Candidates weigh in on gun laws
Candidates running for county and state offices voiced their opinions on campus gun laws Thursday at “Meet the Candidates”, an event put on by the USU Institute of Government and Politics.
“As the individual representing Utah State, I think there needs to be a discussion,” said Ed Redd, State Representative from Utah’s District 4. “We need to talk about what we do in situations where there’s a credible threat.”
Since feminist speaker Anita Sarkeesian’s decision not to speak at USU in October, campus gun laws, including concealed carry laws, have been widely discussed. Sarkeesian said that the security measures taken in response to a threat made on her life the previous day were insufficient. Utah law states that concealed carry permit holders would have been allowed to have weapons at the event due to its being held in a public building.
“In cases like this, I wouldn’t be opposed to considering putting a metal-detector at the door, to make sure people don’t come in with weapons,” said James Swink, Cache County Attorney running for reelection. “If you know there’s a volatile speaker and someone could bring in a handgun, I think you should leave it up to the university whether or not a certain area should be secured for a certain event.”
Redd echoed Swink in supporting the possibility of small revisions to the existing law while generally continuing to allow concealed carry on campus.
“I would vote ‘no’ to a gun-free campus but there are always exceptions to every rule,” Redd said. “There are situations where a law that was made with the best of intentions doesn’t necessarily fit every situation. That’s what the legislative process is about: looking at the laws that are already written, seeing how they work in these kind of situations and if we have to change them to make them work, how will we do it.”
Candidates in attendance emphasized their willingness to meet with those they represent regarding any issue. Those wishing to get in contact with Redd can do so at (435) 760-3177. To get in contact with Swink, call (435) 755-1860.
—levi.henrie@aggiemail.usu.edu