Initiative 1491
Law will help prevent gun deaths
When deciding on whether to support Initiative 1491, it is essential listen to the people who truly understand the kind of situations it is meant to address. The people who have “been there” can offer sound advice and perspective. Marilyn Balcerak is the citizen sponsor of I-1491and she has a real-life story to tell. It’s a heartbreaking account of her mentally-unstable and depressed son, a gun and a murder-suicide. She experienced the kind of pain that many of us can’t begin to imagine. I have heard Marilyn’s story directly from her. That’s why I am urging others to listen to her. She knows. She, unfortunately, has been there.
Marilyn is using her real-life experience to educate Washingtonians about Initiative 1491, which could have saved her family had it been law in 2015. Not only did Marilyn lose her son, but he killed his step-sister before turning the gun on himself.
When someone like Marilyn says that she believes that if Initiative 1491 had been law at the time her family was trying to help their son — during the time they saw him falling deeper into a mental crisis, and feared he would buy a gun — they could have intervened by asking a judge to temporarily suspend his access to firearms. This would have given Marilyn and her family critical time to get her son the care he needed. Once law, Initiative 1491 will give others the chance that Marilyn’s son and step-daughter didn’t get.
Listen to the real stories. Listen to people like Marilyn. She has first-hand knowledge of how a common sense law can prevent gun deaths in Washington. Listen to her plea and vote yes on I-1491.
Leah Bernstein
Edmonds
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