John Hardin
Regular Member
imported post
A couple of days ago I visited the websites of the candidates for Snohomish County sheriff (John Lovick, Rob Beidler and Tom Greene) looking to see whether they had published a position of private ownership and carrying of firearms. None had, so I sent all three this email:
John Lovick
First, he called me yesterday during the day and left a message on my answering machine. I am impressed by that. Since he missed speaking to me, he also responded via email:
I wrote back:
I discussed the issues around "alarm" and he was aware of them, and I said that what would be really welcome is a clear statement that Snohomish County deputies would be well-trained in these issues and would know that merely carrying openly is not grounds for harassment, detention or arrest.
He also said that he'd spoken to several other gun owners about these topics.
I also mentioned that I had seen a story about an Idaho sheriff calling for more citizens to obtain CCW permits and he expressed interest. Here's the link I am sending him:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/state/story/9203985p-9120238c.html
Rating:
Rob Beidler
I got an email from Rob Beidler this morning, and was disappointed by what he had to say:
Rating so far:
Tom Greene
No response as yet.
Rating: :question:
Contact information for the candidates:
John Lovick <jlovick@comcast.net>
Rob Beidler <rob@robbeidlerforsheriff.com>
Tom Greene <greeneforsheriff@hotmail.com> (I don't know whether this is direct to him or not)
A couple of days ago I visited the websites of the candidates for Snohomish County sheriff (John Lovick, Rob Beidler and Tom Greene) looking to see whether they had published a position of private ownership and carrying of firearms. None had, so I sent all three this email:
As of this morning, these are the responses I have received:I visited your website looking for a position statement about a certain topic, but I didn't see it addressed, so I'm contacting you directly to ask. I hope you can provide an answer.
What is your position on the ownership, possession, and carrying - both openly and concealed - of firearms by ordinary citizens?
As the opinions of the Sheriff about this topic set the tone of law enforcement for the entire county, I believe it is important to know where you stand.
Thank you for your time!
John Lovick
First, he called me yesterday during the day and left a message on my answering machine. I am impressed by that. Since he missed speaking to me, he also responded via email:
I was a little worried by the fact that he'd mentioned in his phone call that he no longer carries since leaving the WSP and was "no longer commissioned", and the above statements were not clearly and positively supportive of ownership and carry.Let me say first of all that I carried a weapon for 31 years as a state trooper. I support the 2nd amendment of our constitution. I would also like to invite you to an event I am having at the old Monroe High School in Monroe on Saturday August 11 at 10 AM to talk about getting a shooting range in the Sultan Basin.
I wrote back:
This morning he called again and we had a very positive discussion. He stated that he no longer carries since leaving the WSP, but that he knows that open carry and permitted concealed carry are legal and he supports both.Forgive me for being blunt, but neither statement answers the question. Many law enforcement officers who have carried weapons for decades are actively hostile to the idea of personal firearms ownership, and many candidates this year are professing loudly to support the 2nd Amendment while also supporting various gun control proposals.
I discussed the issues around "alarm" and he was aware of them, and I said that what would be really welcome is a clear statement that Snohomish County deputies would be well-trained in these issues and would know that merely carrying openly is not grounds for harassment, detention or arrest.
He also said that he'd spoken to several other gun owners about these topics.
I also mentioned that I had seen a story about an Idaho sheriff calling for more citizens to obtain CCW permits and he expressed interest. Here's the link I am sending him:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/state/story/9203985p-9120238c.html
Rating:
Rob Beidler
I got an email from Rob Beidler this morning, and was disappointed by what he had to say:
I wrote back:I wanted to address your question about guns. I am an avid hunter, gun owner, and gun collector. If you want to get my gun or guns from me you will have to pry it from my dead body. I am for citizens with weapons. I just wish they were all trained of course. It is our right to carry. That being said, the law states that we can not carry guns in a manner that causes alarm. ie. A six shooter on your hip in the mall. I will uphold the law to the best of my ability so I would ask that you don't do that.
We'll see what he has to say.> I am for citizens with weapons. I just wish they were all trained
> of course.
Yes, definitely. Would you consider making a public statement supporting firearms safety training in public schools? That would help reduce the likelihood of tragic accidents, as well as starting potential firearms owners off with a set of good habits that naturally lead to seeking proper training if they do decide to obtain firearms.
> It is our right to carry. That being said, the law states that we
> can not carry guns in a manner that causes alarm. ie. A six
> shooter on your hip in the mall. I will uphold the law to the
> best of my ability so I would ask that you don't do that.
I am extremely disappointed to hear you say that. Washington is an open carry state, and 9.41.270 does not prohibit the peaceful carrying of a firearm openly in a holster. In the absence of overtly malicious intent, "a six shooter on your hip in the mall" *is* perfectly legal. The fact that some person who is frightened by the mere thought of a firearm sees one being carried openly is not legally sufficient justification for accosting, detaining or arresting the person carrying it.
I would like to ask, is this your personal position regarding open carry, or is this the position you have been trained in?
If the latter, a public statement on your website that you will ensure that all Snohomish Country deputies are properly trained in dealing with persons openly carrying firearms per the actual meaning of the law and will not unreasonably detain persons for peaceful open carry will go a long way towards redeeming your position.
I direct your attention to training materials regarding this matter published by several Washington jurisdictions, collected here:
http://www.washingtonceasefire.net/content/category/5/24/32/
As it is, if that is your stated position and you are unwilling to publicly change it, I cannot support your candidacy.
Thank you for your time, and I await your response.
Rating so far:
Tom Greene
No response as yet.
Rating: :question:
Contact information for the candidates:
John Lovick <jlovick@comcast.net>
Rob Beidler <rob@robbeidlerforsheriff.com>
Tom Greene <greeneforsheriff@hotmail.com> (I don't know whether this is direct to him or not)