LC mayor on gun background check resolution: ‘this is a common sense measure’
City Council approved a resolution calling on the New Mexico Legislature to pass a measure that would require comprehensive background checks for all firearm sales in the state.
“This is really for the benefit of everybody to just make sure that a person isn’t a convicted felon or isn’t on the domestic violence list that is not allowed to have a weapon” said Mayor Ken Miyagishima.
While the resolution has no effect of law, Mayor Ken Miyagishima says the idea is to reduce gun violence and strengthen the criminal background check system.
Council plans to mail the resolution to state lawmakers. The mayor said he understands the fears of those against the city’s resolution, adding responsible, law-abiding gun owners have nothing to worry about.
“I support the second amendment and I am a member of the NRA, I currently have a carry and concealed weapon license myself, I learned as a child to use weapons responsibly,” Miyagishima said, “To me this is a common sense measure.”
The resolution drew strong opposition from the public. Councilor Ceil Levatino voted against it and Mayor Pro-tem Greg Smith unsuccessfully sought to table it.
Levatino says state law is already effective at blocking sales to those who have no right to possess a firearm under the law.
One resident started an online petition to send to Gov. Susana Martinez and lawmakers, saying the city council is not speaking for the Las Cruces community through its resolution.
