Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz spearheaded a (likely quixotic) effort by four dozen city mayors to convince Gov. Brian Kemp and the Republicans who control the state legislature to tighten Georgia’s gun laws.
“We believe there is no single act that will immediately end the epidemic of homicides, suicides and gun injuries that scar our communities,” the group of mayors wrote in an open letter to Kemp and legislators. “However, just as decades of progress have led to cleaner air, healthier drinking water and safer roadways, you have in your authority the ability to diminish gun violence.
“We currently live with the reality that gun violence has become the No. 1 killer of children, and in which Georgia has become a top exporter of illegal weapons. We come to you with this request because our residents rely upon us to be the front line of efforts to enhance their quality of life.”
The letter asks for continued mental health resources, closing background check loopholes, safe storage requirements, a “red flag” law and a focus on high-powered, high-capacity weapons like AR-15s.
Among the 45 original signees were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and Winterville Mayor Dodd Ferrelle. Mayor Rusty Paul of Sandy Springs and Mayor Corey Williams of Greensboro later added their names.
However, the requests are likely to fall on deaf ears. Republicans in recent years have expanded access to guns, for example allowing guns on college campuses and ending permit requirements for carrying concealed weapons.
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