LETTERS: BOLLINGER SHERIFF FAVORS PROP B

To the editor:

As a father, husband and Missouri citizen, I am deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of my family, friends and neighbors in this increasingly violent society. I know I would sleep better at night knowing these people are always safe and sound, far from the often real and present dangers to which many have fallen victim. This concern will ultimately determine how I vote on Proposition B on April 6. I want Missouri voters and especially the good people of my county to know that I support Proposition B.I am a member of the Missouri Sheriffs Association, which helped craft this important, life-saving proposition. I believe Prop B is well-written, addresses very important issues and will help make Missouri a better and safer place to live. I say this from my law-enforcement experience and because I believe honest Missouri residents deserve the best personal and family-protection law available. I truly believe Proposition B is that law. It is a good law.

In my capacity as sheriff, I would be responsible for screening applicants and issuing permits under this law. Any questions I might have about who is or is not eligible under Proposition B are addressed in the tough, careful measures built into this referendum. If a record exists pertaining to an applicant's qualifications, I would have the right to access it. I could open sealed juvenile-offender records. I would have the authority to check into medical and mental-health records and could also reference any local, state or federal record to determine an applicant's eligibility. If no such record exists, the process could still come to a screeching halt if anyone in the community with knowledge of a disqualifying characteristic files an official objection.

The law of this land is very clear. No one with a history of criminal behavior, including misdemeanor domestic violence, is allowed to even touch, much less own or carry, a firearm under penalty of up to a 10-year federal prison sentence.

Proposition B is for responsible citizens only. Those are the people who would apply for permits. Those are the people who, after thorough checks and confirmation of good character would be issued permits. These people should no longer be denied the basic, fundamental right of personal protection.

DENNIS WILLIS, SheriffBollinger County

Marble Hill