Washington County Commissioners heard comments in favor of declaring Washington County a Second Amendment sanctuary county at their Thursday, April 8 meeting.
It was a continuation of a discussion that began last month when Lyle Pittman addressed the Commissioners asking that they consider adopting a resolution to declare Washington County a Second Amendment sanctuary county.
Strick Newsom addressed the County Commissioners at their April 8 meeting; he explained that gun control by the government has a long history in the United States.
“Such efforts by the government have been uniformly unsuccessful,” said Newsom. He continued, “Gun control works well under some governments, but the form of government those countries practice is undesirable and inconsistent with our form of government.”
In addition, Newsom stated that hunting with guns brings economic benefits to the county.
“Hunting with guns is big business in Washington County, and has been for many years,” said Newsom. He added, “In Washington County, we attract hunters from far and wide, who come here to spend part of their money.”
James Watts was scheduled to address the Washington County Commissioners, as well, but he was unable to attend due to a medical appointment.
During the March meeting, Watts addressed the Commissioners regarding Pittman’s initial proposal; he was opposed to declaring the county a Second Amendment sanctuary.
“I think for this County to make the point to lawful gun owners and some unlawful gun owners that they would take a position that they don’t have to follow federal or state gun laws that have not been passed yet, I think that will send a message that will endanger more people,” said Watts at the March meeting.
Commissioners took no action regarding this matter at their Thursday, April 8 meeting.