January 23, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 11 Mahwah Council supports gun control move by Frank J. McMahon Before the gun control action taken by President Barack Obama last week, the Mahwah Township Council passed a resolution urging the president, federal and state legislators, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to support and adopt statutes that effectively prohibit the sale, possession, and use of military-style, high-capacity automatic and military-style semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. The resolution, which was drafted by Mahwah Township Attorney Andrew Fede at the request of the council, identifies military-style weapons as those like the weapons used by the shooter in Newtown, Connecticut and the shooters in other similar mass murders. Fede explained that he prepared the resolution trying to balance the rights granted by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the safety of the public, recognizing that the country is “all over the map” as to what the Second Amendment means. ‘The township council is shocked and saddened by the recent senseless shooting of young elementary school children and school personnel in Newtown, Connecticut, which is only one among many mass shootings in recent times.’ The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Councilman John Spiech asked Fede if the resolution would prohibit the sale of a shotgun, which he said is automatic. Fede said he used the phrase “military style high capacity” and he didn’t know if that weapon is considered “military style.” Council President Harry Williams and Fede agreed, however, that if the phrase “military style” is used in the resolution it would make the council’s intent clear. Williams added that it would be good for all legislators to know that the council is in favor of some kind of gun control. But Councilman Charles Jandris emphasized that the gun control resolution pertains to private sector use of militarystyle guns only and does not prohibit those weapons for the members of the country’s military services. “The township council is shocked and saddened by the recent senseless shooting of young elementary school children and school personnel in Newtown, Connecticut, which is only one among many mass shootings in recent times,” the resolution states. “The council believes that the loss of life in these terrible tragedies has been increased by the availability of military-style high-capacity automatic and military-style semi-automatic weapons and magazines,” the resolution continues, “which the council believes have been demonstrated to be at a high risk for misuse while being of limited value to individuals pursuing legitimate sporting and selfdefense interests.” The council’s resolution recognizes that the United States Supreme Court in 2008 held that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the rights of individuals “to keep and bear arms,” but it claims that right is not unlimited and thus is subject to reasonable regulation in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare. The resolution was moved by Spiech and seconded by Councilman Steven Sbarra and was supported by Councilmen Jandris, John Roth, and Williams. Councilwoman Lisa DiGiulio and Councilman Roy Larson were absent from the meeting. The resolution has been sent to President Obama and all federal and New Jersey legislators.