Clayton Aldermen Vote to Support National Group to Reduce Gun Violence

The Clayton Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night approved a resolution that supports the Fix Guns Checks Act, which is supported by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a nationwide coalition of mayors.

“We’re supporting federal legislation to tighten up the gun laws,” Mayor Linda Goldstein said. “This isn’t about banning guns. It’s about making sure they don’t get into the wrong hands.”

Goldstein said after the vote, that from a practicality standpoint, Clayton passing the resolution alone will make no difference, but the 850 cities nationwide that have signed on to Mayors Against Illegal Guns will be a statement.

The vote on the resolution was 6-1, with Mark Winings, Ward 3 Alderman the only dissenter.

“Generally speaking, I have a discomfort with the city of Clayton’s involvement in passing resolutions, weighing in on national issues if there’s not a direct and clear connection with the residents of the city of Clayton,” he said.

Andrea Maddox-Dallas, Ward 1 Alderman disagreed with Winings, saying it is part of Clayton’s purview to take action and support the national conversation.

“From civil rights to the American Revolution, lots of grass roots efforts have changed legislation,” she said.

Michelle Harris, Ward 2 Alderman said the Clayton police force and the school district are looking at ways to be prepared in the event of a tragedy such as the Newtown shooting. “I feel like we need to do everything we can do as a city government to support that,” she said.

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