The Craven County Board of Commissioners will consider a proposal to make Craven County a “Second Amendment refuge” at their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Because of expected turnout, the meeting has been relocated to District Courthouse No. 4. Everyone must enter from the 302 Broad Street, New Bern, main entrance to the Courthouse Annex. Doors open at 6 p.m. Each person will be screened through the security system. No weapons of any kind are allowed on the premises unless carried by law enforcement. No food or drinks are allowed.

There will be a sign up for those wishing to speak.  The public comment period is at the BEGINNING of the Meeting.

 As Democrats we recognize that there is a serious issue with gun violence in our country, yet we also respect the Constitution’s Second Amendment. We believe the promotion of standards to curtail gun violence is not inconsistent with the Second Amendment. Among the measures we support are strengthening background checks, closing loopholes such as the well-known “gun show loophole,” holding gun manufacturers accountable through repeal of their special immunity status, and keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.

We support passing legislation banning the sale and possession of military-style assault rifles, the implementation of red flag laws, and prohibition of unauthorized firearms on school campuses from pre-kindergarten to community college and university. We believe that responsible gun owners should not be punished for the wrongdoing of those who seek to do harm, but that we must also take proactive measures to slow and eventually eliminate this epidemic in our country.