MAYOR MASIELLO CALLS FOR REVISION OF CITY ORDINANCE TO CURB GUN VIOLENCE
April 14, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (4/14/00) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today called upon the Common Council to revise the existing city ordinance that concerns the use, possession and discharge of firearms and other weapons. The revisions would affect Chapter 180 - Firearms, Arrows and Other Weapons.

"Time and again we witness the tragic consequences of either malicious intent or careless misuse of guns and other firearms," stated Mayor Masiello. "I have joined HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, Senator Chuck Schumer and other elected leaders across New York State in calling for a new code of responsible conduct for companies from whom our municipalities purchase firearms for law enforcement agencies. It is a reasonable and sensible approach in our collective effort to reducing gun-related violence and crimes."

Called the Communities for Safer Guns Coalition, the effort comes on heels of the historic agreement between HUD and Smith & Wesson, wherein the gun manufacturer agreed to a code of responsible conduct that will make it harder for children to fire guns accidentally and to stop criminals from acquiring guns through illegal means.

In addition to his participation with the Coalition, Mayor Masiello has urged his fellow Buffalo elected officials to replicate the actions of their counterparts in Rochester and Syracuse by amending and thereby strengthening the city's local ordinance related to firearms.

"We have not called for the abolition of firearms, nor do I advocate the abrogation of our citizens' Second Amendment rights," stated the Mayor. "But I do believe, especially as a parent, that the spate of gun-related tragedies that have either killed or injured children across the country must be stopped. As Mayor, it is my responsibility to help end this needless and often senseless violence."