive and safe life.”
Information from The Arizona Republic
