SW Debates Proposed Concealed Weapon Mandate

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Town plans to mandate concealed weapons only within municipal buildings drew the attention of a few residents at a town council meeting Monday night.

The plan would forbid the open carry of weapons in town buildings, even if they're legally permitted.

No vote was taken Monday, as the council only had it on the agenda for discussion purposes. Further community discussions are planned before a final council vote on the matter.

While opinions differed along the same lines seen nationally relative to gun rights, discourse was tempered and beliefs were expressed openly, something not lost on South Windsor Mayor Liz Pendleton.

"Tonight, we did receive intelligent, helpful community conversations," she said Monday night.
Ultimately, the town is expected to host one or two separate public forums on the gun issue, likely at the South Windsor Community Center at yet-to-be scheduled dates and times.

According to the draft, entitled "An Ordinance Regarding Public Safety in Municipal Buildings," the sole objective is to "provide for the good order, peace, health, safety and welfare of the town and its residents."

Like much of the country, the ordinance has pitted gun rights advocates, who say the town should recognize Second Amendment rights, with those seeking safety in light of an epidemic of mass shootings nationwide.

South Windsor's ordinance would, simply, mandate legally obtained electronic defense weapons, pistols or revolvers be concealed from view in town buildings.

The ordinance draft states this is "to promote peace, good government and welfare' of the town.
In order to legally possess a concealed weapon in a town building, the owner would have to have the permit on them should a law enforcement officer ask to see it.

Such weapons, however, are banned from so-called "school zones," regardless of the permit status, according to the ordinance.

In addition, other types of weapons not classified as electronic defense weapons, pistols or revolvers are banned from town buildings and schools, regardless of permit status.

For example, the ordinance would still ban rifles, assault rifles and other weapons from schools.

The ordinance also prohibits town employees from having any weapons, regardless of permit status and including legally concealed weapons, on them during work hours.

One exception to any of these rules are police officers while performing official duties, according to the ordinance.

Placards would be visible notifying the public of the rules regarding weapons on town building entrances.

As far as enforcement, someone found to be in violation would, first, be asked to just leave the premises.

If that individual refuses to comply, they would be subject to existing breach of peace and trespassing laws and face up to three months in jail and $500 in fines.

A handful of area residents spoke on the matter Monday night, some for the ordinance, others opposing it.

"The only thing wrong with the proposal is it doesn't go far enough," said resident Elizabeth McQuire. "I would like to see all weapons barred from town hall."

In addition, she said police officers should be stationed at all public meetings for safety purposes.

Resident Rick Balboni, who opposes the ordinance, employed a bit of theatrics to get his point across.

First he distributed copies of the U.S. Constitution to the council, then he utilized a sweatshirt, face mask and sunglasses to address the assertion a concealed weapon would ease the nerves of folks in town buildings.

With a pistol legally on his side, Balboni put on sunglasses, a mask and hooded sweatshirt to show council members he abided by town policy, yet still presented an intimidating presence.

He said openly carrying a gun in town buildings should have the opposite effect, namely it would provide a deterent to potential lawbreakers.

"I personally believe most criminals are cowards and I look at my open carry as a deterrent," Balboni said.

"The politicians are wasting their time focusing on guns when the problem is so obviously the mental health of the monsters pulling the trigger," he said. "If we are concerned with protecting our children, why don't we harden our schools? Arming and training our teachers would be step one, in my opinion."

Council members didn't commit one way or the other toward a decision, but agreed to give members of the community plenty of time and opportunities to weigh in.

"We need to understand where everybody is coming from," said council member Karen Lydecker.

"I think an open forum on this would be a healthy way for the community to get together," said Councilman Andrew Paterna.

South Windsor Deputy Mayor Steven King Jr. said town officials shouldn't be shy about addressing the issue locally, even if many towns have yet to look at the issue. "If we're the first to do it, then so be it," he said.

By consensus, council members agreed public forums would be best and asked South Windsor Town Manager Michael Maniscalco to work with officials on a plan to organize and schedule them.

To view the full draft ordinance regarding South Windsor building safety, click on this link (scroll down to Page 62).

To watch the full South Windsor Town Council Meeting from Monday on Youtube, click on this link.