April 10, 2013

For the past few months, I’ve been working with our County Attorney and Chair Jeff Cogen on an ordinance addressing gun safety in Multnomah County. The proposed ordinance

will come before the Board next Thursday, April 18 th at 9:30am.

The proposed ordinance includes common-sense provisions, like limiting the possession of a loaded firearm in a public place and discharge of a firearm within County boundaries; keeping guns safely locked up and away from children, and immediately reporting when a firearm is stolen from your house. It also would extend the curfew hours for minors under court supervision for gun-related violations.

As required by State law, the ordinance exempts concealed handgun permit holders, and others, from the loaded open carry provisions. This ordinance substantially mirrors the ordinance adopted by the City of Portland in December of 2010, so we
have a consistent policy throughout Multnomah County that keeps our residents safe.

You can support the proposed ordinance by:

1. Calling or writing your County Commissioner and asking for their support of the ordinance. Contact information is available here.

2. Attending the Board meeting and showing your support for the ordinance. If you would like to sign up to testify, you can do so by filling out a yellow form at the table near the front of the Boardroom when you arrive. Testimony is on a first-come basis.

The County Board meeting is at 9:30 am on Thursday, April 18 th at the County headquarters – 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 1st Floor, Portland, OR. If you have any questions about the ordinance call my office at (503) 988-5220.