LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Candidate for AG, 'One Stood Out'

Submitted by Elliott Barron, Wellesley

To the Editor:

Because I believe that politics are important, and that government can have a positive impact in the community, the upcoming Democratic primary attracted my attention. Of the candidates for Attorney General, one stood out: Warren Tolman.

In particular, I was attracted to his position on the issue of gun safety. In fact, one of the main reasons I am supporting Warren Tolman for Attorney General is his willingness to move Massachusetts forward into the twenty-first century on gun safety. Only Mr. Tolman is determined to mandate the use of smart gun technology on all new firearms sold within the state of Massachusetts. This technology, which was originally developed by a Massachusetts company, uses a fingerprint scanner on the weapon to make sure that only the proper owner of the weapon can fire it. By mandating this within the Commonwealth Mr. Tolman would reduce the incidence of guns falling into the wrong hands -- for example, when a child accidentally gains access to the weapon or when a gun is trafficked on the black market -- while also maintaining individuals’ right to bear arms.

Mr. Tolman builds on Massachusetts’ strength as a center of technological progress – through embracing smart gun technology – to make the Commonwealth safer for all citizens. I support Warren Tolman for Attorney General because he demonstrates that he is willing to stand up against established interests, such as the NRA, develop progressive solutions to create a safer Commonwealth, and lead Massachusetts into the twenty-first century. Please join me in voting for Warren Tolman in the September 9th Democratic primary election.