Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin Requests A Veto on Conceal-Carry Gun Bill
By: Tommy Elder, Jr.
Emotions churn as the moment nears that will determine whether Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signs or vetoes the Conceal-Carry Bill. Jim Galloway of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that a hoard of public officials such as Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin urge Governor Perdue to veto HB 89 that allows gun permit holders to carry weapons on public transportation and in restaurants that sell alcohol. A restaurant customer could carry a weapon but could not consume alcohol under this proposed law. A violation of this policy would constitute a misdemeanor.
In reacting to this measure and joining the voices asking that Governor Sonny Perdue veto the legislation- Beverly Scott, the general manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, (MARTA) said- `The method in which I would choose to wind up handling security and safety on the MARTA System is not by vigilantism.` She continued- `That`s insanity.`
According to Ben DeCosta, the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport- ``the governor`s signature on the bill would put airport security `under a cloud.`
On the other side of this spectrum- the bill`s sponsor Representative Tim Bearden said- `They cannot protect you in Atlanta. They never have.`
As the governor ponders this measure- the National Rifle Association and other gun advocates asked their membership to lobby Governor Perdue in support of this bill.
Another concern on this issue came out from Robert Hiett, a gun owner and President of the Georgia Transit Association- who said- `If something happens, the insurance company could decide not to cover public transit, or could significantly increase the rates.``
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