BURLINGTON, Vt. - Vermont's mayors say the state needs universal background checks. They can't take action on their own, so they're hoping lawmakers will. Tuesday afternoon's announcement likely indicates gun reforms will be a topic the candidates on the campaign trail can't avoid this year, as Vermont's city leaders vow to turn up the heat.
Four of Vermont's eight mayors gathered in Burlington to take on one of this year's most controversial topics: gun reforms.
"At this point, we have seen no action from Congress and we have seen very little action by state leaders," said Mayor Miro Weinberger, D-Burlington.
Burlington's mayor expressed frustration that charter changes in Burlington to enact gun reforms in the Queen City have stalled in Montpelier. He also said he would rather the federal government act on gun reform, but in the absence of action in Washington, he and Vermont's seven other mayors are pushing state lawmakers to pass universal background checks.
"Anybody can call somebody up and meet in a parking lot and buy a weapon and avoid a background check and we don't think that makes a whole lot of sense," said Montpelier Mayor John Hollar.
They acknowledged that Vermont often ranks as one of the safest states in the country and also has a strong sportsmen's culture. But they said after a week of discussion they feel universal background checks will keep Vermonters safer.
"We also need to put a stop to the rhetoric about this being a slippery slope every time this issue comes up and recognize that there are common-sense steps that can be taken to make sure that we are protecting people, as well as their rights," said Winooski Mayor Seth Leonard.
But the issue has faced an uphill battle in Montpelier. Last year, a bill that would have required background checks on private gun sales failed to pass and Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vermont, threatened to veto it. The bill that ultimately passed focused mostly on keeping guns from felons and the mentally ill.
"I think it's been a little less than transparent," said Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon.
Lauzon says he can't get any information on how that new law is working. He says he believes that needs to be a priority. He also says he is committed to holding a multiday forum in Barre on the subject of gun reforms. But he also acknowledged that it will likely trigger heated debate.
"I know there's going to be blowback," said Lauzon.
The mayors said they want to keep gun reforms in the forefront of the campaign debates. We asked the five gubernatorial candidates where they stand.
Republicans Bruce Lisman and Phil Scott do not support new gun control measures.
Democrats Matt Dunne, Peter Galbraith, and Sue Minter all support universal background checks.
Full gubernatorial candidate answers to gun control reform questions (in no particular order):
Sue Minter, Democrat:
1. Do you support any new gun control measures at the state level?
Yes. Sue supports criminal background checks on all gun sales and a ban on military style assault weapons.
2. Would you advocate any if you became governor?
Yes. Sue is the first candidate in this race who stood up for gun safety. As Governor she will advocate for background checks on all gun sales - because we know that background checks work.
Vermont is not immune to gun violence much of the time it happens behind closed doors. In 2013 VT had the eighth highest rate in the country of domestic homicides and the majority of those have relied on a gun.
We know that background checks work - in states that require criminal background checks on all handgun sales 46 percent fewer women are shot to death by their intimate partners.
Vermonters can count on Sue to stand up for commonsense gun safety as Governor.
3. If so, which measures would you support?
Sue will support criminal background checks on all gun sales and a ban on military style assault weapons.
Bruce Lisman, Republican:
1. Do you support any new gun control measures at the state level? NO.
2. Would you advocate any if you became governor? NO.
Phil Scott, Republican:
1. Do you support any new gun control measures at the state level?
No, I think we need to enforce the gun laws we have on the books and focus on gun safety and education. I also think we need to address the underlying issues that drive violence -- particularly mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Our current gun control laws respect our rights as Americans and Vermonters to own guns and it's no coincidence that Vermont has the lowest rate of violent crime in the country. Many of us grow up learning to respect firearms and pass that knowledge on to our children.
2. Would you advocate any if you became governor?
No, but I would advocate for ways to address the drivers of violence and make sure that people have access to the comprehensive support services they need, if they feel personal turmoil or are in crisis. Another way is to continue to focus on reducing substance abuse.
Peter Galbraith, Democrat:
"I am a gun owner and support the right of citizens to own guns. Military-style assault rifles are not useful for hunting or self-defense. They are designed to kill large numbers of people in a short time, which is why they are the weapon of choice in mass killings. If elected Governor, I will propose a law to ban on the sale of military style assault rifles such as the AR-15 as well as large capacity magazines and armor piercing bullets. I support universal background checks in Vermont. It makes no sense to require background checks for most purchases and then allow those who don't qualify another lawful way to acquire a gun. And, clearly people on the no fly list or are suspected of terrorism should not have guns."
Matt Dunne, Democrat:
"In the wake of a series of heartbreaking events in recent years, I agree with the mayors that we absolutely must take action to prevent future tragedies. My priority is universal background checks to prevent criminals from purchasing guns. This is a real, concrete step we can take in Vermont. I can work with both sides of this very divisive issue to get this done as governor."
