Posted on 08/19/2010 7:57:44 PM PDT by marktwain
ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson had added his voice to the debate over the open carrying of weapons at the Arts, Beats and Eats festival in Royal Oak.
Talking to Local 4 on Wednesday, Patterson said he's concerned about the effects the presence of guns would have on the annual Labor Day weekend event.
"We don't deny that they have the right. What we're saying is, 'Is this the right place to exercise that constitutional right?' he said. "We've received literally scores, well over 100, probably a couple hundred, of calls from families who are not coming to the event because they're concerned about their safety."
The Royal Oak City Commission lifted a ban on the open carrying on guns at the event after gun rights groups argued that state law allows them to carry weapons.
This is the first year the event will be held in Royal Oak. It was previously held in Pontiac, where, for the past 12 years, there was not a ban.
The festival opens at 11 a.m. on Sept. 3 and runs through Labor Day.
Yes 31%
No 69%
What a great statement against the 9/11 Mosque!
Still the same % after I voted.....and we are talking small numbers here. That is odd IMO.
Do you agree with the decision of lifting the ban at Arts, Beats and Eats?
Choice Votes Percentage of 13 Votes
Yes 4 31%
No 9 69%
Do you agree with the decision of lifting the ban at Arts, Beats and Eats?
Choice Votes Percentage of 3023 Votes
Yes 1391 46%
No 1632 54%
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