Stratford Democrats' Sandy Hook Resolution

Resolution in Support of Reducing Gun Violence in Response to the Tragedy in Newtown CT on Dec 14, 2012

Sponsored by the Stratford Democratic Town Committee

WHEREAS, the Stratford Democratic Town Committee shares the sorrow of the nation at the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and wishes to express our condolences to the victims and their families, of Sandy Hook Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, the tragedy in Newtown is only the most recent in a trail of tragedies across the nation, including the shooting of the 15 year-old African American girl who sang at the President’s inauguration; and

WHEREAS, the carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School is a call to action by our nation and all our government leaders to prevent violence against children and teachers; and

WHEREAS, such action honors the memory of the 20 children killed in Newtown, and honors the actions of the brave educators, six of whom died trying to protect the children; and

WHEREAS; it is important that Stratford Democratic Town Committee honor those teachers, and takes action to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of our children; and

WHEREAS, the Stratford Democratic Town Committee wishes to express support for the efforts begun by President Obama and Congress, calls on Congress to take legislative action to develop laws that deny the ability of individuals to inflict such pain and suffering; and

WHEREAS, in conjunction with solutions to change the culture of gun violence in the United States of America, the Stratford Democratic Town Committee expresses support for critical State and Federal legislation to mitigate gun violence including proposals such as:

Microstamping: Require all semiautomatic handguns manufactured or delivered to any licensed Connecticut dealer to be able to microstamp ammunition.

Restrict large capacity ammunition feeding devices: Close loophole allowing sale of large capacity ammunition clips manufactured before 1994 and ban sale/ possession of all high capacity magazines, regardless of when they were manufactured. Restrict sale, use or possession of 50 caliber or larger weapons

In support of the 2nd Amendment to own firearms, we highly urge the state to promote proper gun safety education

Five-year renewable permitting: extend statewide practices requiring renewal of all firearm permits every five years

Broaden definition of “assault weapon” restricting possession and sale of any weapon that has one prohibited characteristic rather than two, as current law requires.

Universal background checks: require all firearm sales be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer, so that all legal requirements are met, including a background check on the prospective purchaser.

Regulate ammunitions sales: strict regulations to be imposed on ammunitions dealers. Require dealers to obtain permits, to retain detailed records, and to conduct inventory checks twice a year to account for any lost or stolen items.

WHEREAS, such laws will not prevent the safe and responsible ownership and use of firearms by citizens, for sport, recreation and self-defense purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Stratford Democratic Town Committee urges federal and state legislators to increase funding and resources to mental health agencies to provide services and support to individuals who may be prone to acts of violence, and to their families, in order to prevent such acts; and

WHEREAS, the Stratford Democratic Town Committee calls for an open dialogue with all residents on local action that should be taken to protect all residents from gun violence, but most especially our children; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Stratford Democratic Town Committee
does hereby:

1. Express the sympathy from Stratford for the loss of life at Sandy Hook Elementary School and;

2. Express Stratford’s support for the call to action to control gun violence urged by the United States Conference of Mayors and out President and Governor;

3. Authorize the Stratford Democratic Committee Chairman to send a copy of this resolution to the elected officials of the Town of Newtown, Connecticut, and to its School District;

4. Authorize the Stratford Democratic Committee Chairman to send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the leaders of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and the elected representatives of the State of Connecticut in the United States Congress, the Connecticut State Legislature and Governor Malloy, the Chairman of the United States Conference of Mayors, the Connecticut Conference of Mayors and other individuals and organizations.