Sentinel Lakewood
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 89, Issue 38
Parties straight
down the line
May 2, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlakewoodnews.com
County open carry ban eyed
Jeffco may prohibit openly carried firearms in some buildings By Glenn Wallace
gwallace@ourcoloradonews.com
Top, Travelers pack the light rail for the opening of the W Rail on April 27. Photo by Clarke Reader Center, Young children and dogs were in abundance at the W Rail Line opening celebration April 26. Photo by Glenn Wallace
Day of celebration long time coming By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
A
Gov. John Hickenlooper spoke at the opening ceremony for the RTD W Rail Line on April 26 at the Jefferson County Administration and Court Building, which doubles as the westernmost station of the new Light Rail line. Photo by Glenn Wallace
pril 27 was a day to be out celebrating along the newly opened W Rail line, and since the entire system was free for the day, travelers were out in force to experience the line for the first time. RTD estimated that there were 35,000 passenger trips on the 27th, which led to some long waits and full trains, but riders were able to fill the time by checking out the parties at the stations along the line. Elected officials were out enjoying the day with everyone else, and travelers could be found chatting with Rep. Max Tyler, Lakewood mayor Bob Murphy and city council members. At the Federal Center Station, health booths filled the parking lot, as did booths form local restaurants giving out samples of food. Bands from nearby high schools like Alameda played while visitors soaked in the sun and received some tips on healthier living. At the Lakewood-Wadsworth Station (which has become Lakewood’s signature station) Murphy said a morning celebration was held for involved community members and all former city council people who worked to bring the project to frution. “We talked about the history of the project and everyone was so appreciative,” Murphy said. “It was a bit of a reunion, and a great celebration.” The Lamar Station was an extremely popular stop for travelers, since it was where groups like the 40 West Arts District and other galleries had an art fair set up. The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design also had an area for children to create their own art. Many of the travelers don’t normally get out west, but the W Rail aims to change that. “We live in Centenial, but we wanted to check out the new line,” said Stefany Souther, who was traveling with her children, Kate and Ryan. “We we’re looking to see what’s out here, and hopefully we’ll be able to get out here more.” For more West Rail opening coverage, see Page 3
Two recent incidents involving openly carried firearms in Jefferson County facilities led county officials to suggest the practice be limited. At the April 23 staff briefing, the Jefferson County commissioners heard from Sheriff Ted Mink, and Assistant County Attorney Writer Mott, requesting that the commissioners adopt an emergency ordinance to allow certain county buildings to prohibit the open carrying of a gun. Due to the discussion, the proposed ordinance will be placed on a future commissioners meeting for discussion and possible approval. “It’s constitutionally recognized, not illegal, but it is alarming,” Mink said. Human Services Executive Director Lynn Johnson said that some individuals come into Human Services offices concerning emotionally charged issues. “What I found in this most recent incident, our deputies hands were somewhat tied,” Johnson said. In that case, the individual was asked to leave the firearm in his vehicle, and refused, becoming confrontational with security. Mink said the sheriff’s department would initially look to enact the ban for three departments that experience “more volatile situations” — those include Human Services, the District Attorney’s office, and his own. County Clerk and Recorder Pam Anderson said she is interested in having a ban apply to her department areas as well. Library Division Executive Director Pam Nissler said a recent threat evaluation by the Sheriff’s Department found the county’s libraries to be “soft targets” for violence, and she too favors a ban there as well. Anyone with a concealed-carry permit would still be allowed to bring a concealed firearm into buildings covered by the ban. Law enforcement would also be excluded from its provisions. Secured facilities, such as the county courthouse, would continue to ban all firearms. “Someone coming in, intent on doing harm, a sign isn’t going to stop them,” District 3 County Commissioner Donald Rosier said. District 2 Commissioner Casey Tighe said he is more concerned about open carrying of a firearm being used for intimidation of county staff. “The visual idea of a gun being carried into any public place would be disturbing to me. If I saw somebody walk in here with a gun, I would push the panic button,” District 1 Commissioner Faye Griffin said during the meeting.
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