Mayor Barrett Calls for Defeat of Conceal / Carry Legislation

 Mayor Barrett Calls for Defeat of Conceal / Carry Legislation

Milwaukee, WI -- Mayor Tom Barrett called on legislators today to defeat legislation that would put more guns on the streets in Milwaukee and inevitably increase violent crime.  At a news conference held at the COA Burleigh Center, the Mayor was joined by several community organizers representing Running Rebels, Heartlove Place, Black Health Coalition, Lincoln Park Community Association, and Mothers Against Gun Violence.

The Mayor opened his remarks with the tragic irony of today's events.  "Today across the country we are honoring the memory of Rosa Parks and the symbol of non-violence she stood for.  In the State Legislature, they are considering putting more guns and violence in our communities," said Mayor Barrett.

Mayor Barrett spoke to the significance of the location for their message and that the central city has been hit hard by gun violence.  "When COA re-opened these doors there were 90 homicides in the City of Milwaukee at that time.  Nineteen of those occurred within eight blocks, and fifty were within two miles of this facility.  We need the legislature to give us more COA youth facilities, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA's, community centers, computer labs, and job training.  Give us positive solutions to the violence in our streets, not more guns in the wrong hands," said Mayor Barrett.

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