Shaban: Productive, Not Symbolic Solutions for Guns

Redding's representatives absorbed some of their constituents' thoughts on gun control at a public forum at the community center last week. 

State Reps. John Shaban (R-135) and Dan Carter (R-2) were joined by State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26), Redding Police Chief Doug Fuchs and represenatives from U.S. Rep. Jim Himes' and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal's offices. 

"The lawmakers and chief started with brief comments regarding the pending legislation on guns, mental illness and school security, and then took questions from the audience about the current legislative task force and related legislation," John Dooley wrote in a press release. "Chief Fuchs also provided a law enforcement perspective, and educated the audience by displaying an AR-15 rifle and explaining its operation."

Shaban said the discussion was a good and thoughtful one.

"There was more agreement than disagreement about how to address the gun control, school security and mental health issues being discussed," he said. "It's now up to us to come up with some meaningful legislation that will provide productive and specific solutions, not symbolic ones.”

Carter said he was thankful for the community's participation and feedback on what he said were sensitive issues.

"I am committed to crafting legislation that enhances safety in our community, and focuses not just on responsible gun use and ownership but also mental health services and school security," Carter said. "I look forward to a continuing conversation with the community as the legislative process unfolds to ensure new laws accurately reflect what the people of Connecticut think is right for our families at this time."