U.D. pol proposes assault weapons ban in township
UPPER DARBY » A councilwoman is proposing a ban on assault weapons in the township.
The resolution, proposed by Democrat Sekela Coles, was transferred to another committee for review.
Shortly after the mass shooting in Parkland, Fla., in February, Coles proposed a resolution be adopted banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines in the township.
“Obviously there was a lot of national attention after the shooting in Parkland,” Coles said. “And there was another shooting incident the same week and I thought we should adopt a resolution. This is not a new issue. It’s just garnering more attention.”
Coles suggested the Public Safety Committee, chaired by Jack Bierling, review the proposal to ban assault weapons.
“I’m on the Public Safety Committee and I sent some sample resolutions to council President Don Bonnett and Jack Bierling,” Coles said. “Just some ideas, some samples, of resolutions from other towns.
“It’s a hot-button issue. I don’t want to offend anyone’s Second Amendment rights and the resolution would, in no way, violate their Second Amendment rights.”
Other business in March and Black History Month awards in April delayed any review.
At the May council meeting, Coles again aired her proposal.
“I see nothing wrong with acting locally,” Coles said.
Bonnett recommended transferring the request to the Law and Government and Rules and Procedures Committee, chaired by Lisa Faraglia.
According to Coles, two other Democratic council members, Bob Gwin and Laura Wentz, are in favor of the ban.
Councilman Marc Manfre questioned why the proposal for a resolution could not be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee.
“Let the (Law and Government) committee hear it,” Bonnett said. “It’s due process.”
Coles plans on providing Faraglia with the same information she previously submitted to Bierling.
“These are dangerous weapons primarily used by the military,” Coles said. “This is a resolution. This is a statement. It has to be carefully worded,” to ban military style weapons and high capacity magazines in excess of 10 rounds. “I’m just looking for support. These incidents of mass shootings and community violence are increasing. This is something we should do. This is a safety and common-sense issue.”
“I’m all for gun control,” Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said. “If it becomes the law we would enforce the law. I can’t enforce a resolution. The law would have to come from the state for us to enforce it. I have no problem enforcing gun laws.”
Mayor Thomas Micozzie thinks the resolution is a waste of time.
“If we pass a resolution and send it to Harrisburg it will never see the light of day,” Micozzie said. “We live in a representative government with representatives elected to serve in each branch. That’s where the emphasis should be given. It should be given at the level that has the power to legislate not digest or imply. My time and council’s time quite frankly could be better spent on issues reflected in the districts or township we are elected to represent, issues that affect us instead of the time spent discussing and meeting on issues that only show a vote with no substantial input to state or national debate. The primary purpose of the mayor and council is not global issues we have no control over.”
In other business, John McMullan, the township’s Director of Leisure Services, was approved to serve as Finance Director 7-2 at meeting.
The two dissenters were Democrats Barbarann Keffer and Wentz, who had questions about the appointment.
McMullan is replacing Jim Smith who recently retired.
Micozzie recommended McMullan, the township’s director of leisure services, also serve as director of finance.
Smith earned $134,300 as finance director and McMullan was earning $114,736. His new salary with the dual roles will be $139,300.
“There will be realigning in some of the departments,” Micozzie said of the cost-saving appointment.
According to Micozzie, duties of the Parks Department would transfer to the Department of Public Works.
“This is saving the township $99,000,” Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Judge Jr. said. “The function of the departments will remain the same. This is an efficiency move.”
According to Judge, the savings would be evident in 2019 budget. a recent council