BARRE, Vt. -
In light of the Connecticut shootings, the Mayor of Barre wrote a letter to the Central Vermont Gun Show officials to consider not selling some military style assault firearms. Tuesday dozens of gun show supporters showed up for a discussion with the mayor. And although there is a lot of hype over this issue, it seems the mayor, city council and gun show supporters are really on the same page.
The Barre City council meeting was full Tuesday night, packed with those interested in the mayors request, and not all of those who showed up agree.
"Right now the timing gives the perception that it was very opportunistic," said a concerned resident.
Before the meeting we caught up with the mayor who says it was his constituents who approached him about the gun show.
"A number of people said they don't think it's appropriate for us to be hosting a gun show in Barre, I don't subscribe to that," said Mayor Lauzon.
But after the letter, he received a lot of backlash including threats made on Facebook where someone suggested making the mayor's house, ‘the new practice range.'
The mayor says he supports the show and simply made the request to leave military style assault weapons and high capacity magazines at home, out of respect.
"Whichever way the answer goes, I'll abide by it and I'll respect your decision. It's your show and I've done that."
Rob Borowsky has organized the gun show in Barre for the past 30 years. He says there has never been a problem in the past and everything they do is legal, "It's easier to deal with facts and then people trying to regulate or influence other people with emotions."
Borowsky says the group is declining the mayor's request and looks forward to meeting with the Barre police chief to make sure all concerns are addressed.
The Fish and Game Club will meet with the Barre police chief Thursday to go over the specifics but both groups seem to think everything will fire off without a hitch. The gun show is set for February 9th and 10th.
