Weapons: Argument Against Proposition E

I recently received a seven-page local candidate questionnaire from the National Rifle Assn. Members’ Council of the South Bay.

I called the local NRA president, Jim Fuller, to discuss it. When he informed me that the NRA would not be endorsing candidates, I asked him what purpose would be served by my sending back a completed questionnaire. He replied that the information would be shared with the members’ council to assist in their voting decisions. He later stated that he and many others in the NRA Members’ Council are working for the passage of Proposition E in Redondo Beach’s March 7 election.

Proposition E is an advisory vote on the issuance of permits to carry concealed weapons. My opposition to Proposition E is well-known. As written, it states that anyone who could purchase a gun could carry it in public. The “approved firearms training course” mentioned in Proposition E could easily refer to the California Basic Firearms Safety Course, which is currently required for gun purchase. This is a multiple-choice written test.

I feel that with the right to carry a gun in public comes significant responsibility. This would include advanced gun safety training (both classroom and range), as well as a requirement to purchase liability insurance. Proposition E does not contain these requirements.

I agree with the National NRA promotion of safe and responsible gun ownership. Don’t confuse needed safety requirements with gun control. I urge Redondo Beach residents to vote no on Proposition E.

KIM LEWIS

Redondo Beach

Lewis is a candidate for the Redondo Beach District 5 City Council seat.