I have been answering questions on the Second Amendment from individual citizens and at many community events since my campaign began. I realize that this issue is very important to a sizable portion of our community so it is better that I make my position clear to the public at large.
I want to make it clear that I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a citizen’s right to bear arms. Our Founding Fathers placed the Second Amendment in our Constitution because their experience demonstrated it was an essential component of a free nation. In addition, the recent court decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010) clarified the long standing debate on ownership of weapons for individual protection versus weapons just being used for a well-regulated militia.
To protect citizens’ right to bear arms, I joined other Sheriffs from around the state in the Colorado Senate Hearings in 2013 to voice our concerns about pending gun related legislation. I also support the citizens exercising their right to file a lawsuit against the new laws once they were enacted. I own guns, I respect gun owners, and I support the Second Amendment right guaranteed in the Constitution. (Sean pictured at far left)
Many people have asked why I have said publicly that I will enforce the new gun laws. I know there is significant debate on whether these new laws violate the Second Amendment, but our Constitution authorizes the Judicial Branch to resolve these disputes, and until this process plays out these laws are the law in the State of Colorado and the Sheriff has a duty to enforce them. Many Sheriffs have expressed concerns about the enforceability of these new laws and I agree that there is flawed language within some of the statutes as they are written. This is why I believe a prudent Sheriff will consider the totality of the circumstances and exercise discretion when enforcing these laws.
Recently, my opponent has put out information that misleads the public and attempts to paint me as something that I am not. This is just the latest attempt to distract the public and it is based on rumors and false statements by others involved with his campaign. The truth is, my opponent and I have only had one discussion on guns, and during that discussion he failed to inquire about my position on the Second Amendment. However, at the conclusion of that discussion my opponent authorized me to represent the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office during the Colorado Senate hearings I mentioned above. If my opponent truly had a concern about my stance on the Second Amendment why would he allow me to do this?
Concealed Carry Permits
I have never expressed a desire nor do I intend to take weapons away from law abiding citizens! The Colorado Concealed Carry law is clearly defined in C.R.S §18-12-201 thru C.R.S. §18-12-216. Colorado is a “Shall Issue” state and C.R.S. §18-12-206 clearly defines the Sheriff’s duty under this law. In addition, C.R.S. §18-12-211 defines the renewal process for permit holders and entitles the permit holder to “judicial review” should a Sheriff deny the permit. I intend to follow the law and I will continue to issue and renew concealed weapons permits if I am elected.
