Some Residents Up In Arms After Ruidoso Mayor Bans Guns

Before entering a village building, Ruidoso Mayor Ray Alborn says citizens must leave their guns at the door.

Signs are posted throughout Ruidoso, stating the mayor’s executive order prohibiting anyone from entering a village building with a firearm. But residents are firing back, arguing the move is unconstitutional.

“Don’t trade our freedoms for the illusion of security,” said Tony Seno, a protester.

But Alborn argues that the only illusion of security is having a room full of citizens armed with guns.

“We have an obligation and a duty to protect our employees and the people who do business with the village and that’s the bottom line,” Alborn said.

About a hundred people crowded inside Ruidoso Village Hall on Tuesday evening, standing up for what they say is their right to bear arms.

“I believe those who would disarm us are just as wrong, just as violent and just as guilty as those who would assault us,” Seno said.

Days before signs began appearing on village buildings, the police chief removed Seno’s weapon as he addressed council members at the podium.

“I became very concerned we were all unprotected in that meeting,” Alborn said.

But another woman says Alborn’s executive order is too ambiguous and leads her to believe that the firearm ban is on all village property, not just inside village buildings.

When asked why she is mad about not being able to bring a gun inside of a public building, she said it’s not necessarily what has her most angry.

“I’m mad about the way the order reads,” Glynis Racine said. “Had his order read, ‘Village hall during council meetings.’ Had it said, ‘Municipal courts,’ I’d be OK with that. But it says ‘public property’ and until he amends it and writes it correctly, it’s wrong.”

Another protester even asked for Alborn’s resignation.

Alborn insists, however, he is doing what is in the best interest of the Village of Ruidoso. He added that unless the court takes legal action against him, he has no plans to change his mind.

“I don’t care where they carry the guns, they just don’t need to carry them in village buildings.”

Alborn said the village attorney assured him he has the right to make the executive order.

In 1986, New Mexico residents voted to amend the state constitution forbidding local regulation of firearms.