| Jim Petro Answers OFCC Survey |
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| Written by Daniel White | |
| Wednesday, 30 November 2005 | |
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Ohio Attorney General, and gubernatorial hopeful, Jim Petro has submitted his responses to the OFCC candidate survey. 
He follows up on his actions to defend the current CHL law and his efforts to negotiate reciprocity agreements with some strong pro-gun statements.
I believe that law abiding citizens have the right to defend their family and property. That is why I was the first and only statewide elected official to openly support the concept of concealed carry in Ohio. (Click 'READ MORE' to view all of his answers.) 1. Article 1, section 4 of the Ohio Constitution reads, “The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.” How do you think that applies to the ability of Ohio citizens to own firearms in this day and age? I believe that law abiding citizens have the right to defend their family and property. That is why I was the first and only statewide elected official to openly support the concept of concealed carry in Ohio. 2. In January of 2004, the Ohio legislature passed Amended Substitute H.B. 12, providing for a concealed handgun license for Ohio citizens. If you had been governor at the time, would you have signed that legislation into law? Please provide a brief explanation. The short answer is yes, as I stated above I was a supporter of the concept of concealed carry. However, if I was governor at the time I feel I would have provided the leadership necessary to make the bill better before it reached my desk. 3. “Statewide preemption” is a concept that is currently being considered in the Ohio legislature. Do you feel that firearms laws are best managed at the state level, or that individual communities have the right under “home rule” to determine for themselves what laws and restrictions are best suited to their citizens? While arguing the constitutionality of the concealed carry law in Ohioans For Concealed Carry v. The City of Clyde, I stated "the licensing and carrying of a concealed handgun can be effectively addressed only through statewide regulation. The mobility of today's society accentuates the need for uniform regulation throughout the State of Ohio. Otherwise, licensed citizens would not be capable of carrying at all, because he or she would have to be aware of multiple, piecemeal regulations throughout the state. Concealed Carry should be legislated uniformly throughout the State as a matter of statewide concern." 4. Do you feel that the “plain sight” requirement for carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle under the provision of a concealed handgun license is an unnecessary restriction, or that it contributes to the safety of law enforcement officers? I believe the safety of law enforcement officers is of paramount importance to everyone. That being said, I feel the current "plain sight" requirement is over-burdensome and can be amended in a way that still provides protection for law enforcement officers. 5. The City of Columbus recently passed an “Assault Weapons Ban” in the wake of the expiration of the Federal ban. Do you feel that such legislation helps to reduce violent crime? No. 6. Florida recently passed, and Michigan is currently considering, legislation removing the duty to retreat from a self-defense situation and allowing any citizen to stand his/her ground if attacked in a place he/she has a legal right to be. Would you support or oppose similar legislation if it was introduced in Ohio. I believe that Ohioans have a constitutional right to defend their family and property. I would strongly consider supporting such legislation. 7. Do you feel that the government should disarm citizens in times of emergency as was done in New Orleans? Consistent with my belief that law abiding citizens have the right to bear arms, I disagree with the actions taken by the City of New Orleans in disarming its citizens. It is precisely during times of emergency that law abiding citizens may need to provide their own protection. 8. We believe education is true prevention. States such as Florida have adopted legislation mandating statewide education of youngsters using the NRA's "Eddie Eagle" program. This program teaches children who come across a gun to "STOP! Don't Touch! Leave the Area! Tell an Adult!" and never users images of guns in its material. Ohio has approved minimal funding for this program in the past, but never implemented it as a mandatory safety precaution. Would you support or oppose legislation to mandate this training in classrooms statewide at an age when we teach children to "Stop, Drop, Roll!"? I would support this legislation. 9. Current law allows for any bona fide journalist to obtain the list of concealed handgun licensees in Ohio. Do you feel that this is an invasion of privacy or an important oversight function? It is clear that a gun license, much like a driver's license, hunting license, etc., is a public record under the laws of the state of Ohio. However, I feel it is irresponsible for a journalist to publish the names of concealed carry permit holders. 10. Do you feel that “gun free zones,” locations where firearms are prohibited even with a concealed handgun license, are important for safety and should be expanded or are unnecessary restrictions and should be reduced? Please provide examples for expansion or reduction. I believe there should be a reasonable balance between a person's right to carry a concealed weapon and gun free zones. I support reducing current restrictions. 11. Ohio law does not allow anyone other than on-duty law enforcement officers to carry a firearm into any establishment in which alcohol is being dispensed under a class D license. Would you, as governor, support or oppose legislation allowing concealed handgun licensees to carry a firearm in those premises, provided the licensee was not under the influence of an alcoholic substance, and was not consuming alcoholic beverages? I would oppose such legislation. I think it is a reasonable restriction. 12. Ohio is a melting pot of cultures. Many Ohio residents are classified as “resident aliens” who live in this country legally, but have chosen for one reason or another not to seek citizenship. These “non US Citizens” are permitted to purchase and own firearms, and regularly pass the National Instant Check System (NICS) when purchasing a firearm. Would you support or oppose legislation prohibiting non-US Citizens from obtaining concealed handgun licenses in the State of Ohio? My grandparents came to this country a century ago. It was nearly a decade before they had the opportunity to become U.S. citizens. My late father told me many stories about his father who was a sportsman, hunter, and business owner. In protecting his family, he had occasion to carry a handgun even before he became a citizen, I am not sure we would want to deny legal immigrants the same opportunity. . Click here to view Jim Petro's original fax. Mr. Petro's responses to our survey were received via fax and were entered into this story manually. Any errors that are not faithful representations of his actual answers are ours alone. This story may be reprinted partially or in its entirety if Ohioans For Concealed Carry is clearly credited as its source and a link or reference to www.OhioCCW.org is included in the reprint. |