MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a controversial vote that was openly contested by members of city council, an ordinance banning firearms on certain municipal properties was approved at Morgantown’s City Council Meeting.
The ordinance was not given an ok immediately as certain sections of the ordinance were ammended before passing on a 4-3 vote. Councilors Jenny Selin, Nancy Ganz, Marti Shamberger and Bill Kawecki voted in favor of the measure while Ron Bane, Wes Nugent and Jay Redmond desented.
Council Member Jenny Selin spoke about some differences expressed about the ordinance.
“My fellow council persons, are concerned that there’s just one officer in the hall.”
Selin proposed an amendment that was ultimately adopted by council that also prohibits persons with a concealed carry permit from carry a firearm in city-owned buildings.
During the public portion of the meeting, there were multiple members of pro-gun rights activist from around West Virginia who spoke out against the ordinance, including members of the Civil Defense League and the NRA.
Selin took the time to thank those who showed up.
“We appreciated the people who came out that came from communites from around West Virginia to speak to us about their concerns and their feeligns that our council would be safer if people were allowed to conceal carry.”
Even though there was a fundamental difference in opinion, there was an agreement that there would need to be measures needed to be taken to make sure buildings can be considered safe.
“We can have an additional officer inside the room so that we have double protection.”
Concern was also brought up by council regarding meetings where controversial issues are brought up where Selin mentions the extra security is perfect for.
“We can out that in place in meetings where we expect to have some sort of contentious issue.”
The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading and final approval at the Jan. 3 city council meeting.