First Selectman Participates in 'Do Not Stand Idly By' Initiative

From the Office of First Selectman Jim Marpe: First Selectman Jim Marpe announced that he has added his name to the Request for Information initiative sponsored by the organization Do Not Stand Idly By. In doing so, Mr. Marpe joins a “growing list of public officials who are seeking answers from gun manufacturers to questions about their distribution practices, safety technologies, and cooperation with law enforcement.”

Mr. Marpe stated, “Like the recent pledge I made to join with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and after additional conversations with Police Chief Foti Koskinas, I determined that this request for gun manufacturers to do their utmost to insure gun safety is an important step towards safer gun ownership in the Town of Westport and beyond. I am impressed with the non-partisan aspect of the campaign, along with the growing number of supporters addressing this public safety concern. Westport has joined nine other Connecticut municipalities, as well as the State of Connecticut, and their law enforcement leaders to support an initiative to form a Gun Buyers’ Research Group seeking and encouraging ‘dialogue with key players in the gun industry and identifying best practices in the industry.’”

He continued, “Both of these programs, Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the Request For Information initiative, bring responsible gun ownership and gun safety measures into the forefront of public discussion. It is vital that the Town of Westport remains vigilant, supports our public safety officials, and maintains an open dialogue that increases awareness of this important issue.”

Chief Koskinas added, “The Westport Police Department heartily endorses this campaign. Local law enforcement agencies have an obligation to engage companies and agencies to make public safety a priority. We support programs that address fundamental components of responsible gun manufacturing practices and ownership.”

The full content of the initiative is as follows:

I agree to be listed on the Request For Information to be submitted to gun manufacturers by officials from jurisdictions across the United States.

I am committed to working together with citizens and other public officials across regional and partisan lines to:

• (1) Encourage manufacturers to make firearms safety a top priority
• (2) Develop purchasing practices that achieve the maximum public safety benefits from taxpayer dollars spent on firearms
• (3) Evaluate safer firearms technologies as they become available

Westport residents who are interested in further information are invited to visit the website here.

Image via Pixabay