October 31st, 2008
Q&A meeting set on concealed carry law
Residents are urged to attend an informational meeting regarding the concealed carry law referendum that is on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Benton Public Property Commissioner Ronnie Baumgarte said the meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Benton Elks Lodge, 167 Industrial Park Road.
Illinois Carry spokesperson Valinda Rowe said the town hall meeting would include a question-and-answer period.
Illinois is one of only two states with no form of concealed carry law for general citizens. The upcoming referendum would not change any laws, but it could be a first step in the right direction.
“Illinois needs to look at this and join the rest of the country in passing the concealed carry law,” Rowe said. “Michigan passed a concealed carry law in 2001. At that time Jennifer Granholm was the attorney general and she was against the law. Seven years later, she is now governor. All of her fears have been proven unfounded. The law works great in Michigan and in all of the 48 states in which it has been passed.
“We have not been able to get the leadership in Springfield to move this legislation through the system,” Rowe said. “Tonight’s informational meeting will help residents understand the need to pass the referendum to send a message to Springfield to adopt legislation pertaining to a concealed carry law. I encourage citizens to attend the meeting.”
Tags: IL
