Ottumwa considers gun ordinance

Posted: 10.18.2010 at 8:36 AM

OTTUMWA, IOWA (AP) -- Ottumwa is considering an ordinance to keep firearms off city property in the wake of the state's new concealed weapons rule.

The Ottumwa Courier says the ordinance would prohibit firearms from being carried in city-owned or leased buildings parks, the Wapello County Courthouse and city events like soccer games.

The City Council will consider the ordinance Tuesday.

Iowa's new law makes it more difficult for sheriffs to reject concealed weapons permits. Sheriffs can only deny applications for specific reasons, such as a prior criminal record or drug and alcohol addiction.

Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark says he expects a large number of people will acquire a concealed weapon permit, including a "number of people who should not be allowed to do so."

We want to know what you think

Do you think a city should be able to ban persons from carrying firearms even when they have a concealed weapons permit issued by the state?

	Yes, there is no reason to bring a gun into City Hall or the Court House.
	No, the Second Amendment doesn’t allow any limits on gun ownership.
	Not sure, but tempers flair at council meetings sometimes.
	Who cares, this is special interest politics at its worst.