A few things stand out in Mayors Bill Peduto and Jim Kenney’s op-ed “Bill Peduto, Philly mayor: Why we oppose Pa. Senate gun bill.”
One, it states incorrectly that Senate Bill 531 would pre-empt local jurisdictions from enacting firearms laws. Current state law already pre-empts local jurisdictions from enacting firearms laws. Bill 531 just imposes consequences to local jurisdictions that violate state law and offers compensation to unjustly persecuted citizens.
Two, it states that we need uniform laws at the state and federal levels. This statement contradicts their own position where they want to allow local jurisdictions to create local firearms laws.
Three, it attempts to mislead and use the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions to affirm the ability of local jurisdictions to apply local solutions. Both constitutions do not “bestow certain powers upon the government closest to the issue,” so this statement is also incorrect. Both constitutions affirm the right to keep and bear arms and that this right shall not be infringed or questioned, especially by grandstanding local politicians.
Finally, the op-ed states that they would like the Pennsylvania General Assembly to “address the proliferation of both legal and illegal guns in Pennsylvania.” I appreciate their honesty in admitting their desire to attack legally owned firearms and their owners instead of just the criminals who violate firearms laws.
It’s unfortunate that our political leadership is more interested in control than upholding their sworn oath to the constitutions and protecting our unalienable rights.
Michael Sivack
Murrysville