Chincoteague woman upset with Bloxom over gun law votes

To the editor:

In the past six months the Virginia Legislature has been working hard to pass many gun safety laws. Some still await the Governor’s action. These are 1) Prohibit certain types of firearms; like assault weapons. 2) Address ghost guns and rapid fire devices. 3) Increase and promote secure firearm storage and safe storage practices and 4) Strengthen laws to keep guns from domestic abusers. Gun violence claims about 1,200 lives in Virginia every year. It is the leading cause of death for young people ages 1-17.

So, there is a lot that can still be done – but my current delegate voted against many of these protective measures. NO – on a vote that establishes a 5 day waiting period for gun purchases. NO – to prohibiting the manufacture, sale and possession of assault style weapons. NO – to limiting the sale of assault type weapons to individuals 21 or older. NO – to requiring secure storage of firearms in households with minors. NO – on the manufacturing and sale of unserialized firearms (ghost guns). NO – to prohibiting the carrying of assault weapons in public areas. NO – to allowing universities and public colleges to prohibit guns on school property. NO – to prohibiting weapons in hospitals that provide mental health care.

So many things can be done but not if we keep getting NO votes for safety. This year I am voting for Liz Richardson. It is time for a new approach to the problems of gun violence in Virginia.