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08-12-2010, 04:29 AM
Marysville changes firearms ordinance
June open-carry confrontation triggers second look at policy
By LIZ SHEPARD
Times Herald
• August 11, 2010
Marysville ordinance banning firearms from parks has gone against state law for more than 20 years.
However, that ordinance has been amended since city officials were educated about Michigan's open-carry law by two men flexing their rights at Marysville Days in June.
The ordinance previously barred any person from carrying firearms, bows and arrows, BB guns, slingshots or air rifles within any public park without special permission. It also said police officers on duty were exempt from the ordinance.
The City Council voted Monday to remove the word "firearms" from the ordinance, as well as the line about police officers being exempt.
City Manager Jack Schumacher said the city attorney reviewed the municipality's ordinances after it was found that the two men -- Rob Harris and Scott Webb -- had the right to carry holstered firearms in the city park.
A recording of the confrontation between the two men and the police officer, Assistant Chief Ron Buckmaster, shows police threatened to arrest them if they didn't leave.
After the incident, the men and other open-carry advocates had a picnic at the park to educate the public and exercise their right to carry firearms.
Mayor Pro-Tem Joseph Johns cast the only vote against the language change.
He said the chain of events stemming from the Marysville Days confrontation has been "frustrating."
"I think it's absolutely unnecessary for me or anyone else to carry a gun. ... In today's world, this is just a no-no," Johns said.
Johns believes the confrontation with Buckmaster was a publicity stunt.
"I think they did it for the publicity they got," he said. "Who would walk around with a tape recorder in their pocket and walk up to the assistant police chief and make comments about it?"
Harris, 37, of Eastpointe said the incident wasn't a publicity stunt but he was glad to learn the incident had resulted in the city changing its ordinance.
"I'm glad our interaction in Marysville did bring about change that was necessary," he said.
Harris said their goal has been to educate and desensitize the public. He said they did not approach Buckmaster or initiate confrontation.
Harris and Webb filed a complaint about the confrontation with the Michigan Attorney General's office. Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for the attorney general, said the complaint remains under review.
Harris and Webb are members of Michigan Open Carry Inc. Harris said they have been working to bring the issue of open-carry to the public.
A contract clause banning guns at Royal Oak's Arts, Beats & Eats festival -- planned for the coming Labor Day weekend -- has drawn criticism from gun advocates who want to have it amended.
Police Chief Chris Jahnke said the contract between festival planners and the city prohibits weapons at the event.
However, open-carry proponents told the Royal Oak City Commission on Monday night state law and the Second Amendment allow a person who is licensed to carry a holstered firearm openly. They want the contract amended before the event begins.
Arts, Beats & Eats producer Jon Witz said festival officials were open to contract revisions. Witz was the producer of Port Huron's Blue Water Fest in July.
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100811/NEWS01/8110303
Steve
June open-carry confrontation triggers second look at policy
By LIZ SHEPARD
Times Herald
• August 11, 2010
Marysville ordinance banning firearms from parks has gone against state law for more than 20 years.
However, that ordinance has been amended since city officials were educated about Michigan's open-carry law by two men flexing their rights at Marysville Days in June.
The ordinance previously barred any person from carrying firearms, bows and arrows, BB guns, slingshots or air rifles within any public park without special permission. It also said police officers on duty were exempt from the ordinance.
The City Council voted Monday to remove the word "firearms" from the ordinance, as well as the line about police officers being exempt.
City Manager Jack Schumacher said the city attorney reviewed the municipality's ordinances after it was found that the two men -- Rob Harris and Scott Webb -- had the right to carry holstered firearms in the city park.
A recording of the confrontation between the two men and the police officer, Assistant Chief Ron Buckmaster, shows police threatened to arrest them if they didn't leave.
After the incident, the men and other open-carry advocates had a picnic at the park to educate the public and exercise their right to carry firearms.
Mayor Pro-Tem Joseph Johns cast the only vote against the language change.
He said the chain of events stemming from the Marysville Days confrontation has been "frustrating."
"I think it's absolutely unnecessary for me or anyone else to carry a gun. ... In today's world, this is just a no-no," Johns said.
Johns believes the confrontation with Buckmaster was a publicity stunt.
"I think they did it for the publicity they got," he said. "Who would walk around with a tape recorder in their pocket and walk up to the assistant police chief and make comments about it?"
Harris, 37, of Eastpointe said the incident wasn't a publicity stunt but he was glad to learn the incident had resulted in the city changing its ordinance.
"I'm glad our interaction in Marysville did bring about change that was necessary," he said.
Harris said their goal has been to educate and desensitize the public. He said they did not approach Buckmaster or initiate confrontation.
Harris and Webb filed a complaint about the confrontation with the Michigan Attorney General's office. Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for the attorney general, said the complaint remains under review.
Harris and Webb are members of Michigan Open Carry Inc. Harris said they have been working to bring the issue of open-carry to the public.
A contract clause banning guns at Royal Oak's Arts, Beats & Eats festival -- planned for the coming Labor Day weekend -- has drawn criticism from gun advocates who want to have it amended.
Police Chief Chris Jahnke said the contract between festival planners and the city prohibits weapons at the event.
However, open-carry proponents told the Royal Oak City Commission on Monday night state law and the Second Amendment allow a person who is licensed to carry a holstered firearm openly. They want the contract amended before the event begins.
Arts, Beats & Eats producer Jon Witz said festival officials were open to contract revisions. Witz was the producer of Port Huron's Blue Water Fest in July.
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100811/NEWS01/8110303
Steve