PETERSBURG – At its Feb. 10 meeting, Upper Township Committee approved a resolution they described as protecting Second Amendment rights and lawful gun owner privileges.
Upper Township joins several county municipalities in approving similar sanctuary resolutions, as well as the county. Committee member John Coggins explained the measure as a way to show respect for the foundational principles of the U.S., and elaborated on that perspective in responses to public comments.
Several citizens voiced support, as well as doubt and dismay, about the committee’s action, deploying traditional arguments for each position.
Blanche Adams, of Marshallville, and president of the municipality’s business association, asked for specifics about the intent of the committee in passing the resolution.
“Is your intention symbolic, or are you asking State Police (Upper Township does not have its own police force) not to enforce state or federal law,” Adams asked.
Coggins replied, “We’re not intending to ask the police not to enforce the law. What we’re looking to do is to show our support for the Second Amendment, and show our view that the Constitution and Bill of Rights are sacred documents that are constantly being trampled on by today’s government, especially in New Jersey. We’re not providing refuge or assistance to anyone who chooses to break the law.”
John Trainor, of Dennis Township, said he retired from the Army last year, after a decades-long career, and several combat tours.
“New Jersey’s gun laws are the strictest in the country, and I believe, as a result, our gun rights are being violated under the Constitution,” he said. “Therefore, I commend each of you (addressing committee) for your action with this resolution tonight.”
Resident Janet Yunghans pointed out that “we are facing a gun violence crisis in this country that takes 100 lives every single day and injures 200 more.” She termed the committee’s action as “legally meaningless,” but stressed that it “undermines the rule of law, fosters distrust in law enforcement and may deter reporting of dangerous individuals.”
Another resident, Barbi Harris, asked why the committee was spending time on this “divisive” issue, and not on issues like climate change and equal rights for women.
Mayor Richard Palombo made several admonishments to those attending to keep their applause and cheers in check, noting that the resolution was approved, so that there was no need for supporters to become vocal or detailed in their remarks.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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