By Jim Smilie
The Alexandria City Council chose not to approve an ordinance Tuesday night offered by District 1 Councilman Reddex Washington aimed at holding adults responsible when firearms are used by minors.
During a meeting of the Council’s Legal Committee prior to the regular council meeting, City Attorney Jonathan Goins said the administration recommended a no vote on the proposal due to possible conflict with existing state law. Goins also said the administration felt the proposal was “too broad and vague” and could have Constitutional issues.
After the meeting, Washington said he will continue to work to get a measure approved. “We will go by what the administration said. We need to vet it more and fix it for Alexandria,” Washington said. “I’ll keep working to make a solution and not a ‘feel good’ ordinance.”
The ordinance, which was proposed at the May 16th meeting and not on the agenda for the following meeting on May 30, was up for final consideration at Tuesday’s meeting. The ordinance proposed amending the City of Alexandria Criminal Code, Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances, Article VII by adding Section 15-129 to provide for responsibilities of owners of firearms with respect to minors.
Washington said the proposal was based on a New Orleans law which he said was passed roughly two months ago. Goins countered that the New Orleans law was passed in the 1950s and was exempt from a 1985 state law that provides that state gun laws supercede local ordinances. Goins explained that the recent action by the New Orleans council amended penalties for the law, but the initial law remained in place, maintaining the exempt status because it was in place prior to 1985.
Goins also read a letter from Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell stating he also recommended voting against the proposal. Washington questioned why the District Attorney was consulted on the ordinance, to which Goins replied that because of the impact to individual’s liberty he felt it was appropriate to consult with the “chief legal officer for the parish.”
Washington defended his proposal during the committee meeting, saying proactive measures are needed today as crime is increasing in his district. “This is not just about parents. That is a misnomer,” Washington said. “It’s about whoever is negligent. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.”
District 2 Councilman Gary Johnson commended Washington for trying to step out and do something to address the problem of gun violence in Alexandria.
Several council members noted that the proposed ordinance dealt with issues after a crime was committed and was therefore not proactive. Mayor Jacques Roy termed the New Orleans law “feel good legislation” and questioned its effectiveness.
Washington continued to support the proposal, saying, “if it saves one kid, it’s worth it.”
The proposal was the last item on the council agenda. When it’s turn came and the proposal was read, there was no motion to accept the proposal. With no motion, the matter effectively failed.
In other action, council members approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Municipal Association to host its annual meeting in Alexandria August 3-5. Council members also approved the appointments of Larry R. Turner and John Scott to serve as commissioners on the Central Louisiana Regional Port Board,