Gun policy puts public safety first

[SecularMotion]

Lowell Police Superintendent William Taylor and opponents of his updated firearms policy exchanged heated words for the third time before the City Council on Tuesday night.

And for the third time, they couldn't agree, even though both sides have met more than once to resolve their differences outside of Council chambers. However, since police chiefs in this state possess the authority to set firearms-license regulations, their decisions stand.

Gun proponents in attendance still disagreed with every new provision, including one that requires that everyone seeking a license take a gun-safety course with a live-fire component.

Cost would seem to be the main sticking point. Randy Breton, a trained firearms-safety instructor, said this expense would discourage people from applying even for a restricted gun permit, citing a five-day course costing $1,100.

http://www.lowellsun.com/opinion/ci_29413403/gun-policy-puts-public-safety-first