Local Pols Speak Out on Gun Control

Politicians with Medford ties spoke in favor of President Barack Obama’s gun control initiative. The President laid out a plan on Wednesday that included enhanced background checks and a call to Congress to pass legislation to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

In a statement, Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn praised President Obama for offering “sensible solutions that people on all sides of the gun debate can agree on.”

Mayor McGlynn also urged Congress to act.

“It is imperative that Congress takes immediate action to get assault weapons and high capacity magazines off our streets, as well as strengthen the background checks on all potential purchasers,” said McGlynn.

Congressman Edward Markey, who recently declared his candidacy for US Senate, also called upon Congress, specifically Republicans, to pass gun control legislation.

“The President has offered a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence, and it deserves an immediate vote in Congress. We can’t wait another day or for another tragedy to occur before we act,” said Rep. Markey. “If we want an incident like Newtown to never again befall our kids and our country, then we need an effort like never before to act against the scourge of gun violence in America.”

Medford native Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City and co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, has been an outspoken advocate for gun control.

Mayor Bloomberg praised Pres. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for offering a “bold and comprehensive plan to tackle gun violence.” Bloomberg said the hard work begins now to convince Congress to pass gun control legislation.

“I will be going to Washington, as many of you know, on Friday to meet with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, many of whom are members of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. In the days and weeks ahead, all of us will be urging members of Congress to seize this moment, stand up for our children and our communities, and stand up in particular for our police officers,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We will work to explain to members on both sides of the aisle why it is in the interest of their constituents and in their interest, and we’re going to continue to need New Yorkers and Americans to keep explaining to members of Congress just how important this is.”

– InsideMedford.com