Gun free — proud of it

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels's executive order banning guns from Seattle Center, parks, community centers and city-run buildings is safe and sane public policy.

The mayor's get-tough approach is especially reasonable in an urban setting. The man charged with shooting three people at the recent Northwest Folklife Festival had a concealed-handgun license when he arrived for an evening of fun and games. Prosecutors say he had a history of drug addiction and schizophrenia, which should have prevented him from obtaining such a permit.Washington's system of screening applicants for concealed-weapons permits is full of loopholes.

The next Folklife or Bumbershoot festival should be gun-free. Our citizens should not have to fear that an individual with mental problems will walk in, no questions asked, get into a fight and injure innocent people with a loaded gun.

That, of course, is what prosecutors say happened last month at Folklife. Currently, you can carry a gun in public places with a concealed-weapons permit.

The mayor's executive order, effective without City Council approval, means people with concealed weapons will be asked to give up weapons on city property or leave the premises.

A round of applause for Nickels. Somebody has to take a stand. For years, Nickels and Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske have been calling for stricter gun laws. The Legislature, even one dominated by Democrats, has been absurdly timid on gun legislation.

The mayor's ban on guns likely will be challenged in court. Fair enough. It is about time a leader stood up to protect citizens. City law cannot supersede state law on guns but the city can charge violators with trespassing.

Gated security is needed at the open campus of Folklife. Under the mayor's order, festival organizers will decide how best to implement new rules. A quick security check at gated entrances would not discourage attendance but it might discourage those who would bring guns to the festival.

Citizens who attend public events are accustomed to random bag searches. Nickels deserves support for leading on an important public-safety issue.