By Dave Fidlin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Thiensville, Wis. — The village is the latest community to adopt a local ordinance in response to the concealed carry law that was passed last month by the state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker.
The Village Board on Monday voted to move forward in drafting an ordinance, with input from Village Attorney Robert Feind, and placing signs prohibiting firearms in all village-owned buildings.
While the state law bans firearms in police stations and school properties, local municipalities have the right to decide whether to prohibit the concealed carry of firearms in other government buildings. During its discussion Monday, the board approved prohibitions at Village Hall, the fire station and Department of Public Works facilities.
State law does give permitholding carriers the right to have firearms within the open spaces of parks, meaning venues like Thiensville’s Village Park cannot be subject to the local prohibition.
“Essentially, this is about the physical act of walking into a building,” Police Chief Richard Preston said. “That can be regulated.” Several board members expressed dismay over the parks issue. Trustee John Treffert questioned state officials’ logic during the board’s discussion.
“How (state legislators) could have voted to allow concealed weapons next to children’s swings is unconscionable,” Treffert said.
Trustee Rob Holyoke had requested the board take up the ordinance, citing neighboring communities enacting similar measures.
The state’s concealed carry law goes into effect Nov. 1.
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