MEMPHIS, TN -
While many people packed lunches and headed to public parks in Shelby County to celebrate the Fourth of July, they could just as easily have packed heat if they so desired. Earlier this year, Tennessee legislators passed a law allowing guns in parks.
But some Shelby County Commissioners aren't sure they agree with the new law. The full commission is expected to vote this week on a resolution that would ban guns in parks. And there are citizens who hope the commission passes the ban.
“Today we are celebrating Independence Day," says Debra Bell. "We are the Bell family and we are excited."
One thing Bell is not excited about is the possibility of the picnicker next to her carrying a loaded weapon.
“They should know guns are not good anywhere," she says of the state senators and congressmen who passed the law. "I could have a gun and someone could walk up and take it. Guns are not good anywhere. Put the bible in there instead."
Ron Robertson agrees with Bell. “We are toting fireworks," he says, "we ain't toting guns. We are toting fireworks."
Robertson hopes the Shelby County Commission does what the Memphis City Council has already done by passing a local ordinance that bans guns in public places.
“I think they should ban the guns in the parks for the sake of the children," says Roberston. "Anything could happen. There's already a high rate of crime out here. Bullets have no names and they could hit anyone."
Shelby County Commissioner Joyce Avery already knows which way she'll be voting and it's not a vote that will please either Bell or Robertson.
“A lot of women like to walk or run," she says, "and if they want to take protection with them, I think they should if they have a permit."
Commissioner Avery wouldn't come out and say which way she's leaning, but judging by her comments to myEyewitnessNews.com, she supports guns in parks.
“I am concerned about the people who don't have permits," she says. "I am not concerned about the people who have permits. They have a right to carry that gun wherever they want to. They have a permit."
Commissioner Avery says her constituents have told her they want their personal protection.
But Bell and Robertson say the only pops they want to hear in parks are from fireworks.
“They don't care about us out here having a good time," says Bell. "Somebody drinking too much and then starting to shoot. It doesn't make sense."
“You should be able to protect yourself," says Roberston. "You should be able to tote a firearm but not in certain places due to kids, children, elderly, anyone that could get caught up."
Commissioner Avery believes the vote this Wednesday will be very close.
Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown and Lakeland are also considering similar ordinances to opt out of the state law and ban guns from public places.
Stay with myEyewitnessNews.com for the results of this week's vote by the Shelby County Commission.
