Avillo on handgun theft

AVILLO ENDORSES MAYOR BRENNER'S GUN REPORTING INITIATIVE

(Camp Hill, PA) -- Responding to a constituent question in Camp Hill today, Congressional Candidate Dr. Phil Avillo said he supported York City Mayor John Brenner's actions to requiring handgun thefts to be reported to police within 72 hours of a weapon's theft.

"I know Second Amendment advocates, like myself, are going to question this measure for several good reasons, but there's a more fundamental issue to consider here." Avillo, a highly decorated Marine combat veteran, said.

"Mayor Brenner and other mayors across the mid-state are taking action because the state legislature has failed to provide necessary legislation at the state level. Our community mayors are the first line of defense against crime and if they take a coordinated initiative like this to fight crime in their communities, we -- those of us in or seeking legislative office -- have to respond either by advancing appropriate legislation, or supporting local leadership when they step up to solve the problem." Avillo added.

Advocates of the proposal say the proposed legislation will help reduce gun violence in the state, crack down on illegal "straw purchases" and speed up identification of stolen weapons.

"Most of us clearly draw a distinction between hunting, sporting weapons and the kind of cheap handguns used to commit serious crime. The courts have clearly ruled in the support of the second amendment right to bear arms, but we have to support local law enforcement and elected officials, like Mayor John Brenner, who work tirelessly and lawfully to maintain public safety. When I represent the folks of Adams, Cumberland, and York counties in the U.S. Congress, I'll make sure there are close working relationships between federal entities and local community leadership on critical issues like this. "