In response to the April 26 letter, “Wong to allow guns in parks”: I would like to point out that it has been legal and “allowed” for persons to carry loaded firearms in every county park within Washington since 1983 when RCW 9.41.290, state pre-emption of firearms laws, was enacted.
The legal status of persons carrying firearms in any county park within the state has not changed in 27 years. The only change that has occurred with the recent Snohomish County Council decision is that the council has finally corrected an ordinance that has been useless, unenforceable and in violation of the Washington state Constitution and state law.
Rest assured that the “gun fanatics” the writer references have known about state pre-emption since its enactment and have been carrying their firearms, either openly or concealed, in county parks all over the state, including Snohomish County. Yet, in those 27 years there have been no problems of “those on the fringe who will do it now just to intimidate others because they can!” Intimidation with a firearm is still prohibited by RCW 9.41.270.
The writer asked, “Weren’t the parks created for the enjoyment of all?” I would ask the same question. Weren’t the parks created also for the enjoyment of those who desire to lawfully carry their firearms for the protection of themselves and those whom they love? She also asked, “Why now do we need to worry about firearms being carried around in our heretofore safe and enjoyable parks?”
Why is there now a concern over something that has been legal for 27 years? It would seem to me that concern should be expressed about the Snohomish County Council members who failed to comply with state law by remaining silent the first time this issue was brought before them.
John Havercroft
Oak Harbor
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