Snohomish County opts not to revisit gun ban in parks

Allowing guns in Snohomish County parks got no support from the Democratic majority on the County Council Wednesday — even if state law suggests that the county's existing ban can't be legally enforced.

The council's lone Republican, John Koster, said a 1971 county law that prohibits firearms and other weapons in parks is more restrictive than state law and should be repealed. He argued that state law doesn't allow cities or counties to enact more stringent firearm regulations, but his motion to update the county code died for lack of a second.

The council's four Democrats said they wanted to see if Seattle's attempt to ban guns at parks and community centers would be upheld by a federal court. Some Seattle residents are challenging the ban as an infringement on their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

State law, adopted in 1983, says counties and cities can't enact gun-control ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. Guns are banned from jails, courts and mental-health facilities in Washington, but not from parks.

The council members said they weren't interested in a debate on the Second Amendment, but that's what they got in public testimony on the issue. About 30 people attended the hearing, with gun-rights advocates outnumbering those who favored gun control by about three to one.

Several people said recent police shootings in the region convinced them of the need for more gun regulation, not less.

"Given the nature of the world we live in today, we're using common sense by not allowing guns in parks," said Cynthia Donaldson, of Bothell.

But others told the council that responsible people with concealed-weapon permits enhance public safety.

"When seconds count and police are minutes away, you need people like me who are mentally stable and know how to handle a gun," said John Holzwarth, of Lake Stevens. "We need to be out there, in your park, in your theater, in your stadium."

Former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels ordered a ban on guns in parks and city facilities after three bystanders were injured in a 2008 shooting at the Northwest Folklife festival. Seattle argues that as a property owner, it can enforce trespassing laws against those with weapons and still not run afoul of the Second Amendment.

Koster said he was dismayed that he couldn't get a second for "a law that puts our code in compliance with state law."

But Councilman Brian Sullivan said, "I think it's prudent to see how the Seattle case falls out. The epicenter of the gun issue is not a place we want to be."

Lynn Thompson: 206-464-8305 or lthompson@seattletimes.com