Disappointing, But The Fight Isn't Over

by: Jerramiah Healy

Wed Oct 01, 2008 at 12:23:54 PM EDT

Not long after, the NRA swept into our city with lawyers and money, finding a local gun dealer to challenge the law in the state Superior Court on the grounds that it preempts state law on the matter. Even though our state lawmakers are currently working on passing similar legislation, the Appellate Court has decided to uphold the earlier, NRA-backed ruling.

My position on gun violence has always been clear. As mayor, I spend every day fighting to make our city safer for our residents and families. I am proud to be one of the 15 original members of the bipartisan "Mayors Against Illegal Guns," a group now comprised of 250 mayors that is helping to get illegal guns off the streets. This administration instituted "Operation Lifesaver" - a gun buyback and amnesty program which removed 897 guns off our streets.

So despite today's ruling, we will continue the fight. I know I can count on my partners both in government, such as Senator Cunningham, Assemblywoman Quigley, and Mayor Cory Booker, and in the activist community, such as Bryan Miller of Ceasefire NJ, to join me in this fight to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and keep our streets safe.

In Trenton, the state's "One Handgun a Month" bill has already passed the Assembly and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee. The passage of this law is vital to the interest of public safety in New Jersey. Please consider contacting your state Senator to push for action on this important piece of legislation.