[Vision2020] Guns in Greenleaf

[Chasuk]

http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5437033

Proposed Ordinance asks Each Household to Have a Firearm

Greenleaf, Idaho -- All Americans have the right to bear arms.  Some
towns have even gone as far as to require each household to have a
gun.   Now a small Idaho town is contemplating a similar idea-- it's
called the Civil Emergencies Ordinance. And although gun ownership is
just one piece of this ordinance, it's the part that's getting the
most attention.

"We've blessed to be a fairly rural area of the state, so we don't
have a lot of crime and I think we'd like to keep it that way," said
Lee Belt, Greenleaf city clerk.

Drive about 10 minutes west of Caldwell and you'll run into Greenleaf,
Idaho, population 860.  If city council member Steve Jett has his way,
each head of household that can legally own a gun, will.  Along with
that they're encouraged to have ammunition and appropriate training.

"I think the city council is hoping it will happen and that it will be
a deterrent to crime as the city and region increases in population,"
said Belt.

The proposed ordinance is modeled after a similar plan that went into
place in 1982 in Kennesaw, Ga.  In that instance there was a dramatic
decrease in criminal activity.  Although crime isn't a huge problem
for residents of Greenleaf, the growth in neighboring counties leads
them to believe they too are in for some changes.

"There's not a lot of crime here, but I think it's coming, it's
getting worse everyday," said Art Bailey, owner of the Greenleaf
Store.

While the plan does encourages firearm ownership, the ordinance goes
beyond that.

"The largest part itself deals with emergency capabilities," said Belt.

The plan will establish an emergency response plan, and promote its
citizen response teams and neighborhood watch volunteer groups, a
proactive approach to keep the crime rate to a minimum.  So how have
residents responded?  According to almost everyone we spoke to, they
already owned a gun or multiple guns, so this would have no effect on
them either way.

"I don't know if it is good for every household, but we being hunters
have always had guns," said Bonnie Cagle, a Greenleaf resident.

"I think it is an excellent idea," said Bailey. "If the citizens are
armed were not at a disadvantage."

We did ask to speak with the city council member who proposed the
ordinance but he was out of town.  In November, the council will
decide whether or not to adopt the ordinance.

-- 
"Intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause." -- Mahatma Gandhi