Golden Valley Takes Up Gun Control Issue
The issue of gun control has now made its way to Golden Valley. This week, the Golden Valley Mayor and Council raised questions about what role the city can play with regards to gun safety and gun control in schools and around the community.
This discussion came up after some of the recent high profile shootings that have happened nationally. Now, Golden Valley leaders want to see what, if any, changes to gun laws they can make at a city level.
“I think what we’re finding is that residents are getting more and more frustrated about the lack of progress on a national level, even on a state level, and they’re turning to our local leaders,” said Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris. “And they’re saying, we want you to do something, we’re looking for leadership.”
But exactly what kind of leadership Golden Valley can provide regarding gun control is a big question.
Under Minnesota law, cities and counties have limited power to regulate guns, and essentially have to abide by the rules set forth by the state legislature.
St. Louis Park Considers Pushing the Envelope on Gun Laws
In nearby St. Louis Park, the mayor there has brought up the idea of disregarding state law and fighting the state in court.
But Golden Valley officials aren’t quite ready to put up that kind of fight.
“Golden Valley certainly is a different community,” said Golden Valley Council Member Gillian Rosenquist. “And we’re just at the preliminary stages and, again, trying to ask questions at this point, rather than having any strategy or confrontational situation. This isn’t political for us. This is about responding to residents’ questions and concerns.”
At a future meeting, Golden Valley hopes to bring in local experts such as law enforcement, school district officials and members of the state legislature to get a better sense of what the city can do regarding gun control.
