Candidate clarifies position on guns

To the editor:

There have been many stories and comments recently regarding statements I made at the League of Women Voters candidate forum. At the forum, a question was asked about teachers carrying guns to which I responded, in part, that it is my position that anyone competent and qualified should be permitted to carry a firearm anywhere, including a school. What has not been mentioned is that my response continued, saying that before that could be done we would have to find a way to ensure that the guns are safe from the children, and I don't know that there is a way to do so safely.

I never suggested that all, or any, teachers should be armed or that such a proposal was the solution to school violence. I remain a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the existing concealed-carry laws.

For the clearest answer to what was said by both candidates on several issues, including guns, watch one of the rebroadcasts of the League of Women Voters candidate forum on Channel 5, the local-access channel on Charter cable. The rebroadcasts will air at:

10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29.

4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30. 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1.

10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

MATT HILL, Democratic Candidate, 158th District, Missouri House of Representatives, Cape Girardeau