GUN SAFETY

Like many others in our Dayton community, Rose Lounsbury was deeply impacted by the 2019 Oregon District mass shooting.

This seemed like something that could not happen in her town, but the reality is, these tragedies happen far too often, in too many towns. We must face the reality that gun violence is a problem, and it will never be solved with thoughts, prayers, and empty calls for better mental health care.

Rose grew up in a rural community where gun ownership was part of the culture. Her husband and sons are avid hunters. She understands the importance of respecting the 2nd Amendment and believes we can do that while also protecting the lives of innocent people. This requires that we adopt common sense gun safety measures.

Ohioans want gun safety laws that also allow responsible gun owners to keep and use their firearms. But today, we have special interest groups, lobbyists and extreme politicians at the statehouse that pass laws allowing anyone anywhere to carry a firearm with no need for a concealed carry license or any training, while also arming teachers in schools with only 24 hours of training. Ohioans don't want these policies. We want data-driven solutions to gun violence.

Rose supports data-driven solutions to gun violence, such as mandatory waiting periods, universal background checks, bans on high-capacity magazines, and voluntary buy-backs.

There is no one policy that will end gun violence in Ohio. We must approach this issue broadly, adopting a range of evidence-based policies that will keep our children and communities safe. Rose believes strongly that we can do this while also respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of responsible gun owners.