WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS GIVE NON-UNANIMOUS VOTE FOR CONCEALED CARRY FOR EMPLOYEES

  

Washington County Commissioners voted today (Tuesday) to permit county employees on county property to carry concealed handguns—but not all commissioners approved the motion.

Commissioners issued a 4-1 vote on the matter, with Commissioner Candace Bullock the lone vote against. Bullock initially moved to table action, saying she needed more time to look over the amended employee policy.

Bullock stressed she is fully in support of the right for employees to carry, but said she had more questions on how the policy was written and how it would be implemented.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath responded that this matter is something the county has discussed for several years, having faced delays with past lawsuit rulings. He said he does not believe the policy wording goes outside the legislation passed that allows for this to happen, adding it only allows for concealed carry for licensed employees.

Assistant County Attorney Kacie Murphy said there are added obligations for an employee wishing to carry, stating they are required to inform their supervisor or elected official of any incident with regard to their weapon in Washington County or anywhere else.

Hanath said, as the United States stand right now, the people that do not necessarily need guns have them, and the people that need the guns to protect themselves are disallowed from having them due to policy. He said he believes this is why this issue has “come to the forefront” in many cases and courtrooms nationwide, referencing recent events of public schools and buildings “being invaded”.

County Judge John Durrenberger said many of those incidents occur in places labeled as gun-free zones. Commissioner Joy Fuchs said the only ones who do not have guns are the ones who are “sitting targets”.  Hanath continued, saying it is impossible to have a law enforcement official in every single office, and the county cannot protect employees in any other way.

Hanath concluded by saying no one has all the answers, but he believes the people who are the most vulnerable need to be given the ability to protect themselves. Bullock reiterated she was not in opposition to that idea, but that she just needed more time to have her questions answered before she could make a confident decision.

Upon Bullock’s motion to table, no one seconded, killing the motion. Fuchs promptly moved to approve the amended policy, with Hanath seconding.  The motion passed on a 4-1 vote.