Guns likely out in Franklin parks

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Guns likely out in Franklin parks | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Vote to opt out of state law set for July 28

By Kevin Walters • THE TENNESSEAN • July 16, 2009

FRANKLIN — Franklin's city parks will likely remain off-limits to guns owned legally and illegally, if discussions aldermen had Tuesday about the matter are any indication.

On Sept. 1, state law will allow permit holders to bring their guns to parks, unless local governments opt out of the law. Brentwood and Williamson County voted this week to opt out. Franklin aldermen will vote July 28.

City Administrator Eric Stuckey, Police Chief Jackie Moore and Parks Director Lisa Clayton told aldermen they have safety concerns about allowing guns in heavily used city parks. They also mentioned the legal conflict in the use of parks by children from county and Franklin Special School District schools.

Alderman Bev Burger wants to seek a state attorney general's opinion seeking greater clarity about laws pertaining to schools' use of facilities where guns are allowed.

Alderman Dana McLendon, who supports the state law, was wearing an empty holster at the meeting. McLendon talked about the safety of gun owners and the need to make a rational decision about the divisive issue.

"Let's don't make the decision in an irrational, emotional misguided way," McLendon said.

Aldermen Ken Moore, Mike Skinner and Clyde Barnhill were skeptical about allowing guns in parks while Pearl Bransford admitted she hadn't made up her mind, though she said her husband has a carry permit.

Burger, who has said she's applying for her own carry permit, said she's received 66 e-mails from residents in favor of allowing guns in city parks and only 18 against. Franklin Mayor John Schroer, who wants the city to opt out, also said he is against a "sunset clause" similar to the county's opt out, which expires in a year.