The Vilas County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution supporting 2nd Amendment rights this week by a vote of 14-6. A motion to shorten the resolution failed with an explanation by board chairman Ron DeBruyne the “board leadership understands that Wisconsin counties have no authority to proclaim themselves a sanctuary county for anything.”
The lengthy resolution offerred by the boards chairman and two vice chairman, Jerry Burkett and Steve Doyen, recognizes both the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions that people have the right to bear arms and stresses, as elected officials, all county board supervisors have taken an oath of office to uphold these documents.
The language “opposes any action by Wisconsin legislators or Governor which would infringe on 2nd Amendment rights” and opposes “buy back laws, universal background checks, firearm owner I.D. requirements or any type of red flag laws.”
Discussion
Supervisor Bob Hanson indicated he was “surprised” to see this come before the county board. “Most recent polls show 81% of our population favors background checks and this resolution disagrees,” Hanson pointed out. Supervisor Erv Teichmiller said there are already limitations on the right to bear arms, outlawing machine guns for instance saying “72% of gun owners favor background checks and there were 417 mass shootings in 2019; I will vote against this.”
Supervisor Chuck Hayes spoke about the historic origin of the 2nd Amendment offered by James Madison due to concern about slave and Indian revolts to which Supervisor Tom Maulson, a Chippewa, indicated he “was surprised Indian people were the cause of the 2nd Amendment.” Hayes continued explaining “a well regulated militia” today is the National Guard and the first case involving the 2nd Amendment before the Supreme Court was 90 years after ratification.
“The Supreme Court already has restricted gun ownership in that convicted felons cannot possess firearms and 'red flag' laws only give the right to petition removal of firearms when there is a danger to a person or others.” Hayes said.
Supervisor Kim Simac was in support of the resolution indicating “this is our opinion” with Supervisor Holly Tomlanovich also in support saying “I've heard peoples concerns and in Ward 1, Town of Washington, there is no way near 81% in support (of background checks).”
Supervisor Carolyn Ritter expressed problems with the language when trying to make a statement about unreasonable restrictions. She offered an amendment to shorten the resolution by eliminating the last three paragraphs, but her amendment lost on a 14-6 vote.
Supervisor Marv Anderson also felt the language was too long saying those calling for a “sanctuary city is ludicrous.” At the close of debate, the resolution as offerred was adopted.
The Langlade County Board this week did not take a vote on a similiar request, referring it back to committee with the possibility of holding a public hearing.
