Editor,
At a time when preventing gun violence makes for sound public policy, it is important for voters in the 10th Legislative District to know where their elected officials stand on this issue.
In the case of Sen. Ron Muzzall, his voting record suggests that promoting public safety is not one of his legislative priorities.
In 2021 he voted against the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5038, a bill that prohibited the open carry of firearms, and other weapons, at or near permitted public demonstrations, the state capitol grounds, its buildings and other legislative locations. His vote is surprising because Washington already provides exceptions to its open carry law in public places such as area facilities exclusively used by public or private schools, courtrooms, restricted access areas of commercial airports, jails and mental health facilities, and taverns and bars and places off-limits to persons under age 21 by the State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
The bill was carefully crafted and amended to allow exceptions for federal, state and local law enforcement and members of the armed forces when carrying a firearm or weapon by a person who had a valid license to do so.
The hearings around the bill attracted much public attention, which is not surprising given the impact of gun violence in Washington state. Two hundred and sixty seven people either testified or signed in to testify in favor of the bill versus 62 people who expressed opposition to this bill.
Fortunately for us, Muzzall is being challenged by Janet St. Clair. As an experienced, two-term commissioner for Island County, public safety has always been one of her primary concerns. Janet knows that keeping weapons away from circumstances where emotions run amok and lead to violence, makes perfect sense.
It is a reasonable restriction on the Second Amendment, not unlike the ones that currently exist to protect the public. For this reason and many others, where her practical approach to problem solving is sorely needed in our district, Janet merits our votes in the November election.
Jane Jaehning
Oak Harbor
